NB-IoT by the Provider

NB-IoT, which is an extension of the existing LTE networks and is offered by large mobile network operators, is already available in many places in Germany and is gaining ground. Technically, this technology allows a large number of sensors per base station and a very high range or building density. However, the hardware costs for NB-IoT sensors and also their power consumption are higher than for LoRaWAN® and mioty. The higher possible data rate in return is usually not needed for IoT applications as long as no quick "over-the-air" firmware updates are planned. Experience shows that the vast majority of sensors can be reached without problems during a roll-out - but only those. Often, individual sensor locations remain that cannot be relocated (e.g. water meters) and cannot be connected to the network even with superior antennas. In this case, there is only the hope that the network provider will set up additional base stations. A further aspect is that economies of scale through more sensors are hardly effective - after all, the provider lives from the revenue generated by each individual sensor. Finally, sensor units in NB-IoT networks only work with SIM cards, which makes changing providers cumbersome.

NB-IoT is therefore particularly attractive - and often the only option - if you do not want to set up and maintain your own network, can live with the disadvantages mentioned above and want to keep the option of roaming open.