1157  Cellular IoT: Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review pulls together concepts from multiple chapters into focused learning modules:

  • Technology Selection - Compare NB-IoT, LTE-M, 4G, and 5G for different applications
  • Power and Cost - Configure PSM/eDRX and calculate deployment costs
  • Practical Skills - Use AT commands, troubleshoot issues, and select modules

Use this review when you already know what NB-IoT and LTE-M are and now want to compare them quantitatively and work through deployment scenarios.

If you find yourself unsure about basic terms (PSM, eDRX, PRB, RSRP), pause here and revisit the fundamentals chapters before proceeding.

1157.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this review series, you will be able to:

  • Compare Cellular Technologies: Evaluate NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 4G/5G for different IoT applications
  • Configure Power Modes: Implement PSM and eDRX to achieve 10+ year battery life
  • Select Modules: Choose appropriate cellular modules (SIM7000) for project requirements
  • Calculate Costs: Estimate monthly subscription and data costs for cellular IoT deployments
  • Use AT Commands: Control cellular modules through standard AT command interface
  • Plan Deployments: Design global IoT solutions leveraging existing cellular infrastructure

1157.2 Review Chapters

This comprehensive review has been organized into three focused chapters for easier learning:

1157.2.1 1. Technology Selection

Cellular IoT Technology Selection

Learn how to choose between NB-IoT, LTE-M, 4G LTE, and 5G for your IoT application:

  • Technology comparison tables (bandwidth, coverage, latency, cost)
  • Network architecture overview
  • Decision tree for technology selection
  • Common misconception: coverage vs mobility
  • Knowledge check with fleet tracking scenario

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

1157.2.2 2. Power and Cost Optimization

Cellular IoT Power and Cost Optimization

Master power saving modes and cost planning for long-term deployments:

  • PSM and eDRX configuration with AT commands
  • Battery life calculation methodology
  • Data plan cost analysis (1NCE, Hologram, Twilio, Particle)
  • TCO comparison for 10,000-device deployments
  • Knowledge check with smart meter PSM configuration

Estimated Time: 35 minutes

1157.2.3 3. Practical Implementation

Cellular IoT Practical Knowledge

Gain hands-on skills for working with cellular IoT modules:

  • Essential AT commands reference
  • Troubleshooting common issues (registration, PDP context, signal)
  • Module selection guide (SIM7020, SIM7000G, BG96)
  • Cellular vs LoRaWAN comparison exercise
  • Visual reference gallery with AI-generated figures

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

1157.3 Quick Reference

Technology Selection Summary:

Technology Best For Key Advantage
NB-IoT Static sensors, smart meters 164 dB MCL, 10+ year battery
LTE-M Asset tracking, wearables Full handover, VoLTE
4G LTE Video surveillance, gateways 10-150 Mbps bandwidth
5G mMTC Industrial automation <1 ms latency, 1M devices/km²

Power Mode Summary:

Mode Sleep Current Battery Life Use Case
Idle 15 mA 14 days Real-time messaging
eDRX 1.5 mA 1-2 years Hourly updates
PSM 10 µA 10+ years Daily readings

Cost Summary (10-year TCO per device):

Provider Model Cost Best For
1NCE Flat $10/10yr $10 Low-data, long-term
Hologram $0.60/mo + $0.40/MB $80+ Variable data
Particle $2.99/mo $360 Integrated platform

1157.4 Prerequisites

Required Chapters:

Total Estimated Time: 1.5 hours (all three chapters)

1157.5 What’s Next

After completing this review series, explore application-layer protocols:

  • MQTT - The most widely-used IoT messaging protocol
  • CoAP - Lightweight protocol for constrained NB-IoT devices
  • AMQP - Advanced message queuing for enterprise IoT

Interactive Learning Resources: