Industrial IoT Ecosystem: Comparison of Major IoT Module Manufacturers, Communication Protocols, Network Elements, and Device Applications

Table of Contents

1. Definition and Importance of Industrial IoT

2. Comparison of Major IoT Module Manufacturers: Models, Solutions, and Market Trends

3. Manufacturer Trends and News

4. Industrial Communication Protocols and Application Scenarios

5. Industrial Network Elements: Components, Roles, and Scenarios

6. Industrial Router/Switch/Gateway/Modem: Differences and Applications

7. DTU and RTU: Integration of Data Transmission and Control

8. Conclusion

   
   

Introduction

In the digital era of 2025, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has become a pivotal force in advancing manufacturing, smart cities, and energy transformation. This ecosystem goes beyond mere device connectivity, integrating sensors, communication modules, network infrastructure, and intelligent analytics into a cohesive chain. Through these components, enterprises can achieve real-time data collection, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and improving system resilience. This article provides an in-depth analysis of major IoT module manufacturers' products and solutions, including Quectel, Fibocom, Meig, SIMCOM, Neoway, Sequans, Telit, and U-blox. It also explores the composition and roles of network elements in industrial communication, their typical application scenarios, and the distinctions and applications of industrial routers, switches, gateways, and modems, as well as the functional differences between DTU (Data Transfer Unit) and RTU (Remote Terminal Unit). These insights will help you understand how to build an efficient IIoT ecosystem. Innovative companies like Wavetel IoT focus on IoT terminal devices such as industrial routers, gateways, and modems, serving industries like energy, security, and smart manufacturing. In 2025, Wavetel IoT launched a new series of 5G industrial routers to support edge AI applications.

1. Definition and Importance of Industrial IoT

1.1 Definition of Industrial IoT

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the interconnection of devices, machines, and systems in industrial environments through sensors, actuators, communication modules, and cloud computing, forming an intelligent network for data collection, transmission, and analysis. IIoT encompasses not only physical devices (e.g., sensors, gateways, routers) but also software platforms and data analytics tools to optimize industrial processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce operational costs. The core of IIoT lies in seamless device communication and data-driven decision-making, with wide applications in smart manufacturing, energy management, transportation logistics, and smart cities. Unlike consumer IoT, IIoT emphasizes high reliability, low latency, and industrial-grade durability, ensuring stable operation in harsh environments (e.g., high temperature, humidity, or vibration).

1.2 Why Use Industrial IoT

The adoption of IIoT brings significant commercial and technical benefits to enterprises. Below are the key drivers:

• Improved Operational Efficiency: IIoT optimizes production processes through real-time data collection and analysis. For example, Siemens’ MindSphere platform uses sensor data to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime and boosting production efficiency by up to 20%.

• Predictive Maintenance: By monitoring equipment conditions (e.g., vibration, temperature), IIoT enables early fault detection, lowering maintenance costs. For instance, GE’s Predix platform predicts turbine failures in wind farms, saving millions in repair costs.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: IIoT integrates multisource data (e.g., production lines, supply chains) to support precise decision-making. Smart logistics, for example, uses IoT modules to track cargo locations, optimizing routes and reducing logistics costs by 10-15%.

• Enhanced Security: Industrial gateways and routers support encryption and VPNs, ensuring secure data transmission and protecting against cyberattacks, especially in smart grids and remote monitoring scenarios.

• Driving Digital Transformation: IIoT facilitates the transition from traditional industry to smart manufacturing. For example, Industry 4.0 leverages IIoT for automated production lines, with German manufacturers reporting a 30% increase in production flexibility.

• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: IIoT optimizes energy usage, such as smart meters using NB-IoT modules to monitor electricity consumption in real time, helping enterprises reduce energy use by 10-20% and supporting sustainability goals.

  
  

  

According to McKinsey, the IIoT market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, with 70% of global manufacturing enterprises planning to increase IIoT investments. Wavetel IoT is committed to delivering high-performance IIoT solutions to help enterprises realize these benefits.

