LPWAN standard NB-IoT Low-Power and Wide-Area, LPWA

Standardization of Internet of Things

Main article: Standardization of Internet of Things

About the NB-IoT standard

The NB-IoT standard was developed by consortium 3GPP taking into account requirements imposed by operators: services of IoT should be transferred on technology of the transfer known as "LPWAN" (Low-Power and Wide-Area, LPWA) and to use the existing infrastructure of the operator. In terms of universality, NB-IoT is the most appropriate solution LPWA for the enterprises of the different industries with which help it is possible to connect to network of the operator counters of utilities, sensors of monitoring, the system of tracking of objects and mass of other devices. One of features of technology is an opportunity to connect to one cell of the base station up to 100 thousand devices that in tens of times exceeds possibilities of the existing standards of mobile communication. Use of low-frequency range will allow to provide with a covering such hard-to-reach spots as socle premises, cellars, etc. Besides, during the work in the new standard of the device spend the accumulator more economically that allows them to work without recharge much longer. For example, the water counter with the independent accumulator during the work can serve in the NB-IoT standard up to 10 years without recharge and accept a signal, being set in the basement.

According to forecasts of GSMA association, by 2020 the number of connections of Internet of Things on networks of mobile communication and LPWA will exceed 3 billion. Counters of resources, the watch and bracelets, collars for pets, sensors on parkings – each of devices needs access to network. Communication Narrow Band IoT for Internet of Things considerably reduces energy consumption end devices, provides the best covering and penetration of communication is considerable, increases the maximum number of the devices connected to network.

There are three technology options of deployment NB-IoT, namely:

• in frequency band along with LTE services;
• in an unused part of a radio spectrum between frequency ranges (for the purpose of prevention of noises from the adjacent channel on borders of the existing LTE frequencies);
• use of separately selected range (further in article we will discuss the compromise solutions and the related factors defining the best choice of technology at NB-IoT deployment).

NB-IoT will allow mobile operators to provide without delay providing commercial solutions in IoT segment. It will occur in 2017 long before the 5G is standardized.

Three options of deployment of "narrow-band IoT" influence performance not only for NB-IoT RAN (Radio access network; a radio access network in different standards of cellular communication), but also for simultaneous deployment and IoT, and MBB (mobile broadband, mobile broadband access).

In terms of a radio access network (RAN) there are three options of deployment NB-IoT. Two of these options are suitable for deployment in a range which already underwent licensing.

• Option "in a band" where NB-IoT is unrolled in the existing LTE range used for providing mobile broadband (MBB) services;
• Option of "the protected band" with spectrum use at the edges of the channel (i.e. in not used part of a range) the existing LTE. However noises from the adjacent channel on borders of the existing LTE base stations are probable here. "The protected bands" can be used without capacities of the main base stations of LTE);
• The third option consists in deployment of NB-IoT using assignment of assigned frequencies (i.e. "autonomous" deployment) and also uses of set of the different selected base stations especially for LTE IMVV.

Regulating authorities do not select separate frequencies for NB-IoT though it is possible to apply this approach. For example, it would be possible to define an IoT-range from 700 MHz of a band (so-called 2×3 MHz, from 733-736 MHz and 788-791 MHz). This 2×3 MHz a range adjoins the main frequency scheme which is MBB focused 700 MHz (as shown in figure 1) and therefore will not have any impact on the volume of a range available to MBB.

The solution of "the protected band" uses the smaller capacity of MBB in comparison with deployment option in frequency. Such option can hardly offer the same performance level, as when using a separate frequency range because of more limited perspectives on optimization at provision of services, the territory of a covering and volume of IoT of traffic.

There can be also other advantages of use of the selected range, including a possibility of optimization of RAN thanks to what the excellent covering in premises will be provided. At the same time it is possible to reach decrease in power consumption of devices at the expense of the same best covering in premises.

Some cases of use of IoT require faster response time of network in strength of mind of traffic (for example, applications in the health sector or connections with vehicles). Specially selected range will help to provide more reliable connection at emergence of similar situations and along with it effectively to use the existing services and network resources (for example, billing and security)^[1].

Entry into the market of the first devices with support of NB-IoT technologies is expected at the end of 2016 - the beginning of 2017. The NB-IoT technology works in LTE networks and will be relevant upon further transition to standards of fifth generation of a 5G.

History

The history LPWAN began long before the French Sigfox in 2009 started the wireless network of the same name in not licensed frequency range. Connection to network of objects which for work does not need a lot of energy was the purpose of the company. The first counters, washers, etc. were connected.

And still signaling systems became the first devices which began work in predecessors of modern LPWA networks. So, in 1980-1990 topology, similar with LPWAN, and network architectures began to appear. For example, the AlarmNet company, "subsidiary" of ADEMCO, connected fire annunciators from a wireless network and carried out monitoring of their work. The network functioned at a frequency of 928 MHz in the USA and covered 65% of the population. In an effect of Honeywell purchased AlarmNet.

One more supplier – ARDIS which founded in the 1980th a wireless network with a wide coverage belonged to Motorola company. Connected the equipment for automation of sales and online transactions to this low-speed network. Afterwards American Mobile purchased ARDIS, and the new owner transferred customer service to more modern networks.

With gradual development of technologies supplier companies of solutions for monitoring passed to networks 2G. It happened in the late nineties. By the standards of that time of network 2G had a universal covering^[2].

LPWAN networks

Two main options of implementation of LPWAN of network:

• License frequency range (the increased power, rather high speed, are not present noises)
• License-free frequency range (low power, low speed, restriction of an operating cycle of the transmitter, are possible noises from other players)

Three main technologies of creation of LPWAN of networks:

• NB-IoT is evolution of cellular communication;
• SigFox in the world and the Martin, VAVIOT in Russia – UNB license-free LPWAN;
• LoRa – broadband license-free LPWAN.

NB-IoT most likely will take the most part of the highly profitable market, but license-free technologies have every chance to take more low-profit market with billions of connected simple and cheap devices.

