What is Cellular IoT?
Cellular IoT is an increasingly popular choice for connecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing a reliable and scalable solution for businesses deploying devices across various locations.
While Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and Bluetooth are often discussed, cellular connectivity offers unique advantages that make it a strong contender for many IoT applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Cellular IoT is, its benefits, challenges, and use cases, and how to get started with deploying cellular-connected IoT devices.
What is Cellular IoT?
Cellular IoT refers to the use of cellular networks—such as 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT—to connect IoT devices to the internet. Unlike Wi-Fi or LoRaWAN, cellular networks offer wide coverage, robust security, and minimal reliance on third-party networks.
Why Choose Cellular IoT?
The Challenges of Alternative Connectivity Options
Many businesses start with Wi-Fi, but they often encounter obstacles such as:
- Dependence on local IT teams to manage networks
- Frequent password updates causing connection disruptions
- Inconsistent coverage and reliability
- Requirement to register device MAC addresses
LoRaWAN, while excellent for low-power applications, has its limitations:
- Requires businesses to deploy and maintain their own LoRaWAN infrastructure
- Struggles with high-bandwidth tasks such as firmware updates
Cellular IoT addresses these challenges by offering a plug-and-play solution with wide coverage and minimal infrastructure setup.
Benefits of Cellular IoT
1. Global Coverage
Cellular IoT operates in many countries and supports multiple networks, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale internationally.
2. Reliable and Secure Connectivity
Unlike Wi-Fi, cellular networks are managed by professional telecom providers, ensuring high availability and security.
3. Simplified Deployment
With cellular IoT, businesses don’t have to worry about local IT policies or network availability. Devices connect automatically to available cellular networks.
4. Cost-Effective for Large-Scale Deployments
While cellular connectivity has traditionally been considered expensive, modern plans cater to IoT needs with competitive pricing and flexible data plans.
Addressing Common Concerns
1. Is Cellular IoT Expensive?
Many assume cellular IoT is costly, but pricing has become highly competitive. For example, Soracom offers European IoT connectivity at £0.27 for 25MB per month, with scalable plans for higher or lower data requirements.
2. What Happens in Areas Without 5G?
Cellular IoT solutions can operate on multiple network types, including 2G, 3G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, ensuring devices remain connected even in areas with limited coverage.
3. How Does Cellular IoT Handle Remote Locations?
For extreme cases, satellite IoT solutions complement cellular networks, ensuring connectivity even in mining, agriculture, or offshore deployments.
How to Get Started with Cellular IoT
1. Choose the Right SIM
Select from physical SIMs, eSIMs, or iSIMs depending on your device requirements. Soracom provides IoT SIMs that connect to multiple networks worldwide.
2. Select a Compatible IoT Device
Ensure your IoT device supports cellular connectivity, whether through embedded modules, USB dongles, or external routers.
3. Deploy and Monitor Connectivity
Leverage cloud-based dashboards to monitor data usage, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and optimise costs.
The Benefits of Cellular for IoT
Cellular IoT provides a scalable, secure, and globally available connectivity solution for IoT deployments. Whether you’re rolling out smart HVAC systems, connected vehicles, or retail solutions, cellular connectivity ensures consistent performance without the headaches of managing local networks.
If you’re considering cellular IoT for your next project, contact Soracom to discuss the best connectivity solutions for your needs.