L LTE-M and NB-IoT: What Exactly Are We Talking About?
The LTE-M and NB-IoT protocols are technologies based on 4G and 5G readiness, both falling into the category of “Low Power Wide Area” (LPWA) cellular networks. Their unique feature? They ensure excellent coverage, including inside buildings, while being energy-efficient.
These two technologies are primarily useful for use cases that require sending moderate volumes of data over long distances. As real Swiss army knives of IoT, they are compatible with a wide range of applications where the following are key:
- Low power consumption;
- Low deployment cost;
- Good coverage both outdoors and indoors.
Moreover, they benefit from specific functionalities that can significantly extend battery life:
Hibernation Mode – Power Saving Mode (PSM)
This mode allows a module to enter a prolonged sleep state, known as hibernation. The benefit? It significantly reduces its energy consumption. This mode is triggered using a configurable timer according to needs. When this feature is active, the module no longer receives real-time information.
Semi-Wake Mode – Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX)
During this phase, the module can transmit data but cannot receive it in return. Also equipped with a timer, it exits this partial sleep phase at regular intervals to remotely connect to the device.
What are the differences Bbetween LTE-M and NB-IoT?
While these two technologies are an obvious solution for connected objects, they each have their own advantages.
NB-IoT
The specificity of NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) technology is in its name: “narrowband.” By utilizing a narrower frequency band than those of 3G and 4G, it allows a greater number of devices to connect within the same network cell. Among its advantages:
- Long battery life
It is very energy-efficient, allowing the development of devices that can operate for several years without needing to be recharged or replaced. IoT sensors have extended battery life, and the cellular modules that ensure communication are also affordable. For manufacturers, the cost and maintenance benefits are significant.
- For which applications?
It is suitable for projects requiring independent sensors (not connected to an external power source) and demanding long battery life. These include sensors for measuring consumption, temperature, or fill levels. NB-IoT is thus applicable to solutions like parking sensors, smart agriculture (moisture or temperature sensors), smart meters (water, gas), and waste containers.
LTE-M
The LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) protocol is favored by a majority of IoT project carriers. Why? It fills the gaps of NB-IoT by offering higher data rates and lower latency.
- Functioning in mobility
LTE-M is an extension of the 4G network. Its greatest strength lies in its mobility: LTE-M connected objects can indeed change network cells without signal interruption, known as “handover.” Its latency (the time it takes for data to travel from source to destination) is also reduced.
- For which applications?
This technology is ideal for devices with moving sensors. It is particularly applicable to objects that send geolocated information or require real-time data communication. Common applications include smart homes and asset tracking (vehicle fleet geolocation). The only drawback: with LTE-M, indoor coverage is slightly weaker than that of NB-IoT.
IoT Network: Which Protocol to Choose for Your Project?
LTE-M addresses real-time oriented applications requiring higher bandwidth, while NB-IoT increases the longevity and autonomy of the battery of connected objects. Before selecting your protocol, it is important to precisely assess your needs and ask the right questions:
- Should latency be a priority?
- Is my solution mobile? How often will it transmit data?
- How much data will be transmitted? Will I need remote updates?
- What are my connectivity needs: coverage in France or internationally? Outdoors or in a basement?
Also read: 4 Essential Questions to Start Your IoT Project
| Objenious, your Partner in realizing your IoT projects Are you a manufacturer of connected objects? At Objenious, Bouygues Telecom’s brand dedicated to IoT, we offer customized support. As the first operator in France to offer both LTE-M and NB-IoT, we have ensured coverage of over 99% of the national population since the end of 2022. We are also present in more than 126 countries! The result: guaranteed performance for your connected objects, even in rural areas. Contact our experts to guide you in your technology choice and discover our digital offers. |