Narrowband IoT (from English *Narrowband Internet of Things* or **NB-IoT**) is a communication standard for Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) radio technology developed by the 3GPP. It was first specified in the 3GPP Release 13" (LTE Advanced Pro) in June 2016.

NB-IoT is designed to enable a wide range of devices and services on cellular networks. It uses a subset of the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, limiting bandwidth to a single narrow band of **200 kHz**. This design specifically focuses on optimizing coverage, achieving long battery life (up to 10+ years), and enabling high connection density over large areas.

Currently, NB-IoT coexists with other cellular IoT technologies (such as LTE-M) and benefits from the security and privacy features of mobile networks.

The key features of NB-IoT are designed for massive and efficient Internet of Things (IoT) communication:

• - Low power consumption: It is one of the main objectives of NB-IoT, which guarantees optimal energy efficiency so that the battery of the devices can last more than a decade.

• - Extended Coverage and Deep Penetration: The technology offers better signal penetration indoors and underground, as well as wide range in rural areas.

• - Low cost: NB-IoT modules have low costs compared to traditional LTE technologies, which allows the massification of devices.

• - Low bandwidth: It operates with a low maximum data rate (up to 250 kbps), sufficient for the sporadic sending of small data packets by sensors.

• - Flexible deployment: It can be deployed in three main ways: within an LTE carrier (inband), in the guard band between LTE carriers (guardband), or independently (standalone).

Due to its low-power and high-penetration characteristics, NB-IoT is ideal for applications that require constant monitoring and send data in small volumes. Some common use cases include:.

• - Smart metering (water, gas, electricity).