Actively networks LPWAN LoRa Alliance, Sigfox, Ingenu and other providers develop. Let's consider some networks in more detail.

Ultra Narrow Band

Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) is technology of ultranarrow band of modulation. Such known networks as NB-IoT and Sigfox treat UNB.

NB-IoT

NB-IoT was developed based on the existing standards of mobile communication. NB-IoT networks work in the licensed frequency spectrum. Standardization of technology came to the end in June, 2016. Supervises development of this network 3GPP.

In NB-IoT support more than 100 thousand connections on a cell, the accumulator of the device connected to NB-IoT is provided can work up to ten years without recharge. Also the wide covering with gain 20 dB in GSM network, etc. is provided.

Four networks NB-IoT, according to GSMA, already worked in April, 2017. In the same time 40 NB-IoT of networks were tested worldwide.

Physical and economic restraints of NB-IoT which define a zone of possible advantage of license-free solutions:

• Not effective use of energy of the battery - the large volume of the service information on each information bit (registration, enciphering, billing, need of permanent synchronization of end devices with network).
• Rather complex and expensive radio modules.
• Rather high, for a certain class of devices, a license fee.
• Dependence on the operator and his priorities at first to service a voice communication and the classical Internet.
• Works only where is and the cellular network works.

LoRa

Main article: LoRa is technology of wireless communication for IoT

LoRa is the patented frequency expansion of a range. In 2008 the technology was patented by the French company Cycleo, and in 2012 this company was purchased by Semtech. From this point rise of LoRaWAN began. Semtech managed to interest in new technology of IBM and Cisco which were included afterwards into LoRa Alliance. You watch Product:LoRaWAN as well LoRa Alliance

The most known LoRa protocol – LoRaWAN is a hardware protocol of management of communication between LPWAN gateways and final nodes of devices. The LoRaWAN network (Long Range wide-area networks, a global network of a big range) is unrolled in the frequency range which is not requiring licensing.

Devices asynchronously transfer data for sending for the gateway to LoRaWAN networks. Then several gateways which obtained this information send data packets to the centralized server of network, and from it – to application servers.

In Russia of the LoRaWAN standard Everynet and Network 868 promote. Also MegaFon, VimpelCom and MTS became interested in this technology.

Support to the protocol at the global level is given by LoRa Alliance. The alliance integrates more than 500 developer companies hardware and the software and LoRaWAN operators.

Communication services of LoRaWAN are rendered by 42 operators more than in 250 cities of the world. Specialists explain such popularity of this standard with the low level of energy consumption (about 10 years from one battery), the large territory of a covering and low cost of sensors (to $10).

LoRaWAN and Martin: comparison

"Martin" and LoRa belong to family not of cellular global LPWAN therefore there is not a lot of qualitative differences between them as, for example, at LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. For work of these networks^[3] are used^[4].

1. Protocol of communication

One of the main differences of these networks is the protocol of communication. LoRa uses LoRaWAN - MAC the link protocol (OSI media layer 2) for networks with a set of nodes with a big range and low power consumption.

The Strizh network uses own Marcato 2.0 protocol. This protocol is closed. The protocol provides enciphering of XTEA using the 256th bit key.

2. Propiyetarnost degree

"Martin" uses the closed Marcato 2.0 protocol for work. As a result gateways and end devices of production of Martin are necessary for work in this network. Such absolute degree of a propiyetarnost can negatively affect on both the cost of devices, and their range.

Low degree of a propiyetarnost is characteristic of LoRaWAN. The patent for LoRa-chips belongs to Semtech. However the owner of patents not against the equipment released several companies. Besides end devices are made by several dozens of third-party producers. As a result the set of budget and effective options is available to the user to creation of IoT-solutions based on LoRa.

3. Modulation

LoRa uses a modulation method with expansion of a range and a variation of sweep frequency modulation, and Martin – a supernarrow-band method with differential binary phase manipulation of DBPSK.

Use of broadband code manipulation of LoRaWAN leads to decrease in efficiency of use of a frequency range. As a result the number of devices for work with the certain frequency range are much lower, than at Martin. In LoRa band in 125 kHz, necessary for coding of one channel, it is possible to use up to 1250 Martin devices.

4. Signal band width

The signal band width recommended for standard network LoRaWAN makes 125 kHz. At Martin the band width of a signal makes 100 Hz. The standard network LoRaWAN has eight wide channels on 125 kilohertzes, and Martin has 5 narrow thousand on 100 hertz everyone. The narrow channel has several features. For example, it requires frequency stability of the quartz resonators setting the operating frequency of the subscriber device. Otherwise use of expensive temperature-compensated generators which have an error on frequency 10 times less is necessary.

5. Channel separation

FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access) is a frequency-division multiple access. Share is divided into several devices. Such division can be equal or unequal. FDMA is, as a rule, used together with the multiple access methods TDMA and CDMA.

The principle of work of TDMA consists that at a certain frequency the base station some period works for one subscriber, some for another, etc. Breaks are so short that for operation of devices they remain unnoticed.

The principle of work of almost digital format of CDMA means that all cells work on the same channel. As a result the frequency resource is spent most fully. The possibility of soft junction of the device from service from one base station to another is provided.

LoRaWAN uses CDMA and TDMA whereas Martin - FDMA and TDMA.

6. Radio and mesh networks

Advantage of LoRaWAN consists in use of mesh (multipoint) networks. Devices can work as the radio relay station and to transmit a signal to the next access point. Therefore providers have no need to set additional access points with wiring to them. An alternative way – use of the miniature radio relay stations WLAN which provide communication with the available infrastructure of access points. "Martin" cannot brag of such characteristics.

7. Classes of the serviced devices

LoRaWAN can service devices of a class A, B, C whereas Martin - only class A devices. Classes differ according to the schedule of data transmission in air. For example, the equipment of class A transfers information, and then the short period expects the answer from the base station. The receiver is switched off prior to the next communication session. Devices of a class B work according to the schedule. The transmitter turns on in preset time. The base station locates this schedule therefore it is capable to transfer data to the device according to the diagram. Devices of a C class hold the receiver included constantly therefore the base station can transfer information at any time.

