What is the Cat-M cellular network?
GoSafer Security Knowledge Base
This operational reference is organized for GoSafer Security customers and staff. Alarm.com product names are retained where required for technical accuracy.
Overview
The Cat-M network is a portion of the LTE cellular network, dedicated to low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Compared to traditional (Cat-1) LTE, it has a smaller bandwidth and slower upload speeds but is capable of handling significantly more devices through its unique way of controlling traffic on the cell towers. One of the primary advantages of Cat-M is that it utilizes flexible power-saving modes to drastically increase the battery life of devices. For example, Cat-M devices like Alarm.com Flex IO® sensors communicate over the cellular network when needed (for example, when the sensor is opened or closed, tampered with, or has a low battery) and conserve power when the device is idle. Note: Alarm.com Flex IO® sensors are currently only available on CAT-M Verizon and CAT-M AT&T.
| Platform | General / Device |
|---|---|
| Content type | FAQ / Explanation |
| Source last updated | 2023-11-15 |
Procedure
The Cat-M network is a portion of the LTE cellular network, dedicated to low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Compared to traditional (Cat-1) LTE, it has a smaller bandwidth and slower upload speeds but is capable of handling significantly more devices through its unique way of controlling traffic on the cell towers.
One of the primary advantages of Cat-M is that it utilizes flexible power-saving modes to drastically increase the battery life of devices. For example, Cat-M devices like Alarm.com Flex IO® sensors communicate over the cellular network when needed (for example, when the sensor is opened or closed, tampered with, or has a low battery) and conserve power when the device is idle.
Note: Alarm.com Flex IO® sensors are currently only available on CAT-M Verizon and CAT-M AT&T.
Source and support
For GoSafer Security assistance, visit gosafersecurity.com.
Original Alarm.com reference: https://answers.alarm.com/Customer/Website_and_App/Cellular_Sensor/Alarm.com_Flex_IO_sensor/What_is_the_Cat-M_cellular_network
Always verify safety, installation, compatibility, and current UI details against the original manufacturer documentation before operational use.