LTE-M and NB-IoT is a part of 5G
LTE-M and NB-IoT were initially developed as part of 4G technology, but they have also become integral components of 5G systems. Specifically:
- Initial Development: LTE-M and NB-IoT were originally developed as part of the 4G LTE network to support Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
- Inclusion in 5G: The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has clarified that LTE-M and NB-IoT will continue to evolve as part of the 5G system to support 5G low-power wide-area (LPWA) use cases.
- IMT-2020 Compliance: 3GPP has indicated to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies will be submitted as candidate technologies to meet the IMT-2020 requirements for 5G LPWA.
- 5G Network Architecture: The 5G network architecture is designed to allow LTE-M and NB-IoT to coexist with other 5G New Radio (NR) components, such as enhanced mobile broadband and critical communications.
- Device Upgradability: Most currently deployed NB-IoT and LTE-M devices can support 5G NB-IoT and LTE-M functionalities through firmware upgrades, indicating their transition towards 5G.
- 3GPP Studies: 3GPP is studying mechanisms to allow NB-IoT and LTE-M to connect to the 5G core network, enabling future 5G systems to support LTE, NR, NB-IoT, and LTE-M using the same core network.
You also can check the detail from MOBILE IOTIN THE 5G FUTURE
Why Some One still think they are 4G?
- Technological Origins and Evolution:
CAT-M1 (LTE-M) and NB-IoT were initially developed as part of 4G LTE technology, specifically designed to support Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This is why many users still refer to them as 4G LTE technologies. - Integration into 5G:
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has clearly stated that LTE-M and NB-IoT will continue to evolve as part of the 5G system to support 5G low-power wide-area (LPWA) use cases. 3GPP has also indicated to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies will be submitted as candidate technologies to meet the IMT-2020 (5G) requirements. - Coexistence with 5G:
The architecture of 5G networks is designed to allow LTE-M and NB-IoT to coexist with other 5G New Radio (NR) components. This means that even after the full deployment of 5G, these technologies will continue to be utilized.
CAT-M1 and NB-IoT will outlast than 4G
Compared to standard 4G LTE, LTE-M and NB-IoT are expected to have a longer service lifespan. This is due to several factors:
- They are designed to support long-term IoT applications.
- They have been integrated into 5G standards, ensuring future compatibility.
- Most currently deployed NB-IoT and LTE-M devices can support 5G functionalities through firmware upgrades.
Future Developments:
Major telecommunications operators are investing in these technologies and plan to support them in the long term. For example, AT&T and Verizon have launched LTE-M, while T-Mobile has rolled out NB-IoT.
3GPP is exploring mechanisms to allow NB-IoT and LTE-M to connect to the 5G core network, enabling future 5G systems to support LTE, NR, NB-IoT, and LTE-M using the same core network.
Conclusion
LTE-M and NB-IoT, initially developed as 4G technologies, have been incorporated into the 5G standards. This integration ensures their longevity, allowing operators to leverage existing LPWA investments and providing a smooth transition for IoT applications from 4G to 5G. As a result, these technologies will play a significant role in the future of 5G networks.
