NB-IoT short for Narrowband Internet of Things is a cellular technology used for the Internet of Things devices. It is compatible with the existing telecommunication gears of 2G, 3G, and 4G to operate and is thus favorable for investment. In Nepal too, both Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell are planning on launching NBIoT services for commercial uses. So, in this post, we will learn about what NBIoT is, its advantages, applications, etc.
What is NB-IoT?
NB-IoT is an IOT (The Internet of Things) protocol that sends small amount of data in a limited set of frequencies. It uses a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) which means the technology uses very low power while sending data across devices.
NB-IoT was developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to unlock communication across a wide area for IoT devices.
Why is it called Narrow Band?
Narrow Band because the technology uses narrow frequency channels instead of wide frequency channels. So, as they carry small data, they use less energy and manage extensive coverage. Besides, its value in using is that it promises long battery life of devices even up to 10 years. NB-IoT can be used in both urban and rural areas in smart meters, smart cities, agriculture, etc.
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IoT vs NB-IoT
IoT is a very broad technology that can use a wide range of established communication technologies for its deployment. NB-IoT, on the other hand, uses the existing cellular network of LTE and uses a narrow band for its use. It’s mostly popular for low data use, deep coverage penetration, and low-cost deployment.
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How Does it Work?
3GPP has set modality for NB-IoT operation. It’s designed for non-moving devices and uses a narrow frequency of 180 KHz. One key premise is that NB-IoT is a low-cost LPWAN standard.
NB-IoT can be architected in three modes:
- Standalone: By using a carrier with its own gears
- In-band: By using existing LTE infrastructure
- Guard band: By using unused resources of the LTE band
In essence, it’s just as how Sa and NSA 5G work; Either by using their own dedicated infrastructure or on the existing ones.
Advantages
NB-IoT is deployed on cellular networks for IOT devices and is great with its battery longevity and wide coverage. Here are some of its most notable advantages:
- Low Power Consumption: NB-IoT uses very low power which means IoT devices can run for many years without needing to charge or replace batteries. We are talking of up to a decade of run.
- Wide Coverage: Thanks to its narrow band use, NB-IoT provides wide and deep coverage. Further, it’s less affected by physical obstructions such as trees, buildings, underground constructions, water bodies, etc.
- Low Bandwidth: NB-IoT runs on very low bandwidth as it’s mostly used for reading data or sending some information. Only small data packets are transferred so the data rate is low on NB-IoT devices saving both bandwidth and capital.
- Low Cost: NB-IoT is very finance-friendly as it can operate fully on existing cellular infrastructure. Therefore, the technology becomes much more appealing for IoT device deployment.
- Secure and Reliable: NB-IoT runs on mobile gears so it also benefits from the security standards of cellular networks so it provides strongly secure and reliable service.
- Massive Device Capacity: It can handle millions of devices per cell, so it can be used in large-scale projects of smart metering, emergency systems, etc.
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Applications
NB-IoT can be used in various situations from smart metering, to waste management, industries, and emergency systems. Here is the list of applications of this technology:
- Smart Meters: NB-IoT is used in smart meters. Broadly, it is deployed in the metering of water, electricity, etc.
- Weather forecasting: The technology is also very helpful in measuring water and air quality, city pollution level, etc. For countries like Nepal where air and water quality has taken such precedence in recent years, NB-IoT would be very useful.
- Smart Cities: NB-IoT is also used for street lighting. Currently, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is using smart lights with sensors but an upgrade to NB-IoT would further improve cost-efficiency and sustainability.
- Parking management: NB-IoT sensors can be used in parking lots to send notices to drivers of available spots for parking vehicles.
- Industrial monitoring: Industries can use NB-IoT sensors to get the report of their machinery for their performance and need for maintenance. They can be used for assessing the level of energy use by machines that can help with efficient power management.
- Smart Appliances: NB-IoT helps monitor the energy use of home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, bulbs, etc. giving vital information to owners about their power consumption and performance status.
- Waste Management: NB-IoT sensors in Smart Dustbins can detect waste levels and notify them for their disposal at the landfill.
- Emergency System: NB-IoT can be deployed in an emergency alerts system which can be used for home security, rescue and relief efforts, etc. As floods and landslides devastate various parts of the country in the monsoon, technology can play a meaningful role in reinforcing preparedness as well as saving lives and properties.
- Security Systems: Smart locks and cameras can also benefit from NB-IoT by feeding real-time notifications enhancing the safety and security of the people who use it.
- Smart Agriculture: NB-IoT can help monitor the state of soil including its moisture and temperature which can be helpful for farmers to make plans on farming and get the best yields.
- Monitoring Patient: NB-IoT can unleash new convenience in telemedicine. It can help in remote health monitoring and notifying conditions of patients for medical intervention.
NB-IoT in Nepal
NB-IoT is a new technology for Nepal and is not in use. Both Nepal Telecom and Ncell are said to be working on launching the technology. It’s possible that the telecom giants will cooperate with both government and private entities to deploy them in urban and rural areas. Both companies enjoy extensive 4G LTE coverage, so both can opt for in-band NB-IoT over 4G technology.
NB-IoT can be extremely helpful in disaster preparedness, rescue efforts as well as telemedicine efforts while also enhancing industrial, agricultural, and smart city development.
We haven’t heard much about the initiation of NB-IoT from these companies except that they are making plans for it. When there’s an update on it, we will update the page to provide more information.
How do you think will NB-IoT be useful in Nepal? Can it help uplift smart city projects and disaster preparedness? Do leave your opinion in the comments below.
