Will Cat.1 replace NB-IoT?

Will Cat.1 replace NB-IoT?

　　 Cat.1 in 2020 seems to have exploded overnight. Of course, this is related to its own cost advantage, and it is also related to 2G/3G retiring to 4G. Does it mean that NB-IoT will be replaced by Cat.1?

　　 When the 3GPP organization formulated the LTE standard, Cat.X was used to measure the wireless performance of user terminal equipment. In short, it is the terminal rate level. According to 3GPP Release definition: Cat.1-5 is in R8 group, Cat.6-8 is in R10 group, Cat.9-10 is in R11 group, Cat.13-15 is in R12 group, Cat.M1, Cat.NB-1 In the R13 group.

Cat.1, Cat.M1 (eMTC) and Cat.NB-1 (NB-IoT) are specifically for the Internet of Things market. The rates of these three are also from high to low. Among them, Cat.1's upstream peak rate is only 5Mbit /s, the downlink peak rate is 10Mbit/s.

　　In terms of network cost, LTE Cat.1 can seamlessly connect to the existing LTE network. There is no need to upgrade or build new base stations for software and hardware. There is no risk of compatibility and the cost of network coverage is very low.

On the chip, the LTE Cat.1 module based on the Cat.1 chip platform has stronger advantages in speed and latency compared to the NB-IoT and 2G modules in the same scenario; compared with the traditional LTE Cat.4 module The group has higher integration and lower power consumption, while adapting to the current domestic 4G network.

　　 After system optimization, Cat.1 has higher integration, simpler module hardware architecture, and lower peripheral hardware cost. Therefore, most domestic module manufacturers have their own Cat.1 module products. At present, some manufacturers' Cat 1 modules have successfully completed the testing and storage of operators.　

Compared with NB-IoT and 2G modules, Cat.1 has advantages in network coverage, speed and delay. Compared with traditional LTE Cat.4 modules, it has the advantages of low cost and low power consumption, and has The same millisecond-level transmission delay, and supports a moving speed above 100KM/H.

　　 Does it mean that NB-IoT will be replaced by Cat.1?

　　NB-IoT will of course not be completely replaced by Cat.1. First, in the market distribution of cellular connections, high-speed connections account for 10%, medium-speed connections account for 30%, and low-speed narrowband connections account for 60%. In other words, NB-IoT's current market share of 60% far exceeds Cat.1.

　　 Secondly, compared to Cat.1, the NB-IoT industry chain is relatively mature.

　　 Third, Cat.1 and NB-IoT have different market positioning. It is meaningless to compare the two in terms of commercial scenarios, network characteristics, or module costs. "Cat.1 and NB-IoT will become effective means to undertake 2G/3G transfer services. NB-IoT will meet low-speed requirements, and Cat.1 will meet medium-speed requirements and voice requirements."