LTE-M vs. NB-IoT
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
LTE-M (enhanced Machine-Type Communication / eMTC, 3GPP Cat-M1 and Cat-M2) is a licensed cellular IoT standard operating within 1.4 MHz to 5 MHz channel bandwidths. Delivering data rates up to 1 to 4 Mbps, it supports full cell tower handover mobility and Voice over LTE (VoLTE), making it ideal for vehicle asset tracking and emergency panic systems.
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT, standardized as 3GPP LTE Cat-NB1 in Rel-13 and Cat-NB2 in Rel-14) is a licensed cellular LPWAN standard. Utilizing a single 180 kHz PRB (Physical Resource Block), it delivers up to +20 dB coverage enhancement over standard LTE, enabling deep indoor penetration for underground water meters, smart grids, and smart cities.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
3GPP Specification
|
Release 13 (Cat-M1) / Release 14 (Cat-M2) | Release 13 (Cat-NB1) / Release 14 (Cat-NB2) |
|
Power Saving Features
|
PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX | PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX (extended Discontinuous Reception) |
|
Channel Bandwidth
|
1.4 MHz (Cat-M1: 6 LTE PRBs) / 5 MHz (Cat-M2) | — |
|
Peak Data Rates (Cat-M1)
|
1 Mbps Downlink / 1 Mbps Uplink | — |
|
Peak Data Rates (Cat-M2)
|
Up to 4 Mbps Downlink / 7 Mbps Uplink | — |
|
Voice Support
|
Native VoLTE (Voice over LTE) supported | — |
|
Mobility Support
|
Seamless Connected-Mode Cell Handover | — |
|
Carrier Channel Bandwidth
|
— | 180 kHz (equivalent to 1 standard LTE PRB) |
|
Deployment Modes
|
— | In-Band (within LTE carrier), Guard-Band (LTE edge), Standalone (re-farmed GSM 200 kHz) |
|
Peak Data Rates (Cat-NB2)
|
— | Up to 127 kbps Downlink / 159 kbps Uplink |
|
Link Budget / Coverage Gain
|
— | 164 dB (+20 dB gain over standard cellular) |
|
Connected Node Density
|
— | Up to 100,000 devices per cell |