- What is narrowband IoT?
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), also known as LTE Cat NB1, is a low-power, wide-area technology that can run virtually anywhere. It can connect devices to established mobile networks more simply and efficiently, and handle small amounts of occasional two-way data safely and reliably. Its biggest advantage is that it has the following features:
Ultra-low power consumption
Excellent extended coverage inside buildings and basements
Easy to deploy into existing cellular network architecture
Has network security and reliability
Lower component costs
- What challenges will NB-IoT face in the future?
lWe believe that future wireless technology will have secure, stable and powerful connectivity. Many potential "connected things" are located in remote or difficult-to-reach areas from the next cell site, or in shielded areas within buildings or underground structures. When there is signal coverage, connectivity; connectivity performance is typically poor and requires the device transmitter to operate at high power, thus draining the battery. Additionally, cellular networks are not optimized for applications that send only small amounts of sporadic data. Additionally, existing cellular standards do not support power-saving features, making them unsuitable for cheap devices that require battery life of years to years.
lNB-IoT can connect more devices to the Internet of Things and make many new applications a reality. It is optimized for applications that require the transfer of small amounts of data over long periods of time. Because it operates in a licensed spectrum, it can provide high-quality services safely and reliably, with guaranteed quality of service.
lFor typical NB-IoT applications, the cost of using other cellular air interfaces is too high because NB-IoT applications do not need to use all its functions. NB-IoT applications focus on low speed, robust data transmission and appropriate reliability levels. The low price of the device also reduces installation costs and reduces the risk of theft.
3.Future applications
3.1 Smart metering measurement
NB-IoT is ideal for monitoring gas and water meters through regular small data transmission. Network coverage is a key issue in the dynamic deployment of smart metering measurement releases. Meters can easily be found in hard-to-reach locations such as basements, deep underground, or in remote rural areas. NB-IoT has good coverage and penetration rate and can be used to resolve this problem.
3.2 Smart City
NB-IoT can help local governments control street lighting, determine when bins need to be emptied, identify available parking spaces, monitor environmental conditions, and survey road conditions.
3.3 Intelligent buildings
NB-IoT connected sensors can send alerts about building maintenance issues and perform automated tasks such as light and thermal control. NB-IoT can also serve as a backup to support building broadband connectivity. Some security solutions can even use LPWA networks to connect sensors directly to surveillance systems, as this configuration is more difficult for intruders to defeat and easier to install and maintain.
3.4 Consumers
NB-IoT will enable wearable devices to provide their own remote connectivity capabilities, which is particularly beneficial for human and animal tracking. Likewise, NB-IoT can also be used to monitor the health status of those suffering from chronic or age-related diseases.
3.5 Agriculture and environment
NB-IoT connectivity enables the use of tracking technology that will provide farmers with the possibility of providing tracking technology, so sensors equipped with NB-IoT modules can send alerts if an animal moves outside the normal range. Such sensors can be used to monitor soil temperature and moisture and, in general, to track properties of land, pollution, noise, rainwater, etc.
