Introduction

Due to the popularity of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) such as LoRaWAN or Sigfox in the IoT industry, the traditional cellular networks like 4G has been ousted as the best choice, specially when low cost, low power consumption and long range are key characteristics. As a response to this market demand, the 3GPP association published 2 cellular narrow-band IoT standards in the release 13: NB-IoT ("narrow band for the Internet of Things") and Cat-M ("category machine"). They are also known as LTE Cat-NB1 and LTE Cat-M1. Libelium has integrated the BG96 chipset by Quectel to meet this requirement.

This module has been included in the Waspmote and Plug & Sense! ecosystem as an OEM development kit, where the NB-IoT and the Cat-M connectivities can be easily tested in pilot projects or proof of concepts applications.

The NB-IoT / Cat-M module also includes EGPRS connectivity, allowing to transmit information even if there is no coverage for NB-IoT or Cat-M and also maintaining ultra-low power consumption. Besides, the most common Internet protocols like HTTP(S), FTP(S), SSL, TCP or UDP are supported.

Moreover, the module integrates a GNSS engine supporting GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and QZSS systems, making it suitable for tracking applications where low cost and accurate positioning is needed.

Designed to be plugged on the socket1 of Waspmote, the module can meet almost all requirements for IoT applications like smart cities, remote monitoring, smart logistics, real-time tracking, etc. Additionally, the NB-IoT / Cat-M module has a unique global version, allowing the usage all over the world with no fragmentation.

Like other radio modules, Libelium provides a dedicated library for Waspmote and some example codes, which speed up the testing for the NB-IoT or the Cat-M connectivity with just a few high-level functions, and without dealing with large amounts of AT commands. Thus, the development of pilot projects and proof of concepts becomes easy.

It is important to remark that the NB-IoT or Cat-M connectivities require a dedicated SIM card (not included by default). With a standard SIM card, only the EGPRS connectivity can be tested. Besides, the network coverage is only present in certain zones and strongly depends on the selected mobile network operator. It is recommended to check operators coverage in the location where the module will be used.

NB-IoT vs Cat-M

Despite both connectivities are available on the NB-IoT / Cat-M module, there are a few differences to be mentioned.

While Cat-M allows one of the highest bandwidth of the LPWAN technologies, NB-IoT is focused only for low data rate applications, being a great choice for single sensor applications. Also, Cat-M can support voice applications, while NB-IoT does not.

An advantage of Cat-M is that it is compatible with the existing LTE network and that avoids operators to spend money building new antennas because just a software update is needed. On the other hand, NB-IoT is not compatible with the LTE network and it would require higher costs for operators to deploy a NB-IoT network. Despite this fact, there are a lot of operators that are actively researching and making efforts to commercialize NB-IoT.

On the other hand, NB-IoT has a great advantage against Cat-M on indoor coverage due to its bigger sensitivity, reaching very good levels even inside basements and large buildings.

Recently, the 3GPP association has published the release 14, where the standards LTE Cat NB2 and LTE Cat M2 has been defined. However, the market will have to wait till they are available for commercialize.

All documents and any examples they contain are provided as-is and are subject to change without notice. Except to the extent prohibited by law, Libelium makes no express or implied representation or warranty of any kind with regard to the documents, and specifically disclaims the implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

The information on Libelium's websites has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for any specific purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy or completeness.