2. Comparison of Major IoT Module Manufacturers: Models, Solutions, and Market Trends

IoT modules are critical components for connecting IIoT devices to the cloud, directly impacting system performance, cost, and reliability. According to the Berg Insight 2024 report (Cellular IoT Module Revenues Grew 13% to US$6.0 Billion in 2024), global cellular IoT module shipments reached 514 million units, up 22% year-over-year, with total revenues growing 13% to $6 billion. Chinese manufacturers like Quectel, Fibocom, and Meig dominate the market, while Telit and U-blox excel in high-reliability scenarios. The table below compares these manufacturers’ core products, supported communication solutions (e.g., 5G, LTE, NB-IoT), target scenarios, market share, and strengths/weaknesses.

Data Sources: Compiled from Counterpoint Research (Cellular IoT Market Q1 2025) and Berg Insight 2024 (Cellular IoT Module Revenues). 5G modules are expected to account for over 25% of total revenue in 2025, with RedCap and eRedCap emerging as new trends (5G IoT Modules Report).

3. Manufacturer Trends and News

3.1 Quectel

• Market Position: Largest global IoT module supplier, with 35-40% market share.

• Product Highlights: SC200V supports multimedia processing, FG360 targets FWA, SIM8260C-M2 supports 5G Sub-6GHz.

• News: Launched Wi-Fi HaLow module at CES 2025 for low-power, long-range connectivity (Quectel News). Partnered with PCI at CommunicAsia 2025 to showcase 5G industrial gateways with enhanced edge computing.

• Strengths: Supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 for high-performance scenarios; high reliability but costly.

  
  

3.2 Fibocom

• Product Highlights: FG370 supports MediaTek T830, LE270 series offers ultra-compact Cat 1bis modules.

• News: Launched AI for X stack in 2025, integrating AI for smart cities (IoT Now). MC610-GL module won a 2024 industry award for utility connectivity.

• Strengths: High AIoT integration; Weaknesses: Slow international market expansion.

  
  

3.3 Meig

• Product Highlights: SNM951 supports Android 12, SLM320 targets low-cost LTE applications.

• News: SNM951 won IOTE Gold Award in 2022; plans Hong Kong listing in 2025 to expand globally (Moomoo News).

• Strengths: Cost-competitive; Weaknesses: Slower 5G solution iteration.

  
  

3.4 SIMCOM

• Product Highlights: SIM7672 supports eSIM and Cat 1bis, SIM8260C-M2 supports 5G RedCap.

• News: Partnered with Kigen in 2024 to launch SIM7672 series, optimizing eSIM deployment (IoT For All).

• Strengths: RedCap reduces 5G deployment costs; Weaknesses: Needs power consumption optimization.

  
  

3.5 Neoway

• Product Highlights: N58 supports LTE Cat 1, Wi-Fi HaLow module for low-power scenarios.

• News: Showcased AIoT solutions at Embedded World 2025, focusing on energy management (Neoway News).

• Strengths: Reliable in energy scenarios; Weaknesses: Limited product diversity.

  
  

3.6 Sequans

• Product Highlights: Monarch 2 GM02S supports LTE-M/NB-IoT, Calliope 2 supports Cat 1bis.

• News: Launched dual-mode 4G/5G module with eRedCap support in 2025 (RCR Wireless).

• Strengths: Low-power design; Weaknesses: Small market scale.

  
  

3.7 Telit

• Product Highlights: LE310 supports Cat 1bis, SL871K2 integrates GNSS.

• News: Launched LE310 and SL871K2 modules in 2025, optimizing multi-band support (Telit News).

• Strengths: Strong GNSS integration; Weaknesses: Transition period post-Cinterion merger.

  
  

3.8 U-blox

• Product Highlights: MAYA-W4 supports Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth, SARA-R510 supports LTE.

• News: Sold cellular business to Trasna in 2025, impacting IoT market strategy (Bytesnap News).

• Strengths: Leading positioning technology; Weaknesses: Exiting cellular module market.

