Tele2 IoT Guide to Cellular Connectivity

At the heart of every IoT solution is connectivity. It is the glue that holds your deployment together and it’s how the different components in your IoT solution, including devices, gateways, routers, etc. ‘speak’ to one another.
The last few years have seen a revolution in available connectivity options for IoT devices and applications, which means there is a lot to consider when deciding on the right connectivity for your solution. The first step to making that decision is understanding what your IoT requirements are.

Here are the key elements that will impact your decision:

• Power consumption
• Range
• Bandwidth
• Reliability
• Scalability
• Cost

This Guide is designed to help you understand these different elements and how to weigh the importance of each one against your particular needs. The Tele2 IoT Team is also
available for any further questions you might have.

Selecting the Right Connectivity Technology

Selecting the right connectivity technology (and operator) can impact the commercial success of your IoT deployment in both the short and long term. And while there are a number of ways to mitigate any possible challenges, the wrong choice could result in higher costs and inferior performance, as well as lack of scalability. IoT connectivity is a complex topic, of course, and the choice of connectivity can impact many areas of performance, including effective range, reliability, device battery usage, how much data can be transferred, and at what speed. Depending on which sector you operate in, you may have unique requirements, or it may not be clear as to what each connectivity option offers. But while there are any number of connectivity options available, cellular IoT connectivity is a simple, scalable, and secure way to connect your devices.

Cellular IoT technologies allow physical devices and sensors to securely connect to a network in order to transmit data. It does this by leveraging the same infrastructure that your smartphone uses, taking advantage of the broad availability of existing cellular networks, but without the power requirements of traditional cellular applications. With the advent of 5G, cellular IoT is well placed to serve low bandwidth, low power consumption massive IoT use cases with IoT-specific technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT, the high bandwidth use cases with enhanced Mobile broadband, as well as sensitive use cases with the coming Ultra Reliable Communication.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the most important elements of IoT connectivity:

Power consumption

In an ideal world you would be able to deploy an IoT device anywhere and have it run indefinitely. We don’t live in an ideal world, though, and long battery life continues to be a challenge, particularly when it comes to remote or harsh environments, as well as how often the device is signaling. Excessive power consumption can negatively impact user experience, as well as the shorten the lifespan of the device.

Ask yourself if your IoT devices will be plugged in around the clock, rechargeable, or replaceable – no matter what your answer is, everything from the location of your device to the size of the battery will impact your connectivity choice. IoT-specific technologies such as LTE-M are particularly suited to cases where long battery life is essential, such as in remote or hard to reach areas. But it’s not just your choice of connectivity that will impact power consumption: there will be a massive impact on your power consumption and battery lifetime if your device is communicating with the network once per minute vs. every ten minutes.

Some industries where long battery life can be particularly important include:

• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Utilities
• Wildlife conservation/Forestry
• Oil & Gas

Range

If your IoT devices span a fair distance or if you expect your devices to be placed indoors, in basements, or in locations with otherwise poor reception, you will want to keep coverage range in mind when choosing a network and will need to understand how wide of an area is covered. Some projects require as much range as possible, while others are fine with limited range. Either way, understanding range requirements before choosing your connectivity solution is imperative, as it will impact other key considerations such as power consumption, the need for additional hardware (such as external antennas), and cost.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the network’s or technology’s capacity for transmitting data. IoT devices consume data, and the amount of data is different for every IoT deployment. If you choose an IoT connectivity solution that offers too little bandwidth, you’re going to struggle with the volume of messages your devices can send, as well as the size of their data packets. Keep in mind, though, that not all technologies are suitable for all use cases.

Reliability

Cellular connectivity is widely considered the most reliable connection option, particularly when it comes to global IoT deployments or a deployment that is not stationary. There is no need for new infrastructure or additional network gateways to support even remote deployments. Roaming is another consideration: if your solution will be on the move between regions or countries or even locally, you’re going to want a solution that stays seamlessly connected. With cellular connectivity, this is done through the use of roaming agreements with partner carriers which facilitate smooth connectivity across regions without the need to change SIMs.

