Cellular technology is a key part of many connected products we use today. As more products with built-in cellular capabilities are being developed, understanding how the cellular networks they run on is vital. Certifying these products once they’re developed is another obstacle many companies understandably struggle to comprehend.
Cellular-connected products have expanded far beyond mobile phones. Consumer wearables are used to track personal health and fitness goals, as well as talking and texting with friends right from your smartwatch.
Most modern cars even contain a cell modem. This enables the driver to navigate, make phone calls, send text messages, and change the music with simply voice prompt.
Remote monitoring is increasingly becoming a key feature in the agriculture world. AgriTech is the new buzz word spinning around this industry in recent years, as agriculture has traditionally been slow to adopt technology. Cell technology is used in a massive variety of equipment in order to monitor and yield higher production.
All of these incredible products run on cell technology which enables wireless communication between devices by using radio waves to transmit signals, that serve as designated “cell” regions. One doesn’t just simply create a cellular connected product. There are many hurdles to jump through to ensure yours works properly and pass all certifications.
Understanding Cellular Technology
While each new generation of cellular brings significant improvements, the core principles remain the same. When cell devices are active, they send radio waves to the nearest cell tower. These towers connect to Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs), which manage call and message routing, handovers when devices move between cells, and communication with the broader network.
Frequency Bands
Cellular networks rely on specific frequency bands to transmit radio signals between devices and towers. These include broader categories like low, high, and ultra-high frequency, as well as specialized sub-bands such as C-band and Ku-band. The choice of frequency influences how a network performs.
Knowing which frequency your product should be ran on determines how the signals travel. The main frequency ranges are Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF).
- Low Frequency: LF has a range of 30-300 kHz. Long-range navigation commonly uses LF due to its wide coverage, especially in rural areas.
- High Frequency: HF has a higher bandwidth than low frequency, but a smaller range. Shortwave radio operates on HF.
- Very High Frequency: VHF, operating between 30 and 300 MHz, is used for television broadcasting, two-way radio systems, and long-range data communication, among other things.
- Ultra High Frequency: UHF is the most used frequency for cellular networks. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite connections all operate on UHF.
C-band, X-band, and Ku-band are three of the high-frequency subbands used for 5G and satellite communication. C-band is used for 5G because it balances high speed and coverage. The military uses the X-band sub-band for radar and satellite operations. Ku-band is often used for satellite TV and space-based internet. Ka-band runs mmWave 5G, providing high speed in a short range.
Cellular mainly operates on UHF and microwave frequencies, with newer networks expanding into C-band and mmWave for their fast speeds.
Main Cellular Technologies for Product Integration
Cellular technology has progressed through multiple generations, each building on the last to improve speed, reliability, and functionality. Here we’ve outlined the key developments and capabilities of each generation to hopefully provide a better understanding:
2G Cellular Technology
Second generation cellular, or 2G, was launched in 1991. 2G encrypted voice calls and introduced SMS. It made mobile communication accessible to the general public. 2G set the stage for rapid advancement in cellular, providing the foundation that 3G, 4G, and 5G would build upon within the next 30 years. Though 2G was the founding father of cellular networks, by today’s standards, it has massive vulnerabilities and limited network bandwidth. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the standard that governs 2G networks.
3G Cellular Technology
Introduced in 2001, 3G improved on 2G’s data transfer speed and voice quality. This allowed cell phone users to extend their reach from a cell tower without dropped calls or voice delays. 3G also significantly increased internet speeds, becoming the first to support video streaming. HSPA, High Speed Packet Access, is an enhanced version of 3G with faster data speeds. Still nowhere near today’s standards, but a vast improvement from 2G.
4G LTE Cellular Technology
4G LTE, launching in 2009, infinitely improved upon 3G’s capabilities, with support for HD video streaming, video conferencing, and downloading large files. 4G LTE laid the groundwork for remote work, due to its capability in supporting video conferencing and large amounts of data. This completely revolutionized how we communicate with one another around the world.
5G NR Cellular Technology
5G NR is the latest cellular generation, launching in 2019. 5G supports up to 10-20 Gbps, 4K video streaming, and large file downloads. 5G also supports more devices at once than previous generations. 5G is integral to smart systems, including smart factories, smart cities, transportation, AgTech, and more.
