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Why doesn't Cat m1 support Ethernet?

To understand the differences between the LTE Cat 4 and LTE Cat M1 chips, we need to consider the functionalities and purposes of each.

LTE Cat 4 belongs to the fourth category of LTE technology and is typically used in devices like smartphones, tablets, and routers. This chip supports up to 150Mbps download and 50Mbps upload speeds, making it suitable for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. Additionally, it is designed to support various connection options, including Ethernet connectivity.

In contrast, LTE Cat M1 is a type of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology, specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Although LTE Cat M1 supports relatively low data rates (up to 1Mbps), it is highly energy-efficient and can maintain connectivity over extensive areas. IoT devices generally focus on minimizing energy consumption while operating reliably over large ranges, so they typically emphasize simple wireless connections over complex Ethernet functionalities.

The main reasons why LTE Cat M1 chips do not support Ethernet include:

• Energy Efficiency: Ethernet connectivity requires additional power, which contradicts the design goals of battery-operated IoT devices.
• Implementation Costs: Supporting Ethernet hardware necessitates extra physical space and costs. Cost efficiency is also a critical consideration for IoT devices.
• Applicability: Most IoT devices are placed in remote or hard-to-access locations, making wireless connections more suitable.

Ultimately, LTE Cat M1 chips are designed to meet specific use cases and requirements, and typically do not include Ethernet support because it does not align with their purpose.

However, depending on the application, there can be instances where Cat M1 might need Ethernet support, such as in the case of the LTE-Ethernet-Gateway project mentioned.

Thin(Lightweight) Gateway?

A "Thin Gateway" is a simplified network gateway designed to work in environments with limited resources, often used in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Here are the main points about thin gateways:

Minimal Resource Use: Thin gateways are made to operate efficiently with limited CPU, memory, and storage. This helps reduce energy use, cut costs, and keep the size small.
Specialized Operating Systems: Instead of using traditional operating systems like Linux, these gateways often run on RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) or simplified firmware. This reduces system complexity, shortens boot times, and improves handling of real-time tasks.
Focused Features: Thin gateways mainly focus on collecting and sending data, and basic processing. More complex data analysis or processing is usually done in the cloud or on a server.
Network Connections: These gateways support various network standards and protocols to communicate with sensors and other IoT devices. They commonly support Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, and may also connect via cellular networks like LTE or 5G.
Security: Despite their limited resources, thin gateways use simple yet effective security measures like authentication and encryption to ensure data safety within the network.
Thin gateways are ideal for managing and operating IoT networks efficiently in resource-limited settings, offering cost-effective and quick deployment, making them especially useful in smart homes, industrial automation, and smart cities.
 

This program is designed to set up an LTE-Ethernet Gateway using the nRF9160 chip. It allows a device connected to Ethernet to communicate with a server via LTE. Thanks to port mapping, you can connect several devices to the Ethernet side.