In this article, we will learn on narrowband IoT, how it is related to modern industry-related technology, and what are its applications. So, what is narrow-band IoT? It is nothing but a wireless communication in IoT that connects devices where low-bandwidth is required. Now, coming to the sub-parts of this article:
- Introduction
- What is NB IoT?
- Features of NB IoT
- How much secure NB IoT is?
- Better service in IIOT solutions
- NB IoT Connectivity module
- Applications
Introduction
Firstly, we all know that Internet-of-things are booming widely depending on the expert’s vision. So, the applications of IoT are also in a hike. However, connectivity is the new challenge in the modern era and also can be an issue for the near future. Therefore, narrow-band IoT or NB IoT can be the solution. By the way, the latest estimate of IHS predicts that more than 75 billion smart devices will be in use by 2025. As a result, the marketplace is going to change rapidly. Meanwhile, the cellular mobile network operators are investing a huge amount to the modern NB technology as only 10% of the cellular networks are using IoT connection. They are preferring NB IoT because it has a lot of advantages. We will come to this shortly.
What is NB IoT
Basically, NB IoT is a standard-based LPWAN that can be rolled out on top of the existing cellular network infrastructure. However, the advantage of the cellular network is the power consumption is high and so for expensive. The NB IoT operates in a cellular carrier networks in the following three ways.
- Within an existing GSM carrier wave via unused 20kHz band
- Via unused guard band between LTE channels or,
- Independently
In addition, the big trait of NB IoT is around 150-200 kbps. Moreover, NB IoT doesn’t requires the gateways. Hence, sensors can directly connect to the servers.
Features of NB IoT
Now, coming to the features of NB IoT:
- Enables very cheap nodes
- Systems with high device density
- Deep penetration on indoors & underground devices
- Low device power consumption
- Cost-efficient as it doesn’t need a gateway
- Optimized network architecture
- Support a massive number of connections
- Wider deployment
- Network security & reliability
- Global reach
- Flexible that can be operated in 2G, 3G and 4G band.
How much secure NB IoT is?
Firstly, NB IoT technology is less sophisticated than the traditional cellular networks. But, it is more secure than the cellular networks. So, here are some features which it provides to its customers:
- Confidential user identity
- Data integrity
- Identity authentication
- Identification of mobile devices
- Data encryption
- Non-manipulation
Better service in IIOT solutions
Basically, NB IoT can improve network efficiency, capacity to support a large number of new connections present in a narrow portion of the available spectrum. Therefore, it enables battery life and low power consumption. Moreover, NB IoT can penetrate deep underground providing a 20db coverage area.
NB IoT Connectivity module
The leading companies in NB IoT use are Gemalto and Huawei. However, by using their core strength and extreme strategic cooperation to develop connectivity module they are expanding their marketplace. Therefore, they have been explored a brand new highly efficient LPWA IoT modules to help the manufacturer to reduce cost, size and make it efficient. Here are also some companies using NB IoT to make their product more efficient:
Applications
Firstly, the various services and applications are supported by LPWA has been classified under four categories and those are IoT appliances, private, public and industry. So, our below applications of NB IoT will be of these four kinds.
Private
Basically, under this kind of applications, we can track our private assets and bicycle tracking is one of them. However, assets are usually tracked by GPS technology. By using sensors in modules sending information over the cellular network it is possible to gather and manage data relating to the current geographical locations of assets. Moreover, asset tracking helps the owners to detect the real-time position of their valuable assets and react to unexpected events occur.
Public
So, in this category public-based application is used which can be beneficial for a massive number of people. Such as, smart parking and smart metering can be the use of this.
So, as we know that in this world of increasing population as well as increasing traffic the parking can be one of the greatest challenging issue. However, smart parking is an application which provides parking information to the citizens in real-time in order to give better parking management. Huawei and Neul are the leading companies which are working on smart parking project.
Likewise, smart metering is also a blessing for the public as automated collection of utility meter data such as electricity, water and gas. In this case, Huawei and another operator are working on this solution. The leading companies on this project are Neul, Veolia, Kamstrup and Ublox.
IoT appliances
Basically, smart home appliances are based on short-range technologies like Z-Wave, Zigbee but for this, a home gateway is needed. Therefore, the devices embedded with NB IoT can be the smart choice. Hence, big data analysis management would be more efficient. IoT appliance mainly combined with LPWA applications which provides intelligence for the user through sensors and devices. The following are some smart home appliances:
- Garage door
- Lighting control
- Remote control
- Smart lock
- Smoke detector
- Security systems
- Thermostats
Industry
Basically, IoT industry uses low power wide area applications that help to improve industrial efficiency such as logistic tracking. In this case, sensor data from the tracking devices are aggregated into an analysis to ensure that real-time tracking of the location of shipments can be made possible. Moreover, alerts messages regarding service are sent to technicians on their smartphones, so that primitive actions can be taken on real-time data.
In conclusion, NB IoT is expanding as the experts defining the modern technology more efficiently. Therefore, the future of IoT will be leading by NB IoT.
