NB-IoT, or Narrowband IoT, is a wireless connectivity standard for the Internet of Things and is part of the low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) category. But what makes it so extraordinary that we dedicated a whole article to it? Right, catch the details. Devices connected via NB-IoT can maintain a battery life exceeding ten years. Overwhelming, isn’t it? Additionally, NB-IoT can connect large fleets, accommodating up to 50,000 devices per network cell. That is a lot, definitely.
It achieves this while maintaining low power consumption and extending coverage into areas typically beyond the reach of conventional cellular technologies. This efficiency and capability explain why over 80 NB-IoT networks have been commercially deployed in more than 45 markets. If you are curious about what is NB IoT, how it works, and which systems it applies to, our IoT development company, with many years of experience, can help you get the drift.
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The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) developed the NB-IoT wireless connectivity standard to facilitate cellular wireless communication for a broad array of IoT devices and services. As one of the primary 3GPP LPWAN standards, NB IoT enables specially designed IoT devices to function via carrier networks.
This is achieved through several methods: by utilizing the existing Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication carrier wave, occupying an idle guard band amidst Long-Term Evolution (LTE) channels, or operating independently. The main goal of NB-IoT is to expand coverage significantly beyond the limits of current cellular technologies.
Let’s start by answering the question – what is NB-IoT? It is a low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology standardized and integrated into mobile networks. It uses a cellular spectrum in the lower MHz range with a bandwidth of 200kHz, offering a broader channel range compared to LTE or Wi-Fi.
Its connection begins when the device modem reaches out to the base station, establishing a link. If the communication channel is busy, the modem employs EDRX and PSM, the primary techniques for reducing power consumption. The modem also enters a dormant state during periods awaiting new data transmission.
Source: Onomondo
Although NB IoT’s network speed is limited to 250 kbit per second, it ensures steady data transmission, a critical benefit for IoT device manufacturers. Unlike traditional LTE bands, NB-IoT operates independently of a gateway, lowering entry barriers for certain businesses and telecom operators. Its support for low data rates is a defining feature, marking it an efficient choice in the LPWAN landscape for minimal and optimized data transfer.
Its design to support only low data rates is a strategic advantage, positioning it as an efficient LPWAN choice for minimizing and managing data transfer. Because it can penetrate well indoors and is optimized for low data rates, NB-IoT is the best for devices such as smart meters, sensors, and trackers that send data sporadically.
These devices can transmit data to a central cloud or have it processed at mobile operator base stations with mobile ad hoc cloud technology, a forward-thinking edge computing approach.
Feature | NB-IoT Technical Specification | Recommended Values |
Data Volume | Air interface resources are limited (180 kHz), ideal for transmitting small amounts of data | The optimal range is 50 to 200 bytes; less is more favorable |
Transmission Frequency and Duration | Devices mostly in hibernation, infrequent data transmission | Daily reports, ideally 1-2 times; more frequent reports (e.g., every 30 minutes) use more network capacity and impact it more |
Power Efficiency | NB network’s Power Saving Mode (PSM) minimizes energy use | Best suited for power-sensitive applications |
Mobility Support | Designed for low-speed movement | Suitable for speeds under 30 km/h |
Signal Penetration | Effective in deep coverage areas | It can coexist with other networks, so it works well in dense areas like cities, offices, and neighborhoods. |
Data Transfer Rate | Maximum theoretical upstream rate: 15.6 Kbit/s; downstream rate: 21.25 Kbit/s | Not suitable for high-bandwidth services |
The potential of NB-IoT presents significant business opportunities for stakeholders, who can select from three main approaches based on their regional strategies:
What is NB-IoT difference compared with other prominent connectivity technologies? Let’s look.
NB-IoT vs. LoRaWAN
NB-IoT vs. Sigfox
NB-IoT vs LTE-M
LoRaWAN | Sigfox | NB-IoT | LTE Cat-M1 | |
Coverage (MCL) | 157dB | 162 dB | 164dB | 155dB |
Technology | Proprietary | Proprietary | Open LTE | Open LTE |
Spectrum | Unlicensed | Unlicensed | Licensed (LTE/any) | Licensed (LTE/any) |
Duty cycle limit | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Output power restrictions | Yes (14 dBm=25 mW) | Yes (14 dBm=25 mW) | No (23dBm = 200 mW) | No (23dBm = 200 mW) |
Downlink data rate | 0.3-50 kbps | <1 kbps | 0.5-27.2 kbps | <300 kbps |
Uplink data rate | 0.3-50 kbps | <1 kbps | 0.3-32.25 kbps | <375 kbps |
Battery life/Current consumption | 8+ years/<2uA | 10+ years/<2uA | 10+ years/<3uA | 10+ years/<8uA |
Module cost | <$10 | <$10 | <$10 | <$25 |
Security | Medium (AES-128) | Low (AES-128) | Very high (LTE Security) | Very high (LTE Security) |
Source: Researchgate
Setting up an NB-IoT development environment is a hands-on process and should, of course, be done by professionals. However, knowing its basic steps will not hurt all interested parties.