8. Asynchronous data transmission

Strizh and LoRaWAN networks are not cellular. It means that devices do not need to wake up for synchronization of data. Sensors can be programmed on sending data on the schedule or in process of information storage. Therefore rather long can also reach the term of operation of accumulators several years.

9. Local networks of scale of an object

It can build effective network LoRaWAN even to the separate enterprise in a type of smaller cost of the base station and wider ecosystem of equipment suppliers and a program part. Creation of Strizh network on a local object is also possible, but, in view of absolute closeness of the protocol, on selection of the necessary equipment and approval of the project more time can leave.

10. Number of operators

LoRaWAN networks are developed by more than one hundred operators in 40 countries and 250 cities of the world. Having secured with support of IT giant and the largest telecom operators, LoRaWAN already covered with a signal more than 40 countries of the world and 250 cities. In the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the Netherlands LoRaWAN is considered the standard of network of Internet of Things. The Strizh network is provided by the only operator providing services in some CIS countries.

11. Cost of base stations

investments into construction not of cellular LPWAN rather low, than in mobile LPWAN. Networks not of cellular LPWAN can be developed with ease as within the city, and in rural areas. The cost of one base station of LoRaWAN is estimated at $1000. For a scope of the territory of the Netherlands, for example, one of telecom operators purchased 12.

12. Noise stability

The Martin technology is steadier against noises. The signal of LoRaWAN has average degree of stability. Interference protection in a case with LoRaWAN is provided using coding.

At simultaneous operation in one channel of the device can achieve interference protection at the level of 10 – 20 DB, in Martin this indicator is about 65 dB of protection against a noise on adjacent channel.

13. Ecosystem

The solutions "Martin" are developed by the company and a little, mainly Russian, equipment manufacturers. The ecosystem of LoRa includes more than 500 operating companies of communication and suppliers of IT solutions and the equipment. LoRa Alliance includes such IT giant as IBM, Cisco, Orange, NTT, Soft Bank, Bosch, Schneider Electric, Inmarsat, Swisscom. Support of these leaders already led to the fact that LoRaWAN became the largest popular LPWAN technology in the world. The number of the operators who unrolled this network demonstrates to it.

Summary

LoRaWAN Martin in propiyetarnost degree, channel separation, in a possibility of service of several classes of devices significantly exceeds, possibilities of use of radio and mesh networks, construction of local networks at the enterprises, the cost of base stations, an ecosystem of support and the number of the started networks. It means that have much more options of creation of effective industrial solutions based on LoRaWAN customers, than when using Martin technology.

LoRaWAN against NB-IoT: comparison of standards

1. Simplicity of deployment

NB-IoT is a standard of cellular communication therefore for work of base stations it is necessary to obtain the license. It is unlikely NB-IoT will venture to unroll the company which was earlier not present at mobile communications market. Construction of network from zero for a scope of the megalopolis will demand significant investments. Besides it will be difficult to beginners to compete with the companies rendering traditional services 2G/3G/4G for decades. "Old residents", for example, have enough to update programmatically the existing base stations to start NB-IoT services.

LoRaWAN is the standard of the LPWAN protocol working in the technology LoRa environment. LoRa is a type of modulation for IoT communication. LoRa is not the cellular standard. Work of LoRaWAN does not require obtaining licenses to use of frequencies.

2. Synchronization

As the NB-IoT network treats cellular communication, the devices working in it should "wake up" and be synchronized with network. Otherwise it will not be possible to receive or send the message. Each session of synchronization takes away an energy charge from the device accumulator

The equipment in LoRaWAN network works absolutely differently. Asynchronous sending data means data transmission only when these data are. While the device has nothing to transfer, it "sleeps", saving energy. Specialists can set sending data on the schedule or regardless of time.

3. Battery life

As NB-IoT works in the licensed frequency spectrum, devices should be synchronized with network rather often. It, in turn, spends the battery.

In architecture of LoRa synchronization with network is not required. In the asynchronous ranges, only the nature of the final application defines how long the device can "sleep". Therefore, it helps to save battery power. Earlier experts of GSMA association carried out multiple tests of work of LPWAN. It became clear that the autonomy of LoRaWAN-devices is three-five times higher, than at the devices working in other LPWAN.

4. Data transfer rate

Average speed of data transmission in NB-IoT networks – 200 Kbps, in LoRaWAN networks – from 300 bps to 50 Kb per second. NB-IoT is more effective IoT protocol for "faster" applications. For the majority of cases of use LoRaWAN devices have enough data transfer rate in 11 kilobits per second.

5. Throughput band

NB-IoT usually works at higher capacity, than LoRaWAN. The requirements to capacity of a signal designated by 3GPP make 180 kHz. LoRa is required only 125 KHZ.

6. Covering of network

NB-IoT best of all works in difficult urban areas. The network performance will be excessive in suburban or rural areas. LoRaWAN does not rely upon mobile data and its covering remains rather steady regardless of area conditions. Lower investments necessary for LoRa, substantially work in its advantage.

7. Application cases

LoRaWAN is considered ideal for applications and devices which are undemanding to data transfer rates and the number of the sent data. However devices should provide long term of service of the battery at the minimum costs for maintenance. NB-IoT in the best way is suitable for applications, exacting to a delay time (it should be minimum) and regular acceptance and sending messages.

8. Scenarios of deployment

The LoRa technology can be used as the operators who are working in the field of mobile communication, not having relations to this sphere. Only mobile players with a name can develop NB-IoT. NB-IoT is not used by private enterprises in their own networks while LoRa approaches for this purpose. Large enterprises rather just will be able to create the hybrid IoT models with LoRa, for example, for project implementation "smart factory", and at the same time to use public network for work out of an object. Use of NB-IoT is limited only to public models.

9. Cost ratio

The total cost of the modules LoRaWAN is approximately in $8 - $10 that is twice cheaper than the modules LTE, such as NB-IoT. Costs for new deployment of LoRaWAN are much lower, than on construction of NB-IoT from zero. For a scope of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands whose area is 219 sq.km., it was required to set 10 base stations. The cost of each station was only $1.2 thousand.