Scalability

We’re on the verge of massive IoT and as the number of networked devices continues to grow, the amount of applications and data processed will also increase exponentially. This kind of growth will make scalability one of the essential elements of any competitive IoT solution. Your solution must consist of scalable elements, at least during the far ends of the connectivity parts; you need scalable solutions that cater to growth and changed business and technology shifts down the line. Also consider integration options to make sure your demands are met today, but also scalable for the future.

Cost

The ongoing cost of data consumption is part of your contract with your Mobile Network Operator (MNO) that states data limits and/or fees for additional data usage. And depending on the scope of your deployment and the regions or countries in which you will be deploying, you may need to consider the cost of roaming. When comparing providers, make sure that you’re getting the connectivity you need at a price that suits your budget without compromising on reliability.

Some questions you should be asking:

• How can I avoid overage charges?
• How can I optimize my rate plan?
• How can I lower operational costs?
• Is there a smart way to utilize a select few networks for cost control?

Cellular Connectivity Options for IoT

Cellular-based IoT includes 2G through 5G technologies, along with LPWAN (low-power, wide area networks) in licensed forms, such as LTE-M and NB-IoT, and unlicensed forms like LoRa. Early cellular networks using 2G and 3G technology often track mobile assets that don’t require large data throughput, but as many mobile operators are sunsetting or will sunset (phase out) their 2G and 3G networks, IoT devices will migrate to 4G and 5G.

Let’s take a quick look at each one and how they relate to IoT:

2G

Second-generation (2G) mobile networks have been with us for nearly three decades and are what much of our cellular communication has been built upon, including allowing people to send text messages for the first time. When it comes to IoT, 2G has allowed devices to transmit basic alerts, status updates, and location data, making it ideal for things like logistics, supply chain management, and telematics.

2G, though, is in the process of being sunsetted (phased out) in order to free up bandwidth for 4G and 5G. IoT devices that are dependent on 2G will become obsolete unless they are compatible with other networks.

3G

3G built on the capabilities of 2G, giving us faster data transmission, as well as enabling mobile devices to directly connect to the internet. While this opened things up for IoT, there was a drawback: 3G uses around 50% more power than 2G.

Like 2G, 3G has been used for logistics, supply chain management, and telematics, but because it opened the door for more advanced processes, such as analytics, remote device management, streaming, and file sharing, it has been ideal for both consumer IoT devices and smart grids.

3G, though, is also being phased out, and while 2G sunsetting will happen faster, IoT applications built on 3G won’t be viable within the next few years. Most companies are already aware of what is coming and are looking to devices that use 4G or low-power, wide area networks (LPWAN), such as LTE-M and NB-IoT.

4G

4G is capable of data speeds that are more than ten times faster than 3G and also enables VoLTE (Voice over Long Term Evolution) and video. Because 4G allows devices to upload and download data at much faster speeds it works well for applications such as CCTV, and is widely used in things like healthcare. Although 4G uses more power, a range of power saving features make it a viable option for IoT.

5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology and is currently being rolled out across the globe. It will be a key player in the enablement and acceleration of IoT deployments, including near real-time data transmission, which will make it a driver for things like autonomous vehicles and other remote steering applications. And while previous networks have typically demanded more power, 5G networks can support cellular connectivity with low power consumption, making it ideal for many IoT applications. It represents a range of different capabilities, including:

• Higher speeds
• Ultra-low latency
• 5G and LPWAN for low-power and slow-speed connected devices.

Speed

5G offers 10 to 100 times more throughput capability over 4G. When it comes to the cellular handheld market, this means you can download your favorite film in just a few seconds, which is nice, but not all that revolutionary.

If we look at 5G and its impact on IoT, though, that’s where things get interesting. 5G is much more than fast downloads – it is a unique combination of high-speed connectivity combined with very low latency and ubiquitous coverage. This is crucial when we’re talking about things like autonomous vehicles, where a split-second delay can spell disaster.

Low Latency

Latency is the lag between initiating a data request and receiving a response. With 5G, latency could be as low as 1 millisecond, which will open the door to many real-time use cases.

