Understanding Cellular Frequency Bands: LTE, 5G & NB-IoT Explained

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Which is the frequency band for 4G LTE ?

LTE, or Long-Term Evolution is designed to function across a range of frequency bands. Different cellular network operators hold licenses to operate in specific frequency bands and the main band for LTE in your area will depend on the service provider. LTE works on E-UTRA operating bands ranging from 450 MHz up to 3.8GHz.

What is Cellular IoT? Is it different from Mobile IoT?

Cellular IoT is a technology involved in IoT connectivity allowing physical objects to connect to the internet using the same infrastructure as cellular mobile devices. On the other hand, Mobile IoT refers to connecting specific IoT devices with standardized 3GPP low power wide area networks using licensed spectrum. LPWA networks are specially designed for IoT applications that demand low data rates and elongated battery lifespan.

What are the 5G frequency bands?

5G frequency bands or the 5G Spectrum utilizes the unused frequency bands in the spectrum. It is divided into 3 sections: Low-band (less than 1 GHz) , Mid-band (1 GHz to 6 GHz),and High band(24 GHz and above). The Frequency Range 1 (FR1) covers sub-6 GHz frequencies, ranging from 410 MHz up to 7125 MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) encompasses millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, which range from 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz.

What are LTE Bands and How Do They Affect IoT Connectivity?

LTE bands refer to specific ranges of frequencies used for cellular communication in LTE networks. These bands vary by region and operator. For IoT applications, the most commonly used LTE bands range from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz, enabling high-speed data transfer with low latency, ideal for connecting IoT devices efficiently.

How Does 5G Frequency Band Differ from LTE Bands?

5G frequency bands offer much higher data rates and lower latency compared to LTE. While LTE operates primarily in the sub-3 GHz range, 5G utilizes both sub-6 GHz (FR1) and mmWave frequencies (FR2) that can extend up to 71 GHz, offering faster speeds, more capacity, and improved connectivity for next-gen IoT applications.

What is the Role of Frequency Bands in Cellular IoT Devices?

Cellular IoT devices use specific frequency bands to communicate over mobile networks, ensuring reliable data transmission. Bands like LTE-M and NB-IoT operate in licensed spectrum, ensuring low interference, longer coverage, and extended battery life, making them suitable for wide-ranging IoT applications such as smart cities and industrial automation.

How Do Frequency Ranges Impact 5G IoT Applications?

The frequency range in 5G directly impacts its performance for IoT applications. Low-band 5G offers extensive coverage, while mid-band 5G provides a balance of coverage and speed. High-band (mmWave) offers ultra-fast speeds but is limited by range, making it ideal for high-density IoT use cases such as autonomous vehicles and smart manufacturing.