With the number of IoT devices expected to soar past 25.54 billion by 2030 (https://dataprot.net/statistics/iot-statistics/, 2023), it’s vitally important to be using the correct technology for your IoT operation.
NB-IoT and LTE-M are two technologies that offer different solutions for implementing IoT devices. Although they are all part of the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G family, they operate and offer quite different capabilities.
They are both Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) developed for IoT (Internet of Things) use, each with unique benefits that can affect the cost, efficiency and effectiveness of your IoT operation.
Considering that by 2026, it’s estimated that NB-IoT and LTE-M will make up 60% of the 3.6 billion LPWA network connections, being ‘in the know’ about these modern technologies is essential. Keep reading to discover more.
What is NB-IoT
NB-IoT, or Narrowband Internet of Things, is a narrowband technology designed to connect a large number of IoT devices with low bandwidth requirements. It provides excellent indoor coverage with low power consumption, making it a suitable solution for devices that do not need to transmit large amounts of data, such as smart meters and some forms of asset-tracking devices. NB-IoT can operate in a single mode, which means it can only send or receive data. Unlike CAT M1 and LTE-M standards (if implemented by the mobile network operator), NB-IoT does not cater for cell handovers and voice. Therefore, this technology is more designed for static devices intended to be left in situ for a significant/long period of time with limited functionality.NB-IoT is Affordable and Uses Less Power
NB-IoT is a robust and typically inexpensive solution for IoT operations (depending upon the commercial terms of individual network operators), especially when data transmission is limited and the devices in question remain static. Its required power usage is also significantly less than other licensed wireless technologies, allowing devices to be powered by batteries for longer periods of time. This is important for sensors or readers that are fitted once with an expected useful life before changeout. Additionally, due to its low bandwidth requirements and specifications, NB-IoT can connect more devices than LTE-M. This is partly because although NB-IoT is bandwidth-constrained, it can use unused guard bands that are typically used to lower interference between mainstream mobile traffic. This means that many more devices can connect to the network as they are using channels unused by other mobile devices. Further, by using a low-frequency spectrum, it can cover large distances by having lower attenuation, making it ideal for rural areas. It is a good choice for applications and devices that require less frequent data transfers, such as environmental monitoring.What is LTE-M?
Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) is a simplified term for eMTC LPWA (enhanced machine type communication low power wide area) technology and uses a comparatively higher data rate than NB-IoT technology. As a result, LTE-M offers faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and better mobility support than NB-IoT. This technology offers more bandwidth than NB-IoT and uses the same fundamental infrastructure as existing LTE networks.LTE-M Uses Low Amounts of Data and Is Suitable For Mobile Application
LTE-M’s IoT applications require small amounts of data using low bandwidth at low costs while being able to accommodate more complex applications than NB-IoT. As a result, LTE-M is ideal for a wide range of IoT applications that require frequent data transfers. The mobile application support and lower latency times of LTE-M also make it ideal for applications requiring low, medium and high data speeds, such as fleet management. It is also more suitable for applications that require more sophisticated two-way communication and provides better coverage than NB-IoT in urban areas due to its potential higher mast availability and handover capability. Moreover, LTE-M is a cost-effective solution due to its use of existing LTE infrastructure which means that service providers do not need to invest excessively in diverging developments of their local and core networks. However, LTE-M can require more expensive hardware than NB-IoT if certain features are implemented in their supporting devices.Key differences between NB-IoT and LTE-M
When comparing NB-IoT and LTE-M as low-power wide-area network technologies, there are several distinct characteristics separating them, such as:- Coverage
- Download speeds
- Roaming
- Global availability
- Battery life
- Deployment and mobility
- Cost
- Data transmission.
Conversely, NB-IoT’s roaming capabilities are somewhat limited, making it ideal for stationary applications within a fixed location.
Although NB-IoT and LTE-M are available on 5G and related GSMA standards, there are some factors that affect their availability around the globe. The GSMA’s Mobile IoT Development Map showcases the global deployment of both technologies at the present time, although a limiting factor in deployments of both technologies is that individual MNO’s roll-outs vary considerably and are not always available across their entire network at this stage.