Cat 1 bis is versatile and has one antenna – among other benefits, writes Joe Porazzo, Director of Product Line Management – Industrial IoT, Airgain
The world is becoming increasingly connected. With the adoption of IoT technology skyrocketing, there are over 18 billion connected devices currently in operation globally. Among the various connectivity options available for these devices, one specific type is experiencing remarkable growth: Cat 1 bis.
First introduced in 2016, Cat 1 bis is an update to the existing Cat 1 specification offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to its predecessor. One of the most significant changes brought about by this upgrade is the reduction from needing two antennas to just one. This single-antenna setup allows Cat 1 bis modems to have a smaller footprint and lower power consumption while still delivering impressive performance.
So, with numerous connectivity options available, why is there renewed interest in Cat 1 bis specifically?
A stepping stone to 5G
There is a lot of excitement in the industry about 5G. However, not all IoT applications are ready or need to transition to 5G, making Cat 1 bis a more practical choice for many.
Many IoT applications don’t require the high bandwidth or low latency that 5G offers. Instead of dealing with high-resolution video systems or autonomous vehicles, a significant number of IoT devices function as simple telemetry systems that don’t need the additional power of 5G.
Another crucial factor is cost. Since 5G hasn’t yet fully matured and grown to the same scale as 4G LTE, it remains considerably more expensive than well-established LTE technologies. A Cat 1 bis modem can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of a 5G-compatible modem.
A Cat M replacement
Cat M is another LTE category that the IoT market has historically relied upon; however, its future is uncertain. It’s expected that Cat M technologies will be phased out eventually, although the timeline for this change is unclear. This uncertainty is prompting more manufacturers to seek alternatives. For designers and engineers working on products with a lifecycle of a decade or more – which is common in the IoT sector – concerns about obsolescence are real. In this context, Cat 1 bis acts as a bridge between the phasing out of older LTE technologies and more affordable access to 5G.
While manufacturers may feel some frustration at having to explore new technologies, transitioning to Cat 1 bis from other LTE solutions brings more benefits than drawbacks.
Currently, if a group of Cat M devices experience cell site congestion, they are often deprioritised on the network. This situation can lead to slower data speeds or even temporary disconnections for Cat M-powered devices. Such interruptions are unacceptable for applications that require continuous monitoring. In contrast, because Cat 1 bis operates on the standard LTE network, it does not experience the same congestion or signal interruptions.
Cost optimisation
Cat 1 bis is also gaining traction in the market due to its attractive price point. Manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce costs while minimising performance degradation. This is particularly evident among startups looking to transform their early designs into more cost-effective solutions.
For example, one Airgain customer used a TC4WWG Cat 4 NimbeLink Modem in their original design, then managed to cut costs by more than a third after switching to our Cat 1 bis modem. The transition to a Cat 1 bis modem required some design adjustments to accommodate the new modem, but those engineering efforts were minimal, taking roughly three weeks to implement.
By avoiding a complete redesign, companies save time and eliminate the need for extensive re-certification processes, which can be mandatory when selling into stringent markets.
Built for solutions, not industries
Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of Cat 1 bis technology. Cat 1 bis isn’t designed for specific industries or customers; instead, it takes a solution-specific approach. This makes it suitable for a wide array of applications, including smart meters, point-of-sale systems, digital signage, and EV chargers. It’s an excellent solution for any product that requires cost-effective cellular connectivity.
As the connectivity market evolves, Cat 1 bis is proving to be more than just a minor upgrade over its predecessor. It stands out as a practical, reliable, and cost-effective solution that meets the demands of many of today’s applications. By serving as a bridge between ageing LTE technologies and the future potential of 5G, Cat 1 bis can help manufacturers prepare for the long-term future without causing design headaches.
With over a decade of experience in technology, IoT and product management, Joe Porrazzo specialises in building strategic roadmaps that translate vision into execution – faster, smarter with measurable results. He joined Airgain in 2023 as Director of Product Management leading teams across product, engineering, sales and marketing to deliver solutions to not only meet market demands, but anticipate them.
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