10. Ecosystem

Communication services of LoRaWAN are available in 40 countries of the world and 250 cities. LoRaWAN is already accepted as the standard of IoT network in many countries, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the Netherlands. The ecosystem of LoRa is much wider than NB-IoT ecosystem. For example, LoRa Alliance includes more than 500 developer companies hardware both the software and LoRaWAN telecom operators. In Russia solutions on LoRaWAN are proposed by such companies as "Orion a System", Laura Link, Smartiko, etc.

According to GSMA, in April, 2017 in the world 40 NB-IoT of networks were tested and only four networks began a full-fledged work. It is probable that NB-IoT on the width of an ecosystem will be able to catch up with LoRaWAN only in several years.

Summary

LoRa and NB-IoT have the merits and demerits. However, by the majority of criteria, such as simplicity of deployment, an ecosystem, possibilities of deployment, the battery life, operation in private networks, cost ratio of LoRaWAN exceeds NB-IoT. And still these two standards can coexist amicably with each other, servicing different segments of the global^[5].

Sigfox

Sigfox is the French company which in 2009 started modern network LPWA in France. The amount of investments into the project then was €100 million. Since 2019 Sigfox Russia (the Power Capital).

For network functioning the technology of supernarrowband wireless connectivity is used. The network is based on topology "star". By the way, such topology is characteristic of most LPWA. A set of devices on wireless connection transfer data to gateways, and gateways redirect information on the server. Each device can transfer up to 140 outgoing messages a day to networks. The volume of the message does not exceed 12 bytes. The maximum quantity of incoming messages – 4, the volume of everyone – up to 8 bytes.

The network works with not licensed frequency range. Ddlya of communication services provision is used the range of 868 MHz in Europe and 902 MHz in the USA. Sigfox networks are developed more than in 26 countries of the world.

Sigfox published^[6] at the beginning of 2019 of the specification of the radio protocol for the connected objects. Earlier the company provided specifications only on a request and within the nondisclosure agreement.

The release of these specifications will give more opportunities to developers and producers of the connected objects. Having tested development, the producer will need to register the object in Sigfox network. Sigfox expects that it will sharply increase quantity of the objects connected to its network. The ecosystem of Sigfox will extend in process of democratization of technologies out of limits of producers of devices, said in the message^[7]. Base stations and infrastructure of Sigfox still remain are protected by patents.

LoRaWAN vs SigFox. Pluses and minuses of technologies

LoRa is the most mass, well documentary universal LPWAN technology.

Shortcomings:

• The actual price of KU not so cheap, from $40 (for the simplest sensors) to - $120 - $120 (for advanced), plus a subscription fee.
• Such cost of KU is explained by rather high price of the LoRaWAN-module due to its universality and compulsory attendance of a reverse channel even in the simplest solutions.
• Small network transmission capacity, low noise immunity from the competing LoRa of systems.
• The technology tries to compete with NB-IoT bluntly.

SigFox (Martin and Vaviot) is the closed separate judgments, generally work at the mass market of counters of housing and public utilities

Shortcomings:

• Not clear further development of a case of housing and public utilities in communication by the changing legislation.
• The closed technology third-party developers have no access to the server of network.
• There is no reverse channel, symmetric on range.
• Risks of the only supplier and risks of increase in a subscription fee

Ingenu

This network uses the RPMA protocol (Random Phase Multiple Access). The technology is available in 29 countries of the world.

GoodWAN

The LPWAN technology developed by GoodWAN company provides transfer of short, rare, significant messages from the economic independent sensors located at long distances from each other. It is created for tasks in which LTE-M and the existing LPWAN of network are inefficient.

2021

In the Russian Federation the standards defining architecture of IoT networks are approved

At the beginning of February, 2021 it became known of the approval in Russia of the standards defining architecture of networks of Internet of Things. The procedure of an approval by Rosstandart was undergone by a series of national standards in the field of technologies of Internet of Things, sensor networks and industrial Internet of Things which will be used for creation of networks of these types.

The number of the approved documents as the press service of RVC reports, included one of the most demanded by the market of internet protocols of things LoRaWAN RU. The exchange protocol for high-capacious networks with a big range and low power consumption". It defines the network protocol and system architecture of LoRaWAN network optimized at the national level for mobile and stationary end devices with battery power supply.

In addition, Rosstandart approved six more normative and technical documents for development of networks of new generation. They define their types and the basic terminology used in this sphere. Documents can be used in practical work at all levels: from educational rates to creation of products and services in IT market, RVC reports.

Experts of Association of Internet of Things, ER-Telecom, Kaspersky Lab JSC, Skoltech, Lartekh, JSC InfoWatch, Russian Railway, MegaFon, Gazprom Neft, Rostelecom and other organizations took part in development of standards.

Emergence of these documents — an important step for development in Russia of new products using technology of Internet of Things. The format of preliminary national standards leaves an opportunity for their further development and modification, and after approbation and taking into account a market feedback standards can pass into GOST P rank — the head of Rosstandart Anton Shalaev explained.[8]

The NB-IoT standard was not allowed to smart power meters in the Russian Federation

The standard of data transmission of Internet of Things of NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) was not included into the list admissible to use in systems and metering devices of the electric power, communication with what not less than 1 million smart power meters used in housing and public utilities should be replaced. It is reported in the letter which MTS telecommunication companies, MegaFon, VimpelCom and Tele2 sent Mintsifra's deputy head Oleg Ivanov.

According to Kommersant, according to Mintsifra's order of December 30, 2020, the only admissible data transfer protocol in systems of accounting of the electric power is recognized the Russian technology of wireless data transmission NB-Fi. However most of large telecom operators render the services based on the NB-IoT standard and consider the NB-Fi standard working in not licensed frequencies, less safe.

Rostelecom confirmed to the edition that the restrictions offered Mintsifra will demand review of a number of projects. In MTS Kommersant was told about start of network of Internet of Things on NB-IoT more than in 70 regions of the Russian Federation. MegaFon implemented on this standard already two projects at the federal level. In Tele2 noted that also have several projects with NB-IoT for customers from housing and public utilities.

