We are currently living in an era where everything is interconnected. The world has transformed so that we can now access things from all over, thanks to our gadgets like mobiles, watches, and even vehicles capable of sending and receiving information regardless of their location. The existing infrastructure can cater to most of the planet, however, countless geographical areas still lack cellular connectivity, especially rural, remote, or maritime regions. It is precisely these reasons that the introduction of Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-IoT NTN) can prove beneficial, as it facilitates communication where the existing cellphone infrastructure is absent.
How can NB-IoT NTN expand cellular connectivity? What exactly is a Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network? Do not worry, we will take this along with us step by step in a more simplified manner so at no point it seem dry or boring.
What Is The Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Networks?
To simplify the concepts behind Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Networks, let us examine the term itself. IoT is mainly referred to as the collection of devices that interact with each other using the internet. This could be anything from smart home thermostats to industrial sensors that track equipment within a factory.
NB-IoT is a class of IOT technology that is tailored for devices that do not need a lot of data bandwidth to operate which automatically means it is great for devices that only transfer bits of information but need to do so in an efficient manner across long ranges. The term Narrowband IoT describes the specific values of frequency that help transmit this information. It is more useful than other types of networks, especially in remote places.
This is where the ‘Non Terrestrial Network’ part comes from as NB IoT NTN uses satellite technology to overcome the limitations of NB IoT. NTNs can provide coverage in places that cannot be reached by existing cell towers which are located on land. These include vast areas such as oceans, deserts, and remote islands where the availability of cellular coverage is nonexistent. Rather than just trusting the ground-based infrastructure, satellite technology complements cellular network towers.
For example: check this article to understand better the technological advancements that are aiming to broaden global mobile network coverage.
Why Might a Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network Be Required?
Consider the possibility of being lost at sea with no means to call for assistance. It is truly a horrific situation, but it happens more frequently than one would expect. A few years ago, a group of fishermen stuck on an isolated island deep in the South Pacific spelled ‘HELP’ with palm leaves, because they were devoid of any means to communicate their location. Thankfully, they were saved, however, this occurrence sheds light upon global relativity: the gap in global accessibility is deeply rooted.
As of now, only roughly 34% of the regions on the planet have access to cellular networks. This leaves a virtually unmanageable amount of the planet disconnected which may not sound like a problem, but can be detrimental for people trying to traverse through these regions. Whether it is remote workers, sailors, adventurous beings, or even people with a humanitarian purpose, it is an undeniable factor that people need communication tools at their disposal.
This is where NB-IoT NTN chips in. NB-IoT NTN integrates satellite connectivity with current cellular networks, so devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, cars, and much more can communicate with one another regardless of how far one is from civilization.
How Does The Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network Function?
Now that we have discussed the primary question, let’s resolve the secondary query.
Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network potentially operates through the integration of LEO satellites with cellular networks. These Satellites are vital for effective communication as their proximity to the earth ensures that they can be depended on for reliable, low-latency communication.
- LBS: As opposed to GEO satellites, which operate at an altitude of around 22,000 miles, the LEO satellites have very low latency. They enable quicker and more efficient communication and are incredibly useful during emergencies.
- Weather Resistance: Satellites that are LEO are more durable to outer weather functional interferences. Extreme weather conditions worsen communication and region satellites are best suited for those environments.
- Adaptability: Flexibility is a critical variable since LEO satellites cover smaller areas of the planet as compared to GEO satellites. As a result, if one satellite does experience a malfunction, others are readily available to take over.
- Budget Friendly: Low Earth orbit satellites are budget friendly as they cost a lot less to launch and maintain compared to their higher Geostationary satellites. This enables Satellite dependency services to reach a larger audience.
Head over to this whitepaper for a deeper dive into how NB-IoT NTN works alongside the specific details concerning its design and functionality.
The Benefits of Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Networks for Mobile Network Operators MNOs
The mobile network operators (MNOs) stand to benefit the most regarding the Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network standards, and here is why.
- Global Coverage: The MNOs can offer ready-made global coverage by simply merging the terrestrial cellular networks with the NTN satellite systems. This ensures that customers, even in rural or remote regions, remain active and connected regardless of their current location.
- Emergency Communication: Picture a smartphone that can send an emergency SOS alarm or location data through satellite networks in the absence of cellular networks. This would prove to be a godsend in situations such as harsh natural disasters or fatal accidents where every second counts.
- Increased Customer Loyalty: MNOs dealing in previously unconnected areas stand to improve customer loyalty by providing clients with reliable means of communication which in return, seal the gap. Enhanced communication options across the globe significantly improve the customer experience.
