The different types of IoT cellular networks
Cellular technology has grown and changed; over time, various iterations of network technologies have developed, each with its benefits and uses. Some enterprises may even use more than one type of network to meet their needs. Below, we break down the most common types used in cellular IoT:
2G and 3G have been helpful in the development of IoT, primarily due to their low costs, good coverage, and developed global infrastructure. But legacy technologies can’t keep up with evolving demands forever. With new technology such as 4G and 5G becoming more established, we can afford to retire 2G and 3G, and both are slowly being phased out of use.
4G is still widely used. The technology allows devices to connect wirelessly by using the LTE radio standard to connect cellular devices. 4G is an excellent network for IoT as it provides reliable and wireless connectivity, making activities such as wireless surveillance, remote device activation, and connecting various devices possible.
LTE-M (long-term evolution machine type communication) is compatible with 4G and the second generation of the LTE Cat.0 technology, reducing operator CapEx. This advanced form of connectivity is explicitly designed to support IoT activities, particularly mobile IoT devices. Its benefits include low latency (higher uplink and downlink speeds), eSIM adoption (supports Over the Air updates), long battery life, and low power consumption.
It is ideal for low-power applications requiring medium throughput. The latency is in the millisecond range offering real-time communication for time-critical applications. LTE-M is perfect for medium-throughput applications requiring low power, low latency, and/or mobility, like asset tracking, wearables, medical, POS, and home security applications
NB-IoT (Narrow Band- IoT) is a technology that helps organizations engage in IoT with low power and data usage benefits. Like LTE-M, it’s compatible with 4G networks and offers similar benefits. In addition to low energy consumption, NB-IoT offers long battery life (over ten years), high scalability, and reliable connectivity. Unlike LTE-M, however, NB-IoT doesn’t support Over the Air updates and offers higher latency transfers. Plus, it requires specific hardware, which may increase operator CapEx. This technology is ideal for applications that require low bandwidth, rely on long-lasting batteries, and only need to transfer low amounts of data, such as sensors, energy meters, and environmental sensors like weather and wind.
ShorLong-Termg Term Evolution Category 1, LET-1 is a category of 4G LTE technology. It was standardized in 2018 and serves IoT-specific use cases. LTE-1 provides strong coverage and connection reliability as it is available anywhere that 4G is available. Its large frequency band of 20Mhz makes it ideal for networks that require higher bandwidths. Plus, it offers great data throughout (maximum speeds of 10 megabytes-per-second (Mb/s) for downlink and 5Mb/s for uplink), making it suitable for various IoT use cases, including video streaming or aggregated data transmission.
While 4G represents the current status of IoT in many ways, 5G represents the future. As more cell providers switch to 5G, more opportunities open up in the cellular IoT sector. 5G takes the technology of 4G to a new level by using significantly higher bandwidths and shorter wavelengths to transfer data faster, further, and more precisely than ever before. 5G is an even better option for IoT networks, as it supports IoT activities, such as industrial automation, smart cities, and manufacturing developments that allow more remote processes. Both LTE-M and NB-IoT, the technologies we mentioned above, will keep being supported in 5G.