When comparing 4G LTE and 5G routers, it’s easy to assume that 5G routers are always faster. After all, 5G networks promise significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and more capacity than their 4G predecessors. However, when looking at specific use cases—like dual-modem LTE routers such as the Transit Duo Pro CAT12 versus single-modem 5G routers like the BR1 Pro 5G—the story becomes more nuanced. In this blog, we’ll explore why a 4G LTE router can sometimes outperform a 5G router and discuss the technical factors that contribute to this.

4G LTE vs. 5G Technologies

Let’s first understand the differences between 4G LTE and 5G technologies:

• 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) operates on frequencies below 6 GHz, often referred to as sub-6 bands. One of its most valuable characteristics is the ability to work on lower frequencies like Band 28 (700 MHz), which provides excellent coverage and penetration through obstacles such as buildings. With peak speeds of around 1 Gbps, 4G LTE has been the backbone of mobile connectivity for many years.
• 5G, the fifth-generation wireless technology, builds upon LTE but introduces newer features and greater flexibility. 5G networks support a broader range of frequencies, including mid-band spectrum like NR78 (3.5 GHz) and low-band frequencies like NR5 (850 MHz). These bands offer better speeds and capacity than 4G, but the key advantage lies in 5G’s network slicing, massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), and beamforming. These technologies allow 5G to handle far more devices simultaneously and optimise signal strength by directing connections toward specific users rather than broadcasting broadly.

Despite 5G’s impressive advancements, its coverage is still expanding. Most of today’s 5G routers, such as the BR1 Pro 5G, are backward-compatible with 4G LTE networks, allowing them to connect to 4G when 5G is unavailable.

When LTE Routers Outperform 5G Routers

Here’s why dual LTE routers like the Transit Duo Pro CAT12 can sometimes outperform a 5G router such as the BR1 Pro 5G:

Signal Coverage and Availability

Despite the rapid expansion of 5G, 4G LTE still covers a much larger area. If you’re in a rural or remote location where 5G is unavailable, your 5G router will fall back on 4G networks. However, most 5G routers like the BR1 Pro 5G can only connect to one LTE frequency at a time, limiting their bandwidth and performance.

A dual-modem LTE router like the Transit Duo Pro, on the other hand, can connect to two LTE bands simultaneously. This gives you more bandwidth and better performance, even in areas where only 4G LTE is available. For example, if you’re in a location that only offers Band 28 (700 MHz), the Transit Duo Pro’s ability to use two long-range bands simultaneously could result in higher throughput than a 5G router using a single LTE band.

Carrier Redundancy

Dual LTE routers also offer the benefit of carrier redundancy. In areas with coverage from multiple mobile network operators (MNOs), the Transit Duo Pro can connect to two different carriers at once, providing not only more bandwidth but also failover protection. If one network goes down or experiences congestion, the router can seamlessly switch to the other, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

Real-World Throughput

Both the BR1 Pro 5G and the Transit Duo Pro offer 1 Gbps peak throughput, but their real-world performance depends heavily on the available networks and signal quality.

For instance, let’s compare both routers in a metropolitan area where 5G coverage is available. The BR1 Pro 5G, when connected to NR78 (3500 MHz), can theoretically achieve 1 Gbps throughput. At the same time, the Transit Duo Pro, using two Band 7 (2600 MHz) LTE connections, can also reach 1 Gbps. However, the Transit Duo Pro gains an advantage with carrier diversity, offering a more stable connection by leveraging two independent networks. This setup not only increases bandwidth but also improves reliability in environments with network congestion or interference.

In fact, even in urban areas where 5G is prevalent, the flexibility of the Transit Duo Pro’s dual-LTE connections often results in more consistent performance, especially when optimised for maximum potential. It provides a balance of speed, redundancy, and coverage that a single modem 5G router may struggle to achieve in areas with weak or inconsistent 5G signals.

Conclusion: More Than Just Speed

In summary, while 5G routers are designed for the future and offer exciting new technologies, they aren’t always the best option in every situation. Dual-modem LTE routers like the Transit Duo Pro CAT12 can outperform 5G routers in certain environments, thanks to their ability to aggregate multiple LTE bands and provide carrier redundancy. Even in areas where both 4G and 5G are available, a dual-LTE setup can offer more consistent performance, especially when network conditions are less than ideal.

So, while 5G routers like the BR1 Pro 5G have their place, don’t overlook the power and flexibility of dual-modem LTE routers. Depending on your location and network conditions, a well-configured LTE solution might just be the faster and more reliable choice.

If your business is ready to upgrade its connectivity while staying secure, reach out to our team today to discuss how we can tailor a solution to meet your unique needs.

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