RAT Type (Radio Access Technology)

Cellular networks rely on various Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to enable wireless communication between devices and mobile networks. Understanding RAT types is essential when working with IoT devices, especially those deployed globally or across different generations of mobile networks.

Below is an overview of the most common RAT types relevant to IoT deployments:

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2G – GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

• Also Known As: GSM, GPRS, EDGE

• Technology Name: GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network)

• Use Case: Legacy support for low-bandwidth IoT

• Typical Applications:

  • Basic telemetry

  • SMS-based M2M communication

  • Utility metering

• Status: Being sunset in many regions; check regional availability before deployment.

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3G – UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+

• Also Known As: UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network)

• Use Case: Moderate-bandwidth IoT with improved data rates over 2G

• Typical Applications:

  • Remote monitoring

  • Asset tracking

  • Emergency alert systems

• Status: Gradually phased out in favor of LTE; some countries have already shut down 3G networks.

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4G – LTE / LTE-A / CAT 1 BIS

• Also Known As: E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network)

• Use Case: High-speed, real-time IoT

• Typical Applications:

  • Video surveillance

  • Smart city sensors

  • Industrial automation

• Variants:

  • LTE Advanced (LTE-A)

  • LTE Cat 1, Cat 4

  • LTE Cat 1 BIS – optimized for single-antenna IoT devices

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NB-IoT – Narrowband IoT

• Type: LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network)

• Use Case: Deep indoor coverage, ultra-low power consumption

• Typical Applications:

  • Smart meters

  • Smart agriculture

  • Environmental sensors

• Characteristics:

  • Operates within LTE spectrum

  • Minimal bandwidth (200 kHz)

  • Uplink-focused communication

• Limitation: Limited to stationary or low-mobility use cases

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LTE-M – LTE for Machines (LTE Cat M1)

• Type: LPWAN (but with LTE heritage)

• Use Case: Versatile IoT connectivity with mobility and voice

• Typical Applications:

  • Wearables

  • Mobile asset tracking

  • Alarm systems with VoLTE support

• Advantages Over NB-IoT:

  • Supports handover

  • Higher throughput

  • Lower latency

  • Voice support via VoLTE

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RAT Type Identifiers (RAT Codes)

In many technical interfaces, logs, and APIs (such as SIM diagnostics or network mappings), RAT types are referenced by numeric codes. Below is a mapping of those codes to their human-readable names:

RAT Code	RAT Name
1	UTRAN (3G)
2	GERAN (2G)
6	E-UTRAN (4G or CAT-M)
8	NB-IoT
9	CAT-M (LTE-M)

Notes:

• RAT Code 6 may represent either standard LTE (4G) or CAT-M, depending on device and context.

• RAT Code 9 is more explicitly used for LTE-M (CAT-M1), where platforms support its differentiation.

• These codes are typically seen in network logs, API responses, modem AT command outputs, or connectivity dashboards such as the Monogoto hub, which is traslating the RAT with the actual tachnology icon.

4G technology in the Things details page

Additionally, the RAT type can be found inside the PCAP file. The generate PCAP, go to Monogoto hub and activate the Packet Capture integration.

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RAT Comparison Summary

RAT Type	Bandwidth	Mobility	Typical Use Case
2G (GSM)	Low	Yes	Legacy, SMS, basic M2M
3G (UMTS)	Medium	Yes	Tracking, monitoring
4G (LTE)	High	Yes	Real-time, high-speed IoT
NB-IoT	Very Low	No/Low	Static sensors, deep coverage
LTE-M	Low/Med	Yes	Mobile IoT, wearables, VoLTE devices