Massive IoT LTE Cat1 and NB-IoT LPWA Module| Fibocom

Fibocom LTE Cat1 and NB-IoT modules are series of powerful and convenient LPWA modules ideal for IoT applications which bring excellent cost performance and ultra-low power consumption.

The LTE CAT1 has strengthened the IoT industry to create applications that were once considered difficult to run on an LPWA module like the NB-IoT modules.

We live in a world that was once imagined only in movies. From smart homes to self-driving cars, the comforts we once imagined as futuristic are nowhere and a lot of it is made possible through the Internet of Things. As a result, the wireless industry has turned to LTE technology for the bandwidth that the hyperconnected world demands.

Since different IoT applications have varying speed and throughput requirements, it is important for developers to identify the right module for the smooth functioning of the application.

What is LTE CAT 1 module?

The LTE CAT1 module is an intermediate speed standard designed especially for machine to machine and for industrial IoT applications. With a maximum of 10 Mbit/s downlink and 5Mbit/s uplink, this module is efficient and reliable for applications which are not dependent on very high speeds like those offered by LTE CAT 4 or above. In comparison to an LPWA module like NB-IoT modules, the speeds offered by LTE CAT1 are significantly high.

It offers reliable and secure global coverage which makes it possible for devices to enjoy global roaming. Since LTE CAT1 reuses standard commercial networks for consumer LTE applications, it is a feasible solution which does not require additional investment in the network infrastructure

When can an LTE CAT 1 module be used?

The maximum data rates of LTE CAT1 makes it suitable for bandwidth-intensive IoT applications like voice-enabled healthcare IoT devices, fleet management, vending machines, stolen vehicle tracking and recovery, tracking and recording, mobile POS, and other applications which require the longevity and dependability offered by LTE CAT1. As 2G and 3G phases out from the markets, LTE CAT1 becomes one of the most suitable technologies for IoT devices which intend to be in the market for a long period.

What are the advantages of using LTE CAT 1 over other types of LPWA module?

When compared with LPWA module LTE CAT1 may have certain advantages in terms of reliability, speed and global coverage. The NB-IoT modules are widely used in many IoT applications because it is cost-efficient, consumes less power and supports a large number of low throughout networks for IoT. But it is considered ideal only for applications that are stationary or which require low-speed mobility. The LTE CAT1, on the other hand, is suitable for applications which require high mobility.

Advantages of LTE CAT1 are:

Global roaming and full mobility – LTE CAT1 is the lowest-tier LTE category which has been deployed across all the LTE networks around the globe. This is the reason why it is suitable for applications that require full mobility.

High data rate and low latency – Since it supports high data rate, LTE CAT1 can be utilized in applications which require the same. When compared with some of the LPWA module, the LTE CAT1 offers latency between 50 and 100ms while the NB-IoT offers latency of a few seconds.

Supports Voice over LTE – Its high data rate and low latency makes it useful for VoLTE applications and even video streaming applications.

No investment in network infrastructure – Since it uses the standard commercial networks there is no additional investment required in the network infrastructure to support the use of LTE CAT1.

Field-proven technology – The LTE CAT1 module has been on the market for quite some time. It was introduced in the 3GPP Release (Rel)8 in 2008. This makes the standard mature enough to be used as a practical IoT technology.

Reliable – Fibocom’s LTE Cat1 modules are designed for reliability. They cover the network frequency bands of chief operators across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

While NB-IoT modules remain a widely used module by mobile network operators, many developers do not see NB-IoT and LTE CAT 1 as competitors at all since both modules achieve different goals and are designed for specific requirements. Using an LTE CAT1 module for stationary applications may be seen as an overkill since NB-IoT modules can perfectly handle the bandwidth requirement for such applications.

Why choose our LTE CAT 1 modules?

Fibocom L610 is a 4G LTE CAT1 BIS wireless module that can be used for a wide range of IoT applications. With lower complexity, this module is easier for largescale IoT deployments as well. The product provides universal interfaces like USB/UART/SPI/I2C/SDIO. This helps in meeting the different demands of the IoT industry.