As the popularity of the Internet of Things is rising rapidly, the need for wireless connectivity is also increasing. According to research done by Transforma Insights, there will be around 24 billion IoT devices connected over the internet. Therefore, we need a network on which we can rely without worrying about security. NB IoT is indeed a revolutionary network for connecting IoT devices. The design, development and device integration of the network is easy as compared to other LPWAN networks.
NB-IoT can be that network? Let’s find out!
WHAT IS NBIOT?
Narrowband-IoT or LTE Cat- NB1 is a network which comes under LPWAN technology. In 2016, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) recognized it as the rapidly increasing technology for wireless communication. The primary purpose of the NB-IoT network is to connect smart devices and network services in a wide area.
Established for smooth communication between IoT devices, NB-IoT has a long-life benefit too. The technology provides network coverage to mass devices at low cost, and those are connected over large geographic regions. NB-IoT is a technology which is well established but the usage to provide coverage at the global level is still not in practice. Telecommunications companies like Vodafone, Huawei, Qualcomm, Erricson, etc. are widely using NB-IoT for providing better network coverage. Let’s understand the benefits of the NB-IoT network.
SOME PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS OF NB-IOT INCLUDE:
- It has the best indoor coverage ability, which means the signals can even reach crossing walls.
- Its budget is decent and fits the pocket.
- A large number of IoT devices can get connected.
- Network architecture is much more flexible and optimized.
- Consumes low power and provides a wide area range.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CONNECTING IOT DEVICES WITH NBIOT?
HOW FLEXIBLE AND SCALABLE IS NBIOT FOR CONNECTING IOT DEVICES?
NBIoT is one of the most flexible networks which can be operated in 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. The reason behind this is that there is no need for a gateway to connect IoT devices with the network. This also saves money and makes the network cost-efficient. Also, NBIoT can establish connections for millions of devices which makes it a scalable network.
A) WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF CONNECTING IOT DEVICES OVER NBIOT?
NBIoT is best suited for primarily static assets, like meters and sensors in a fixed location, rather than roaming assets. Practically NBIoT is applicable in various services such as facility management, smart metering, fire alarms and intruder alert system in buildings, health management systems, human tracking systems, fleet management, smart devices used in industries, smart city infrastructures, etc. All of these smart devices or systems are operational in fixed locations mostly, and that’s why NBIoT best serves the purpose for all of these applications.
B) DOES NBIOT SUPPORT FIRMWARE OVER THE AIR (FOTA)?
The firmware over the air is a management system for IoT devices so that the device firmware can be updated and upgraded without any wired connection with the manufacturer. This also makes it possible to push updates to millions of devices simultaneously. NBIoT network supports FOTA as it allows device updates over the air without any physical connection established between the device and the service provider.
C) HOW LONG CAN THE NBIOT BATTERY RUN IN AN IOT DEVICE?
NBIoT network devices come with 10+ years of battery life which makes them reliable for extended battery life. In a network where thousands of IoT devices are connected, it becomes impossible to change batteries frequently. Therefore, the need for long battery life becomes a necessity. With the NBIoT technology, the need for changing batteries frequently is reduced to nil which saves not only the cost but also the device efficiency. As It consumes low power and low current, which makes it a power-saving network too.
D) IS NBIOT GOOD FOR DEEPER BUILDING PENETRATION?
One of the best features of NBIoT includes deep building penetrations, i.e. the signals can get through places more profound than the standard signal coverage. It surpasses the existing cellular networks so that devices at underground locations can get good network coverage. The devices hidden behind the walls with several layers can achieve good connectivity because of the low-frequency bit rate. Therefore, it can be concluded that NBIoT is capable of connecting devices that are kept inside underground building floors, tunnels, sewage, or rural areas. Also, NBIoT penetrates deep underground and into enclosed spaces providing 20+dB coverage indoors.
E) IS NBIOT GUARANTEES THE SECURITY OF CONNECTED DEVICES?
NBIOT is indeed a revolutionary network with ease of understanding. The design, development and device integration of the network is easy as compared to other LPWAN networks. However, the question of security remains the same. The NBIoT network is secure and safe, just like other LTE mobile networks such as LTE-CatM1. The network guarantees the confidentiality of user identity, data security, authenticity, and security of mobile devices. All these security features make NBIOT a secure network.
WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF NBIOT NETWORK?
Deployment: In-Band LTE, Guard Band LTE, Standalone
Downlink Peak Data Rate: 26 kbps
Uplink Peak Data Rate: 66 kbps
Latency: 100 ms
Technology Bandwidth: 200 kHz
Duplex Technology: Half Duplex
Transmit Power Class: 20 dBm or 23 dBm
Also Read: Choosing between LTE- catM1 and NB-IoT
CONCLUSION
NBIoT undoubtedly is an advanced cellular IoT technology with several advantages. It is best when it comes to establishing connections among devices, namely meters, sensors, Smart homes, and static assets, in a fixed location. If you are looking for NBIoT connectivity in your IoT device, then we at PsiBorg can help you out. We are the best IoT Service Developer for NBIoT based IoT solutions in different sectors.
