Comparison of 2G, 3G, LTE Cat-1, LTE-M, and NB-IoT
A brief overview of different mobile network technologies used in IoT and mobile communications.
Overview
- 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): One of the earliest mobile communication technologies, designed primarily for voice calls and basic data transfer. It has low data rates and high power consumption.
- 3G (UMTS/HSPA): Introduced higher data speeds, supporting mobile internet and video streaming. However, it consumes more power than later LTE-based technologies.
- LTE Cat-1: A 4G technology that supports both voice and data transmission with decent power efficiency. It is widely used in IoT applications requiring continuous connectivity.
- LTE-M (LTE Cat-M1): Designed for IoT applications, LTE-M offers low power consumption, good indoor penetration, and moderate data rates. It supports mobility and voice over LTE (VoLTE).
- NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT): Ultra-low-power technology designed for stationary IoT devices, such as smart meters and sensors. It has limited bandwidth but excellent coverage and battery life.
Comparison Table
| Technology | Uplink Speed | Downlink Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G (EDGE) | ~240 kbps | ~300 kbps | High (~500ms) |
| 3G (DC-HSPA+) | ~8 Mbps | ~42 Mbps | Moderate (~100ms) |
| LTE Cat-1 | ~5 Mbps | ~10 Mbps | Low (~50ms) |
| LTE-M | ~375 kbps | ~375 kbps | Low (~50ms) |
| NB-IoT | ~66 kbps | ~26 kbps | High (~1s) |