LTE Cat-1 BIS: Navigating IoT Connectivity for Superior Performance

LTE Cat- 1 BIS offers biological connectivity that is appropriate for connecting a variety of IoT applications. It is one of a large number of communication standards that can give users a wide range of choices when deciding how to connect their solutions. Each option, obviously, has its unique characteristics that depend on the use case whether it is more or less appropriate. LTE Cat- 1 BIS has significantly higher hardware costs and power consumption, compared with others, but it does have a number of benefits, including urgent global support, mobility, bandwidth and overhead.

LTE Cat-1 BIS: An Overview and Comparison with LPWAN Alternatives

LTE Cat- 1 BIS is an IoT 4G wireless communication standard. It was developed in 2016 as part of 3GPP Release 13 and uses existing LTE networks but has just one antenna. Due to its optimized cost and space, this option is beautiful and streamlined in comparison to LTE Cat-1.

To connect IoT devices, Cat- 1 BIS is generally considered alongside the low power wide area network ( LPWAN ) offerings of LTE- M and NB- IoT. Since these networks are being phased out, all are possible candidates to switch to 2G and 3G.

For some, LTE- M and NB- IoT are the obvious choices, no least because of their longer battery life, and it is true that Cat- 1 BIS does have significantly higher power consumption, but it does have other characteristics in its favour.

Because it is a common 4G technology that is widely supported, Cat- 1 BIS offers more flexibility and consistency of coverage than LPWAN technologies and its coverage is more consistent and consistent than LPWAN. That also implies that roaming agreements are in place, which is frequently a crucial factor because many IoT deployments are global.

To keep manufacturing processes simple and cost-effective through a single stock keeping unit ( SKU), companies can opt for eSIM so they can download network profiles after products have been shipped and arrived at their destinations. LTE- M is likewise eSIM agreeable, but not in sleep mode.

Choosing the Right IoT Connectivity: LTE Cat-1 BIS vs. LPWAN Alternatives

One connectivity option will depend on each use case, based on which one is better. What works in one application may not work in another; there may be advantages to some applications, while there may be disadvantages in others. Having said that, there are likely to be deal- breakers that rule out some technologies. These could be around power, coverage, data rates or how also connections fare if devices are on the move.

The comparison provided is only for informational purposes; instead, it is often best to consult with experts who can assess connectivity needs and suggest the most effective solution in accordance with the particular use case.

Let’s consider, first of all, data rates. Cat- 1 BIS has higher upload connections speeds at up to 10 Mbps (up to 5Mbps download ). LTE- M operates at away to 1 Mbps, while NB- IoT provides only a small portion of this.

Energy consumption can play a role in how long running costs stay high. Cat- 1 BIS is appropriate for connected devices that use batteries, rechargeable batteries, or mains power, while LTE M and NB-IoT use batteries or solar power. Both Cat- 1 BIS and LTE- M have around a five to 10 years ‘ battery life, yet Cat- 1 BIS has the higher energy consumption.

If applications demand the shortest response times, overhead may also be a factor. Cat- 1 BIS is hard, at around 40 milliseconds, while LTE- M has a moderate response time of ~100 milliseconds and NB- IoT the slowest of them all at ~1 next.

When it comes to deployment scenarios, LTE- M and Cat- 1 BIS will work in some indoor scenarios, but they are designed with mobility in mind. That implies that they can support things like those used in fleet management. In contrast, NB-IoT excels among the pack when it comes to areas that some signals may struggle to reach, such as those below ground, in terms of being merely for fixed applications.

On international coverage Cat- 1 BIS leads, and with roaming to. NB- IoT and LTE- M’s worldwide reach is uneven and LTE- M’s roaming faces small restrictions whilst NB- IoT’s is less established.

Navigating IoT Connectivity: Choosing the Right Strategy with LTE Cat-1 BIS

There are undoubtedly a number of factors that, combined, can help you choose the best connectivity strategy, including those that apply to planned IoT migrations away from sunsetting networks. IoT connectivity experts will consider all factors in order to determine the best use cases for each use case. Total cost of ownership, for example, is certainly an important decider and this will generally be deployment specific.

Cat- 1 BIS, in common, is suitable for a variety of applications, including eBikes and eScooters with renewable or swappable batteries. It supports two-way voice, making it ideal for applications like elevator emergency call systems.

As Cat- 1 BIS is suited to devices that move, and has the benefit of 4G coverage, it can be considered for asset tracking, including deployments of device- carrying assets that fly national boundaries.

Additionally, there are devices that can use 2G or 3G to monitor workers ‘ safety and security at work and vulnerable people at home using SMS, voice, or data services. These include wearables, healthcare monitors and hapless worker devices. In these circumstances, Cat- 1 BIS can offer an alternate connectivity solution.

There are difficulties in navigating 2G/3G migrations, connecting IoT devices for a second deployment, and developing tuning strategies to support business growth. Cat- 1 BIS offers a single solution that might be appropriate in some circumstances and includes some compelling features to support its claim. A connectivity provider can assist businesses in weighing their options by providing tactical advice and recommending a connectivity solution that best meets their needs.