- Avoiding Spectrum Restrictions: Terrestrial Networks must deal with expensive regulatory approval processes and complex spectrum-sharing agreements, which impede their formation. MNOs can facilitate greater coverage without breaking the bank.
Narrow Network vs Broad Network: What Are The Differences?
With the term, Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network, it is important to differentiate between a narrow network and a broad network.
- Broad IoT networks enable devices such as sensors or machines with the ability to self-report data at a much lower power requirement than normal networks. This helps in enabling communication over longer distances. A strong example of a narrow network is NB-IoT NTN, which has a primary role of sending bits of data across long distances.
- A second group of IoT networks is Broad Networks. Broad networks enable high bandwidth requirements to be met which are necessary for general usage such as web browsing, streaming, and consuming media.
For more details about the differences, you may refer to this guide which analyzes broad versus narrow networks.
Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network In The Real World
Let’s see how the Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network can be revolutionary in the world today:
- Agriculture: Farmers residing far from civilization can make use of NB-IoT NTN-enabled sensors to keep track of their crop growth, soil condition, and the weather regardless of their distance from a cell tower.
- Transport: Think of the effective logistics and supply management that would come from being able to determine the cargo and location of delivery trucks moving through remote areas or even on the high seas. NB IoT NTN enables these kinds of possibilities.
- Emergency Response: The NB-IoT NTN systems, Not only send out the signals for help but keep rescue teams in touch with everyone. Imagine what this could do for disaster areas where there are no Naka phones in a traditional sense.
- Personal Safety: Smartwatches with NB IoT and NTN technology have the potential to send SOS messages in emergencies. So even if you are stranded in an uninhibited area, help can always be reached.
PDF Manual For Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network: get even more information
If you are a company, an MNO, or a technology enthusiast, then you certainly need more in-depth technical detail, so the Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network PDF will be of great assistance. It offers a detailed understanding of network protocols, configurations, and operational standards which helps you comprehend how this system connects with other existing technologies. This deep dive guide gives you the information that you need in a nutshell.
Prepare Yourself For The Developments In Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network
NB IoT NTN is the future? There is hope. Sooner than later, every industry will understand the need for dependable and worldwide connectivity and so the importance of this technology will skyrocket. With the help of NB IoT NTN, combining the Satellite Network and cellular network we will steer towards a world where everyone is always reachable, wherever they are.
Additionally, as satellite technology matures, we can look forward to more sophisticated capabilities like more bandwidth, enhanced reliability, and lower costs.
Conclusion: Why Narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial networks are important
The introduction of NB-IoT NTN is a huge leap towards global communications. It will become a vital aspect for everyone, be it mobile network operators, remote area farmers, or adventure-seeking individuals, trying to stay connected on a global scale.
The ability to always stay in contact no matter where customers or assets are located provides a reliable peace of mind to consumers, making an investment in NB-IoT NTN devices and services for businesses priceless.
NB-IoT NTN is the ultimate advancement to allow greater access to various places globally while providing peace of mind without worrying about losing contact with the outside world.
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FAQs
- What are the benefits of Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Networks (NB-IoT NTN) factors?
NB-IoT NTN has its benefits owing to its ability to facilitate efficient and dependable communications to remote locations that traditional terrestrial networks do not cover. This new technology is essential for worldwide coverage as IoT devices can now be connected using low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in previously disconnected oceans, deserts, or rural areas.
- How does NB-IoT NTN facilitate communication at a global level in remote and rural areas?
NB-IoT NTN provides satellite technology in conjunction with cellular networks to provide enhanced communication. This means IoT devices will have connectivity in areas that have previously had no access to cell towers, improving data transmission and communication for critical systems like emergency response.
- Are there any limitations to the IoT applications aided by NB-IoT NTN?
Because NB-IoT NTN is ideal for constrained IoT applications that only need to send a small amount of information over vast distances, it may not cover all IoT requirements. It focuses on industries like farming, logistics, transportation, and even emergency services that need real-time data communication, but don’t require efficient means of internet or massive amounts of data.
- In which ways do mobile network operators (MNOs) benefit from NB-IoT NTN?
In the case of MNOs, the coverage extension that integrating satellite and ground networks entails is fulfilled more affordably due to NB IoT NTN. This coverage expansion enables MNO to serve remote locations where new clientele is available and also improves the system stability during natural catastrophes or adverse weather which would incapacitate traditional networks.