As explained in Mintsifry, the list includes standards which recommended the Ministry of Energy and FSB and also accepted by Rosstandart. At the same time, in department noted advisory nature of the list, however operators are sure of its obligation.

According to the director of Association of Internet of Things Andrey Kolesnikov, the main thing that producers of the domestic equipment irrespective of the standard had access to the market, then violations in the field of the competition will not be.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service considers that the question requires studying. Department explained that are going to take part in its consideration.^[9]

2020

MTS expanded NB-IoT network in the industrial cities of the Belgorod region

On January 26, 2021 there was information that MTS expanded NB-IoT network in 2020 to 95% in the industrial cities of the Belgorod region. For the largest enterprises of Stary Oskol, Gubkin, Alekseyevka, Valuyek, conditions for implementation of industrial Internet of Things and industrial automation due to operation of "smart" devices and sensors are created to Shebekino. Read more here.

In Russia the LoRaWAN standard - the most mass IoT technology in the world is developed

At the end of December, 2020 it became known of development in Russia of the LoRaWAN standard — the most mass technology of Internet of Things in the world. LoRaWAN RU is created within technical committee "Cyber-physical Systems" with the assistance of Minpromtorg and also other state structures and market participants.

According to the ComNews edition with reference to the director of the Association of Internet of Things (AIT) Andrey Kolesnikov, was spent for preparatory work for acceptance of LoRaWAN RU about two years. It is expected that Rosstandart will sign the order on the approval of technology in the first quarter 2021, and the standard will be enacted on July 1 the same year.

According to Kolesnikov, according to rules of Rosstandart the preliminary standard receives the status "permanent" in three years from the moment of enforcement of PNST — in a case with LoRaWAN RU this date there will be a July, 2024.

Existence of GOST for LoRaWAN does not give a guarantee that solutions based on this technology will be applied everywhere — the director of AIV explains. — GOST guarantees compatibility of the equipment of different vendors, and the compatibility and inheritance — an opportunity for work with the previous versions of the protocol — are very important both in a telecom, and in IT.

Kolesnikov added that existence of GOST for LoRaWAN comparison with "paper with an official stamp" — it can become a good argument for sales, in particular to the companies with the state participation.

Introduction of the national standard of Internet of Things of LoRaWAN RU will allow to reduce developments of producers in this sphere in a uniform format of profiles of data and to provide creation of the uniform market of digital services in Russia and also will help to implement technologies of the smart cities assuming active use of data considers Konstantin Movchan, the deputy CEO for development of the joint-stock company of "NPP Signal concern "Automatic equipment" (enters in "Rostec").^[10]

The Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo contracted the network for Internet of Things in the NB-IoT standard

On April 2, 2020 it became known that the Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo contracted on March 31, 2020 the network for Internet of Things in the NB-IoT standard. Read more here.

2019

The Russian standards of Internet of Things NB-Fi, LoRaWAN RU and OpenUNB will become compatible to international

The protocols standardized at the national level Internet of Things (IoT)NB-Fi, LoRaWAN RU OpenUNB will also be included in the draft international standard of compatibility of systems IoT/IIoT. Such decision was made in November, 2019 at a meeting of subcommittee of International Organization for Standardization (International Organization for Standardization, ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC) in the field of Internet of Things, last century St. Petersburg. In more detail here.

Tele2 tested NB-IoT on commercial network LTE-450

On November 18, 2019 Tele2 company reported that it held testing of the NB-IoT standard on commercial network LTE in the range of 450 MHz (LTE-450) in Moscow. In tests wireless SIMCom Wireless Solutions devices based on MediaTek MT2625 chipsets were used. Cooperation of the companies will allow to accelerate distribution of the NB-IoT standard and to lay the foundation for mass connection of devices of Internet of Things based on 5G networks in the future. Read more here.

MegaFon started the fastest network in Russia for Internet of Things. It is 5 times faster

On November 13, 2019 MegaFon announced start of the fastest network in Russia for Internet of Things. The NB-IoT Cat-NB2 technology provides data transfer rate to 130 Kbps that exceeds characteristics of former IoT-networks of the previous generation five times. Read more here.

Rostelecom, Tele2 and Kirov Plant completed testing of NB-IoT for the industry

On September 10, 2019 the company "Rostelecom" announced end together with mobile operator Tele2 testing of solutions on a basis Internet of Things (Internet of Things, IoT) for the sector "Industry" century St. Petersburg. During testing the service of automatic collecting and information transfer from counters of consumption of heat and water in information system production monitoring "Kirov Plant" using the equipment of domestic suppliers was deployed. Testing took place within strategic cooperation of Rostelecom and Kirov Plant including including joint work over drafts of the national program "Digital economy". In more detail here.

Intersvyaz started pilot network LoRaWAN in Yekaterinburg

On August 13, 2019 the Intersvyaz company announced installation of the base station of LoRaWAN in Yekaterinburg. The wireless network is unrolled especially for work as one of management companies of the city in which fund there are hundreds of all-house metering devices. Read more here.

RT-Invest started the project of "smart control" of collecting and export of waste based on LPWAN XNB

On August 15, 2019 the RT-Invest group (it is created with the assistance of State Corporation Rostec) provided a pilot project of digitalization of collecting and transportation of utility waste based on own platform of telematic services. Read more here.

Beeline and Energomera will advance jointly LPWAN in the field of power industry

On July 26, 2019 it became known that VimpelCom announced readiness to develop Internet of Things in the Russian market of electricity metering. The company signed the agreement on cooperation with domestic manufacturer of counters of the electric power with the Energomera enterprise. Read more here.

J’son & Partners Consulting: status and perspectives of implementation of LPWAN technologies

On July 9, 2019 the J'son & Partners Consulting company completed preparation of a research of a current status and perspectives of implementation of narrow-band wireless technologies for Internet of Things (LPWAN).

