4G Modules for Industrial and IoT Applications

4G as a Stable and Trusted Connectivity Solution

4G (LTE) is the fourth generation of cellular network technology, launched in 2006, and is still the most common connectivity standard for industrial and IoT applications. Although 5G is gradually gaining popularity, 4G modules are still commonly used due to their reliability, extensive network coverage, and the longevity of their availability. LTE-based solutions are thus likely to persist as an economical and practical solution for IoT applications that require stable and relatively high-speed connectivity in industries.

LTE Cat 1 vs. LTE Cat 4 – Performance Differences

LTE Cat 1 can download data at speeds of up to 10 Mbps and upload at speeds of up to 5 Mbps, which is suitable for applications that consume minimal power yet require reliable data transfer, including smart metering, industrial sensors, and asset tracking.

LTE Cat 4 offers much higher performance than Cat 1, offering download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps, which enables the use of applications like video streaming, digital signage, and high-bandwidth industrial communications.

VoLTE – High-Quality Voice Communication Over LTE

Moreover, the availability of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) means that LTE can be used to provide high-quality voice communications over the 4G network, and thus for mobile and enterprise voice applications.

Key Features of Our 4G IoT Modules

Our 4G IoT modules are developed to perform effectively in industrial applications and come with optional multi-GNSS capability for better positioning, as well as MIMO technology for improved signal reception and data transmission stability.

Industrial Applications and Future-Proof Connectivity

These features make them suitable for use in fleet management, rugged tablets, industrial PDAs, and smart grid applications. The long-term network support and compatibility with existing LTE infrastructure makes 4G modules a reliable and future-proof choice for industrial and IoT deployments.

Product ranges in 4G modules

EM7690 4G Cat-20 M.2 module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
EM7690 4G Cat-20 M.2 module

The EM7690 module enables global LTE-Advanced Pro connectivity with carrier approvals across NAM, EMEA, and APAC.

EM7590 4G Cat-13 M.2 module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
EM7590 4G Cat-13 M.2 module

The EM7590 offers global LTE-A connectivity with speeds up to 400 Mbps downlink and 150 Mbps uplink, supporting private LTE bands and FirstNet Band 14.

EM7595 4G Cat-12 M.2 module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
EM7595 4G Cat-12 M.2 module

The EM7595 LTE-A Cat-12 module offers global 4G connectivity, 600 Mbps downlink, and 150 Mbps uplink, supporting private LTE bands and FirstNet Band 14.

EM7565 4G Cat-12 M.2 module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
EM7565 4G Cat-12 M.2 module

The EM7565 module offers global 4G coverage with LTE-Advanced Pro Cat-12 speeds up to 600Mbps downlink and 150Mbps uplink.

EM7421 4G Cat-7 M.2 module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
EM7421 4G Cat-7 M.2 module

The EM7421 is an LTE-A Cat-7 M.2 module with 150 Mbps uplink, carrier aggregation, and private LTE support, ideal for industrial M2M and mobile computing.

MC7421 4G Cat-7 PCIe module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
MC7421 4G Cat-7 PCIe module

The MC7421 is an industrial-grade LTE-Advanced Cat-7 embedded module designed to provide high-speed connectivity for IoT applications.

RC7620 4G Cat-4 LGA module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
RC7620 4G Cat-4 LGA module

The RC7620 IoT module reduces TCO with an optional embedded SIM for global connectivity.

RC7620-1 4G Cat-1 LGA module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
RC7620-1 4G Cat-1 LGA module

The RC7620-1 module offers cost-effective global connectivity with an optional embedded SIM.

RC7120 4G Cat-1bis LGA module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
RC7120 4G Cat-1bis LGA module

The RC7120 IoT module supports 4G LTE Cat-1bis with 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink, ensuring power efficiency and device-to-cloud security.

WP7607 4G Cat-4 LGA module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
WP7607 4G Cat-4 LGA module

The WP7607 module offers reliable device-to-cloud connectivity with an integrated application processor, Legato® framework, edge/cloud APIs, optional GNSS, and ultra-low power operation.

WP7607-1 4G Cat-1 LGA module
Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless)
WP7607-1 4G Cat-1 LGA module

The WP7607-1 smart module enables secure, Linux-based IoT development on a single LTE Cat-1 platform—reducing system complexity and speeding up time-to-market.

LE270 4G Cat-1bis LGA module
Fibocom
LE270 4G Cat-1bis LGA module

LE270-EU is a high-performance LTE Cat-1 bis LGA module with LCC+LGA packaging supporting local 4G bands.

L610 4G Cat-1bis LGA module
Fibocom
L610 4G Cat-1bis LGA module

The L610-EU is a 4G LTE Cat 1 bis module designed for IoT applications needing reliable, low-to-medium data rates.

L610 4G Cat-1bis mPCIe module
Fibocom
L610 4G Cat-1bis mPCIe module

The L610-EU MiniPCIe is a 4G LTE Cat-1bis module in a Mini PCIe form factor, supporting FDD LTE and GSM 900/1800 MHz bands for European networks.