To describe these processes, we rely on our IoT developers’ experience and knowledge acquired in previous projects.
Key considerations include the compatibility of connectivity bands in your region, the power consumption profile of the module, how well it integrates with your existing development boards, and the support and libraries available for your chosen module. We recommend options like the Arduino MKR NB 1500 for those just starting out, ST Nucleo NB-IoT boards for projects requiring more advanced features, or the U-blox SARA-R410M for its adaptability in custom designs.
Your development kit should comprise a development board compatible with your module and any sensors and actuators your specific project might require. Also, a SIM card capable of supporting NB-IoT is essential, along with selecting an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that suits your team’s expertise and project requirements.
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This stage involves tailoring your software and hardware setup to create an efficient, reliable workspace for coding, testing, and deploying your solutions.
We typically begin by meticulously following the setup guidelines provided by the development board manufacturer. This ensures that the board is correctly configured to work with the NB-IoT module and the IDE. We ensure that the SIM card used is not only compatible with NB-IoT but also activated for use. Installing the necessary NB-IoT libraries specific to the chosen module and the IDE is a critical step, as these libraries often simplify many complexities inherent in IoT development.
When programming the Narrowband IoT module, we start with foundational tasks like data transmission, sensor data acquisition, and actuator control. We utilize the available libraries and sample codes provided by the module manufacturers, as these resources significantly reduce the learning curve and expedite the development process. Our team strongly emphasizes rigorous testing and iterative debugging, which are key to refining and ensuring the reliability of our NB-IoT solutions.
The first step in developing a narrowband IoT project involves understanding its potential applications and identifying specific NB IoT use cases where it can be most effective. This process includes:
Narrowband IoT is highly versatile, excelling in various applications like remote monitoring, smart metering, and asset tracking. It’s ideal for scenarios requiring low power consumption (e.g., remote sensors), deep indoor penetration (such as underground settings), and low data rates (for basic telemetry). It offers long-range coverage and cost-effectiveness through cellular networks and infrastructure.
Once we identify the use cases for your IoT project, we begin conceptualizing a basic design, which involves:
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After laying down the foundation and design of your NB-IoT project, the next steps focus on the technical aspects.
We begin with the fundamentals of programming your NB IoT module. This includes the syntax and commands specific to your chosen platform, as well as how to read data from sensors and send commands to actuators.
A critical part of your project is establishing a reliable connection to Narrowband IoT networks. So, we configure your module to communicate with the network, fine-tune the network protocols, and ensure consistent and secure data transmission.
Advanced development goes beyond basic implementations, focusing on optimizing performance, enhancing security, and ensuring scalability. As a rule, this is a custom solution tailored to the requirements of a specific project.
While this might seem like information overload, protocols are essential in IoT implementations. Understanding CoAP, MQTT, and LWM2M within the context of NB-IoT is crucial for tailoring these protocols to meet your use case’s specific requirements effectively.
Effective power management is key in NB-IoT projects, particularly for devices deployed in remote or inaccessible locations.
There are various techniques and practices designed to enhance the energy efficiency of your NB-IoT devices, ensuring prolonged operational periods. These comprise:
Here is the need to focus on identifying and overcoming common connectivity obstacles to maintain stable and efficient communication between your devices and the network. In this context, it is suggested to:
These phases are crucial in ensuring the robustness and effectiveness of your NB-IoT solution, guaranteeing optimal performance in the varied and unpredictable real-world scenarios it may face.
NB-IoT deployment begins with a well-structured simulation and IoT testing strategy.
We utilize tools like hardware and software simulators to replicate the behavior of NB-IoT networks and test your device’s functionality in simulated environments. Following this, we transit to live network testing, starting with controlled environments and gradually expanding to full-scale deployments.
This phase is all about identifying any potential issues before the solution is live. The strategy encompasses a range of tests, from hardware functionality and software stability to network reliability and security protocols, including:
When you’re ready to roll out your NB-IoT solutions into the real world, a couple of critical factors need to be meticulously handled.
Here, we adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by your network provider for device authentication and data encryption. It’s about ensuring that every bit of data transmitted is secure and that each device is authenticated correctly to prevent unauthorized access.
You need to find spots where the signal strength is optimal. Also, think about the future – ensure that the devices are accessible for any maintenance or repairs. This foresight can save time and resources later on.
You need to stay proactive by continuously monitoring device performance, data integrity, and battery levels. This approach helps prevent downtimes and maintains network health.
We recommend utilizing NB-IoT’s remote update capabilities to manage firmware and configuration settings efficiently. This method offers convenience and enhances network security and efficiency, minimizing the need for physical device interactions
NB-IoT’s evolution is transforming wireless network capacity, extending from static to mobile sensors with latency considerations. This technology appears highly promising for the smart future of our world.
For businesses looking to leverage NB-IoT’s benefits through development, consulting experts like those at Relevant is a strategic move. With extensive IoT project experience across various industries, our developers are well-equipped to develop future-ready, client-focused IoT applications. Contact us to discover how we can assist you in your NB IoT project.
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