As noted in J’son & Partners Consulting, for ensuring connection of IoT devices different radio technologies and wireless standards can be used. Nevertheless, according to the Russian classification, it is possible to classify the vast majority of wireless networks for IoT within 6 large segments.

The considerable number of IoT devices (about 80%) will be connected via gateways on the basis of local and personal area networks in the radio frequency bands used in the simplified order (fig. 2). At the same time gateways can be connected through the existing networks of cellular mobile communication or narrowband wireless networks of communication of IoT.

In spite of the fact that narrowband wireless networks of communication of IoT are not considered as the most mass segment of wireless technologies for IoT, this type of networks is supposed to be used for connection of IoT devices in many branches of the economy for a wide number of applications which it will be difficult or it is impossible to implement using other types of wireless communication.

Narrowband wireless networks of communication of IoT correspond to two separate segments depending on use of radio frequency bands generally or the simplified order.

Narrowband wireless networks of communication of IoT in the radio frequency bands used in the general order (according to foreign classification - in the licensed range), are provided by several standards among which NB-IoT and LTE-M of consortium 3GPP are the most widespread. Actually these technologies are not independent standards, and represent development of the existing standards of cellular mobile communication finished for satisfaction of needs for connection of the low-power devices which are working, as a rule, from the battery and having a limited need for capacity.

There are more than ten different opened and closed standards of narrowband wireless networks of communication of IoT in the radio frequency bands used in the simplified order (according to foreign classification - in not licensed range).

Thus, in the world narrow-band technologies for IoT are divided into two main categories:

• the technologies using not licensed range (LoRaWAN, SigFox, etc.);
• the technologies using the licensed range (NB-IoT, LTE-M, etc.)

The highest dynamics by the number of starts in the world is shown by networks in the licensed range (NB-IoT and LTE-M) in which mobile operators invest.

According to J’son & Partners Consulting, by the end of 2018 these technologies were in the lead by the number of the started networks from shares of 39%. In 1 sq. 2019 the number of operators who developed networks based on NB-IoT or LTE-M technologies in 52 countries of the world exceeded 100. In June, 2016 standardization of NB-IoT in release 13 (LTE Advanced Pro) is complete.

According to LoRaAlliance, at the end of 2018 the number of operators of LoRaWAN networks in the world exceeded 100. Sigfox networks (in Russia the technology is not provided) cover about 50 countries (without taking into account the "dwarfish" and island states).

By the end of 2018 in Russia the greatest distribution was gained by Strizh networks (XNB technology) and "Vaviot" (NB-Fi technology). Also there is an active construction of LoRaWAN and NB-IoT networks. In particular, the ER-Telecom company at the end of 2018 built LoRaWAN networks in 63 cities, and MTS developed federal network NB-IoT in more than 200 cities of 52 regions of Russia.

The analysis of level of development and standardization of technologies and protocols of LPWAN in not licensed range showed the following:

• LoRaWAN: it is going to issue this technology in the international standard. In Russia development of the fundamental standard for the LoRaWAN protocol should be completed in 2021.
• NXB ("Martin"): the closed XNB protocol drafted by Strizh company. It was offered to use it for mass connection of "smart" power meters, the final decision is not made yet.
• NB-Fi (Vaviot): in February, 2019 the preliminary national NB-Fi standard was approved by Rosstandart. The plan of the National Technology Initiative (NTI) provides till 2025 development in Russia of several more IoT-standards.
• Sigfox and other technologies (Weightless P, Ingenu, etc.) in Russia are not provided, plans for their development from market participants (vendors, system integrators, operators, the regulator, etc.) no (are not announced).

For July, 2019 in the Russian market both devices with support of LoRaWAN, NB-Fi and XNB technologies, and network equipment (infrastructure), including from the Russian suppliers are commercially available. In the short term emergence in the market of the first commercial devices with support of NB-IoT technology is expected.

According to forecasts of BergInsight, in 2023 on a share of technologies in the licensed range (to NB-IoT and LTE-M) about 80% of all deliveries of LPWA devices in the world - nearly 1 billion pieces is necessary.

In Russia for July, 2019 the regulator gives preference to technologies in the licensed range while the part niche which are mainly focused on collecting of telemetry from noncritical objects is assigned to technologies for license-free use. At the same time there are risks of monopolization of separate segments of IoT (transport infrastructure, "smart" counters, etc.) due to use of the closed protocols and providing preferences to certain market participants.

Standards of LPWAN will be used, first of all, in housing and public utilities, the "smart" cities, in logistics, on transport and in agriculture. In general the Russian market will develop according to universal trends, with a delay for 1-3 years from the developed countries.

In a chain of creation of added value the role of "net" communication service providers for M2M/IoT decreases and the role of suppliers of services based on cloud IoT-platforms, services of system integration and technical support of the M2M/IoT systems increases.

VimpelCom activated in Moscow NB-IoT network for services and devices of Internet of Things

On July 2, 2019 it became known that PJSC VimpelCom (a brand Beeline) activated in Moscow network for services and devices of Internet of Things (IoT) in the LTE standard on the basis of NB-IoT technology. It will be able to support tens of millions of smart devices. Read more here.

SCRF made a compromise solution on the fate of the LPWAN standard

The Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications published the minutes of State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF) of December 24, 2018 in January. In it the commission made changes to the decision of 2007 on operation of low-power devices which devices of the wireless LPWAN standard are among. This standard is intended for data transmission from devices of Internet of Things^[11].

The original version of the decision of the commission on the matter caused a lot of controversy. Now LPWAN devices work in bezlitsenziruyemy sections of the range of 800 MHz: 864 - 865 MHz, 866 - 868 MHz and 868.7 - 869.2 MHz.

In a meeting, penultimate in 2018, SCRF wanted to oblige to get permissions to use of radio frequencies for start of base stations of the LPWAN standard. Besides, it was going to oblige to use in these networks only the domestic equipment.