  
  

4. Industrial Communication Protocols and Application Scenarios

4.1 Industrial Communication Protocols

Industrial communication protocols are the "language" of the IIoT ecosystem, ensuring efficient and reliable data exchange between devices. Below are the main protocols and their typical applications:

4.2 Application Scenarios

• Modbus: Water treatment plants use Modbus RTU to connect PLCs and sensors for water quality data collection.

• OPC UA: Smart factories use OPC UA for cross-brand device communication, e.g., Siemens and Rockwell equipment integration.

• MQTT: Smart meters use NB-IoT modules with MQTT to upload electricity data to the cloud.

• PROFINET: Automotive production lines use PROFINET for real-time communication between robots and control systems.

• CANopen: Industrial elevator systems use CANopen to control motors and sensors.

  
  

5. Industrial Network Elements: Components, Roles, and Scenarios

The IIoT network comprises multiple elements, including sensors, actuators, gateways, routers, switches, and modems, which collectively enable data collection, transmission, and analysis. Below are their functions and application scenarios:

• Sensors (Perception Layer): Collect environmental data (e.g., temperature, pressure, vibration).

  • Role: Provide real-time monitoring data.

  • Scenario: In manufacturing, vibration sensors enable predictive maintenance, integrated with platforms like Siemens MindSphere.

  • Example: Honeywell industrial sensors for temperature monitoring in chemical plants.

• Actuators: Execute actions based on commands (e.g., opening valves, starting motors).

  • Role: Enable automated control.

  • Scenario: In smart agriculture, actuators control irrigation systems, as seen in John Deere’s precision agriculture solutions.

• Gateways: Connect devices to the cloud, supporting protocol conversion (e.g., Modbus to MQTT).

  • Role: Data aggregation, edge computing, security filtering.

  • Scenario: Factories use gateways to aggregate PLC data for AWS IoT Core.

  • Example: Advantech’s WISE series gateways support multiple protocols.

• Routers: Manage data forwarding between networks.

  • Role: Wide-area network connectivity, VPN support.

  • Scenario: Cross-regional factories use routers for secure communication, e.g., Cisco IR1101 industrial routers.

• Switches: Facilitate data exchange within local networks.

  • Role: Efficiently connect local devices.

  • Scenario: Workshop devices connect via switches, e.g., Moxa’s EDS-408A industrial switch.

• Modems: Convert digital and analog signals.

  • Role: Provide internet access.

  • Scenario: Remote sites connect to the cloud via cellular modems, e.g., Sierra Wireless AirLink series.

6. Industrial Router/Industrial Switch/Industrial Gateway/Industrial Modem: Differences and Applications

7. DTU and RTU: Integration of Data Transmission and Control

DTU (Data Transfer Unit) and RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) are critical data processing devices in IIoT.

7.1 DTU

• Function: Transparent data transmission, supporting protocols like Modbus, TCP/IP.

• Application: Remote meter reading, e.g., water utility data uploads.

• Example: Four-Faith’s F2X16 DTU for environmental monitoring.

7.2 RTU

• Function: Collects analog/switch signals, with local control logic.

• Application: Remote control in power systems, e.g., Schneider Electric’s SCADA RTU.

• Example: RTUs monitor equipment status in wind farms.

7.3 Differences and Integration

• Differences: DTUs focus on data transmission, while RTUs emphasize data collection and control.

• Integration: Modern devices like B+B SmartWorx’s DTU/RTU combo modules integrate data collection, control, and transmission, supporting smart grids and environmental monitoring.

• Scenario: In water treatment plants, DTUs transmit sensor data, while RTUs control pump operations, together enabling full-process automation.

8. Conclusion: Building an Efficient Industrial IoT Ecosystem

By comparing major IoT module manufacturers, analyzing network element functions, and exploring device applications, enterprises can select suitable modules and elements to build an efficient IIoT ecosystem. Wavetel IoT offers customized solutions, including industrial routers, gateways, and DTU/RTU devices, to support digital transformation. Visit waveteliot.com for more information on IoT module comparisons, 5G IoT solutions, and industrial communication device applications.