LTE-M sim cards

The LTE M network has been specially developed for Internet of Things applications and is based on the reliable and secure 4G networks of the providers. The coverage of LTE M is stronger than a 2G network and has the advantage of a deeper penetration rate, which means that the coverage in mainly buildings is many times better. LTE M allows fast data transmission in an energy-efficient way and it is suitable for various applications that now work with 2G.

With LTE M communication, data is accessed from a device. A secured LTE M simcard is placed in a device. The APN provided by us must be configured in the device settings. The intelligent LTE M simcard then has access to the LTE M network. The device can then establish a successful connection and is assigned an IP address.

Firstly, LTE M is based on the GSMA's global 3GPP standard, which offers possibilities for roaming abroad. The available cellular modules for LTE M are also relatively inexpensive, because of half duplex and a narrower bandwidth. The LTE-M connected devices can also go into a so-called 'deep sleep' mode or only periodically wake up while connected, which ensures a longer life for devices that depend on a battery.

Practical examples of customers who implement LTE M simcards from Thingsdata for: remote reading of temperature, humidity, light intensity and CO2 values ​​by means of innovative sensors in greenhouse complexes in the agricultural sector, unlocking valuable data about the indoor climate with sensors that are installed in offices and schools and collect measurement data from inverters that are linked to solar systems.

What is Power Saving Mode (PSM)? PSM is a power-saving mode used in IoT devices operating on LTE-M and NB-IoT networks. This feature allows a device to remain in sleep mode for extended periods without losing its network connection. As a result, it doesn't need to reconnect upon waking, which saves energy. How does PSM work? 1. The device communicates a TAU (Tracking Area Update) Timer to the network, indicating how long it will remain inactive. 2. During this time, the device stays registered on the network but does not respond to incoming messages. 3. Once the defined period ends or when the device needs to send data, the connection is reactivated. Advantages of PSM • Minimal power consumption: In sleep mode, the device uses only a few microamperes. • Quick reconnection: Since it stays connected to the network, there's no need to search for a signal again. • Ideal for sensors and meters: Devices that send data sporadically can benefit greatly from PSM.

eDRX allows a device to reduce the frequency with which it listens for network traffic. This lowers power consumption and extends battery life. How does eDRX work? 1. The device sets an eDRX cycle to determine how often it will receive network messages. 2. This interval can range from a few seconds to several hours, depending on the settings. 3. During inactive periods, the device stays in sleep mode, reducing its energy usage. Advantages of eDRX • Lower power consumption than standard DRX due to less network activity. • Still reachable for incoming messages, but less frequently. • Suitable for IoT devices that receive data infrequently, such as trackers and alarms.