Embracing the LTE Network Era: Future-Proof IoT Solutions before the 2G/3G Network Shutdown
As countries worldwide plan to decommission their 2G and 3G networks, electronic engineers face the challenge of migrating their IoT applications to LTE networks. This blog post aims to guide engineers through this migration process, exploring various LTE options and introducing SIMCom's solutions to ensure a seamless transition.
Navigating through Alternatives: Identifying the Right LTE Standard
Venturing away from 2G/3G networks, a spectrum of LTE standards comes into the picture. Let's explore the following options:
LTE Category 1 (Cat.1)
Introduced in 2008, LTE Cat.1 is a wireless communication standard specifically crafted for IoT applications requiring moderate data transmission. Its favourable latency, enhanced power efficiency, and global roaming capability make it a fitting choice for a broad spectrum of IoT applications.
LTE Category 1 Bis (Cat.1 Bis)
The single antenna variant, LTE Cat.1 Bis, introduced in 2016, offers similar performance levels as LTE Cat.1, but with reduced size and cost due to antenna removal. It is well-suited for IoT applications with size restrictions such as wearables and healthcare monitoring devices.
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)
Designed for low-power IoT applications, NB-IoT offers extensive network coverage, power efficiency, and is perfect for devices requiring long battery life and operating in remote locations.
LTE Category-M (Cat-M)
Also known as LTE-M, Cat-M is a low-power, wide-area network solution offering higher data rates than NB-IoT. It is appropriate for IoT applications needing real-time data transmission.
Harnessing SIMCom's Solutions for Seamless Migration
SIMCom, a reliable partner during this migration phase, offers a collection of modules catering to the different LTE alternatives.
LTE Cat.1 and Cat.1 Bis Modules
SIMCom offers a range of LTE Cat.1 and Cat.1 bis modules that provide reliable connectivity and higher data rates for your IoT applications.
A7676E (LTE Cat.1 bis): These modules are specifically designed for customers in the smart metering sector. With LTE450 support, they ensure reliable and efficient performance.
A7682E (LTE Cat.1): This versatile module delivers higher data rates and is suitable for various IoT applications.
SIM7672X (LTE Cat.1): This family of modules supports LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD technologies, making them suitable for various wireless communication applications. The modules support data transmission throughput for various technologies such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, and TDD/FDD-LTE. Additionally, the SIM7672X modules have interfaces for GSM/LTE antennas, optional GNSS antennas, and optional Bluetooth antennas.
NB-IoT and Cat-M Modules
SIM7070G: This module supports Cat-M and NB-IoT, making it a dual-mode solution. It comes in an LCC package with dimensions of 24 x 24 x 2.3mm. SIM7070E: Similar to the SIM7070G, this module also supports Cat-M and NB-IoT. It is designed in an LCC form factor with dimensions of 24.0 x 24.0 x 2.3mm. It also features an embedded GNSS receiver.
SIM7090G: This module is another dual-mode solution supporting Cat-M and NB-IoT. It comes in an LGA package with dimensions of 14.8 x 12.8 x 1.9mm.
SIM7022: For higher data rate applications, LTE Cat-M modules like the SIM7022 are available, compatible with the Qualcomm 212 platform. The module comes in a compact LCC 42PIN package, measuring 17.6 x 15.7 x 2.3mm.
The SIM7022 operates on NB-IoT network mode, supporting various frequency bands including B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B66, B70, and B85. It offers a data rate of up to 159 Kbps for uplink and 127 Kbps for downlink, based on NB2 (Release 14) specifications.
With its super low power consumption and wide operating voltage range of 2.2~4.2V, the SIM7022 is an energy-efficient solution for IoT applications. It supports various interfaces such as UART, SIM, ANT, NETLIGHT, RI, Reset, ADC, and WAKEUP, enabling seamless integration into your IoT products.
The SIM7022 module is compatible with the SIM7020X and SIM800C series, allowing for a compatible design and easy migration from previous SIMCom modules. It also supports protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, TLS, DTLS, DNS, NTP, PING, LWM2M, COAP, MQTT, and MQTT-S, providing flexibility in data communication.
Please note that the SIM7022 does not support GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and is certified with CE, FCC, RCM, GCF, Telefonica, and Deutsche Telekom standards. It complies with RoHS and REACH regulations.
Conclusion: Leveraging SIMCom to Future-Proof IoT Applications
With the imminent shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, electronic engineers must migrate their IoT applications to LTE networks proactively. SIMCom's broad range of LTE modules offers solutions tailored to diverse requirements. Their advancements in cellular technology allow for efficient and reliable IoT connectivity, catering to the evolving needs of modern devices and applications.
Embrace the future of IoT connectivity with SIMCom, ensuring a seamless transition and unlocking the full potential of IoT applications in the LTE era. Stay ahead of the curve, and experience the power of LTE for your IoT projects with SIMCom
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