Gamers are of course excited about this development and who wouldn’t love to see musicians in separate cities record a real-time jam? Beyond that, though, 5G will allow machines to communicate in real time, with high-speed motion control in, for example, automation and manufacturing no longer hampered by outdated cabling. The latency between the physical and digital worlds will be a thing of the past, with new augmented reality applications enabled.

5G & LPWA (low-power, wide area)

LTE-M and NB-IoT are LPWA technologies and are part of the 5G family, but while 5G makes us think of super high speeds, LTE-M and NB-IoT are actually about slowing down communications in order to increase range and decrease power consumption. LTE-M and NB-IoT enable the integration of wireless communications into small, ultra-low power devices.

LPWAN technologies allow IoT devices to transmit and receive updates at fixed intervals or in response to an external trigger, rather than maintaining a continuous connection, which drastically reduces power consumption.

Let’s look at the IoT-specific LPWAN technologies that have evolved to address the needs of massive IoT and thus, moved us away from the 2G and 3G networks. There are two main players, each offering unique benefits:

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT is the cellular response to the need for low power connectivity and is ideal for battery-powered devices with relatively low data transmission requirements, allowing for simpler modules than the normal 4G and 5G standards. It offers two major power-saving features: power saving mode (PSM) and discontinuous reception (DRX). PSM puts your device to sleep when not in use, and DRX can extend the period of time that the device isn’t actively ‘listening’ for a signal. These features mean that devices using NB-IoT can enjoy years of battery life, and in comparison to some other low power technologies, it is designed to work in the guard bands of the operator’s licensed spectrum, which means that you are better protected from interference and disturbances. And since it was designed specifically for IoT, it works on all frequency bands, making global connectivity simple and cost conscious.

NB-IoT is ideally suited to solutions where data transmission is intermittent, where you need deep indoor coverage and do not require high download or upload speeds. It is typically used for simple sensors, such as soil monitoring, asset tracking, or smart city applications, including smart meters and traffic lights. It is best for static deployments and sensors where latency is not a big issue or where you are not overly concerned with updating firmware frequently.

LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution)

LTE-M is also designed specifically for IoT and allows devices to connect to 4G and 5G networks, giving more bandwidth and mobility than NB-IoT. LTE-M also offers access to VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution). And while it uses more power than NB-IoT, it still offers very long battery life by leveraging PSM and DRX. In a nutshell, LTE-M works well for many of the same applications as NB-IoT, but with more functionality. In fact, when a device needs to transmit or receive larger volumes of data, LTE-M uses less power than NB-IoT due to the higher bandwidth, which allows for faster uploads and downloads. This helps future-proof IoT devices because firmware upgrades may introduce new functionality that require greater data consumption.

Benefits of Cellular IoT

While there are merits to any IoT connectivity option, for those who are developing an IoT solution that can be deployed anywhere, cellular IoT remains the best choice. It offers comprehensive security, high interoperability, and the ability to scale easily.

Simplicity

When it comes to cellular IoT connectivity, simplicity is the name of the game. IoT devices connect to your chosen network with a SIM card. The SIMs come in multiple formfactors to suit the device type and requirements and provide a robust and secure way to connect your devices. SIM-based cellular connectivity does away with the need for time consuming and complex on-site setups that you get with hardwired networks. You simply deploy your device, activate your SIM, and off you go.

Scalability

With 5G opening the door to massive IoT, cellular becomes increasingly important, particularly for fast-growing and/or large-scale deployments. In most cases, the cellular network infrastructure is already in place, so a lack of network capacity or coverage will not stand in the way of scaling. With cellular connectivity, you are able to deploy as many devices as you need wherever you need them.

Coverage

One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting your connectivity solution is coverage. Basically, will you get a signal wherever you deploy your devices? Cellular networks are already almost everywhere and offer connectivity pretty much wherever an IoT device might be deployed. This existing infrastructure and near ubiquitous level of global coverage is particularly crucial for IoT solutions that deploy across multiple cities, regions, or countries. ‘Black spots’ are rarely an issue these days due to LPWAN (low-power, wide area networks) technologies opening up the door for deployment to remote areas.

