Understanding 4G Cat 1bis and 2G Fallback in Global IoT Asset Tracking

We are excited to announce the expansion of our battery-powered IoT asset tracking portfolio with the addition of 4G Cat 1bis and 2G connectivity!

For enterprises seeking asset visibility across different networks and borders where LTE-M or NB-IoT is not available, 4G Cat 1bis emerges as a comprehensive global connectivity solution.

Filling Global Coverage Gaps

Greater network coverage, lower device costs, and superior device functionality is moving IoT asset tracking toward a ‘mainstream’ enterprise requirement.

Amidst the global acceleration of 2G and 3G network sunsets, businesses worldwide are upgrading their asset tracking hardware to leverage LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT, specialized Low-Power Wide-Area Cellular Networks designed for the Internet of Things.

While LTE-M and NB-IoT offer specific advantages in IoT asset tracking, including longer battery life, improved range and penetration, and better performance, global coverage is limited. For enterprises seeking asset visibility across different networks and borders where LTE-M or NB-IoT is not available, 4G Cat 1bis emerges as a comprehensive global connectivity solution.

Leveraging 4G: Cat 1bis for Global Connectivity

The main objective of 4G Cat 1bis is to provide a cost-effective connectivity solution for IoT devices, especially GPS asset trackers, with reduced power consumption and smaller form factors, ensuring efficient operation in the dynamic IoT market.

LTE Cat 1, known as Consumer LTE or standard 4G, has been in use for many years and benefits from mature infrastructure available in most regions. As of 2022, 89% of the global population is covered by a 4G network.

LTE Cat 1bis builds upon this existing standard by offering a single antenna design, making it suitable for IoT devices.

Supplementing 4G Cat 1bis with 2G Fallback

Although 4G Cat 1bis coverage surpasses LTE-M and NB-IoT, there are many regions in the world that are still operating 2G (GSM) networks.

Combining 4G Cat 1bis connectivity with 2G fallback provides businesses with a comprehensive and robust asset tracking solution that can adapt to different connectivity scenarios and geographical regions.

Global Coverage: The use of 2G connectivity fallback ensures that our GPS tracking devices can connect to networks in regions where 4G Cat 1bis might not be available or fully rolled out. This means the device remains operational even in areas with limited or older connectivity options, providing wider global coverage.

Seamless Roaming: The 2G fallback capability facilitates seamless roaming, allowing the device to switch between 2G and 4G networks as needed, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity as the asset moves between different regions with varying network availability.

Future-Proofing: As 2G networks continue to sunset, our global devices can easily transition to 4G infrastructure without disruption or the need for costly upgrades.

Get Started with Digital Matter’s Global IoT Asset Tracking Device Range

Through the deployment of GPS asset tracking in global supply chains, businesses can optimize routes, reduce idle times, and enhance asset recovery security.

Additionally, IoT asset tracking technologies enable predictive maintenance, ensure compliance, and support data-driven decision-making, ultimately fostering increased efficiency and sustainability in the global marketplace.

The new Oyster3 Global and Remora3 Global GPS devices feature ‘deploy once’ battery life and enable asset tracking and management across most of the world’s cellular networks.

Featuring a broad range of over-the-air configurable parameters for scalable device management, Digital Matter’s asset tracking solutions are simple to integrate and ready for use on any existing platform.

To learn more about our global asset tracking solutions, please get in touch with our team today!