LPWANs
Not all applications require the fastest, most powerful networks. Low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) like NB-IoT, LTE-M, and LoRaWAN save on costs for users when they need wide coverage but don’t need to complete complex or data-heavy operations. LPWANs are commonly used for collecting sensor data in smart systems.
How to Choose the Right Cellular Technology for Your Product
All the different types of cell technology we’ve discussed is overwhelming. What does my product need? How fast does my product need to connect? Do I need high-speed data or just periodic messages? What type of coverage do you need? The list can be endless.
When choosing which cell technology to use with your product, consider your data requirements and what response time is needed. While 5G is the fastest generation, 4G LTE has wider coverage. Also, consider the future of your product. How easy is it to upgrade your product to a more advanced cell technology for the next generation? All of these are questions you should ask yourself when deciding on a cellular network.
Other considerations include power consumption, cost, scalability, and security. Sensors used on a farm are more desirable if they have a longer battery life. 4G and 5G are more expensive than 2G and 3G, but 2G and 3G products may need to be upgraded to a newer generation as earlier generations begin to be phased out. 5G currently provides the most scalability options for users.
Certifying Your Cellular Product
Multiple certifications are required when preparing cellular-enabled products for market. In the US, the FCC regulates all wireless communication. It certifies radio frequency devices, confirming they operate safely and do not interfere with other communication systems. On the other hand, the PTCRB certifies products work properly and meet the standards needed to operate on wireless networks. Pivot has designed and passed PTCRB certification on our customer’s wireless asset tracking device.
Whereas the PTCRB certifies products for the North American market, products that will be sold in the European market instead of, or in addition to, North America must obtain GCF certification. Governments do not require GCF certification, though it is required in products that are sold to GCF operators. GCF certification confirms interoperability and builds trust with consumers that products will be effective.
Product certification is the necessary and vital process by which regulatory bodies approve your product, ensuring it is safe, effective, doesn’t interfere with other devices, and properly communicates with the cellular network.
Regulatory Compliance
There is not one single standard for product certification. Each country or region has its own systems for certifying products. In the US, the FCC does product certification, while in the EU and UK, the CE marking demonstrates regulatory compliance. Most countries also mandate electromagnetic compatibility and specific absorption rate certification; in the US, this is done by the FCC.
Government regulations are not the only certifications that cellular devices require. Mobile network operators (MNOs) also certify devices to ensure they will function correctly on their networks.
To sell products internationally, certifications must be obtained from each country where the product is sent to market. Though this can be a lengthy process, certifications protect companies and consumers, building trust that the product is safe and high quality.
The Typical Certification Workflow
Since countries have different regulatory requirements and certifications. it is important to have a plan and understand target markets before beginning the certification process.
Prior to sending your product to be certified, conduct pre-compliance testing. In-house testing is often more efficient and cost-effective, but third-party labs are more likely to catch design flaws missed internally. Accredited testing laboratories and certification bodies (CABs) verify that products meet safety and regulatory standards. Labs conduct technical tests, while CABs review results and issue certifications for global markets. If working with a third-party testing lab, choose one that is accredited for your target market and experienced with your type of product.
Submitting a Product for Testing
Testing labs will provide their own lists for documentation submission, but schematics, user manuals, and a bill of materials (BOM) are all typical documents that you must send in. To submit a product for testing, send the documents and physical product to the testing lab or certification body. Make sure you maintain detailed and accurate records throughout the development process in order to have a smooth testing and certification process.
Above all, test early and often. Resolving issues in the early stages of product development is easier than doing it later on, and regularly update yourself on regulations and standards in case there are changes.
As you can see, bringing a cellular-connected product to market requires careful attention to technical and regulatory details. Understanding how cell networks function and what certifications apply to your target market help avoid costly delays during development. Working with a partner can make this complex process smooth and easy.
Pivot International is experienced in developing and certifying cellular products for the North American and European markets. By planning ahead and working with experienced partners, you can streamline the certification process and ensure your product is ready for launch. To learn more about how our teams can help bring your product from concept to market, contact us today.