MC610 4G Cat-1bis LGA module
Fibocom
MC610 4G Cat-1bis LGA module

The MC610-EU-20 is an LTE Cat 1 bis module with GSM fallback, supporting VoLTE, audio, SMS, Wi-Fi scan, and BLE.

MC116 4G Cat-1 LGA module
Fibocom
MC116 4G Cat-1 LGA module

The MC116-EUL is a high-performance LTE Cat 1 module based on the Qualcomm platform, supporting LTE FDD, WCDMA, and GSM networks.

NL668 4G Cat-4 LGA module
Fibocom
NL668 4G Cat-4 LGA module

The Fibocom NL668-AM LTE Cat 4 module is well-suited for North American IoT applications, thanks to its combination of performance, reliability, and flexible connectivity options.

NL668 4G Cat-4 M.2 module
Fibocom
NL668 4G Cat-4 M.2 module

The Fibocom NL668-EAU-M.2 is an LTE Cat 4 module supporting LTE-TDD, LTE-FDD, WCDMA, and GSM across 15 frequency bands.

Whitepaper: Advancing IoT Connectivity with LTE Cat 1.bis technology

LTE Cat 1.bis is a cellular technology designed for the Internet of Things (IoT), introduced in 3GPP Release 13. Unlike LTE Cat 1, Cat 1.bis operates with a single antenna, reducing cost and size while maintaining the same data rates of up to 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink. Compared to LTE-M and NB-IoT, Cat 1.bis offers higher data rates while maintaining similar power efficiency.

This paper delves into IoT applications, shedding light on the diverse data rate requirements they entail. By dissecting LTE-M, NB-IoT, and LTE Cat 1.bis, the paper elucidates how these advancements address data rate challenges. Focussing on LTE Cat-1bis, a game-changer introduced in 3GPP Release 13.

Go to the Cat 1.bis Whitepaper

FAQs on 4G Modules and LTE Technology

4G FAQs

4G (Fourth Generation) is the mobile network standard that offers faster data transmission rates and a more stable connection compared to 3G. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a technology within 4G that enhances speed and reduces latency.

The choice between 4G and 5G modules depends on the application’s requirements.

4G modules are more suitable when:

  • *Cost efficiency** is a priority (lower hardware and subscription costs)
  • *Stable network coverage is required, especially in rural areas**
  • *Low power consumption is critical (e.g., battery-operated IoT devices**)
  • *Moderate data rates are sufficient (e.g., smart metering, logistics tracking, connected sensors**)
  • *Long-term support is needed, as 4G networks will remain operational**

5G modules are more suitable when:

  • *Very high data rates are required (e.g., video surveillance, industrial automation**)
  • *Ultra-low latency is essential (e.g., connected vehicles, AR/VR applications**)
  • *Massive connectivity is needed (e.g., smart cities with millions of sensors**)
  • *Network slicing or private 5G networks** are required

For many IoT and industrial applications, 4G remains sufficient, while 5G is beneficial for high-speed and real-time applications.

4G modules can be purchased directly from Acal BFi. We offer a wide range of LTE modules, including Cat 1, Cat 1bis, and Cat 4, designed for industrial and IoT applications. As a technical B2B partner, we provide support with selection, integration, and application-specific advice.

4G modules are available in different form factors depending on application and device requirements. Some of the most common include:

  • *M.2:** Compact form factor, often used in space-constrained devices
  • *Mini-PCI Express (mPCIe):** Backward-compatible with older connectors, offering a balance between size and functionality
  • *LGA (Land Grid Array): Directly soldered** onto the PCB, making it more compact than M.2 and mPCIe

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) enables voice calls over 4G networks, eliminating the need to fall back to 3G or 2G. This results in higher voice quality, faster call setup times, and the ability to use data and voice simultaneously.

LTE Cat 1bis is an optimized version of LTE Cat 1, specifically designed for cost-efficient and low-power IoT and M2M applications.

The main difference is that Cat 1bis requires only one antenna, whereas standard LTE Cat 1 requires two antennas. This leads to:

  • *Lower hardware costs**
  • *Reduced space requirements**
  • *Lower power consumption, making Cat 1bis ideal for compact, battery-powered devices**

  • *Cost efficiency: No second antenna needed → lower hardware costs**
  • *Lower power consumption: More suitable for battery-powered devices** compared to standard Cat 1
  • *Broad network coverage: Works on existing LTE networks worldwide**
  • *Better mobility than NB-IoT or LTE-M: Suitable for applications requiring higher data rates**

LTE Cat 1bis is an attractive alternative to LTE-M and NB-IoT when a higher data rate and better mobility are needed but at lower costs than traditional LTE Cat 1.

As 2G and 3G networks are being phased out, customers should transition to future-proof cellular technologies.

  • *LTE Cat 1bis and LTE Cat 1 are the best alternatives, offering global availability, cost efficiency, and compatibility with many existing applications**.
  • *For low-power IoT solutions:**
    • *LTE-M** (for mobile applications)
    • *NB-IoT** (for stationary sensors)
  • *For high-speed and low-latency applications:**
    • *5G RedCap, which is particularly relevant for industrial applications**

The best choice depends on network availability, power consumption requirements, and specific application needs.