Since sensor nodes require low data rates, bandwidth is reduced to 180 kHz. Many of the supported bands are in sub-GHz so that better range is obtained. Range is also increased by repeating transmissions. Further reduction in device cost and complexity is due to supporting only FDD, single antenna (no MIMO) and half-duplex mode.

Multitone uplink is optional. Single-tone uplink uses the power amplifier more efficiently. More devices can be supported within the same cell.

For lowering power requirements, Release 12 introduced both Power Saving Mode ( PSM ) and Discontinuous Reception (DRX). With PSM , device is registered with network but can go into deep sleep for up to 12.1 days. Device can wakeup to send data or do a Tracking Area Update. With DRX, device need not monitor control channels most of the time. Release 13 improves this with extended DRX ( eDRX ) in which the device can go to sleep for up to 3 hours.