NB-IoT: Definition, benefits and applications
We are witnessing a new kind of industrial revolution, reshaped by the rapid growth of digital technology and telecommunications with the rise of Edge datacenters, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new technology that connects a growing number of devices around the world. However, for the IoT revolution to fully embed, reliable connectivity is required for billions of sensors and endpoints. This is where Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is an ideal solution for connecting objects with low bandwidth and energy consumption needs. Let's explore the definition of NB-IoT, how it works and its benefits.
What is NB-IoT?
NB-IoT or Narrow band IoT is a cellular network technology using the LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) protocol standardized by 3GPP in 2016 for connecting a wide range of new IoT devices and services to the cellular network. This network is ideally suited to connecting devices requiring low bandwidth and low energy consumption, while ensuring extensive network coverage. NB-IoT features the ability to deploy on low frequencies, using existing telecom operator infrastructures. It offers a dedicated wireless channel optimized for the IoT. As its name suggests, narrowband IoT uses a very narrow bandwidth, enabling very broad coverage while maximizing device battery life. This enables it to efficiently penetrate hard-to-reach environments, such as underground or dense buildings.
In terms of IoT technologies, NB-IoT is compared to solutions such as LoRa and Sigfox. However, it is differentiated by its use of standard cellular networks; this enables it to offer better global coverage.
How does NB-IoT work?
NB-IoT operates in narrow frequency bands, hence its name. Unlike other IoT networks, it uses only a limited amount of radio spectrum, making it ideal for low data-rate communications. NB-IoT harnesses unused spectrum bands belonging to cell phone operators. Communication between NB-IoT devices and the network takes place in a designated narrow band of 200 KHz, compared with the much wider bands used by the standard cellular connectivity.
The NB-IoT architecture involves end devices (sensors), base stations or access points, the core network and application servers/platforms hosted in data centers and closer to home in Edge data centers like those deployed by UltraEdge. Optional components such as gateways can be used to connect nodes inside buildings or underground where direct access is not available.
NB-IoT has three distinct deployment modes to maximize coverage on various infrastructures:
• In-Band: Uses resource blocks within a normal LTE operator and the associated LTE band
• Guardband: Uses unused resource blocks within a normal LTE operator
• Standalone: Uses a standalone operator in dedicated spectrum
Devices connected to NB-IoT can remain in sleep mode for long periods and only wake up to send data, significantly minimizing their power consumption.
NB-IoT is capable of transmitting data over long distances while maintaining a steady connection. It supports the simultaneous operation of a large number of devices on the same network. It is ideal for bulk applications such as environmental sensors or tracking devices.
What are the key benefits of NB-IoT?
NB-IoT technology has several advantages. It provides huge connectivity capabilities, but also comes with certain technical drawbacks.
Lower energy consumption
One of the main advantages of NB-IoT is its very low power consumption. This makes it the ideal technology for devices that require long periods of battery power. Thanks to its optimized protocol, connected objects can run for several years without the need for frequent recharge.
Wider network coverage
NB-IoT offers extensive network coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as basements, underground parking lots or dense buildings. It can pass data through obstacles where other networks fail. It is the obvious choice for complex urban environments.
Lower operating costs
As NB-IoT uses existing cellular network infrastructures, operating costs for operators and users are low. This makes it possible to connect a vast number of devices at lower cost, while ensuring the highest levels in efficiency.
Massive connections
An NB-IoT base station can support over 50,000 devices at once, thanks to efficient scheduling of transmission and standby windows. This scalability supports massive deployments; critical for large-scale IoT networks across the infrastructure.
Where can NB-IoT be deployed?
Smart cities
Combined with the deployment of Edge Data centers, NB-IoT is taking on a major role in the growth of smart cities. It enables sensors to be connected to monitor the environment, manage street lighting, water supplies and energy networks. To date, major cities such as Lyon and Paris have launched specific projects. The installation of smart meters measures water or electricity consumption in real time, and transmits this data to municipal services for optimized management.
Intelligent agriculture
In agriculture, NB-IoT is applied to monitor soil conditions, track crops and automate irrigation systems. Smart sensors, powered by long-life batteries, collect in-depth data on humidity levels, temperatures and air quality, thus helping to enhance farm yields while saving resources.
Environnemental tracking
Agricultural fields, rivers, wilderness, or protected conservation areas can be monitored for conditions, equipment operations, intrusions, etc., without widespread power or communications infrastructure.
Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, devices connected via NB-IoT make it remotely monitor patients, send alerts in the case of emergencies, and track vital data such as heart rate or blood pressure in real time. This technology also offers innovative solutions for managing drug and medical equipment inventories.
Industry 4.0
In Industry 4.0, NB-IoT is used to upgrade production line management, optimize predictive machine maintenance and automate industrial processes. By interconnecting machines and real-time performance monitoring, companies can pre-empt breakdowns and optimize productivity.
NB-IoT vs. other technologies IoT
While other options for energy-efficient IoT networking abound, NB-IoT combines strengths such as its long reach or low cost, making it the leading candidate for a wide variety of deployments.
NB-IoT stands out from competitors such as LoRa, Sigfox or LTE-M for its extensive network coverage and ability to enter complex environments. Unlike LoRa and Sigfox, which require dedicated infrastructures, NB-IoT uses existing cellular networks, offering greater flexibility and lower costs for businesses.
By leveraging existing cellular infrastructure and spectrum, NB-IoT can coexist with other cellular technologies by opting for one of three flexible deployment models: stand-alone, guard band and inband.
NB-IoT is a technology that provides a solution to the growing Internet of Things needs. Thanks to its very low energy consumption, wide network coverage and low operating costs, it is a major player in connecting millions of devices in fields as varied as smart cities, agriculture, healthcare and industry.