Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT)

Q. Why is this in news?

A. In a first, BSNL launches world’s largest NB-IoT to provide connectivity for millions of unconnected machines, sensors and industrial IoT devices across the country.

Q. What is NB-IoT?

• NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology that works virtually anywhere.
• It will connect many more devices to the Internet of Things and make many new applications a reality.
• It is optimized for applications that need to communicate small amounts of data over long periods of time.
• Since it operates in licensed spectrum, it is secure and reliable providing guaranteed quality of service.
• It connects devices more simply and efficiently on already established mobile networks and handles small amounts of fairly infrequent 2‑way data, securely and reliably.

Q. What are its advantages? 

• very low power consumption
• excellent extended range in buildings and underground
• easy deployment into the existing cellular network architecture
• network security & reliability
• lower component cost

Q. What is Internet of Things (IoT)? 

• The IoT describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
• The definition of the IoT has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, real-time analytics, AI, sensors, and embedded systems.
• In the consumer market, IoT technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of the “smart home”, including devices and appliances.