# 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:

***

### 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.

***

### 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.

***

### 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

***

### 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

***

### 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

***

### 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:

<table><thead><tr><th width="127">RAT Code</th><th>RAT Name</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><code>1</code></td><td>UTRAN (3G)</td></tr><tr><td><code>2</code></td><td>GERAN (2G)</td></tr><tr><td><code>6</code></td><td>E-UTRAN (4G or CAT-M)</td></tr><tr><td><code>8</code></td><td>NB-IoT</td></tr><tr><td><code>9</code></td><td>CAT-M (LTE-M)</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### 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.

<figure><img src="https://3922449203-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M0mPxGpottOEfcucXOR%2Fuploads%2FCKsfPaux8KFZiJiYNkzp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=789ba3fb-95bd-4a8b-b989-c8147d82fd32" alt=""><figcaption><p>4G technology in the Things details page</p></figcaption></figure>

Additionally, the RAT type can be found inside the PCAP file. The generate PCAP, go to Monogoto hub and activate the [Packet Capture integration](https://docs.monogoto.io/hub/captures).

<figure><img src="https://3922449203-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M0mPxGpottOEfcucXOR%2Fuploads%2FE35fRGrjyripI3ILIQ7K%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7ac4136a-3cc5-450b-9378-3c58d1dec903" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### 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 |


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