What is narrowband IoT? Overview of advantages and areas of application
The Internet of Things is growing steadily, and more and more devices are being connected to each other. But not every application requires high data rates or immediate responses. For many IoT projects, energy efficiency, range and stable connections are the most important factors. This is exactly where narrowband IoT comes in. It uses existing mobile networks to ensure a reliable connection even in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
What is narrowband IoT?
Narrowband IoT, or NB-IoT for short, is a mobile communications standard that was developed specifically for the Internet of Things. Unlike conventional LTE connections, NB-IoT only occupies a very narrow frequency range, which keeps energy consumption low and allows many devices to communicate simultaneously. This makes NB-IoT ideal for sensors and devices that send small amounts of data at irregular intervals, such as water meters, environmental monitoring or security systems. NB-IoT also impresses with its good building penetration, ensuring that connections remain stable even in basements or industrial halls.
What is narrowband IoT used for?
NB-IoT is versatile, but is mainly used where large numbers of sensors or devices need to be distributed:
- Smart Home: NB-IoT connects heating systems, smoke detectors and electricity meters even in parts of buildings without Wi-Fi, such as basements. Remote reading of meters for heating, gas, water and electricity benefits particularly from this: property managers and private households can record readings conveniently and automatically. As meters are often not connected to the mains, they use batteries. The long battery life of NB-IoT is a decisive advantage here.
- Industrial IoT (IIoT): In factories, warehouses and logistics, NB-IoT enables the monitoring of machine status, fill levels and goods movements. In many cases, tracking only requires the transmission of small amounts of data at longer intervals – NB-IoT is ideal for this. In addition to position data, the condition and integrity of goods can also be recorded, which can be valuable for customs clearance, for example.
- Smart cities: NB-IoT plays a key role in smart city solutions. Examples include smart parking, where sensors guide drivers more quickly to the nearest available space. NB-IoT also ensures efficiency in street lighting by activating lights only where they are needed. Municipalities, motorway operators and shopping centres benefit from low costs and long battery life of the devices.
- Agriculture: In agriculture, NB-IoT sensors provide accurate data on soil moisture, weather or animal movements, even in remote areas. The steadily growing narrowband IoT coverage makes it possible to use it even in places where no other network technology is available.
Advantages of Narrowband IoT
From high energy efficiency to stable network coverage even under difficult conditions, Narrowband IoT offers a range of features that make it particularly attractive for IoT applications.
Long battery life and energy efficiency
NB-IoT uses intelligent energy-saving modes such as PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX (extended Discontinuous Reception), which keep sensors in sleep mode for long periods – up to ten years with one battery is possible. The devices only switch on when needed, reducing energy consumption without compromising functionality. The long battery life reduces maintenance and costs, especially for devices that are difficult to access.
Long range and building penetration
By using low frequencies, NB-IoT achieves ranges of several kilometres and remains stably connected even in buildings or underground. Low frequencies (800/900 MHz) ensure that NB-IoT signals penetrate even thick walls and enable wide-ranging coverage – ideal for sub-meter or basement installations where mobile internet often fails. This strong penetration is a decisive advantage for indoor smart metering applications.
High cost efficiency
Since NB-IoT is based on existing mobile networks, no expensive network equipment is required. The modules and tariffs are generally cheaper than traditional mobile solutions. NB-IoT is significantly cheaper to purchase than conventional mobile modules, both for modems and integrated SoC solutions. Communication costs are low because existing mobile communications infrastructures are used and national fallback (roaming to other networks) is often included. This reduces operating costs and simplifies planning. The result: even large IoT fleets can be operated cost-effectively and reliably.
Scalability, reliability & security
NB-IoT allows thousands of devices to be connected per radio cell: up to 50,000 sensors are possible. In addition, NB-IoT is a licensed mobile communications standard that uses the same authentication and encryption mechanisms as LTE. This ensures high data security, stability and protected transmission quality. Many mobile network providers can also offer comprehensive coverage, enabling reliable availability.
Find the ideal IoT connectivity
NB-IoT offers many advantages – but not every application is suitable for it. Our experts will help you select the right network technology for your IoT project.
Disadvantages of NB-IoT
As versatile as NB-IoT is, the technology has its limitations, which should be taken into account depending on the application scenario – especially in terms of data volume, speed and mobility.
Limited data rate
NB-IoT is specially optimised for small, periodic data transfers. The technology reaches its limits in applications that require larger amounts of data or multimedia.
Higher latency
Delay times are significantly higher than with other standards – up to 10 seconds are possible, depending on the network. NB-IoT may therefore be unsuitable for applications where fast response times are crucial.
Limited mobility and lack of handover
NB-IoT does not support smooth handover between mobile phone cells. Devices that are moving sometimes have to re-establish a connection or increase their transmission power. This quickly leads to increased energy consumption and unstable connections in mobile applications.
Limited global roaming options
Many providers have not yet concluded NB-IoT roaming agreements. This means that additional connectivity may be required in other countries or regions, which may involve more effort and possible additional costs.
Conclusion: Long-lasting, reliable IoT connectivity with NB-IoT
Narrowband IoT is an efficient, cost-effective solution for many applications that require long battery life, long range and stable connections. The network technology is particularly impressive in stationary, low-energy sensors with very good building penetration. For many IoT projects, NB-IoT is therefore an excellent choice for ensuring reliable, comprehensive networking.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about narrowband IoT
What is NB-IoT?
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology developed specifically for the Internet of Things. It enables wireless communication between devices with low energy consumption and low data rates over long distances.
How does narrowband IoT work?
Narrowband IoT uses narrow frequency bands within existing mobile networks to transmit small amounts of data with very low energy consumption. The technology works with special protocols that enable long battery life by keeping devices in energy-saving mode most of the time and only sending or receiving data when necessary.
What is NB-IoT used for?
NB-IoT is used in various areas, including smart metering, environmental monitoring, asset tracking, smart cities and agriculture. It is ideal for applications that require reliable communication over long distances with low energy consumption.
How does NB-IoT differ from other IoT technologies?
Compared to technologies such as LoRaWAN or LTE-M, NB-IoT offers better building penetration and higher network coverage because it is based on existing mobile communications infrastructure. It is particularly suitable for applications with low data rates and long battery life.