Cat 1 bis has been touted as a type of LTE technology designed to bridge the gap between legacy 2G/3G networks facing sunsets, and more advanced LTE solutions.
Recent insights from Berg Insight reported that shipments of cellular modules had declined by 3% – with the exception being the rapid expansion of LTE Cat 1 bis module shipments. They now make up 100 million units annually and are anticipated by Berg Insight to maintain a leading position between 2023-2028.
LTE Cat 1 bis is a new version of the LTE Cat 1 specification introduced in 2016 and targeted at supporting the continually growing ecosystem of IoT devices. It provides up to 10Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink data rates for IoT applications that don’t necessarily need higher bandwidth offered by more advanced LTE solutions such as Cat 4, Cat 6 or Cat 12.
To use Cat 1 bis or to not use Cat 1 bis?
Other advantages offered by Cat 1 bis include its power performance – facilitated by having one antenna which also helps to reduce the size of IoT devices – security capabilities and the support of full roaming without network modifications (where LTE-M and NB-IoT need network modifications to support the technology). Limitations cited relate to the cost of Cat 1 bis and the existing infrastructure, where many IoT applications still are set up with legacy networks.
Iain Davidson, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Wireless Logic, in writing for IoT Insider took a more measured approach: “Naturally, each option has its own characteristics that makes it more or less suitable depending on the use case,” he wrote. “There are likely to be deal-breakers that rule out some technologies. These could be around power, coverage, data rates or how well connections fare if devices are on the move.”
It has been positioned as a solution for those looking to address the limitations of legacy networks. This is proving particularly pertinent in the face of 2G and 3G sunsets currently occurring in the US, which will inevitably take place in the UK and rest of Europe. A message imparted by Iain Davidson from Wireless Logic, who hosted a webinar on the US’ 2G/3G sunsets in April of this year, was that preparing for the sunsets was paramount: “The longer you wait, the steeper the challenge or the climb will be,” he said.
Besides serving as an intermediate step for regions and connectivity providers transitioning from these legacy networks, Cat 1 bis offers an efficient connectivity option for applications such as smart metering, asset tracking and environmental monitoring.
Where it is poised to play a crucial role is in integrating it with emerging technologies such as smart city applications, where it can support smart lightning and public safety; industrial IIoT which is turning to remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to ensure smooth production; co-existing with 5G networks by handling applications that don’t require the ultra-low latency or high bandwidth offered by 5G.
Recent product announcements show that the release of Cat 1 bis modules seemingly shows no signs of waning. Fibocom announced its latest addition to its module portfolio at MWC Shanghai 2024, in which Kevin Guan, Director of MTC Product Marketing at Fibocom said: “Without a doubt, we are optimistic in expanding the utilisation of Cat 1 bis technology in segment areas and providing the value-added reference design service to industry customers.”
U-blox expanded their product line with two new modules in what they said was to cater to the growing LTE Cat 1 bis cellular connectivity market, for use cases such as trackers and wearables, as well as asset tracking and indoor and outdoor positioning.
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