Choosing the Right Cellular Module for Your IoT Project
5G, LTE Cat-1, NB-IoT or Cat-M? A practical guide to matching a cellular module to your throughput, power and coverage needs.
Picking a cellular module is one of the most consequential decisions in an IoT design. Get it right and your device ships on time with reliable connectivity; get it wrong and you're re-spinning the board.
Match the technology to the use case
- 5G / LTE Cat-4+ — high throughput: gateways, routers, video.
- LTE Cat-1 / Cat-1 bis — the sweet spot for most trackers and telemetry.
- NB-IoT / LTE-M — ultra-low power, small payloads, long battery life.
Check the frequency bands
A module only works where its bands match the local operators. For Türkiye, verify support for LTE bands B1, B3, B7, B8 and B20. European "-EU/-EUX" variants usually cover these.
Don't forget certification and antennas
Regional certification and a matched antenna are as important as the module itself. When in doubt, ask our assistant or request a quote and we'll confirm compatibility.
The SpiFab team designs and sources connectivity hardware for connected products — from cellular modules to single-board computers and custom PCBs. With hands-on experience matching modules to real-world requirements, they write practical guides for makers and product teams. When they're not publishing, they're helping customers get the right part in stock and shipped.