What is LTE Cat 1bis? How is Cat 1bis related to IoT?

LTE Cat 1bis is a strong network standard that works well for many of today's IoT applications. This article will explain what it is and how it can benefit your IoT or M2M solution.

LTE Cat 1: Navigating the Cellular IoT Landscape

The world of cellular communication standards for the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications constantly evolves. LTE Cat 1 and its evolved counterpart, LTE Cat 1bis, represent significant milestones in this journey. In this blog, we'll delve into what LTE Cat 1bis entails and how it fits into the ever-expanding landscape of cellular standards.

Table of Contents

1. A Brief Evolution of LTE Cat 1
2. Decoding LTE Cat 1bis
3. Key Differences Between Cat 1 and Cat 1bis
4. Why LTE Cat 1bis Shines in IoT
5. LTE Cat 1bis vs. the Competition
6. Test out the Sequan's answer to Cat 1bis with the Calliope 2

1. A Brief Evolution of LTE Cat 1

To understand LTE Cat 1bis, let's start with a quick overview of LTE Cat 1. "LTE" stands for Long Term Evolution, a set of standards primarily associated with 4G networks, developed under the auspices of 3GPP (the body responsible for cellular communication standards). It's important to note that LTE and 5G are not adversaries; they coexist within mobile networks and will continue to do so. The "Cat 1" part of LTE refers to a cellular technology tailored for IoT applications. It offers ample bandwidth (10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload), suitable for IoT devices' modest data needs while being power-efficient and crucial for battery-dependent IoT devices. Cat 1 was initially outlined in the 3GPP Release 8 specification in 2008.

2. Decoding LTE Cat 1bis

However, when we speak of LTE Cat 1 today, we usually refer to LTE Cat 1bis, a more recent iteration that retains the capabilities of Cat 1 but with a single antenna, a significant difference. LTE Cat 1bis was officially standardized in 3GPP Release 13 in 2016. The term "bis" in Cat 1bis isn't an acronym but a Latin phrase meaning "second time around." LTE Cat 1bis is purpose-built for cellular IoT, considering the specific requirements of IoT devices, which often demand low data volumes (e.g., a smart meter transmitting kilobytes per month) and prolonged battery life.

3. Key Differences Between Cat 1 and Cat 1bis

Traditionally, devices like cell phones have featured two receivers, "primary" and "diversity." This design allows these devices to seamlessly connect to various networks throughout the day, ensuring continuity and service quality. LTE Cat 1 adhered to this logic, necessitating two antennas. In contrast, IoT devices are becoming increasingly compact, relying on small or no batteries. They perform tasks that require lower bandwidth but sustained uptime, such as transmitting sensor data in harsh and remote environments. LTE Cat 1bis innovation lies in its ability to function effectively with only one antenna, making it a more appealing choice for IoT devices. In summary, LTE Cat 1bis accomplishes the same tasks as LTE Cat 1 but with greater efficiency.

4. Why LTE Cat 1bis Shines in IoT

LTE Cat 1bis retains all the strengths of the Cat 1 standard. It utilizes the existing infrastructure, ensuring compatibility with 4G/LTE networks worldwide, offering ample bandwidth, and enabling roaming. Here are some key advantages of LTE Cat 1bis:

• Good Bandwidth: While not suitable for high-throughput, high-power IoT applications (which can turn to 5G), LTE Cat 1bis is perfect for massive IoT applications. These include smart meters, asset tracking, micro-mobility, logistics, automotive telematics, and countless tiny sensors scattered across smart cities.
• Global Coverage: LTE Cat 1bis enjoys widespread deployment globally, utilizing existing infrastructure eliminating the need to wait for uneven rollouts, a challenge faced by LTE-M and NB-IoT.
• Cost-Efficiency: The simplified design of LTE Cat 1bis helps maintain lower unit prices, making modems and modules more affordable compared to LTE Cat 1. Moreover, LTE Cat 1bis modem prices are already competitive with those of LTE-M and NB-IoT.
• Power Efficiency: A single antenna reduces device size and optimizes power efficiency. IoT devices increasingly adopt power-saving modes like PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX (extended discontinuous reception), features common in NB-IoT and LTE-M networks but also applicable to LTE Cat 1bis devices.
• Future-Proofing: As 2G and 3G networks phase out, LTE Cat 1bis is a ready-to-use alternative, capable of connecting to new 5G core networks once 4G phases out, ensuring its longevity.

5. LTE Cat 1bis vs. the Competition

LTE Cat 1bis essentially empowers the design of smaller, simpler, cost-effective, globally-compatible, and power-efficient devices. It represents an evolution of LTE Cat 1, but how does it compare to other IoT/M2M alternatives?

• 2G and 3G: While 2G and 3G networks served IoT well for years, they are gradually being phased out in favour of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) solutions like NB-IoT and LTE-M. The transition speed varies globally, prompting global players to adopt strategies like dual-band modems for future-proofing.
• LTE-M and NB-IoT: LTE-M and NB-IoT may resemble LTE Cat 1bis as subsets of LTE technology. However, they operate on distinct standards, with NB-IoT using licensed spectrum below 200 kHz. The diversity in NB-IoT bands across carriers and countries complicates roaming and device design, potentially increasing costs and device size.

Furthermore, the rollout of NB-IoT and LTE-M networks has been slower than anticipated. Achieving global connectivity with these alternatives often requires multi-mode devices, further driving up costs and space requirements. NB-IoT, in particular, could be better suited for mobile devices due to base station switching inefficiencies.

Introducing the Calliop 2 LTE Cat 1bis module

If you are looking to leverage the benefits of Cat 1bis, look no further than Sequans 5G-compliant single-chip LTE Cat 1bis GC02S1 Module and the GC02S1 Evaluation Kit. In conclusion, LTE Cat 1bis emerges as a versatile and future-proof choice for IoT and M2M applications, offering a compelling combination of efficiency, global compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding these nuances in cellular standards is essential for those developing or deeply invested in IoT solutions, ensuring the longevity and performance of their devices in a rapidly evolving landscape.