IoT Modules: Which One Is Right for Your Deployment?
By The Telit Cinterion Team
July 31, 2025
Modules
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized how we interact with technology. IoT links our cell phones to:
- Vehicles
- Appliances
- Utilities
- Transportation
- City architecture
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Table of Contents
IoT Expansion and the Role of Modules
By 2030, the number of IoT devices worldwide is expected to reach 32.1 billion and continue to climb. IoT offers limitless remote opportunities to manage the minutiae of everyday life. With the internet and an app, consumers can:
- Adjust the temperature of their refrigerator or HVAC
- Track packages
- Purchase tickets for public transportation
- Remotely control lights and ceiling fans
- Track fitness benchmarks and monitor vital signs
- Start their washing machine
- View visitors through security cameras
- Monitor livestock
Smart cities use IoT for smart grids and to provide enhanced security and surveillance. Smart cities connect:
- Public transportation
- Traffic cameras
- Utility meters
- Parking garages
- Streetlights
IoT modules — small computing devices that connect objects to wireless networks — are essential components of any IoT deployment. These core enablers manage the collection, storage and transmission of data. Ensuring modules function securely and consistently is crucial for a successful IoT deployment.
As with most technological advancements, there are risks to safety and security that must be addressed.
To ensure you select the best module and supplier for your next project, it is essential to understand:
- Security risks
- Module sustainability
- Deployment reach
Which Module Is Right for You?
Is your business ready to scale its operations and infrastructure to support additional users? If you want to increase your connected devices and services, consider:
- Your project’s size and scope
- Projected power requirements of your project
- The environment in which you’ll be deploying connected devices
- The required range, data volume and accuracy
- How long the device will be in the field
- The security requirements and geopolitical context of the project
Numerous providers manufacture chipsets with similar specifications. To identify the top IoT module, look beyond basic data sheets that list module specs side by side.
Focus on risks related to the module and the manufacturer:
- Reliability
- Reach
- Scalability
- Sustainability
What to Consider in a Module Provider
The module must be adaptable and capable of switching connectivity as needed, especially for large projects that require future-proofing and upgrades. Likewise, the module vendor’s expertise should include connectivity and life cycle management.
Avoid Risks
Suppliers that do not guarantee users’ intellectual property (IP) rights leave them vulnerable to claims of IP infringement. Providers who do not implement a multi-layered security approach jeopardize the security of their systems.
In the United States, the Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal agencies have banned certain foreign technology providers due to national security concerns. When selecting an IoT module vendor, choose one with:
- A transparent supply chain
- Secure manufacturing practices
- No ties to restricted entities
The vendor should provide clear visibility into where components are sourced and assembled and offer dependable connectivity options. This helps ensure your deployment remains compliant and secure, even amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.
It’s crucial to work with industry leaders who can develop modules from the ground up, customized to fit your needs. Look for vendors with a well-established and evolving product library, as well as expert-backed service and support.
Their modules must deliver end-to-end security, covering everything from the device and module to the application and connectivity. Your provider should oversee security throughout the entire life cycle of the module.
IoT Module Sustainability and Future-Proofing
The cellular landscape is evolving rapidly. Your IoT partner must be equipped to adapt to technological shifts in real time. With 5G widely deployed across North America and expanding globally, broadband cellular has reached new heights in:
- Speed
- Latency
- Reliability
5G New Radio (NR) reduced capability (RedCap) has become the go-to solution for mid-speed, cost-sensitive use cases, like:
- Wearables
- Industrial sensors
- Smart city infrastructure
5G NR RedCap — with enhanced energy efficiency and integration into 5G networks — provides a future-proof alternative to legacy LTE-M and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).
While North American carriers have largely phased out 2G and 3G networks in favor of 5G, parts of Europe and Asia still rely on older LTE systems. Some regions continue to support limited 2G and 3G connections. This disparity makes it essential to choose a provider that offers global connectivity plans.
Modules that easily integrate with existing systems allow for wireless, future-proof upgrades. IoT module providers with global experience have an advantage over regional competitors.
Flexibility
Consistent connectivity is essential to your project’s success. However, maintaining always-on network access can be difficult without flexibility in operations. Choosing a module partner with versatile connectivity options keeps devices connected during outages or provider loss. Operational flexibility supports your use case, enabling expansion and scaling.
Choose the Right IoT Module Provider
Choosing the right IoT module provider is essential for the long-term success of your deployment. Beyond hardware, your provider should offer a combination of:
- Technical expertise
- Scalable products
- Dependable support
Seek a partner who can ensure supply continuity and meet global certifications while providing robust security throughout the module’s life cycle.
Questions for Your Potential Provider:
- What range of modules and supporting software do you provide?
- Which certifications do your modules have? Do you offer certification support?
- How have you prepared to counter security breaches and prevent compliance issues?
- Can you ensure consistent product availability and technical support throughout deployment, including future fleet expansions and geographic rollouts?
- What level of global support will be provided in a crisis?
Telit Cinterion — Your Global IoT Module Solution
Telit Cinterion has dedicated over 30 years to cellular module technology. Our extensive selection of affordable cellular modules suits a wide range of global solutions. We minimize risk through enhanced business practices and manufacturing processes. Our modules effortlessly integrate with older designs.
Our products and services include connectivity and life cycle management. We give you the flexibility to grow your fleet through bundles that enable your modules to switch between MNOs. We act as a development partner with extensive technical expertise, providing custom solutions throughout your deployment.
As leaders and early adopters of 5G and 5G NR RedCap, business leaders trust Telit Cinterion’s IoT-enabled solutions to expand the speed and security of their networks. Contact us to discover which module is best suited to meet your needs in the 5G era.
Key Takeaways
- The right IoT module must align with your project’s needs — like environmental conditions and power efficiency — while also meeting security standards.
- Partner with a provider that offers adaptable connectivity and global support. This helps prevent outages and ensures long-term scaling.
- A secure and sustainable module requires reliable hardware and a well-managed life cycle throughout its deployment.
Editor’s note: This blog was originally published on 28 June 2018 and has since been updated.
