IoT connectivity: choosing the right technology for your business

From asset-monitoring sensors and automated systems to industrial robots and drones, the Internet of Things (IoT) offers businesses powerful tools for optimizing operations and boosting efficiency. Realizing these benefits, however, requires reliable wireless connectivity to transmit real-time data.

But how do you choose between a range of options like 4G, 5G and LTE-M? How can you determine if public mobile connectivity is acceptable or if you’ll need a private mobile network? In this article, we offer some guidance to help businesses make more informed decisions about IoT connectivity. 

Comparing the four main types of cellular connectivity for IoT 

Most businesses already have a Wi-Fi network for wireless connectivity. That could be all you need to connect a limited number of fixed assets in a small location. But for larger facilities or outdoor spaces with numerous sensors deployed and connected machines constantly on the move, you want to look at cellular technology for IoT. 

That leads you to four main choices: 5G, 4G/LTE, LTE-M or a private mobile network.  

5G

5G provides the fastest connection speeds to support the most bandwidth-intensive applications, such as high-resolution video streaming from connected cameras. Its ultra-low latency makes it ideal for real-time applications such as autonomous vehicles, drones and factory robots. 5G can support up to 1,000 times more devices than 4G/LTE, making it essential for large-scale, high-density deployments like smart cities. 

Network slicing further sets 5G apart from previous generations of cellular technology. A network slice is a segment of a 5G network with bandwidth, latency and other parameters tailored to a specific application in a specific location. This assures the required quality of service at all times.  

If you choose 5G, keep in mind that there are two versions currently available: 5G standalone (SA) and 5G non-standalone (NSA). 5G Standalone (SA) architecture uses a 5G radio access network (RAN) and core network, making it a fully 5G system. In contrast, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture utilizes a 5G RAN for data but relies on a 4G/LTE core network for connection management and user data handling. 5G NSA still offers faster speeds, lower latency and more capacity compared to 4G/LTE, but lacks advanced features like network slicing and edge computing. If you think your business will one day require the performance and capabilities only a 5G SA network can offer, make sure your service provider has a roadmap for offering the advanced 5G experience. 

4G/LTE

While 5G represents the future of cellular technology, its advanced capabilities may exceed your current application needs. Availability may also be limited depending on the location of your IoT deployments. 5G network coverage may be incomplete in some rural/international areas. However, LTE remains a suitable option for many low-bandwidth IoT applications requiring wide coverage, such as asset tracking in transportation, logistics and smart city initiatives. LTE networks cover 99% of Canada's population, and their maturity can make them easier to integrate into existing systems or workflows than 5G.  

LTE modules and connectivity plans are often more affordable than their 5G counterparts. In some devices and operating modes, LTE even surpasses 5G in power efficiency, despite 5G's power-saving features. This makes LTE a cost-effective option for many IoT deployments. 

LTE-M

A low-power variant of LTE, LTE-M is ideal for intermittently transmitting small amounts of data from IoT devices. It's ideal for sensors like those monitoring waste bins or tanks. Its superior power efficiency extends battery life significantly compared to other cellular technologies, making it particularly suitable for remote or hard-to-reach deployments where battery replacement or other maintenance is challenging.  

LTE-M's cost-effectiveness and wide coverage stem from its use of existing 4G/LTE infrastructure, simplifying integration into current systems and reducing development time and costs. However, its lower throughput compared to other cellular technologies limits its suitability for high-bandwidth applications. 

Private mobile network

Once you’ve determined the best option for your IoT applications, there’s yet another choice to make — the one between public mobile connectivity and private mobile connectivity. 

5G, 4G/LTE or LTE-M private mobile networks offer the same basic capabilities as their public cellular network counterparts but with the network resources reserved for the exclusive use of a single organization. That means the network can be configured for the specific needs of the enterprise and its IoT applications, rather than the one-size-fits all approach of a public network. While public networks can experience performance variations due to high usage and congestion, particularly during public safety emergencies or large events, private mobile networks offer consistent performance crucial for mission-critical applications like industrial process control and autonomous vehicles. 

Private mobile networks also enhance security by keeping all data on-premises and only allowing access to specific devices with the corresponding SIMs/eSIMs, eliminating exposure to public network infrastructure. This ensures continuous control over sensitive data, a critical advantage for sectors like healthcare, finance and manufacturing. Furthermore, private networks extend connectivity to underserved areas, such as remote industrial sites or underground mines, powering IoT devices in challenging environments. 

Connect your IoT deployments with Bell 

There is no one best cellular technology for IoT deployments. The right choice for your business will depend on the nature of your IoT applications, your connectivity environment, your budget and several other factors.  

Looking for more clarity? Bell’s IoT experts can help you assess your connectivity needs and then design, implement and operate the best solutions for your business. Plus, our hardware certification program ensures that no matter what kind of mobile connectivity you choose, the IoT solutions we offer will perform optimally on our network. 

Visit our IoT connectivity page to learn more.