The Basics of Future-Proofing IoT Devices: What You Need to Know

In the world of IoT device development change is the only constant. While each new generation of cellular technology has improved upon the speed, efficiency, and capabilities of the last, their releases have also led to the obsolescence of older networks.

For IoT developers, this reality creates a difficult question: how can you choose the right connectivity for your device when the technology is constantly evolving? Older networks like 3G have already been shut down, and 4G networks are expected to follow suit in the not-so-distant future. As 5G rolls out, IoT developers are having to stop and think - how do they choose a cellular connection that won’t be obsolete halfway through their product’s lifespan?

What to Consider When Choosing IoT Connectivity

Here are some key factors to weigh as you evaluate options:

Geography

The location of your devices plays a big role in choosing connectivity. In areas with solid cellular coverage, standard networks might work well. However, for more remote locations, you may need to look at satellite or private networks that can cover areas where traditional cellular signals fall short.

Access

Even if your devices are in areas with good cellular coverage, accessing networks can still be a challenge. Some environments may require extra permissions or face technical barriers, such as enterprise Wi-Fi systems that have complex security protocols, limited network access, or require VPN configurations. It’s important to ensure that your devices can easily and reliably connect wherever they are deployed.

Performance Requirements

Understanding what your IoT device needs to do will help you select the right connectivity solution. Low-bandwidth applications, like simple environmental sensors, don’t need much speed or latency. But for applications that involve real-time data, video feeds, or machine monitoring, you’ll need a solution that can handle higher speeds and lower latency without compromising performance.

Power Consumption

Battery-powered devices often need to last for years on a single charge, which makes low-power connectivity essential. Technologies like CAT-M1, NB-IoT, and LoRaWAN can help minimize power consumption, ensuring your devices continue to operate effectively without frequent recharging, especially in remote locations.

Total Cost

While initial hardware costs are important, be sure to consider the full picture. Data plans, network certifications, and long-term maintenance costs will all affect the overall price of ownership. A cheaper initial solution might end up being more expensive over time due to higher ongoing costs.

Mobility

If your IoT devices are mobile, like those in vehicles or shipping containers, your solution must be able to handle transitions between different networks or regions. This is particularly critical for global deployments, where coverage may vary from one area to another.

Longevity

IoT devices often have lifecycles of 5-10 years, so it’s crucial to choose a connectivity solution that will still be supported throughout that time. Make sure you choose a solution with an upgrade path or support for newer networks like 5G.

Cellular Technologies Tailored for IoT Device Development

Let’s take a closer look at the cellular technologies most often used for IoT—and how they stack up.

Each option comes with trade-offs in performance, cost, power consumption, and long-term viability. Choosing the right one depends on what your device needs to do, where it operates, and how long it needs to stay in the field.

CAT 1

CAT 1 delivers relatively high data speeds (up to 10 Mbps downlink) and supports applications that require voice or video. It’s been widely deployed and enjoys strong global support. The main drawback? Most CAT 1 modules require two antennas, which can drive up the cost and increase design complexity, especially in space-constrained or cost-sensitive devices.

CAT 1 bis

CAT 1 bis offers the same capabilities as CAT 1 but only needs a single antenna. That makes it easier to integrate into smaller form factors and reduces hardware costs—without giving up much in performance. It’s gaining traction in the IoT space, particularly for devices that need modest throughput but still want the benefits of mature LTE infrastructure.

CAT-M1 (also known as LTE-M)

CAT-M1 is often the go-to for many IoT applications because it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. It offers decent data rates (up to 1 Mbps), long-range coverage (even indoors or underground), and operates with very low power consumption. It also supports voice (VoLTE), which is useful for certain use cases like emergency alerting or wearables. Since it’s part of the official 5G roadmap, CAT-M1 offers a degree of future-proofing that’s especially important for long-lived deployments.

NB-IoT

Narrowband IoT is engineered for the lowest power and bandwidth scenarios—think meters, environmental sensors, and simple asset trackers. It’s incredibly power-efficient and inexpensive, but it trades off latency and throughput to get there. While ideal for very basic communications, regional carrier support varies, and it lacks support for mobility and voice, which limits its use in some applications.

5G RedCap (Reduced Capability)

5G RedCap is designed to bring 5G-level performance to IoT deployments without the full complexity and cost of traditional 5G devices. It sits between CAT-M1 and full 5G in terms of capability, offering faster speeds and lower latency than LTE-based options, but with lower power demands than full-blown 5G. RedCap is still in its early days, so module availability and carrier support may lag for now, but it’s something to watch for as the ecosystem matures.

Choosing the Right Module

Once you’ve chosen the right connectivity path for your IoT device, the next major decision is selecting a cellular module. That choice can influence everything from your hardware layout and certification timeline to long-term maintenance and scalability. It’s not just about technical specs—it’s about setting your product up for success in the real world.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you evaluate modules:

Vendor Maturity

Stick with reputable module vendors who offer long-term support and cross-compatible footprints.

Flexibility

Consider modules that support both CAT 1 and CAT-M1 in the same design to give you more deployment options.

Global vs. Regional

Choose based on where your devices will operate—global modules cost more but offer broader compatibility.

Carrier Certification

Understand the certification path. Even “pre-certified” modules often require additional steps depending on your application.

Fallback Options

Especially for global deployments, having 2G or 3G fallback may still be necessary in some regions.

5G Readiness

Select modules with a roadmap toward 5G to future-proof your product.

Partnering for Long-Term Success

Navigating the world of IoT connectivity is complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Choosing the right technology partner can help you avoid costly missteps and streamline your path from development to deployment. A strong partner will offer you flexibility, insight, and tools to help your solution evolve alongside network infrastructure.

To dive deeper into these considerations—and see real-world strategies in action—check out our recorded webinar with our friends at TagoIO. We cover the key choices that go into future-proofing IoT connectivity and share examples of how the right platform and connectivity decisions can make all the difference.

Watch the webinar now and get practical insights that can save you time, money, and headaches as you build your next IoT solution.