Affordable, low power consumption, optimum network coverage:
LTE-M and NB-IoT wireless technology for M2M applications
The development of mobile network technology has for years been moving in one direction:
Increasingly fast data transfer rates for mobile Internet usage.
3G and 4G networks are becoming increasingly widespread.
This logically poses the question:
What are the long-term prospects for M2M applications in 2G networks?
Most of the time, M2M applications do not require the high data rates provided by the latest 4G technologies.
With LTE-M and NB-IoT there are now new technologies specially designed for M2M and IoT applications. They offer a long-term alternative to 2G mobile networks based on current mobile network technology.
The three “Cs” for IoT: Cost, Current, Coverage
For IoT applications, the “three Cs” are often important requirements:
- Cost: affordable cost of devices and services
- Current: low power consumption and longer battery life
- Coverage: best possible network coverage and range
In mobile network technologies prior to now, these could only be realised to a limited extent.
With the new LPWA technologies LTE-M and NB-IoT, this is now possible.
The LTE-M (Cat-M1) is based on 4G LTE technology. This offers data rates up to 350 kbps and even supports voice telephony, making it ideal for real-time or mobile applications.
NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) is a 4G and 2G technology. It supports data rates of up to 65 kbps. This makes it ideal for applications such as sensors.
Sierra Wireless HL-Series: compatible, scalable, interchangeable
The Sierra Wireless modules from the HL77xx series are simply interchangeable with other 2G, 3G or 4G modules from the HL-series, thanks to a compatible CF3 form factor. This lets you adapt your application to new technologies for the most varied of requirements in a scalable fashion.
The HL7718 and HL7748 module for use in America are expected to be available in Q3/2017. Further modules for other regions and NB-IoT will follow.
We would be happy to send you comprehensive information about LPWA.
Just contact us.
Microcontroller
- Tel.
- +49 6126 590-255
- Fax
- +49 6126 590-133
- wim@glyn.de