1148  Cellular IoT Fundamentals

1148.1 Overview

Cellular IoT encompasses technologies that enable Internet of Things devices to connect via cellular networks. This chapter series provides comprehensive coverage of NB-IoT, LTE-M, and related cellular IoT technologies, from fundamentals through deployment planning and hands-on implementation.

NoteKey Takeaway

In one sentence: Cellular IoT (NB-IoT and LTE-M) leverages existing mobile network infrastructure to connect distributed IoT devices without requiring gateway deployment, trading higher per-device data costs for zero infrastructure investment.

Remember this: Choose NB-IoT for stationary sensors needing 10+ year battery life and deep indoor coverage; choose LTE-M when devices move or need real-time response and voice capability.

1148.2 Chapter Series

This comprehensive guide to Cellular IoT is organized into six focused chapters:

1148.2.1 1. Cellular IoT Overview and Evolution

~2,500 words | Intermediate

Introduction to cellular IoT including network architecture, technology evolution from 2G to 5G, and key characteristics that differentiate cellular IoT from traditional connectivity.

  • What is Cellular IoT?
  • Cellular network architecture
  • Technology evolution timeline
  • 2G/3G sunset and migration

1148.2.2 2. NB-IoT vs LTE-M: Technology Comparison

~3,000 words | Intermediate

Deep technical comparison of NB-IoT and LTE-M covering specifications, deployment modes, coverage enhancement, and use case mapping.

  • Detailed technical specifications
  • Deployment modes (In-Band, Guard Band, Standalone)
  • Coverage Enhancement comparison
  • Use case selection framework
  • Dual-mode modules

1148.2.3 3. Cellular IoT Power Optimization

~3,500 words | Advanced

Comprehensive guide to power-saving technologies including PSM, eDRX, radio state machines, and signaling optimization strategies.

  • Power Save Mode (PSM) configuration
  • Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX)
  • Radio state machine optimization
  • Signaling optimization strategies
  • Time-Dependent Pricing (TDP)

1148.2.4 4. Cellular IoT Deployment Planning

~4,500 words | Advanced

Practical deployment guidance with worked examples for coverage analysis, handover planning, multi-carrier optimization, and carrier selection.

  • NB-IoT coverage analysis for smart meters
  • LTE-M handover planning for fleet tracking
  • Multi-carrier data plan optimization
  • Carrier selection for industrial IoT
  • Common pitfalls and solutions

1148.2.5 5. eSIM and Global IoT Deployment

~3,000 words | Advanced

eSIM technology, private cellular networks, and strategies for global IoT connectivity including CBRS spectrum and ROI calculations.

  • SIM technology evolution (traditional, eSIM, iSIM)
  • eSIM remote provisioning
  • Private LTE/5G networks
  • CBRS spectrum (US)
  • Technology selection flowchart

1148.2.6 6. LTE-M Interactive Lab

~4,000 words | Advanced

Hands-on Wokwi simulation demonstrating LTE-M concepts including network attach, handover, VoLTE, and power modes.

  • Complete ESP32 simulation code
  • LTE-M state machine demonstration
  • Handover and mobility simulation
  • VoLTE call demonstration
  • Challenge exercises

1148.3 Quick Reference

1148.3.1 Technology Selection

Use Case Technology Justification
Smart meters (basement) NB-IoT Deep coverage, 10+ year battery
Parking sensors NB-IoT Stationary, cost-sensitive
Fleet GPS tracking LTE-M Mobility, handover required
Emergency buttons LTE-M Low latency, VoLTE optional
Wearables LTE-M Mobility, moderate data
Global containers eSIM + NB-IoT Multi-carrier, cross-border

1148.3.2 Key Specifications

Parameter NB-IoT LTE-M
Data Rate 250 kbps 1 Mbps
Latency 1.6-10 s 10-15 ms
Mobility No Yes (160 km/h)
MCL 164 dB 156 dB
VoLTE No Yes
Battery Life 10+ years 5-10 years

1148.4 Learning Path

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': {'primaryColor':'#2C3E50','primaryTextColor':'#fff','primaryBorderColor':'#16A085','lineColor':'#16A085','secondaryColor':'#E67E22'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A["Overview"] --> B["Comparison"]
    B --> C["Power"]
    C --> D["Deployment"]
    D --> E["eSIM/Global"]
    E --> F["Lab"]

    style A fill:#2C3E50,color:#fff
    style B fill:#2C3E50,color:#fff
    style C fill:#16A085,color:#fff
    style D fill:#16A085,color:#fff
    style E fill:#E67E22,color:#fff
    style F fill:#E67E22,color:#fff

Recommended order: 1. Start with Overview for foundational understanding 2. Continue to Comparison for technology selection 3. Study Power Optimization for battery life 4. Apply Deployment Planning for real projects 5. Explore eSIM/Global for international deployments 6. Practice with the Interactive Lab

1148.6 What’s Next

Begin your cellular IoT journey with Cellular IoT Overview and Evolution, which covers the fundamentals of cellular networks and how they evolved to support IoT applications.