LTE 450 Enables Critical, Long-Range Communications
In this white paper, Quectel dives deep into the benefits of LTE 450 networks in long-range, critical communications.
LTE 450 connections utilize the 450MHz cellular band to provide robust, long-range connectivity with increased coverage and deeper signal penetration. The 450MHz frequency originated as a low frequency designated to 2G networks which are being retired across the world now. In spite of LTE 450 networks being available in many countries for many years, interest has been reignited as the industry moves into the LTE and 5G era.
The reason for this is that bands around 450MHz are well-suited to the demands of IoT devices and for critical applications ranging from smart grid and smart meter services to public safety applications. The 450MHz band is able to support CAT-M and narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) technologies and the physics of the band are ideal for large area coverage, which has enabled cellular providers to offer blanket coverage cost-effectively. An additional benefit is this reduces the power burden on IoT devices.
Comprehensive coverage demands lower power consumption by IoT devices so they remain connected and the deeper penetration of LTE 450MHz means devices can easily connect to a network without energy-draining repeated attempts. With national networks already rolled out in some countries, the arrival of CAT-M and NB-IoT have reinvigorated uptake and usage of the 450MHz band with significant support from industry organizations such as the 450MHz Alliance and 450 Connect in Germany.
LTE 450, is sometimes also known as Band 31, and describes networks using a 450MHz frequency, compared to the 900/1800/2100/2600 MHz of a typical public network. It is the band of choice for a number of operators in Western Europe and the US, with the Mobility Development Group reporting it is used by 115 operators in 60 countries across the world. There are a number of mobile devices which are purpose-built to support companies in using the LTE 450 network and this vendor list is growing as the opportunities for CAT-M and NB-IoT become clearer.
Download Quectel’s White Paper to dive deeper into LTE 450 networks and why they’re an ideal network for long-range, critical communications.
