What is the main purpose of NB-IoT?

The main purpose of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is to provide a low-power, wide-coverage network solution for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is designed to support a massive number of devices with low data rate requirements, enabling them to communicate over long distances using minimal power.

Explanation:
NB-IoT focuses on applications that need to send small amounts of data over long periods, such as smart meters, environmental monitoring sensors, and asset tracking devices. Its key features include:

• Low Power Consumption: Devices can operate for years on a single battery.
• Wide Coverage: Signals can penetrate buildings and underground areas better than other technologies.
• High Capacity: Supports a large number of connected devices within a given area.

Example:
A typical use case for NB-IoT is smart water meters. These meters need to send small amounts of data (usage readings) to the utility company periodically. With NB-IoT, the meters can operate for years without needing their batteries replaced, and the signals can reach the meters even if they are located in underground pits.

Recommendation:
For companies looking to deploy NB-IoT solutions, Tencent Cloud offers IoT services that support NB-IoT connectivity. Their IoT platform provides end-to-end solutions for device management, data processing, and application enablement, making it easier to develop and deploy NB-IoT applications.