IoT devices connected over cellular networks are said to have reached more than 2.7 billion by end of 2022. Two point seven billion connected things. Sending data over cellular networks. And the numbers continue to grow.

As more and more enterprises leverage the benefits of IoT and connected environments, the competitive advantage of early adopters decrease. With that comes a higher need to make sure that the benefits of connected environments are assured through proper solutions architecture, including considerations around application characteristics, devices, security and of course choice of mobile networks.

Cellular networks play a big role in enabling Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Across various applications and multiple industries.

Selecting the right cellular communication type becomes essential to ensure efficient data transmission, reliable connectivity and optimised power consumption and many other aspects that a well-connected solution offers.

In this guide, we explore different cellular communication types from 2G through 3 and 4G upwards to 5G, along with their common IoT use cases and availability in key markets.

We start here as the early cellular communications systems were primarily analogue, voice-based and not really applicable to what we know today.

2G – Second Generation

2G, which stands for “second generation,” is a term used to describe the second generation of cellular telecommunications technology. It represented a significant advancement over the first-generation (1G) cellular systems, primarily in terms of digital communication and the ability to handle both voice and data services. 2G technology played a crucial role in the evolution of mobile communication and paved the way for the more advanced networks we have today.

Many early IoT Applications such as fleet and vehicle telematics and smart metering were based on 2G cellular communications.

Now some terminology explained

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

GSM, as a standard for both 1G and 2G cellular networking was introduced in the early 1990s. It references a digital cellular technology that enabled voice and basic data services. It operates on multiple frequency bands and has widespread global coverage.

Iterations:

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): GPRS is an extension of GSM that introduced more data capabilities through packet-switched data transmission. This enabled basic internet access and limited data services.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 114 kbps

Common 2G IoT Use Cases

Asset Tracking: With low data requirements, GPRS-based IoT devices are commonly used for asset tracking applications, such as tracking shipments and valuable goods during transit.

Availability in EU, UK, and US: 2G networks, including GSM and GPRS, have been widely deployed globally. While some regions are gradually phasing out their 2G networks (sunsetting them) to make room for newer technologies, they still maintain a presence in many areas, especially for voice services and backward compatibility.

3G – Third Generation

3G, short for “third generation,” is a generation of mobile telecommunications technology that succeeded 2G (second generation) networks. 3G introduced several significant improvements and capabilities that revolutionised mobile communication and paved the way for the modern smartphone era.

3G Technologies: UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): UMTS is a 3G technology that brought faster data rates, enabling mobile internet access and video calls. It offered improved data transmission compared to 2G.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 384 kbps to several Mbps (depending on the network)

Iterations: HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access): HSPA is an enhancement of UMTS, offering higher data rates and improved network efficiency. It includes HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) for faster downloads and HSUPA (High-Speed Uplink Packet Access) for faster uploads.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 14.4 Mbps to 42 Mbps (HSDPA), and up to 5.76 Mbps (HSUPA)

Common IoT Use Case

Smart Metering: 3G-based IoT devices are commonly used in smart metering applications, allowing utilities to remotely collect data from electricity, water, and gas meters for billing and analytics purposes.

Availability in EU, UK, and US: 3G networks, including UMTS and its iterations, have been widely deployed across key markets. However, with the introduction of 4G and 5G, some operators may start reallocating spectrum resources from 3G to newer technologies.

Important to note is that many mobile operators are sunsetting their 3G Networks. The term “3G sunset” refers to the gradual or planned shutdown and decommissioning of 3G cellular networks by mobile network operators. This process is undertaken to make way for more advanced network technologies, such as 4G LTE and 5G, and to free up valuable radio spectrum for these newer, faster, and more efficient networks.

If you have devices that are connected to a 2G or a 3G network that is sunsetting, Pelion has experts who can help advise on how to do this as painlessly as possible.

4G – Fourth Generation

Introduced in the early 2010s, 4G, or “fourth generation,” cellular networks represented a significant advancement in wireless telecommunications technology. These networks offer several key features and improvements over their predecessors, 3G networks.

Welcome to the age of data!

4G was designed to provide faster data speeds, lower latency and improved network capabilities compared to the previous 3G (third generation) networks. 4G provides data rates that can range from 100 Mbps (megabits per second) to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) or more, depending on the specific technology and network infrastructure.

Major advancements in cellular technology, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) began to emerge around the 4G introduction time. LTE, in particular, became one of the most widely adopted 4G technologies, offering high-speed data and IP-based services, which laid the foundation for the modern smartphone and mobile data experience.

