📶

Overview of NB-IoT Technology and Applications

Oct 1, 2024

Notes on NB-IoT Lecture

Introduction to NB-IoT

  • What is NB-IoT?
    • Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology for connecting devices to the internet.
    • Focused on efficient data transmission for devices requiring low bandwidth.

Key Concepts

  • Narrowband vs Broadband vs Wideband

    • Narrowband: Lower bandwidth, suitable for low data transmission over long distances with low power.
    • Broadband & Wideband: Higher bandwidth suited for general internet and mobile communication; often underutilized when sending small data strings.
  • Definition of IoT:

    • A system of connected devices that can transfer and analyze data without human interaction.
    • Example: A smart energy meter transmitting data to a server.

LPWAN Overview

  • What is LPWAN?
    • A type of network designed for long-range communications at low bit rates, low costs, and high power efficiency.
    • NB-IoT is part of LPWAN, alongside technologies like LoRa and Sigfox.
    • Advantages of LPWAN:
      • High range and geographical coverage.
      • Low power consumption and costs.
      • Disadvantages include higher transmission latency compared to cellular networks.

NB-IoT Characteristics

  • Development of NB-IoT:

    • Standard developed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) in release 13 (2016), with updates in subsequent releases.
    • Co-exists with 5G networks with expected longevity of 20-30 years.
  • Modes of Operation:

    • In-band operation: Uses free spectrum within LTE channels.
    • Guard band operation: Utilizes guard bands in LTE channels for NB-IoT communication.
    • Standalone mode: Occupies channels previously held by GSM.

Technical Aspects of NB-IoT

  • Architecture:
    • Similar to cellular networks; operates in licensed spectrum.
    • Uses QPSK modulation, FDMA, and OFDMA.
  • Components:
    • NB-IoT modules with unique identifiers, antennas, and host microcontrollers.

Comparison of IoT Networks

  • IoT Networks Comparison:
    • LTE, CAT1, LTE-M, NB-IoT (licensed spectrum) vs LoRa, Sigfox (unlicensed spectrum).
    • Bandwidth vs Data Rate:
      • Decreases from LTE to Sigfox (10 Mbps to 100 Kbps).
    • Duplex Modes:
      • Full duplex (LTE) vs half duplex (NB-IoT, LoRa, Sigfox).
    • Battery Life:
      • Increases as data rates decrease.
    • Latency:
      • Varies between networks (NB-IoT: 1.6 to 10 seconds, Sigfox: 2 to 30 seconds).

Applications of NB-IoT

  • Examples of Applications:
    • Smart Metering, Smart Lighting, Asset Management, Warehouse Management, Smart Parking, Industrial IoT, etc.

Advantages of NB-IoT

  • Key Benefits:
    • High-density network, low power consumption, high data rates, low cost, extended coverage, higher security levels, and mobility.

Global Usage Milestones

  • United States:
    • Major carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) deploying NB-IoT.
  • UK & Europe:
    • Vodafone connected 62 million devices.
  • China:
    • Over 100 million NB-IoT devices connected, strong revenue growth.
  • India:
    • Reliance Jio launched NB-IoT services in January 2020.