Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is an offshoot or upgrade of LTE, and continues to evolve as part of the 5G NR standard. Its unique features of low power consumption, low implementation cost and low complexity make it attractive for cellular operators to offer a carrier-grade IoT network. NB-IoT provides connectivity to IoT devices with respectable range and bandwidth, while co-existing with 4G and 5G networks. Lekha provides a software upgrade for NB-IoT on our VyapiTM eNodeB.
Satellite-based IoT networks are gaining momentum. Satellites launched in GEO and LEO can provide coverage over large areas. Low throughput and delay tolerant IoT networks have become the early choice for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) roll out. The NB-IoT feature in 3GPP Release 14 has evolved and will form IoT NTN in Release 17.