LTE-M – the new GSM

Rohde & Schwarz offers comprehensive test solutions to cover the most demanding LTE-M / eMTC test requirements – from design to production and deployment

3GPP started to specify low complexity UE for machine-type communication (MTC) that allow single RF chain half-duplex operations as early as Release 12. Defined as the new LTE category 0 (Cat 0), it required support of the full LTE carrier bandwidth to receive the LTE control information. As part of the enhanced MTC (eMTC) activities, Release 13 specified bandwidth-reduced low-complexity (BL) UE. The first network deployments for the new Cat M1 started in North America in late 2017. In the future, the very flexible numerology of 5G NR will also allow LTE-M deployment.

The unique feature set of LTE-M

LTE-M is sometimes also called the new GSM for M2M/IoT. Beside global coverage and mobility, LTE-M also supports VoLTE with device costs comparable to GSM. This makes it very attractive for a several IoT applications, including devices with emergency call functions such as child trackers. Moreover, LTE-M can reduce battery consumption and improve indoor coverage. It was initially limited to a bandwidth of 1.4 MHz (Cat M1) and some coverage enhancements feature like frequency hopping and subframe repetitions (CE modes A/B). In order to meet the requirement for more data throughput in Release 14, the new Cat M2 was introduced allowing the optional use of 5 MHz bandwidth. A battery life of more than 10 years calls for specific power saving features like PSM, eDRX or release assistance indication (RAI). Moreover, the introduction of LTE-M and NB-IoT required an optimized core architecture to be specified that allows, for example, the transmission of user data via the control plane and early data transmission (EDT).

The unique feature set of LTE-M

Your LTE-M test challenges

LTE-M and the bandwidth-reduced low-complexity UEs are based on LTE with some optimizations. Hence, the majority of test applications are very similar to testing an LTE modem. However, specific application features require particular attention. For example, detailed analysis and optimization of power consumption under different configurations and operational models is highly recommend to ensure a battery life of more than 10 years. Operations under indoor coverage conditions require best-in-class RF and antenna designs, which are ideally verified by over-the-air testing. It is also recommended to analyze the impact of different CE levels on power consumption and latency as well as operations under different fading conditions. End-to-end application testing including VoLTE and, in particular, verifying secure and private communications behavior is also of interest.

Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz LTE-M test solutions

Complete set of solution covering tests for base stations, chips, modules and devices
Test solutions for every area – from R&D to production and service
Best-in-class solutions for conformance, preconformance and operator acceptance testing

R&S®CMW500 protocol conformance tester

The ideal tool – used by all major IoT design companies and test labs to verify and certify correct IoT signaling behavior.

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R&S®CMW290 functional radio communication tester

The cost-efficient test solution for functional testing of cellular IoT devices and modules supporting NB-IoT and LTE-M.

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R&S®SMBV100B vector signal generator

An ideal combination of performance and usability. Supports the generation of LTE-M uplink and downlink signals.

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R&S®FPL1000 spectrum analyzer

Fast and simple LTE spectrum analysis with solid RF performance, lightweight design and a small footprint.

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Related resources

Power saving methods for LTE-M and NB-IoT devices

This white paper describes the possible power saving methods for LTE-M and NB-IoT devices and gives a guideline of their applicability.

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Get your free LTE-M poster

Get a quick overview of the technology components specified in 3GPP Releases 13 up to 15 for LTE-M. Sign up and receive your free poster.

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Let’s talk IoT – The easy way of lab testing under real world conditions

The video demonstrates the easy-to-use Field-to-Lab test solution from Rohde & Schwarz that brings real network conditions to the lab.

Let’s talk IoT – The everlasting demand for optimizing IoT power consumption

The video explains these features and demonstrates how you can test and optimize the power consumption of your IoT device to achieve a 10 years battery life.

Let’s talk IoT – 5G mMTC: What will happen with NB-IoT and LTE-M in 5G?

But today, everyone is talking about 5G mMTC. So what will happen with NB-IoT and LTE-M in 5G? This video provides the answer.

Webinar: Secure or not secure? Analysis of IP security mechanisms in IoT and mobile devices