{"id":1285,"date":"2012-05-05T05:24:10","date_gmt":"2012-05-05T12:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/m2msupport.net\/m2msupport\/?page_id=1285"},"modified":"2018-12-08T22:31:35","modified_gmt":"2018-12-09T06:31:35","slug":"a-guide-to-module-selection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/m2msupport.net\/m2msupport\/a-guide-to-module-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Module Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following is the generic guideline for selecting wireless modules for M2M projects.
\nForm Factor<\/strong>
\nThe main criteria for form factor is the size.
\nPCIe Modules<\/a> – This form factor is standards-based that are primary used in mobile computing devices such as laptops, netbooks etc. However the dimensions (50x31x5 mm) of PCIe Modules<\/a>  are typically too big for M2M applications.
\nLGA Modules<\/a> – Land Grid Array (LGA) modules uses surface mount technology. LGA Modules<\/a> are suitable for M2M applications where size is an important consideration. From a mechanical perspective, LGA modules are also better than PCIe or board-to-board modules. LGA Modules<\/a> also have better heat dissipation capabilities. Since LGA modules are soldered on to the host devices, it is not easy to replace them when the devices are returned.
\nBoard-to-Board Connector Modules<\/a> – These are the most commonly used in M2M applciations. The important consideration here is the forward compatibility, ie being able to updrage the technology while maintaining the same footprint and interfaces. Board-to-Board connector modules are easy to replace, however the connector interface is not robust as LGA interface.<\/p>\n

Technology<\/strong>
\nThe technology choice is really between CDMA(10 – 15% market share) and GSM (80 -85% market share). The prevalence of GSM systems around the world implies that GSM-based modules are generally cheaper than CDMA modules. In U.S, Verizon Wireless and Sprint has CDMA network, so those 2 carriers are the main market for CDMA-based modules. GSM-based modules can be launched on a world-wide market, although there is a considertion for frequency bands within different regions.
\nFrom a technology perspective, there is also a considertion for 2G Vs 3G modules. 2G modules<\/a> supports lower speeds and are cheaper, but 3G modules <\/a>which supports higher speed generally are more expensive. On the CDMA world, 1xRTT is considered 2G while EVDO is 3G. On the GSM side, GPRS\/EDGE are 2G while UMTS\/HSDPA\/HSPA+ are considered 3G. From a carrier perspective, 3G modules <\/a>are preferable because they use the wireless spectrum efficiently. Many are carriers, especially in U.S, are not planning to certify new 2G devices any more. Given the lower costs, 2G modules are still widely used in many parts of the world.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speed<\/strong>
\nThe uplink and downlink speeds of the modules are importation considertion for the M2M application. The choice of the modules will depend on the bandwidth requirement of the application.
\nBelow are the peak download and upload speeds of the modules. However the actual speeds are dependent on the network conditions. Generally the actual speeds are 40%-60% of the peak speeds.
\nDownload Speed   Upload Speed<\/strong>
\n———————————————————————
\nGPRS Modules <\/a>           86.5 Kbps        85.6 Kbps
\n1xRTT Modules <\/a>         153 Kbps          153 Kbps
\nEDGE Modules <\/a>          236.8 Kbps       236.8 Kbps
\nUMTS Modules <\/a>          384 Kbps          384 Kbps
\nEVDO Modules <\/a>           3.1 Mbps          1.8 Mbps
\nHSDPA 3.6 Modules <\/a>   3.6 Mbps         384 Kbps
\nHSDPA 7.1 Modules <\/a>    7.2 Mbps        5.76 Mbps
\nHSDPA 14.4 Modules <\/a>  14.4 Mbps      5.76 Mbps
\nHSPA+ 21 Modules <\/a>        21 Mbps       5.76 Mbps
\nDC-HSPA+ 42 Modules<\/a>  42 Mbps       5.76 Mbps
\nLTE Modules <\/a>                  100 Mbps        50 Mbps<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Features<\/strong>
\nAll modules provides celluar connectivity at different speeds (see above). These are some of the features that are generally available on the modules.<\/p>\n