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Future-Proof Your IoT Applications: Transitioning to LTE Networks with SIMCom Solutions

Updated: Jan 11

Embracing the LTE Network Era: Future-Proof IoT Solutions before the 2G/3G Network Shutdown

Image depicting migration of 2G/3G networks to LTE

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.

Graphic showing the difference in specification for Cat-M and NB-IoT

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.

Thumbnail of A7676E Cat1 bis module

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.

Thumbnail of a A7682E Cat1 Module

A7682E (LTE Cat.1): This versatile module delivers higher data rates and is suitable for various IoT applications.

Thumbnail image of SIM7672X LTE Cat1 module

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

Thumbnail Image of SIM7070X Cat-M NB-IoT module family

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.

Thumbnail image of SIM7090G Cat-M NB IoT module

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.

Thumbnail image of M2M-SIM7022 NB-IoT module for higher data rate applications

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


To request EVKs, samples or prices please contact Ineltek Ltd on our Contact Us page.

To view a longer list of SIMCom module data sheets and technical docs, click here. Please let us know if you need any more information or hardware design support.

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