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New Pins in the Map: The benefits of LTE-M Connectivity

Posted by Karl Crittenden on 27 November 2023
New Pins in the Map: The benefits of LTE-M Connectivity

New Pins in the Map: The benefits of LTE-M Connectivity

Viotel is pleased to share the news of our successful deployment of LTE-M enabled nodes across various countries, marking a significant step forward in our global expansion efforts. This achievement is made possible by our partnership with a new global roaming SIM provider, opening doors to borderless possibilities. From the remote locations of Australia and New Zealand, to the diverse industries in the USA, challenging environments in Canada, and the vibrant sectors of the Philippines and Colombia, these nodes represent our commitment to making reliable IoT products a reality worldwide.

Strategic Deployment for Global Solutions:

Our deployment strategy is not just about placing pins on a map; it's a commitment to providing reliable products and solutions globally. Viotel is now better positioned to cater to businesses across different sectors, adapting seamlessly to the unique challenges of asset management with Viotel IoT. This strategic approach ensures that our connectivity solutions meet the diverse needs of businesses on a global scale.

Viotel: Connectivity Anywhere, Anytime:

The standout feature of our nodes lies in their compatibility with LTE-M communications technology, offering a reliable connection wherever there's LTE-M coverage globally. Whether in a bustling city or a remote location, Viotel's nodes eliminate the need for switching SIM cards, complex device configurations, or additional expensive hardware like a gateway. It's a straightforward solution - turn on the device, and it starts transmitting. Explore the IoT deployment map to view countries where connectivity is available. This map illustrates the Mobile IoT commercial launches to-date, with more countries to deploy in the future.

Viotel Chief Operating Officer, Karl Crittenden, shares his perspective on this milestone: "It's about making use of IoT products straightforward and eliminating as many steps in traditional processes as possible - from the manufacturing facility in Australia to the end user. Our recent deployments open up a significant stride in international expansion and reseller opportunities." 

In countries where there is no LTE-M connectivity - we can offer multiconnectivity solutions including 4G, Wifi and Satellite options. Fallback communication options are often requirements for critical infrastructure which Viotel provides to customer on a regular basis.

LTE-M Vs NB-IoT

Understanding the nuances of LPWAN technologies is crucial, and Viotel acknowledges the distinctive features of LTE-M and NB-IoT. LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) are both Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies developed for the Internet of Things (IoT). While they share some similarities, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different use cases. Here are the key differences between LTE-M and NB-IoT:

  • Bandwidth and data Rates: 
    • LTE-M provides relatively higher data rates compared to NB-IoT. It offers higher bandwidth, making it suitable for applications that require more frequent data transfer, such as firmware updates or voice communication.
    • NB-IoT is designed for applications with lower data rate requirements. It operates at a lower bandwidth than LTE-M, making it more suitable for applications that involve intermittent and small data transmissions.
  • Latency:
    • LTE-M typically has lower latency compared to NB-IoT. Lower latency is beneficial for applications that require quicker response times, such as real-time monitoring and control systems.
    • NB-IoT tends to have higher latency compared to LTE-M. While this may not be critical for applications with sporadic data transmission needs, it might not be suitable for applications requiring rapid response times.
  • Mobility: 
    • LTE-M is designed to support mobile applications, making it suitable for use cases where devices need to move between different network cells while maintaining a continuous connection, such as asset tracking.
    • NB-IoT is optimised for stationary or low-mobility scenarios. It may not be as well-suited for applications involving frequent device movement.
  • Power Consumption:
    • While LTE-M is more power-efficient compared to traditional LTE networks, it generally consumes more power than NB-IoT. However, it strikes a balance between power efficiency and higher data rates.
    • NB-IoT is designed to be highly power-efficient, making it suitable for battery-operated devices with long deployment lifespans. It is optimised for scenarios where minimising power consumption is critical.
  • Use Cases:
    • LTE-M: Applications that benefit from additional features of higher data rates, lower latency, and mobility support are well-suited for LTE-M. Examples include structural health monitoring, smart meters, vehicle tracking, and critical asset infrastructure.
    • NB-IoT: NB-IoT is ideal for applications with low data rate requirements, long battery life, and minimal mobility, such as agricultural monitoring and environmental sensing.

Viotel's Commitment to Real-Time Data and Sustainability:

Our commitment to providing real-time data on a global scale led us to choose LTE-M due to its low latency, bandwidth, and mobility support. Viotel's dedication to sustainability is reflected in our impressive power consumption results with LTE-M. We've even pioneered an integrated solar power IoT device, eliminating unnecessary cabling and failure points.

In conclusion, Viotel's LTE-M nodes symbolise more than just connectivity; they represent a commitment to reliability, adaptability, and sustainability on a global scale. As we continue to break barriers in the world of IoT, Viotel invites businesses to join us in embracing the future of connected possibilities.

Author:Karl Crittenden
Tags:IoTviotelMedia release

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