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Cellular community operators (MNOs) are shutting down their 2G and 3G networks in markets throughout the globe. That’s a severe problem for producers of IoT gadgets, and one main worldwide supplier of e-scooters was decided to satisfy it head-on. The corporate’s e-scooters had initially linked to mobile 2G and 3G networks. They wanted to modernize and future-proof their fleet, and this meant new connectivity {hardware} and new SIMs—ideally with a single SIM for each market. This might permit them to create a single product stock-keeping unit (SKU), driving value and complexity out of producing and deployment processes.
Like each IoT machine producer scrambling to deal with the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks, this e-scooter firm checked out NB-IoT and CAT-M and turned to Wi-fi Logic for steering. Some nationwide markets have nice help for one or the opposite. Just a few help each. Nobody is aware of what MNO protection for both will appear to be in a number of years—or perhaps a few weeks. For example, Japan’s NTT DoCoMo discontinued its NB-IoT service in early 2020.
For an IoT machine that operates between networks and throughout borders, constant operation throughout regional community protection areas is a elementary requirement that neither LTE-M nor NB-IoT can ship on right this moment. Wi-fi Logic ran a course of that helped the e-scooter producer perceive after which assess the totally different trade-offs to be made. In the end the shopper prioritized time-to-market over a modest {hardware} cost-saving and (for them) modest battery life advantages. They opted for the LTE CAT-1 protocol. LTE CAT-1 usually, and the one antenna model known as LTE CAT-1 BIS specifically (we’ll use CAT-1 from right here on, however we’re referring particularly to CAT-1 BIS), are already current in each community’s expertise stack throughout the globe. All over the place MNOs help 4G networks—nearly in every single place—CAT-1 is able to join, with no community shut-downs anticipated.
In distinction, the shopper couldn’t be sure that CAT-M or NB-IoT availability would align with their new pan-European product launch plans, nor that they’d stay accessible all through the lifetime of their gadgets. They knew CAT-1 would. They measured the entire value of possession (TCO) for his or her scooters versus the associated fee and lifespan of a CAT-1 module. It was an excellent match. Furthermore, the simplicity of a single module that works in each nationwide market made CAT-1 the correct selection for most of these mobility functions. In case your gadgets labored completely properly on 2G or 3G networks in a number of geographies, it may very well be best for you, too.
However CAT-1 isn’t a panacea. As any IoT resolution supplier is aware of, there are trade-offs for any LTE IoT commonplace. Right here’s what you might want to learn about the place CAT-1 sits in a debate that, too typically, presents itself as a binary between CAT-M and NB-IoT.
The Challenges of NB-IoT and CAT-M for World Operations
To get an concept of the uneven roll-out of NB-IoT and CAT-M, look no additional than the GSMA Cellular IoT Deployment Map. Look over at Portugal, locked into NB-IoT protection. You’ll be able to’t presently roll out a CAT-M machine there. Then take a look at Mexico, which conversely solely helps CAT-M. You’ll be able to’t roll out NB-IoT there. So what if you happen to plan to promote your machine in each markets? Twin-mode modules that help each CAT-M and NB-IoT are actually accessible, however a single SIM that may deal with each applied sciences in a number of international locations doesn’t exist.
Whereas this map is a useful device for machine producers, it additionally has its limitations. The GSMA doesn’t present lots of native element on what works the place. The map shows the U.Ok. as completely purple (that means each LTE-M and NB-IoT are supported.) That’s true on the nationwide degree, however not regionally. Protection for LTE-M is increasing, however whilst this text is printed, LTE-M solely covers round half of the nation. In the meantime, NB-IoT protection is usually extra widespread than LTE-M within the U.Ok. however nonetheless doesn’t cowl all areas presently. The purpose is, even this map paints a very constructive image of CAT-M and NB-IoT help throughout the globe.
We’re left with a snapshot in time that exhibits NB-IoT and CAT-M as a patchwork quilt of potential doubt for international machine producers. If one of many two applied sciences will get broader adoption inside a sure area, MNOs might merely minimize help for the opposite. That is already taking place, as we noticed with the case of NTT DoCoMo shutting down its NB-IoT service.
IoT producers have to know their merchandise will work in every single place they’re bought for all the lifespan of the machine. Ideally, they received’t face the expense of dividing their product traces into a number of SKUs, one for every market. A number of SKUs result in greater (and sometimes hidden) TCO for IoT gadgets. CAT-1 modules present this common skill—they usually additionally function in areas of the world that don’t but have help for CAT-M or NB-IoT, like all the continent of Africa. These are huge markets. For the foreseeable future, solely CAT-1 can open them.
So if CAT-1 BIS gives future-proof, international performance for IoT gadgets, why do NB-IoT and CAT-M get all the eye? One main motive is that they introduce novel benefits, which we’ll focus on beneath. Producers and IoT resolution suppliers should look intently at their markets, use instances, value objectives, and energy budgets to make the correct selection—and, relying on these specifics, any of those three protocols could also be viable.
Evaluating CAT-1 BIS, LTE CAT-M, and NB-IoT
CAT-M and NB-IoT are grabbing headlines with their low energy necessities. In fact, there are various methods to satisfy your machine’s energy price range. Your machine would possibly get parked or docked and recharge within the course of, or it would get visited by a technician for regular help and repair. It’s possible you’ll use rechargeable or swappable batteries. For stationary gadgets, power-saving features like Energy Saving Mode (PSM) and eDRX are very useful—though, in the meanwhile, PSM and eDRX don’t all the time perform when roaming throughout networks. In the end, it’s true that when in comparison with CAT-M and NB-IoT, CAT-1 requires extra energy. On the identical time, it solely makes use of a single antenna, making CAT-1 modules simpler to suit into gadgets. (Older CAT-1 modules used two antennas, in order that they took up more room.)
All of this implies CAT-M or NB-IoT could also be a greater choice for longer-lived merchandise. These modules can last as long as 10 years, in comparison with lower than half that for CAT-1 gadgets. That’s why it’s important to contemplate product life when selecting an LTE IoT commonplace. In case your gadgets are solely meant to final for 3 or 4 years, and also you need to deploy them as a single SKU the world over, CAT-1 has very actual advantages.
Then there’s the difficulty of value. Relying on unit volumes, you’ll pay a bit extra for CAT-1 modules than for CAT-M or NB-IoT—however over the timespan of a tool lifetime, that small further value disappears fairly rapidly. The fee per megabyte (MB) is roughly the identical throughout all these applied sciences, nevertheless, and the near-universal entry and roaming state of affairs for CAT-1 means it’s far inexpensive than CAT-M and NB-IoT.
CAT-1 BIS for World IoT Machine Deployment
In brief, CAT-1 is a robust contender for any international IoT machine producer, significantly in cell belongings. There’s proof that it’s catching on; whereas the worldwide marketplace for mobile IoT modules shrank by 8% in 2020, CAT-1 grew to cowl 23% of SIMs bought outdoors of China (which has invested closely in NB-IoT—regardless of that expertise locking customers right into a single MNO relationship).
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