NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) Overview

Introduction

• Welcome to the Engineering Funda family.
• Topic of discussion: NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things).
• Video Outline:
  • Basics of NB-IoT
  • How NB-IoT functions
  • Basic architecture of NB-IoT
  • Applications of NB-IoT
  • Advantages of NB-IoT

Basics of NB-IoT

• Definition: Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) allows devices to communicate using narrow bandwidth.
• Power Consumption:
  • Operates at low power, leading to longer battery life (>10 years).
• Network Type:
  • Uses Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN).
  • Developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for wireless cellular networks.
• Communication Channels:
  • Utilizes GSM channels and unused LTE channels for device communication.
• Latency:
  • Transmission delay ranges from 1.6 seconds to 10 seconds.
  • Suitable for low-cost applications, not real-time applications.
• Frequency Band:
  • Operates in a radio band of 200 kHz.

How NB-IoT Functions

• Channel Occupancy:
  • In-band Operation: Uses free LTE channels for communication.
  • Guard Band Operation: Functions in unused frequency spaces between channels.
• Modulation Scheme:
  • Uses QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for digital modulation.
• Access Methods:
  • Uplink: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDM)
  • Downlink: Orthogonal FDM
• Device Components:
  • Comprises sensors, actuators, antennas, and chipsets for communication with base stations.

Basic Architecture of NB-IoT

• Device Components:
  • Non-IP Data Device: Communication with base station does not require IP.
• Data Flow:
  • Data from the device goes to the base station (non-IP), then to the core network (IP-based), and finally to IoT platforms.
• Security:
  • End-to-end security in data communication.

Applications of NB-IoT

• Examples:
  • Smart lighting (e.g., street lights)
  • Smart metering (e.g., gas and electricity meters)
  • Asset management
  • Smart parking
  • Water conservation
  • Alarms and event detectors
• Current Usage:
  • Approximately 1 billion devices using NB-IoT applications globally in 2023.

Advantages of NB-IoT

• High Density Network:
  • Operates within existing cellular networks, ensuring high density.
• Low Power Consumption:
  • Extended battery life due to low power requirements.
• Data Rate:
  • Supports data rates up to 200 kbps, sufficient for low-cost applications.
• Extended Coverage:
  • Takes advantage of the vast existing cellular network for widespread application.

Concluding Remarks

• Encouragement for viewers to ask questions or share thoughts in the comments.
• Thank you for watching!