Technologies
NB-IoT
Narrowband IoT (also known as NB-IoT or LTE-M2) is an LPWAN technology which doesn’t operate in the licensed LTE construct. Instead, it works in one of three ways:
- Independently.
- In unused 200-kHz bands that have previously been used for GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).
- On LTE base stations allocating a resource block to NB-IoT operations or in their guard bands.
WHAT IS NB-IoT?
Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is a standards-based, low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology, developed to enable a wide range of new IoT devices and services. NB IoT will be supported on most modern devices which are compatible with 4G LTE platform. Compared to 2G NB IoT allows for much wider coverage and better indoor penetration. It also optimises power consumption of user devices, system capacities and spectrum efficiency, especially in deep coverage. Moreover, it also offers a battery life of more than 10 years for a wide range of use cases.
KEY FEATURES

Wider Deployment
Compared to LTE-M1, the NB-IoT has lower bitrates and better link budgets.

Secure & Reliable
Nb-IoT is based on 3GPP encryption and operated within licensed spectrum.

Long Battery Life
LTE-M system is very power efficient offers up-to 10x improvement in battery life eliminating the need for external power supply.

Easy Deployment
Nb-IoT can easily be integrated to any cellular network architecture.

10+ Year Battery Life
NB-IoT offers long battery life due to low power or current consumption.

Wide Application Support
LTE-M has very low latency (<100ms) and supports bidirectional communication, so it is suitable for both static and mobile use cases.
KEY APPLICATIONS
Asset Tracking
With the emergence of the self-driving car movement, connected automobiles are more popular than ever. Today’s automobiles contain a plethora of sensors that aid in safety, performance, automation, and other functions. Cat M1 is ideal for highly mobile assets such as automobiles as an LTE connectivity since it manages cell tower handoff as well as high-speed LTE — and is comparable to the typical smartphone — without the resource expense.
Wearables
Most smartwatches today have data functionality as an option, which is understandable. Having an Internet-connected device on your person can be beneficial. With its high lower power consumption, Cat M1 enhances the usability of IoT wearables. It can enable pinpoint positioning to locate missing folks, send out notifications when particular standards are fulfilled, grant access to protected facilities via authentication.
The majority of wearable use cases entail sensitive data such as personal data and security credentials. They’re also always connected to humans, who are the world’s most mobile assets. As a result, cellular communication types like Cat M1 are more prevalent. Most smartwatches today have data functionality as an option, which is understandable. Having an Internet-connected device on your person can be beneficial.With its high lower power consumption, Cat M1 enhances the usability of IoT wearables. It can enable pinpoint positioning to locate missing folks, send out notifications when particular standards are fulfilled, grant access to protected facilities via authentication.
The majority of wearable use cases entail sensitive data such as personal data and security credentials. They’re also always connected to humans, who are the world’s most mobile assets. As a result, cellular communication types like Cat M1 are more prevalent.
Vending machines
Vending machines are a great example of a large-scale IoT application because they can be put in the thousands almost everywhere. However, network coverage can be a problem if the device is placed in any location. Vending machines in subway stations, for example, would require coverage that can reach underground, which is difficult for most connectivity kinds. Plus, if your IoT sensors are on all the time, you’ll be changing batteries in a matter of minutes. Cat M1 helps in this scenario with its ability to minimise cost and ensure reliable coverage.
Security Systems
There’s no room for error when it comes to safeguarding the things you care about. As a result, Cat M1 cellular connectivity is used in many IoT-connected security systems. Alarm panels are the backbone of infrequent minimal data. It’s unlikely to be activated 99 percent of the time . Because of the minimal power requirements, you won’t be forgetting to change the batteries as often. Furthermore, the Cat M1 includes speech functionality via VoLTE (voice over LTE), making it ideal for IoT applications like as alarm panels that require some human involvement. When it comes to security, cellular is a considerably better choice than Wifi or Bluetooth right away because it lacks the network backbone that runs our smartphones.