High data rates are not essential for many IoT devices, such as sensors. Energy-efficient and stable connections are much more important. This is made possible by so-called LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) such as LTE-M and NB-IoT.
Traditionally, fast broadband networks are associated with the 4G and 5G network generations. However, these high data rates are not absolutely necessary for many IoT devices, such as sensors. Energy-efficient and stable connections are much more important. This is made possible by so-called LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network). In order to meet these special requirements, many network operators have implemented the LPWAN standards LTE-M and NB-IoT in their network frequencies. While the 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks are also used intensively in the consumer sector, the LTE-M and NB-IoT networks have been developed specifically and exclusively for IoT applications.
Despite all the similarities between LTE-M and NB-IoT, there are still key differences between these standards. This article examines them and highlights which standard is particularly suitable for which use cases. Network coverage for LTE-M and NB-IoT varies greatly from region to region and not all operators already have roaming agreements. In some networks, LTE-M and NB-IoT currently also work via roaming as part of normal network coverage. However, permanent availability can only be guaranteed with a corresponding roaming agreement.
LTE Cat M1, LTE-M for short, is the abbreviation for Long Term Evolution for Machines. The technology is based on the 4G network, but is also implemented in the 5G network. In contrast to the normal LTE network, where download speeds of 25MBit/s - 50MBit/s are normal, LTE-M comes up to 1 MBit/s in download and upload. This speed is not sufficient for larger data volumes, such as video transmissions. However, it is sufficient for transmitting smaller data packets from sensors. Another goal of LTE-M is to reliably network devices that are difficult to reach, for example in basements or remote areas. To achieve this, data packets are transmitted several times. If the end device does not receive the data once, LTE-M offers further attempts to receive the packets.
Typical latency for LTE-M is around 15-30 ms, which is similar to the latency of standard LTE. With LTE-M, it is possible to switch from one radio cell to the next without any problems. This makes this technology suitable for mobile, non-static applications. In addition to data services, LTE-M also allows the use of voice services and SMS. Since the development of LTE-M was first pushed in North America, the network coverage in America is particularly good.
Narrow Band IoT(NB-IoT) is another standard that is implemented by many network providers in the 4G and 5G network. The introduction of NB-IoT networks first began in Europe. Therefore, NB-IoT is currently the most widely used LPWAN technology, especially in Europe.
The data rates for NB-IoT are particularly low. In the downlink, the data rate is just 26 Kbit/s, in the uplink up to 66 Kbit/s. With a latency of several seconds (up to 10 seconds), there is also a long delay between sending and receiving data. This already shows that NB-IoT is not suitable for applications where response times are important. If you wanted to control a garage door, for example, it would only open after a noticeable delay. When measuring nitrogen values, for example, every second is not important, so NB-IoT would be well suited to transmitting the data.
As you can see, the technical specifications are different. Depending on the application scenario, LTE-M or NB-IoT may be more suitable for your project. For example, if you want to operate smartwatches or equip vehicles with trackers that are tracked live, then you should consider LTE-M. If you are using static devices such as heating thermostats or weather stations, then NB-IoT would be the better choice. In particular, the good penetration and even higher energy efficiency should be an advantage here. Due to the higher bandwidth in the LTE-M network, this technology is also suitable for use cases that are designed for growth. With NB-IoT, the bandwidth is quickly exhausted. However, if your sensors are to transmit more data in the future, you need a technology that allows scalability, which LTE-M provides. This also applies to software updates, which can be easily transferred via LTE-M, whereas this could be difficult with NB-IoT.
Some LTE-M and NB-IoT networks are already available with the M2M SIM cards from wherever SIM . For more information or questions about network coverage, please contact our sales team.
