LTE Cat1bis, NB-IoT or LTE-M – which mobile communications technology is right for my IoT project?
Choosing the right mobile communications technology is one of the most important decisions in IoT projects. Whether NB-IoT, LTE Cat1bis or LTE-M – each of these technologies has its own advantages, limitations and typical areas of application. In this article, we explain the differences, compare the strengths and weaknesses, and provide guidance on which solution is best suited to which scenario.
Why mobile communications in the IoT?
Mobile communications technologies have established themselves in the IoT because they:
- offer extensive network coverage, even where Wi-Fi or Bluetooth reach their limits,
- are scalable, from a few devices to millions of endpoints,
- are based on standardised, certified technologies, thus reducing the risk of large-scale rollouts.
NB-IoT – the energy saver for small amounts of data
NB-IoT stands for NarrowBand Internet of Things and is a low-power wide-area technology developed specifically for IoT applications.
Strengths:
- Extremely low energy consumption
- Very good building penetration
- Battery life of several years possible
Typical applications:
- Smart metering
- Environmental sensors
- Agriculture (e.g. soil moisture)
Limitations:
- Only suitable for small amounts of data, max. 159 Kbit/s uplink and 127 Kbit/s downlink
- Higher latency
- Limited mobility
LTE Cat1bis – the all-rounder for many applications
LTE Cat1bis was officially specified with the 3GPP Release 13 in 2016 and is often referred to as Cat 1 bis, LTE cat 1bis, LTE cat-1 bis or LTE cat1 bis.
Strengths:
- Based on existing LTE networks → wide availability
- Good balance of bandwidth and energy efficiency
- Only one antenna module required → cost and space advantage
- Bidirectional communication possible
- The highest data rates in comparison with 5 Mbit/s uplink and 10 Mbit/s downlink
Typical applications:
- Wearables
- Telematics & fleet management
- Logistics trackers
- Smart controls and gateways
Did you know?
Our first own product relies on LTE Cat1bis because it offers an ideal combination of range, performance and energy efficiency – a true all-rounder for a wide range of IoT scenarios.
LTE-M – the compromise between two worlds
LTE-M, Long Term Evolution for Machines, is the simplified name for eMTC LPWA (enhanced machine type communication low power wide area).
Strengths:
- Supports mobility and roaming
- Higher data rate than NB-IoT, max. 7 Mbit/s uplink and 4 Mbit/s downlink (LTE Cat-M2)
- Voice support (VoLTE) possible
Typical applications:
- Mobile asset trackers
- Wearables
- Health and fitness devices
Limitations:
- Not yet available everywhere in Europe
- Slightly higher energy consumption than NB-IoT
Comparison at a glance
| NB-IoT | LTE Cat1bis | LTE-M | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | low | medium | medium – high |
| Energy consumption | very low | low | low – medium |
| Coverage | very good (even indoors) | very good (existing LTE-networks) | varies by region |
| Typical Applications | Smart Metering, sensor technology | Trackers, control systems, gateways | Wearables, mobile devices |
Always the right network for your application
The right network technology is crucial for successful IoT projects. Whether it’s smart cities, Industry 4.0 or smart homes, ithinx supports you in selecting and integrating the optimal solution. Together, we develop tailor-made concepts that meet your requirements for reliability, range and energy efficiency.
Conclusion – technological openness counts
There is no such thing as the ‘best’ technology, but rather the right solution for each use case:
- NB-IoT for extremely energy-efficient applications with low data volumes.
- LTE Cat1bis as a flexible all-rounder with a wide range of applications.
- LTE-M for mobile devices with higher data rate and mobility requirements.
At ithinx, we provide technology-neutral advice. Together with our customers, we analyse their requirements and find the right wireless solution, from the initial idea to prototypes and series production.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about mobile communications technologies
What is the difference between NB-IoT and LTE-M?
NB-IoT is intended for stationary applications with very low data volumes, while LTE-M also supports mobile scenarios and offers higher data rates.
Why LTE Cat1bis instead of classic LTE?
Cat1bis reduces hardware and energy costs by requiring only one antenna module, while still offering sufficient performance for many IoT applications.
Which technology will prevail in the long term?
All three technologies have their merits. The decisive factor is not so much an ‘either/or’ choice, but rather the right choice for the application.
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