How 4G LTE and Category 18 Enhance IoT Security

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Despite the current evolution in cellular technologies, 4G LTE is not sunsetting soon. It continues to play a vital role in global connectivity, especially in regions where 5G coverage is still expanding. 4G LTE is a cornerstone of mobile networks worldwide for multiple business cases due to its: 

• Mature infrastructure 
• Broad device compatibility 
• Reliable performance 

By 2030, more than 32.1 billion devices will join the global Internet of Things (IoT). With this growth in connectivity, what role will LTE Category (Cat) 18 play in providing secure wireless data? 

The Role of LTE Categories in IoT Expansion 

Various network protocols can connect IoT devices. Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Long-Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) and Cat 18 are standards for businesses. These technologies rely on larger datasets and increased use of edge devices. 

Cellular IoT technologies improve efficiency and save millions across industries. From fleet monitoring to smart city utility management, Cat 18 increases device speeds beyond the gigabit. 

LTE Categories 

Cellular technology is split into two branches to deliver high-speed data and low-power, low-throughput connectivity. The categories determine where cellular technologies are in the split. Cat 6 and above reach speeds up to 1 Gbps. 

4G LTE 

4G LTE high- and low-speed protocols differ from past wireless network types. They bridge the security gap for smarter, more resilient solutions worldwide. 

4G LTE networks introduce several security improvements over previous generations. 

Why 4G LTE and Category 18 Still Play a Critical Role 

As the global rollout of 5G, including 5G RedCap, increases, LTE Cat 18 remains a critical enabler of high-performance connectivity across multiple markets. Cat 18 delivers gigabit-class performance with:  

• Peak download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps 
• Advanced carrier aggregation 
• Support for 4 x 4 MIMO  

Cat 18 is especially relevant today due to its:  

• Broad device compatibility 
• Mature infrastructure 
• Cost efficiency 

This technology powers a range of business-critical applications, including:

• Enterprise SD-WAN solutions
• Fixed wireless access
• Industrial IoT gateways

LTE Cat 18’s robust security architecture ensures reliable communication that’s encrypted and authenticated. This is essential for all business sectors. 

With no global sunset plans for 4G LTE, Cat 18 is expected to coexist with 5G. It will serve as a dependable fallback and complement to next-gen networks. For businesses seeking scalable, high-speed connectivity without the complexity or cost of full 5G migration, LTE Cat 18 remains a smart, future-proof choice. 

Power vs. Security 

On the low-power, low-speed side, LTE-M and NB-IoT standards prioritize battery life and coverage over throughput. NB-IoT is optimized for:  

• Deep indoor coverage 
• Ultralow power 
• Massive device density 

LTE-M supports mobility and voice services (i.e., VoLTE). It offers higher data rates than NB-IoT, making it suitable for more interactive or mobile IoT applications like: 

• Wearables 
• Asset tracking 
• Health care monitoring 

Achieving an optimal balance between security and power consumption is critical for IoT devices. Technologies like LTE-M meet low-power requirements while maintaining security for applications characterized by minimal throughput and limited energy resources.  

Although LTE-M and NB-IoT are both 3GPP technologies, their security architectures differ from LTE’s, particularly at the protocol level. These differences stem from network optimizations that can involve security trade-offs. In limited cases, some NB-IoT optimizations may increase vulnerability to eavesdropping and data manipulation at the RAN layer. 

Stakeholders must assess protocol-level security constraints within the comprehensive final application threat model and relevant use cases to ensure effective security. This process enables risk assessment and helps identify mitigation strategies suitable for the application’s threat environment. 

How Secure Is 4G LTE? 

LTE remains a secure and essential part of modern mobile infrastructure. Its architecture continues to support mission-critical services across consumer, enterprise and industrial domains. 

Every technology requires the assessment of specific threat scenarios to understand potential residual risks. With appropriate network and device configuration, LTE continues to serve as a secure and reliable platform for both consumer and enterprise use cases. 

The 3GPP security architecture of the Evolved Packet System (EPS) protects the integrity of your network and controls traffic through: 

• Stronger algorithms 
• Authentication 
• Key agreement security gateways 

As defined by 3GPP TS 33.401, LTE’s security framework includes: 

• Mutual authentication (EPS-AKA)
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-based encryption (128-EEA2)
• Integrity protection (128-EIA2)

These mechanisms ensure that both the device and the network validate each other, protecting against rogue base stations and unauthorized access.  

Mobile Broadband Innovations

In the professional world, mobile devices are a necessity. Across industries, mobile phones provide access to essential data. Examples include: 

• Medical professionals remotely check heart monitors and vital signs  
• City networks send out emergency responses 
• Delivery companies track fleets and shipped goods 
• Distributors monitor the health of produce in transit to retailers 

Many modules today are future-proof and will remain current well into 5G’s life cycle. These innovations will decrease costs and transform how mobile broadband is used in everyday business solutions. 

Security strategies for mobile broadband applications:  

• Ensure continuous network service availability  
• Strengthen multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) integration for rapid packet deployment 

The Future of Cellular Networks 

Mobile technology is the gold standard for IoT connectivity in the age of LTE speeds.

When connected via cellular, phone apps can: 

• Track steps 
• Stream media 
• Host video conferences 
• Sync home lighting preferences 
• Remotely control the temperature of cars and homes 

Smarter, faster mobile devices don’t need upgraded hardware every two years due to:  

• SIM-less technology 
• Reliable batteries 
• Aggregation of licensed and unlicensed spectrum 
• Upgradeable software 

Soon, energy usage and profiles will be configured in conjunction with the smart grid. Cars will wirelessly charge in parking garages. 

Secure Mobile Broadband Connectivity with 4G LTE and Category 18 

Your network is only as strong as the components within. Ensure you have a robust framework of checkpoints and security measures to prevent cyberattacks and breaches. 

Telit Cinterion offers a wide range of secure, globally certified modules. We deliver the highest speeds supported by cellular networks for all solution providers and integrators. 

Speak with our experts to discover how our cellular 4G LTE and Category 18 modules can keep your IoT deployment secure. 

Key Takeaways 

• LTE Cat 18 reaches ultrafast speeds of 1 Gbps, which allows businesses to transmit large data sets quickly and reliably. 
• Devices using 4G LTE and Category 18 outperform many wired connections in real-world applications.
• Standards like LTE-M and NB-IoT provide a reasonable trade-off for security for multiple use cases. They enable billions of global networked devices to operate efficiently. 

Editor’s note: This blog was originally published on 24 April 2019 and has since been updated.