LTE to be Made Lighter for Application in Internet of Things

When the cellular industry discusses network technology, it inevitably steers toward speed and throughput as well as how more of both is necessary now and in the future. A buzz was making the rounds at the recent Mobile World Congres about LTE (CAT 1). This technology provides 10 Mbps downlink speed as a maximum in comparison to the peak downlink speed of 300 Mbps provided by LTE. But before you start taking guesses, it is important to understand the rationale behind this slower version of LTE. It is so because the version is intended for application in the Internet of Things (IoT). All of it makes more sense particularly when it is combined with a trimmed module size, reduced power consumption and maybe lower cost as well.

The IoT as a concept means connecting all important gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, vehicles and appliances to the cellular network such that the devices can work in collaboration with each other and enhance efficiency by automating specific tasks. However, not all of the devices for this purpose will require the speed as well as the throughput of LTE. Even today, most cellular operators, including those who offer free government cellphone plans, endorse the use of 2G and 3G networks for connectivity for their M2M customers in order to keep costs low and increase the use of such networks.

The benefit of LTE (CAT 1) is that it is expected to drive more connections to the network. One of the bigger proponents of LTE (CAT 1) is Ericsson, who also announced that it partnered with chip maker Sequans and Verizon Wireless in order to test LTE (CAT1) devices and infrastructure by using Verizon’s LTE network. The trial, which was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2014, established that LTE (CAT 1) devices can exist parallel to the high-performing LTE devices.  

In order to function, LTE (CAT 1) simply requires the addition of software to the network and LTE (CAT 1)-capable devices, says head of portfolio management at Ericsson, Matts Norin. Its advantage is that it minimizes complexity in the network owing to the likelihood of operators eventually eliminating M2M customers on 2G and 3G networks running simultaneously with LTE in the future. Operators will just utilize LTE instead.  

As of now, it is not predicted as to when the LTE (CAT 1) will turn into a commercial reality. However, it is an interesting area of observation and experiment, particularly as more and more industries are looking to go mobile in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs.