Small things. Daily objects. All, worldwide connected. Our world is increasingly connected, and the number of intelligent devices is growing rapidly. The industry needs a technology that enables objects to communicate freely, with low costs and low energy consumption. The path to achieve this has already begun. The finish line is the Narrow-Band IoT (NB-IoT), and the distance to reach this goal is short: early 2017.

Accent Systems has taken the first steps to introduce itself into this emerging technology, enhancing the proximity solutions it offers to its customers. We spoke with its CEO, Jordi Casamada, and its CTO, Oriol Patau, about NB-IoT, which will surely shape the industry.

Potentialities of NB-IoT Technology

Let’s talk about NB-IoT… What are the potentialities of this technology?

JC: The Narrow-Band IoT is the first technology clearly focused on connecting everyday objects to the internet, with the objective of controlling them from a distance or collecting information. Its main advantage is low power consumption, allowing devices to be small because they won’t need large batteries. Therefore, their prices will be much more competitive.

OP: At the same time, telecom fees won’t be as expensive with NB-IoT. Existing technologies like GPRS, 3G, 4G are designed to connect smartphones to the internet, so the monthly outlay is high (requiring lots of Internet data). With NB-IoT, consumption will be lower because it’s one of the first technologies developed specifically to connect small things and send small amounts of data, not large quantities.

This technology will be useful, for example, with temperature sensors that only need to send information once an hour. But if you need to stream video between two machines, this tech won’t suffice.

NB-IoT for Machine-to-Machine Communication

Do you think NB-IoT is the best technology for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication?

JC: Surely, NB-IoT will be the best technology to broadcast small amounts of information sporadically. It will enable the connection of basic things like an intelligent toothbrush with sensors associated with dental treatment. The dentist will be able to receive all the information and monitor the patient in real-time, with low costs for both parties.

It is obvious; the same process could be done with other internet connections, like 3G, but imagine how much the monthly fee would cost and how often you would need to charge the battery. It would be infeasible, and NB-IoT is the solution.

NB-IoT vs. SigFox and LoRa

There are other technologies developed with the same objective: communicate objects. What are the differences between NB-IoT and SigFox or LoRa?

OP: The most important thing to keep in mind is that Narrow-Band versus these other technologies doesn’t require the deployment of a new network. No need to install new antennas, just update the software, and they’ll be ready to connect with NB-IoT devices. This isn’t possible with SigFox or LoRa, which need new infrastructure.

JC: There are also other technical advantages. NB-IoT is bidirectional (it broadcasts and receives information), while SigFox and LoRa have limited downlink capacities.

OP: It’s also important to highlight that NB-IoT operates in its own frequency band, preventing interferences, and works at an adjustable and quicker speed.

JC: The arrival of Narrow-Band will be imminent globally; they say it will be an overnight deployment. The only necessary thing, apart from updating the software, is that telecom operators are ready to get subscribers.

Industry Demand and Telecom Operators

So, the most important step is for main telecom operators to respond to new industry demands…

JC: Exactly. In fact, it is starting to become a reality. In Singapore, for example, some telecom operators are committed to deploying Narrow-Band in 2017, and Shanghai (China) has already started with pilot tests. This technology will be a reality next year, but currently, it’s in a prototype phase.

Accent Systems and NB-IoT Projects

Accent Systems is a company focused on offering customers proximity technology solutions, especially in the wireless device market. Do you have any projects in mind to step into NB-IoT?

OP: Since its foundation, Accent Systems has focused on machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and connected products. The vast majority of our projects are based on this kind of communication, using technologies like GPRS. Now, with the arrival of Narrow-Band, all these projects could be done with less cost for the customer and the final user.

JC: Our intention is to develop projects for our clients using this technology, as we believe it will offer several advantages and benefits. Over the years, our company has developed several connected products: taximeters; people, animals, and asset trackers… and our intention is to incorporate this emerging technology into these and other projects. NB-IoT offers a wide range of possibilities to challenge unimaginable new products.

Commitment to NB-IoT Technology

So, you are decided to bet on NB-IoT technology…

JC: Sure. From its beginnings, our company has pursued creating connected devices to facilitate people’s lives, and with the arrival of NB-IoT, it will be much easier. We will be able to connect devices that are currently not feasible to connect technically and economically. I’m almost sure that NB-IoT will represent the authentic blast of the Internet of Things (IoT); the internet of small things.

Outstanding Use Cases of NB-IoT

Which are the most outstanding use cases, with NB-IoT?

JC: It will be an authentic revolution. Until now, we’ve connected big and expensive devices like TVs, computers, or smartphones, but from now on everything can be intelligent. Imagine a smart city where all streetlights are connected and can be controlled individually. This could optimize and reduce consumption by controlling, for example, the amount of light of each streetlight, depending on the volume of people crossing the area.

This is just one of many different use cases where NB-IoT will be very useful. Other examples include weather stations, air quality sensors, vehicle fleet control, and asset, people, or pet trackers.

Future Outlook for NB-IoT

Finally, what do you foresee in the short future?

OP: The latest information suggests that Narrow-Band IoT will be deployed next year, in 2017. We should wait and see if the deadlines are met, but what’s certain is that Singapore and China are leading the way. It’s still a mystery when it will spread to other countries.