What is NB-IoT?
Narrowband Internet of Things (Narrowband IoT) is one of the LPWAN technologies that provides the ability to connect a large number of devices and services through cellular networks. This technology aims to focus on low cost, longer battery life, coverage in indoor areas, and support for a large number of devices, which can provide acceptable transmission rates by utilizing a very narrow 200 kHz bandwidth (180 kHz plus inter-band protection)
Network coverage:
Many “connected objects” must be located in remote areas and at great distances from mobile network radio stations. In such areas, if there is coverage, it is usually so weak that it causes IoT sensors to consume more battery to communicate with the network. Long distance network is the best option to communicate.
Battery life of sensors:
The NB-IoT network has a very high range due to the use of less bandwidth, which reduces energy consumption and increases the battery life of sensors. Older communication networks do not support energy saving mechanisms.
Price of used devices:
Many NB-IoT use cases require low-cost devices, not only because of high efficiency, but also because of practical aspects such as easy installation or the risk of equipment theft. The NB-IoT network has attracted the attention of telecommunication operators, including Irancell, due to its special features. Many cities in Iran, including Tehran, Alborz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Rasht, Hamadan, Sanandaj, etc., have been covered by the NB-IoT network.
Irancell’s NB-IoT network is Iran’s smart agricultural infrastructure:
What is needed to realize the Internet of Things and device-to-device (M2M) communication as part of the broader concept of the Internet of Things is a platform that can receive and transmit information sent by a large number of devices. Irancell’s NB-IoT network is a very high-range network that transmits information and data of small volume without interruption to software systems or data centers. The unique features of this network make the batteries used in the equipment and sensors have a longer lifespan. In the past, common mobile radio networks such as GSM were used to transmit smart agricultural data, but due to the high energy consumption of GSM modules, this telecommunication network is not suitable for collecting and transmitting sensor data. Therefore, the NB-IoT network was introduced as an efficient platform for implementing Internet of Things solutions.