It’s no secret that the number of connected “things” in the Internet of Things (IoT) across many industries is expected to continue to explode over the coming years. IoT solves countless problems when it comes to needing a secure, reliable connection for many different devices and applications. But with more and more devices coming online, the new problem will be how to keep that reliable, secure connection.
T-Mobile was the first to release a nationwide Narrowband IoT Network (NB-IoT) in 2018 and recently released its CATM1 nationwide network. Let’s take a look at some of these network solutions for IoT connectivity and how SIMON IoT can help you get set up with them.
What networks work best for IoT connectivity?
There are a few different options when it comes to IoT coverage. Most IoT networks operate as a low-power wide-area network or LPWAN because IoT connectivity needs to be able to transmit small amounts of data with low bandwidth and long battery life. Some of the most popular options under the LPWAN umbrella include NB-IoT, CATM1, LoRa, and SigFox. Here’s a look at their definitions and what makes each different.
NB-IoT
Narrowband IoT (also referred to as NB-IoT) is a lower power, LPWAN network built on the 3GPP standard that doesn’t operate in the traditional licensed LTE construct. Its LTE-advanced technology provides a pathway to 5G IoT and offers many comparable benefits like low power usage, long battery life, and low device cost. Some carriers like T-Mobile offer an NB-IoT network for IoT coverage. T-Mobile was the first to launch NB-IoT in the U.S. and the first in the world to launch NB-IoT in the guard bands. NB-IoT in the guard bands equips efficient spectrum resources utilization and prevents IoT applications from having to compete with other data traffic for network resources.
Who is NB-IoT For?
NB-IoT is ideal for many smart applications and devices across a number of industry sectors. Some examples include tracking valuable business assets, optimizing equipment use, ensuring fleet safety and compliance, monitoring waste management and energy utilities among so many others. These IoT devices allow you to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve the overall day-to-day of your business operations.
CATM1
A more recent IoT network option is CATM1. Also called Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M), LTE Cat-M1, Cat-M, or eMTC, this network is another 3GPP-defined LPWAN standard network. Similar to NB-IoT, CATM1 is an extension of the current LTE standard; however, it can transit much higher data rates than NB-IoT can. T-Mobile recently expanded its IoT networks to include a CATM1 network. CATM1 networks are superior to NB-IoT in terms of bandwidth and data rates.
Who is CATM1 For?
Like NB-IoT, CATM1 is an ideal IoT coverage solution for many use cases. Read more about the many different industries that IoT can benefit from.
LoRa
Older LPWAN networks include LoRa and Sigfox. LoRa (also known as Long Range or LoRaWan) is a proprietary low-power wide-area (LPWAN) network owned by Semtech. Its modulation technique doesn’t fall under the 3GPP standard. LoRa instead uses an unlicensed frequency and supports a smaller bandwidth than CATM1 or NB-IoT networks but slightly larger than Sigfox. Because it’s a private, proprietary network, there are some disadvantages. In order to transmit and receive, you would have to buy additional equipment (added costs) and the network itself is riskier because if the company were to go under, there’s no support to keep your IoT applications running.
Who is LoRa For?
Like IoT itself, IoT connectivity is constantly evolving as well. Because LoRa is an older network with a much smaller bandwidth, it’s best for applications that are:
- Non-Critical
- Mainly Uplink-Oriented
- Generate Low Traffic
- Battery-Powered
- Require a Low-Cost Sensor
Sigfox
Similar to LoRa, Sigfox is a proprietary, unlicensed network owned by the company called Sigfox. One major disadvantage to a proprietary network such as Sigfox is that they have to be built out over time unlike carriers (like T-Mobile and AT&T) who already have vast network coverage to support LPWAN networks. Sigfox networks won’t have the large nationwide and global coverage footprints like other networks will have. Therefore, Sigfox does have some limitations to whether or not you can use it based on your location. This means you also don’t have the instant scalability like you would if using a T-Mobile network.
Who is Sigfox For?
Since Sigfox’s capacity going from the base station back to the endpoint is constrained, Sigfox is best used in only certain use cases. In order to use bidirectional command-and-control functions, you need a higher network density. Because of this, IoT applications that only send small and infrequent bursts of data, like alarms and meters, are best suited for a Sigfox network.
Benefits of Using a T-Mobile Network
There are pros and cons to operating on a 3GPP licensed or unlicensed IoT network. If you’re still on the fence, here’s a look at three major benefits to using a T-Mobile NB-IoT or CATM1 network.
1. End-to-End IoT Security
T-Mobile works with its customers and partners to build security into IoT solutions from end to end. From physical device security and software/firmware updates to transport encryption and authentication/authorization requirements, T-Mobile takes a holistic approach to IoT security.
2. Reliable Nationwide & Global Coverage
T-Mobile’s known for its wide-spanning nationwide coverage and that doesn’t change with its NB-IoT and CATM1 networks. NB-IoT and CATM1 networks were designed to provide reliable and secure connectivity for IoT devices nationwide and in 125+ countries and destinations around the globe.
3. Instant Scalability
Because of T-Mobile’s broad network footprint, you’re set up for instant scalability and rapid deployment regardless of your location or number of IoT devices. Furthermore, if you start out with a smaller number of “things” and end up quickly growing, you can easily expand your IoT connectivity without any hassle.
T-Mobile + SIMON IoT = A Match Made in IoT Connectivity
SIMON IoT is one of the only companies enabled to set you up with T-Mobile’s CATM1 network. Get the benefits of having one of the nation’s largest and most secure networks propelling your devices in tandem with the transparent pricing and flexible data plans that SIMON IoT offers. Contact a SIMON IoT representative today to learn more or get started right away.
