NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) and LTE-M (LTE for Machines) are Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies for IoT communication. They are designed for communication between IoT devices and the internet, and both use cellular networks for communication.

NB-IoT focuses on being low-power and low-bandwidth, making it suitable for IoT devices that require long battery life and low data transfer requirements, such as sensors and smart meters.

LTE-M, on the other hand, is designed for IoT devices that require more bandwidth than NB-IoT can provide, while still having low power requirements. LTE-M provides faster data transfer speeds and greater network coverage compared to NB-IoT and is more widely deployed globally by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

Both NB-IoT and LTE-M are an upgrade to the traditional cellular networks and provide a cost-effective solution for IoT communication compared to other alternatives such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

NB-IoT and LTE-M are cellular-based communication technologies designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. They operate in licensed frequency bands and are part of the LTE standard. They allow devices to connect to the internet via a cellular network and communicate with cloud services, application servers and other IoT devices.

LTE-M provides faster data transfer speeds and greater network coverage compared to NB-IoT. It is designed for IoT devices that require more bandwidth and reliability than NB-IoT can provide, such as wearables, smart tracking devices and smart appliances. LTE-M offers a combination of low power consumption and high data rate communication.

Summary of some key technical differences between NB-IoT and LTE-M:

1.         Bandwidth: NB-IoT has a smaller bandwidth than LTE-M, which results in a lower data rate and lower power consumption. NB-IoT provides a maximum data rate of around 250 kbps, while LTE-M provides a maximum data rate of around 1 Mbps.

2.         Power consumption: NB-IoT is designed for low-power IoT devices and has lower power consumption than LTE-M. This makes NB-IoT a good choice for IoT devices that require long battery life, such as meters, sensors, and other low-power devices.

3.         Latency: NB-IoT has higher latency than LTE-M, which means that there is a longer delay between sending and receiving data. This can be a disadvantage for IoT devices that require low latency, such as real-time monitoring and control systems.

4.         Reliability: NB-IoT has lower reliability than LTE-M, which means that there is a higher chance of data loss or errors. This can be a disadvantage for IoT devices that require high reliability, such as safety and security systems.

5.         Network coverage: There is a requirement to have NB-IoT and LTE-M specific cellular network coverage built by the MNO for IoT devices, and the coverage and availability of these technologies can vary by region and market.

6.         Cost: The cost of deploying NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies can vary widely depending on the specific region and market, and the choice between these technologies will depend on the desired level of performance, functionality, and cost. Typically NB-IoT has a higher cost per MB than LTE-M.

NB-IoT and LTE-M, despite their advantages, also have some drawbacks:

1.         Coverage: While both NB-IoT and LTE-M are well deployed by the MNOs, their reach may still be limited compared to traditional cellular networks. The availability of these technologies depends on the deployment and support of the cellular network operator. Roaming is technically supported, but not widely enabled due to different operator, country, and regional pricing models.

2.         Complexity: Implementing NB-IoT and LTE-M devices can be more complex compared to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-based IoT devices, as they require a deep understanding of the cellular network, SIM cards and its protocols, to optimize the desired use case towards the radiotechnology key characteristics.

3.         Cost: While NB-IoT and LTE-M offer a cost-effective solution for IoT communication compared to other alternatives, the cost of deploying and maintaining these technologies can still be high, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Pricing model is different, typically event or flat rate based making cost per byte more expensive.

4.         Latency: Both NB-IoT and LTE-M can have higher latency compared to Wi-Fi and other high-speed communication technologies, as the data needs to traverse a wider area and go through multiple intermediate systems.

Both NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies are widely supported by device manufacturers and modem suppliers. The availability of devices and modems that support these technologies has increased significantly in recent years, and there is a growing ecosystem of products that support both NB-IoT and LTE-M.  Single technology enables full optimization towards the desired use case, while dual technology might result compromising some performance aspects.

The choice between NB-IoT and LTE-M depends on the specific requirements of the IoT device/application and the trade-offs between cost, complexity, and performance. While NB-IoT is designed for low-power IoT devices and has lower power consumption and lower data rates than LTE-M, it also has higher latency and lower reliability. LTE-M provides higher data rates and higher reliability than NB-IoT, but it also has higher power consumption.

We at Simplex Wireless support both LTE-M and NB-IoT for your use case needs and we solve the coverage and cost related drawbacks we eluded towards earlier. Please contact us for further assistance.

Raimo Järvenpää, Chief Product Officer, Simplex Wireless

marketing@simplexwireless.com