The head of Association of participants of the market of Internet of Things Andrey Kolesnikov addressed with the letter the Minister of Communications, the chairman of SCRF Konstantin Noskov with a request not to allow adoption of such solution. Kolesnikov specified that the requirement about obligatory obtaining permission to use of radio frequencies will increase terms of construction of LPWAN networks, will lead to growth of cost of communication services and will increase load of regulatory authority - Roskomnadzor.

Besides, now LPWAN networks it is actively used by startups, including in the student's and educational sphere. Introduction of an allowing entry procedure of radio-electronic means of the LPWAN standard will make continuation of such practice impossible.

Kolesnikov opposed also introduction of the requirement about obligatory uses of the Russian equipment. The Russian producers, according to him, are not able to provide the required volume and quality of the equipment for Internet of Things yet.

2018

Tele2, Ericsson and Rostelecom tested NB-IoT for the energy sector

On November 26, 2018 Tele2 reported what together with Ericsson and Rostelecom was investigated by possibilities of NB-IoT technologies for the energy sector. Testing took place in Moscow and St. Petersburg based on Tele2 LTE network. Technologies of Internet of Things will allow power supply companies to optimize costs, and to consumers – to use their services more comfortably.

The test E2E-network (end-to-end) NB-IoT was unrolled based on Tele2 infrastructure using technical solutions of Ericsson. During the researches in Moscow and St. Petersburg data from power meters were transmitted through Tele2 LTE network on the server of collecting of statistics of the energy company. For data transmission modems with the built-in SIM cards of Rostelecom were used.

Results of tests proved efficiency of E2E-service for collecting and transfer of indications of power meters. Full automation of this process will provide high economic effect for power supply companies and will allow to make use of services of energy consumption by more comfortable for consumers.

In Moscow testing of technologies of Internet of Things was held in the range of 800 MHz. At the same time in-band deployment of NB-IoT in a band 5 MHz wide was applied. Such approach allows to use NB-IoT in the existing LTE networks which have a wide covering and allow to provide services of high-quality Internet of Things. In St. Petersburg connections of NB-IoT were performed in Tele2 LTE network in the range of 1800 MHz.

Until the end of 2018 Tele2, Ericsson and Rostelecom are going to develop two additional pilot zones in apartment houses (more than 100 metering devices) in the different districts of Moscow. The companies will test service on a large number of power meters in actual practice. Participants will check the accuracy and completeness of data transmission from power meters for the data processing server. So the companies want to confirm technology readiness of Tele2 network and infrastructure of Rostelecom for providing modern services to the companies of the power industry. In addition, based on jointly the unrolled infrastructure pilot projects for other industries will be studied.

In all regions of presence we constructed the LTE networks allowing to unroll quickly NB-IoT and to open all advantages of Internet of Things for clients. IoT technologies are the main driver of development of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of devices which are used by private consumers in houses. Our tests showed ample opportunities of process optimization in the field of housing and public utilities and usefulness of these solutions for clients. The network which analyzes information and adapts operation of devices to needs of the consumer is the cornerstone of architecture of IoT. The E2E-network based on our LTE infrastructure performed test tasks and correctly transferred data to the server of power supply company. In process of evolution of technologies of the device will interact and integrate more actively in ecosystems therefore our subsequent projects with partners are focused on application in different areas. Ritvars Kriyevs, technical director of Tele2

This pilot project – the next step of Rostelecom on the way of development of the industrial Internet and implementing solutions based on the NB-IoT standard in industries. Openness to innovations and capability to combine efforts with partners from different areas and also own infrastructure of transfer and storage of data allow Rostelecom to propose to the market practical, convenient and reliable solutions including within implementation of the state program "Digital economy of the Russian Federation. Roman Shulginov, vice president of Rostelecom for industry solutions

Internet of Things offers wide prospects for improvement of quality of life of people, development of all industries and growth of economy. According to Ericsson Mobility Report, by 2023 in the world there will be more than 3.5 billion devices connected to Internet of Things. At the same time implementation of IoT in all industries will happen, first of all, based on mobile technologies 5G. Our pilot projects in the field of Internet of Things implemented together with Rostelecom and Tele2 will allow residents of the Russian cities to estimate advantages which modern technologies give. Zoran Lukovic, the vice president of Ericsson for business development about Tele2 and Rostelecom

Russia permitted NB-IoT

At the beginning of 2018 at a meeting of State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF) the decision on use of narrow bands of radio frequencies for Internet of Things was made. According to the made decision of radio frequency band 453-457.4 MHz and 463-467.4 MHz, 791–820 MHz, 832–862 MHz, 880–890 MHz, 890–915 MHz, 925–935 MHz, 935–960 MHz, 1710–1785 MHz, 1805–1880 MHz, 1920–1980 MHz, 2110–2170 MHz, 2500–2570 MHz and 2620–2690 MHz can be used by radio-electronic means (distribution zone) of the LTE standard and the subsequent its modifications in the NB-IoT mode in the territory of Russia.

For rendering communication 4G the decision to select frequency bands 453-457.4 MHz and 463-467.4 MHz to five regions was made. The Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the Republics of Ingushetia, Sakha (Yakutia) and Chechnya were included in this list. Biddings will take place no later than the second quarter of the next year.

2017

MTS opened laboratory of an ecosystem NB-IoT

In December, 2017 MTS announced opening in Moscow of the Russia's first permanent laboratory of Internet of Things under the auspices of GSMA international association, having submitted to clients and partners pilot solutions on the basis of Narrow Band IoT technology (NB-IoT) for application in life, security systems, managements of city infrastructure and housing and public utilities and also own commercial IoT-services, ready to implementation.

In laboratory of Internet of Things "IoT Eksplorium", GSMA "Initiatives of Development of Mobile IoT" opened within the project, clients, partners and suppliers can not only get acquainted with commercial IoT-services, but also jointly test and create perspective IoT-solutions. At stands of MTS laboratory fragments of IoT-networks with the different sensors and the equipment transferring parameters and data for processing in cloud platforms with management via tablets and notebooks with information visualization about a status of systems on big screens are provided.

