A cellular-based technology designed specifically for IoT devices. Unlike LoRa, which operates on unlicensed radio bands, NB-IoT works within existing cellular networks—it’s essentially a stripped-down version of 4G LTE.
Imagine redesigning a regular cell phone connection specifically for devices that only need to send small amounts of data occasionally. That’s NB-IoT. It uses just a tiny slice (180 kHz) of the cellular spectrum—hence the name narrowband.
What makes NB-IoT particularly interesting is its integration with existing cellular infrastructure. Mobile operators can enable it by simply updating their network software – no need to build new towers. This gives it excellent coverage, especially indoors, as it can penetrate deep into buildings and basements much better than regular cellular signals.
Key advantages include:
- Better battery life (devices can last 10+ years on a single battery)
- Excellent indoor coverage (about 20dB better than regular cellular)
- Higher data rates than LoRa (up to 250 kbps)
- Strong security (inherits cellular network security features)
- Guaranteed quality of service (unlike technologies using unlicensed spectrum)
The main trade-off is that you’re tied to cellular providers—you can’t set up your own network like you can with LoRa. It’s like choosing between having your own WiFi router (LoRa) and relying on cellular data (NB-IoT).
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