Cost

The cost of connecting IoT devices to cellular networks hasn’t always been cheap, but data costs have been significantly reduced over the past few years, with cellular data plans allowing for much greater flexibility. When combined with the other benefits offered by cellular connectivity, cellular can be a very cost-effective way of connecting your devices.

Flexibility

Not all IoT devices are the same – some require long range connectivity, while others require high data bandwidth. No matter what your needs, there are a number of cellular IoT technologies to choose from. For example, if you will be transmitting low data volumes, you might want to choose NB-IoT, while deployments with high bandwidth demands might be better off choosing LTE-M. Additionally, eSIM/eUICC provides a future proofed and flexible way to not just get your devices connected, but to keep them connected in a cost-effective way throughout their lifecycle.

Remote Management

Using an online IoT platform, you are able to manage and troubleshoot your connected devices remotely, regardless of location. This means monitoring downtime, usage, and any other metrics that help you made the most of your IoT solution, and also does away with the need to go out into the field to check on devices.

Roaming

Due to the mobile nature of most cellular IoT networks, roaming is a must for your IoT solution. No network has truly global coverage, so you need a connectivity solution that allows you to roam multiple networks. This is why operator roaming agreements are so crucial: no matter where your devices are, they will need to remain connected and cellular IoT allows you do to that.

Built-in authentication

Cellular IoT streamlines the authentication process, with users having to sign in only one time for their network, rather than for every new device. And if the device contains an eUICC-enabled SIM card or eSIM, this can be provisioned and authenticated remotely, allowing operators to swap out subscriber profiles OTA (Over the Air) through remote SIM provisioning. In fact, there are a number of business benefits for using eUICC, such as enabling a single SKU to work for multiple deployments across the globe, giving you the ability to update SIM profiles post-device deployment.

Security

When it comes to IoT, security must be kept top of mind – and you need to think about it end-to-end, from where the device authenticates to the network right through until it is being handed over to your backend. This is an area where cellular connectivity offers significant advantages. While cellular IoT devices are already secure, as part of the GSMA standards, you will likely want to have a multi-layered approach. Today, there is no standard security solution across IoT, but cellular operators are stepping up to the plate to offer enhanced security solutions, which are of particular importance to mission-critical solutions, such as healthcare or utilities.

Some questions you should be asking:

• What options are available for securing connection to my data center or cloud provider?
• How can I ensure that my devices only connect to authorized endpoints?
• What happens if one or more of my devices become compromised?

Sustainability

The cellular IoT ecosystem is a standardized collaboration by stable industry players, including some of the world’s largest and most successful companies. You can safely assume that the GSMA networks will be professionally run and remain so for the foreseeable future. Using an eSIM in your deployment, you could transfer to another operator in this ecosystem, should you for some reason wish to do that in the future to really secure the longevity of your IoT application.

Support

Once your IoT solution is up and running it’s important that your connectivity provider offers the support you will need both in the short and long term. Having a dedicated IoT service team and a team of IoT connectivity experts can be crucial moving forward, as you will need to monitor your connections and detect, diagnose, and resolve any number of issues. In other words, you want a provider who has a dedicated team that works with IoT and IoT only, ensuring that when you need help, they will have an immediate and deep understanding of your challenges and be able to respond quickly and effectively.

Your operator should be able to provide comprehensive visibility into your device end-to-end, which will ensure fast troubleshooting and the ability to quickly see where there is a problem, such as if it is with your device or in the network itself. You also want an operator who quickly notices an outage – possibly even before you notice it yourself – and addresses it immediately, ensuring you experience few hiccups.

There will always be a tradeoff between power consumption, range, and bandwidth when it comes to IoT deployments. Having a friendly expert on hand to advise you on what is best for your solution can mean the difference between a successful IoT deployment and one that fails to meet your expectations.

The Tele2 IoT Team is always ready to answer your questions and provide guidance for your IoT solution. If you would like to learn more about how IoT can enable your business, please get in touch.