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.