Across the globe, M2M deployments continue to accelerate at a rapid pace and with operators continuing to upgrade networks with newer technologies, it calls to question what options and considerations should be weighed when deciding on cellular technologies to build M2M solutions today and for the future. 

When deploying a WWAN enabled M2M solution, it’s advisable for equipment providers to consider network coverage footprints, airtime costs, hardware costs, and time to market capabilities of the M2M module vendor. Determining the bandwidth (speed) requirements for each application and how long equipment is expected to remain in service is also important.

In many cases, M2M applications need minimal over-the-air throughput. Examples of this would be security panels or telemetry systems monitoring simple status of equipment. Even if 2G speeds are sufficient for these applications, the equipment provider should still carefully consider whether to use 2G, 3G or 4G.

Market Drivers and Considerations 

While operators in many markets will continue to  offer 2G networks for the foreseeable future, other network operators have already begun to cap existing 2G services, effectively initiating a transition to 3G and 4G technologies.

Given these market realities, it is important for OEMs and enterprises developing cellular M2M applications to think carefully about how 2G, 3G and 4G fit into their long-term roadmaps. When developing new cellular products and M2M solutions, OEMs and enterprises should adopt a scalable or a multi-mode approach that will allow them to operate effectively across a range of network technologies in order to address all the markets they need. 

There is no single right answer for all enterprises and all markets. However, by better understanding where different markets are headed and what will be involved in supporting newer cellular technologies, businesses can develop a sound framework to make informed decisions.  

Weighing the Cellular Options

• Continuing to Use 2G Technology

In European, Asian, African, and Middle East markets it makes good business sense to continue using 2G technology today while it is still widely available and cost effective. However, even organizations there should be designing new systems with upgradability in mind.

For example, some wireless technology vendors offer pin-to-pin and firmware compatibility among their 2G, 3G, and 4G modules. This greatly simplifies upgrading a product line from 2G services in the future, by allowing equipment providers to simply integrate a new wireless module into the devices they are already producing, rather than redesigning an entirely new device to change network technologies.  

• Moving to 3G Technology

Another approach is to leverage backward compatibility. Most 3G devices are designed to use 2G service if 3G is not available, so they can operate on both 2G and 3G networks. As a result, OEMs and enterprises can take the approach of using a 3G module in their devices today, even when deployed on a 2G network.

This approach affords greater long-term flexibility, especially in regions that are actively moving to 3G. It effectively allows OEMs and enterprises to sidestep the question of 2G versus 3G entirely, since their solution will support both.

• Taking a Multi-Mode Approach

To afford the greatest degree of business and technology flexibility, OEMs and enterprises might want to consider using a multi-mode device that supports both 2G and 3G services on multiple types of cellular networks (i.e., both GSM and CDMA). The multi-mode technique is already used in some M2M deployments, particularly in areas like transportation and field services, where devices are likely to cross national borders.

For many OEMs and enterprises developing M2M applications, a multi-mode approach represents the best way to “future-proof” the technology, as well as the business strategy. For example, if a network operator stops supporting 2G technology – or should a competing operator simply offer better contract terms in the future – the OEM or enterprise can change wireless technologies and even wireless networks without upgrading hardware.

Whichever approach OEMs and enterprises take, upgradability and scalability should be primary considerations in their solution designs. That means taking a longer-term view when making technology choices, but it also means making wise decisions in choosing a wireless technology partner that provides proven solutions to meet a wide range of deployment scenarios and meet future upgrade needs. 

Conclusion

When does it make sense to begin planning for 3G and 4G services?

For OEMs and enterprises looking to deploy GSM solutions in North America, Australia or Japan, it may be right now. Even in markets like those in Europe, however, where 2G services are still going strong, there will come a time when companies need to think about scaling beyond 2G-exclusive products. Depending on the application – a connected vending machine solution expected to operate in the field for five years versus a connected home security system expected to operate for 10 or more, for example – that time may come sooner rather than later.