Technologies: LTE (Long-Term Evolution): LTE is a 4G technology that brought significant improvements in data speeds, capacity, and latency. It enables faster internet access, multimedia streaming, and supports VoIP services.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 150 Mbps to 300 Mbps (LTE), and up to 1 Gbps or higher (LTE-A)

Iterations: LTE Cat-M (LTE-M): LTE Cat-M is a low-power variation of LTE designed for IoT applications. It offers reduced data rates and lower power consumption, making it suitable for IoT devices with extended battery life requirements.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 1 Mbps

LTE Cat-NB1 (NB-IoT): LTE Cat-NB1, also known as Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), is another low-power variation of LTE optimised for IoT. It provides even lower data rates than LTE Cat-M and is ideal for applications with minimal data requirements.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 200 kbps

Common IoT Use Cases

LTE Cat-M: Environmental Monitoring: LTE Cat-M is often used for environmental monitoring applications, such as tracking air quality, temperature and humidity levels in urban areas.

LTE Cat-NB1: Smart Agriculture: NB-IoT is well-suited for smart agriculture, enabling farmers to monitor soil conditions, irrigation and livestock remotely.

Availability in EU, UK, and US: 4G networks, including LTE and its variations, have extensive coverage in key markets like the EU, UK and the US. They are the prevalent cellular technology for high-speed data services and are available in urban and rural areas.

5G – Fifth Generation

The latest and most advanced generation of cellular network technology, 5G, short for “fifth generation,” is succeeding and in many cases co-existing with 4G. It represents a significant leap forward in wireless telecommunications, offering several key features and improvements.

5G started to roll out in the later 2010s and is expected to revolutionise various industries, enhance user experiences, and drive innovation in technology.

While 5G networks were initially deployed in major cities and urban areas, they continue to expand to cover more regions, offering benefits such as high-speed, low-latency connectivity to a growing number of users and devices.

This technology represents a fundamental shift in how we connect and communicate, providing a platform for the future of digital and technological advancement.

Technologies: 5G NR (New Radio): 5G NR is the latest cellular technology, bringing unprecedented data speeds, ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity and support for emerging technologies like IoT and AR/VR.

Common Bandwidth Availability: Up to 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps or higher

Common IoT Use Case: Industrial Automation: 5G’s high data rates, low latency and massive device connectivity make it ideal for industrial automation applications. It enables real-time monitoring and control of machines and processes in manufacturing and industrial settings.

Availability in EU, UK, and US: 5G deployments are expanding rapidly in key markets like the EU, UK, and the US. While coverage is concentrated in urban areas initially, efforts are underway to expand 5G networks to suburban and rural regions.

At Pelion we support customers on all generations of cellular networks. If you have existing connectivity and want to know how to migrate our team of experts can help design, architect and advise on how to get that done.

Need advice? Chat to us about your specific connectivity requirements!

Cellular communication has evolved over the years to support a wide range of IoT use cases. Each generation, from 2G to 5G, offers different data rates, bandwidths, and capabilities to meet the specific requirements of various IoT applications. From asset tracking on 2G to industrial automation on 5G, the advancements in cellular communication have revolutionised the IoT landscape, enabling innovative and transformative solutions across industries.

Glossary

IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that can collect, exchange and act upon data without human intervention.

2G, 3G, 4G, 5G: Generations of cellular communication technologies, each offering different data rates, capacities and capabilities.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications): The first widely used digital cellular network technology.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): An extension of GSM that introduced packet-switched data transmission.

EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution): An enhancement of GPRS that offers higher data rates and improved efficiency.

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): A 3G technology that brought faster data rates and mobile internet access.

HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access): An enhancement of UMTS, offering higher data rates and improved network efficiency.

LTE (Long-Term Evolution): A 4G technology that brought significant improvements in data speeds and capacity.

LTE Cat-M (LTE-M): A low-power variation of LTE designed for IoT applications with reduced data rates and power consumption.

LTE Cat-NB1 (NB-IoT): Another low-power variation of LTE optimized for IoT applications with minimal data requirements.

5G NR (New Radio): The latest cellular technology offering unprecedented data speeds, low latency, and massive device connectivity.

Smart Metering: The use of IoT devices for remote data collection from utility meters for billing and analytics purposes.

Asset Tracking: The use of IoT devices to track and monitor the location and status of valuable assets during transit.

Environmental Monitoring: The use of IoT devices to track and analyse environmental parameters like air quality and temperature.

Smart Agriculture: The use of IoT devices to monitor and optimize agricultural processes and resources.

Industrial Automation: The use of IoT devices and 5G connectivity to enable real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes and machines.

The glossary provides definitions of key terms and acronyms used in the article, helping readers better understand the concepts related to cellular communication types for IoT applications. Availability information highlights the widespread deployment of each technology in the key markets of EU, UK and the US.