Why to Use LTE Cat M1 for Connecting IoT Devices?

LTE Cat-M1 is a category of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology for machines (M).
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LTE CAT M1 is going to be the next level in the world of connectivity. With this network connectivity, the way IoT devices connect will completely change without a doubt. It’s cost-efficient, reliable, and robust, of course when compared to past technologies. LTE CAT M1 connecting IoT devices in millions is a very successful LPWAN technology. Let’s dig down some more information about CAT M1 and know its benefits.

USE OF LTE CAT M1 FOR CONNECTING IOT DEVICES

LTE- CAT M1 ( or LTE-M) is a good connectivity option for industries looking to take advantage of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) technology, which enhances the battery life of devices and connects devices that have previously been hard to reach with coverage more than 2g or 3g networks. The LTE CAT M1 technology is designed basically for IoT devices so that they can get better network connectivity.

LTE CAT m1 connecting iot devices

BENEFITS OF LTE CAT M1 OVER OTHER NETWORKS

SERVICE COSTS LESS

Because the maximum data rate of LTE-M devices is only about 100 kbits/s, they do not tax the 4G network as much. Carriers offer service plans that are closer to old 2G M2M pricing than 4G pricing. So you can have a plan according to the application in which this network is implemented.

VOICE OVER LTE FOR IOT DEVICES TO MAKE EMERGENCY CALLS OVER LTE CAT M1 

LTE-M enables access to voice services via LPWAN without the need for  additional cellular technologies. VoLTE enables voice communication on packet-switched 4G networks. Being able to deliver voice calls directly over LTE-M represents a major technological advancement for the industry. Such LPWAN networks are designed to prolong the battery life of IoT devices and provide better in-building coverage.

SUPPORTS IOT APPLICATIONS WITH LOW DATA RATES

CAT M1 is a revolutionary technology that will definitely extend the market for LTE-supported devices. It supports applications that use lower data rates for information transmission. It’s one of the best-suited networks for monitoring devices. Monitoring devices can be categorized as health devices, fitness trackers, asset tracking, industrial monitoring, etc.

HIGHLY SECURE

When it comes to data transmission, security is one of the most concerning aspects. The support feature of CAT M1 for high-range data transmission with low power utilization raises the questions about data security of the network. However, to clarify all the doubts and concerns, CAT M1 features a high-security guarantee for data transmission.

POWER-EFFICIENT WITH LONG BATTERY LIFE FOR IOT DEVICES CONNECTED OVER LTE CAT M1

CAT M1 features less complicated working and comes with long battery life. The CAT M1 is also power-efficient and saves lots of unused bandwidth. Let’s say that our modem remains an idol many times. The LTE CAT M1 comes with a power-saving mode which puts the IoT devices in low power usage mode whenever no data transmission activities are happening.

HANDOVER FROM ONE CELL SITE TO ANOTHER CELL SITE JUST LIKE COMMONLY USED CELLULAR NETWORKS

This makes it possible to use this technology in mobile applications. NB-IoT does not allow porting from cell site to cell site and therefore can only be used for fixed applications i.e those that are limited to the coverage area of a single cell site. The CAT M1 is made cellular optimal, which means that it uses the same towers for data transmission as mobile networks do. This way, the data transmission is done in a connective way without any breaks in networks.

Read More:comparison between  LTE-M and NB-IoT

EXTENDED RANGE AND DEEP PENETRATION OF SIGNALS FOR IOT DEVICES DEPLOYED IN BUILDINGS AND BASEMENT

The LTE-M has good coverage as compared to other LPWAN technologies. Applications for this network will need to operate within buildings, often in locations with restrained access or even underground (think smart meters). With its deep signal penetration capabilities, LTE-M provides a perfect answer to all these needs. Without coverage enhancement, LTE can normally operate to a maximum of approximately 142 dB MCL. Therefore LTE CAT M1 is the network that can reach through all the obstacles and stay strong even in the Multistorey buildings with multiple basements.

TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS

  • Deployment: In-Band LTE
  • Downlink Peak Data Rate: 1 Mbps
  • Uplink Peak Data Rate: 1 Mbps
  • Latency: 10-15 ms
  • Technology Bandwidth: 1.08 MHz
  • Duplex Technology: Full or Half Duplex
  • Transmit Power Class: 20/23 dBm

The map above shows a visual overview of deployments of LTE-M and NB-IoT networks.

Mobile IoT deployment

Source of the map:https://1ot.mobi/resources/blog/nb-iot-and-lte-m-deployment-status-and-roaming-possibilities

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded with the above-stated benefits that LTE CAT M1 will be the future of IoT device connectivity. It’s efficient, cost-effective, low-powered, secure, and supports a wide area range.

PsiBorg technologies not only make IoT devices but can also incorporate CAT M1 networks in IoT devices successfully. If you are interested in bringing an IoT device to market using LTE Cat-M1 technology then connect with the PsiBorg team for expert assistance. Here we offer you the top IoT Business Development Services for your businesses.

About Author

Vidushi
Vidushi Gupta (CEO)

About Author

After a successful stint in a power electronics company, Vidushi is back to what she enjoys the most- conceptualizing new IoT solutions to solve business problems. As the CEO of PsiBorg, she successfully manages to apply her technical and management skills, along with her passion for building new IoT solutions for businesses in all domains.

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Why to Use LTE Cat M1 for Connecting IoT Devices?
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