NBIoT

NB-IoT, or Narrowband Internet of Things, is a low-power, wide-area networking technology standardized by the 3GPP for connecting simple, low-bandwidth devices over cellular networks. It is designed to support large numbers of devices across wide areas while delivering extended battery life and low device cost.

NB-IoT operates in licensed spectrum using a 180 kHz narrowband channel. It can be deployed in-band within an LTE carrier, in the guard band, or in a standalone licensed block, leveraging the LTE core network and base station infrastructure while keeping device complexity low.

Key characteristics include very low data rates, extended coverage, and strong indoor penetration. Data rates are typically tens to a few hundred kilobits per second, with latency and reliability oriented toward small, infrequent messages. The protocol supports large numbers of devices per cell.

Power-saving features such as Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) enable multi-year battery life for sensors.

Security benefits stem from the cellular framework, including SIM-based authentication and encryption; firmware updates and network-managed quality of service are provided by operators.

Common applications include smart metering, asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart city services. NB-IoT is intended for static devices with small data payloads rather than mobile broadband.

Compared to LTE-M (Cat M1), NB-IoT offers lower throughput and latency characteristics, but longer range and lower cost, making it suitable for long-lived, low-activity devices. It remains a core option in many operator deployments in licensed spectrum.