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Technology

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25 Aug 2023

LTE-M

LTE-M, or LTE Cat M, is a cellular wireless communication technology specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) or machine-to-machine (M2M) application requirements.

What is LTE-M?

LTE-M, or LTE Cat M, is a cellular wireless communication technology specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) or machine-to-machine (M2M) application requirements. LTE-M modules have low power demand requirements, deliver relatively low data rates, and transmit wireless data in the licensed spectrum domain.

LTE-M is a low-power wide-area (LPWA) wireless communication technology. LPWA technologies fall into two groups: cellular standards such as LTE-M and NB-IoT (and, more recently, 5G mMTC),  and non-cellular standards including SigFox and LoRa.

Why LTE-M?

LTE-M is a low‑power wide‑area (LPWA) air interface primarily designed to replace 2G and 3G cellular technologies while introducing several additional benefits. The first release of LTE-M, LTE-Cat M1, was specified in 3GPP Rel 13, along with NB-IoT, and first networks were deployed in 2017. It provides data rates up to 1 Mbit/s (upload) and 375 kbit/s (download) in half duplex mode with a significantly improved link budget of up to -156 dBm, allowing signals to penetrate deep into buildings. By enabling applications to exploit low RF transmit power levels in the 20-23 dBm range, LTE-M extended the service life for battery-powered applications compared to 2G and 3G. At 23 dBm transmit power, LTE-M provides highly reliable performance in all signal conditions and at cell edges.

Like NB-IoT, LTE-M supports Power Save Mode (PSM) and extended DRX (eDRX). By greatly reducing total power consumption, these features can dramatically increase the power autonomy of connected solutions, delivering up to several years of service life.

LTE-M sets itself apart from NB-IoT by supporting moving applications such as tracking applications in which the devices and their communication data flow need to be handed over from one cell tower to the next as they move from cell to cell. This hand-over functionality is absent in NB-IoT, which is optimized for static end devices.

LTE-M has been widely adopted around the world to replace 2G/3G networks for IoT. North America continues to be the dominant market. But as the 2G and 3G networks sunset, LTE-M technology is becoming the preferred choice for cellular IoT use cases in all the regions where it is deployed compared to NB-IoT. This is due to its wider bandwidth, mobility, and higher data rate.

LTE-M has a lower data rate than LTE Cat 1 and Cat 1bis. Still, its 375-1000 kbit/s provided are more than enough to serve most IoT use cases. Moreover, LTE-M’s PSM and eDRX low power modes paired with its deeper in-building penetration ensure a consistent margin on battery life and connectivity handling.

Key features of LTE-M include:

  • Full mobility and in-vehicle hand-over
  • Low power consumption
  • Low power modes (PS and eDRX) for extended multi-year service lives
  • Extended in-building range (-156 dBm link budget)
  • Data rate comparable to 3G UMTS
  • Easy implementation for MNOs using standard LTE hardware
  • Lower maintenance costs of deployed devices (up to ten-year battery autonomy)
  • Voice support via voice over LTE (VoLTE), if enabled by MNOs, ideal for applications requiring human interaction (e.g., assisted living solutions and alarm panels).

 

lte-m: diagram presenting key features of this technology

Key applications of LTE-M technology

lte-m: diagram presenting key use cases for this technology
lte-m: trucks riding in one long line on the motorway

Asset Tracking and Telematics

LTE-M supports full hand‑over between network cells for moving vehicles, making LTE-M modules  well‑suited for mobile use cases with medium data rate needs, such as vehicle tracking, asset tracking, telematics, fleet management, and usage‑based insurance.

lte-m: smart meters hanging in line on the wall

Metering and Utility

LTE-M's ability to penetrate deep into buildings makes it ideal for metering and utility devices deployed inside or in basements, while PSM and eDRX allow devices to achieve years of service life on a single charge. Its relatively high data rate, when compared to NB-IoT, enables over-the-air firmware updates (FOTA), an essential feature for smart meters, which are typically spread over a vast area and often difficult to access inside buildings and private locations.

lte-m: office building in the night with lights on

Smart buildings

With its enhanced indoor range, LTE-M can easily provide basic building management functionality, such as HVAC, lighting, and access control. Voice functionality via VoLTE, enhanced in 3GPP Release 14, also makes it well‑suited to connect critical applications, including security systems and alarm panels, to the LTE-M network.

lte-m: elderly people tracker on the wrist

Healthcare

Its extended in‑building range, voice support, and mobility make LTE-M a compelling choice for connected health applications, such as outpatient monitoring and assisted living solutions, while its low power consumption enables long-lasting portable applications.

lte-m: metropolitan panorama in the night

Smart cities

Within smart cities, LTE-M devices meet the performance requirements enabling them to control street lighting, schedule waste pickups, identify free parking spaces, monitor environmental conditions, and survey road condition in milliseconds.

lte-m: automated production line seen from above

Industrial Automation and Monitoring

LTE-M is a cost-effective, low power solution for sensors and equipment monitoring applications, whenever low latency or high data rates are not of critical importance. Its deep building penetration and capability for 23 dBm transmit power make it suitable for use cases located within large facilities or otherwise difficult coverage conditions.

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