Multi-Tech announced a 4G-LTE Cat 1 version of its SocketModem Cell earlier this month. The device offers peak upload data rates of up to 5 Mbps and download data rates of up to 10 Mbps. It is meant for long lifetime IoT applications that require lower data rates (2G replacement) as well as battery- or solar-operated devices.
“OmniMetrix has used Multi-Tech cellular devices (2G, 3G, and LTE) for more than a decade, with great success,” said Harold Jarrett, Vice President and CTO, OmniMetrix LLC. “The new Cat 1 SocketModem allows us easy migration at a cost lower than building our own module.”
The new LTE Cat 1 device will be available for connectivity to Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile as well as Canadian operators, and will ship in November 2016. The SocketModem is an embedded device offering 4G-LTE, 3G-HSPA+, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA and now LTE Cat 1 functionality. The devices were designed to allow developers to add wireless communication to products with high reuse of hardware footprint, software integration and certifications to minimizing development time and expense, according to Multi-Tech.
“Users of the new LTE Cat 1 device will benefit from a lower cost, competitive with 2G GPRS or 1xRTT devices, as well as reduced power consumption when compared to earlier LTE devices designed for broadband data speeds,” said Daniel Quant, VP of Product Management at MultiTech. “We will continue to support and innovate solutions that support emerging cellular industry standards providing our customers with a wide range of options for their varied communications requirements.”
The company says some benefits of using its SocketModem include:
- Interchangeable communications devices
- Carrier-approved as an end device
- Quick-to-market
- Easy migration to future networks
Multitech’s original SocketModem embedded modem uses data and fax modem functionality for connect rates targeted at applications that periodically need to send or receive data over a standard telephone line. The company claims that the device’s small design allows OEMs to integrate a wide range of modem functions and speeds into any product platform.
The Universal Socket Developer’s Kit allows devs to plug in the communications device and use it as a serial modem for testing, programming and evaluation.
According to Multitech, benefits include:
- Fast data over standard phone line
- Integration and migration to future networks
Its features are:
- Data/fax modem solution, including the controller, data pump and DAA
- Universal Socket connectivity
- V.92/56K, V.34/33.6K, V.32bis/14.4K and V.22bis/2400 bps data rate options
The company claims its SocketModem embedded modem can be used in a variety of applications, including:
- Appliances
- ATM terminals
- Credit card and check verification systems
- Data collection
- Gas pumps
- Industrial and medical remote monitoring systems
- Point-of-sale terminals
- Remote diagnostics
- Remote metering
- Security systems
- Television set-top boxes
- Ticketing machines
- Vending/gaming machines