The main exposure of NB-IoT is provided to laboratories by commercial IoT-services MTS and test NB-IoT network in the ranges of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz with pilot products of Group of MTS on the basis of technologies of Nokia and solutions of the Russian developers for application in different spheres: in the smart house, in monitoring systems and infrastructure managements of the smart city, control of a consumption of energy resources in housing and public utilities, security of objects. In laboratory work of test network NB-IoT on the basis of the solution of Ericsson is also shown.

ZTE and velcom started NB-IoT network in Minsk

The velcom telecom operator started in the fall of 2017 in Minsk the country's first narrowband network of NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) for Internet of Things. Start of NB-IoT network will allow to develop Internet of Things in all city, and not just in pilot zones. Base stations provide a steady covering in each area already now: narrow-band communication gets into the most hard-to-reach spots, through massive walls of buildings and on first floors. On the level of penetration of a signal the new standard can exceed the M2M technologies used now by 20 times.

Earlier velcom got permission from State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF) for using a part of earlier selected frequency range for Internet of Things. The NB-IoT network works in the range of 900 MHz which is also involved in GSM and UMTS. For Internet of Things the small frequency band in 200 kHz with set-up intervals is used that does not influence work of other networks in any way.

To mobile operators in Russia can permit to apply frequencies in the NB-IoT mode

At the beginning of December, 2017 it became known of what the State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF) is going to permit operators of "Big Four", namely — MTS, MegaFon, VimpelCom and Tele2, use of frequencies in the NarrowBand Internet of Things mode (NB-IoT). The relevant draft decision of SCRF is going to be considered during the meeting on December 28, 2017.

In particular, it predpolalgatsya that operators will be able to start NB-IoT within already operating permissions to use of frequencies of standards GSM, LTE and the subsequent modifications on Russia in the different ranges. According to the document, SCRF "takes into account need of the fastest implementation of perspective radio technologies for development Internet of Things".

According to operators, the possibility of use of frequencies in the NB-IoT mode will allow to provide the favorable normative environment for deployment of infrastructure of Internet of Things, will arrange development of IoT in Russia and also will accelerate entry into the market of finished commercial products and services in this sphere which were already tested.^[12]

Federal wireless network in the Russian Federation

In the Digital Economy program, the developed Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications at the request of the president Vladimir Putin, after the approval by the Government a number of new points appeared. Including at the section "Information infrastructure" there is a point on construction of network of the standard of LPWAN[Ошибка цитирования Отсутствует закрывающий тег </ref>.

According to the program, until the end of 2017 the concept of development of networks of a narrowband network of communication of collecting of telemetric information in the cities from territories more than 100 sq.km. will be developed. Also the needs for services, approaches to creation and use of LPWAN network will be defined.

The development, improvement and completion of a hardware and software system including telecommunication equipment, the development of networks of a narrowband network of communication and collecting of telemetric information meeting requirements will be in parallel carried out. It is emphasized that the equipment should be mainly domestic production.

At the beginning of 2018 lists will be defined and the assessment of opportunities of the domestic industry for production of telecommunication equipment for construction of LPWAN network is carried out. Later conditions for development of a federal narrow band communication network on LPWAN technology will be created, including radio frequencies for deployment of network are defined, regulatory legal acts are adopted and the pilot project of creation of a communication network is implemented.

Planning of narrow band communication networks on LPWAN technologies, an order of its deployment and creation will be carried out to Iiikvartale of 2018. By III quarter 2019 of a communication network of Lpwanbudut more than 1 million people are implemented in the first five cities with population, and on these networks the domestic equipment will be used.

Until the end of 2022 the LPWAN networks using the domestic equipment will be implemented in all cities of Russia with the territory more than 100 sq.km. And by the end of 2024 universal implementation of LPWAN networks in the small cities and urban-type settlements and also along federal automobile and railway lines will be provided.

Who will be engaged in the new megaproject

Earlier the project of construction of LPWAN network was submitted by the state JSC GLONASS which is responsible for the system of automatic response to road accident of "ERA-GLONASS". JSC GLONASS calls the solution completely domestic development and suggests to be used this network for control of sensors, collecting of telemetric information and control of soils in the territory of agricultural grounds.

According to the Vedomosti newspaper, at the next meeting of State Radio Frequency Commission (SCRF) the question of selection of JSC GLONASS of frequencies for construction of LPWAN network in the range of 800 MHz will be considered. The source of CNews close to SCRF confirms that such question will be considered, and the circular about need of selection of frequencies, according to him, came "from the top".

Research Lux Research and Stratistics MRC

More than 90% of all of LPWAN connections in the world will fall on NB-IoT, and LoRaWAN will become addition to this standard, researchers of Lux Research consider.

The volume of global market of LPWA networks at the end of 2015 was $0.5 billion, and by 2022 it will grow to $46.3 billion, analysts of Stratistics MRC predicted. Annual average rates of a gain of the market during this period are expected at the level of 88.8%. Analysts explained such high rates both with growth of number of devices for Internet of Things, and emergence of new standards of communication for IoT-devices.

In 2016 such standards of communication for Internet of Things as LTE-M and NB-IoT were developed. The first such networks (four NB-IoT and two networks LTE-M) according to International association of suppliers of mobile solutions (GSMA) already worked in April, 2017. In the same time 40 NB-IoT and 12 LTE-M networks were tested.

For example, in January Vodafone brought into commercial operation network of the NB-IoT standard in Spain. In February AT&T announced construction plans of LTE-M in the USA in the second quarter 2017 and Mexico until the end of 2017.

In May the Netherlands operator T-Mobile provided to the enterprises of the country connection to NB-IoT.

One more standard of communication which is widely used for connection of IoT-devices – LoRaWAN. In June representatives of LoRa Alliance reported that in their organization there are already 500 participants. Communication services are rendered by 42 operators that is 3.5 times more, than the previous year. Now LoRa services are available more than in 250 cities of the world.

LoRa networks often use the mobile operators providing services in the licensed frequency spectrum. The popularity of this standard is explained by the low cost of sensors (up to $10), high autonomy (operating time from one battery power – about 10 years) and a wide coverage.

Till 2028 5G networks will not compete NB-IoT and LoRa, analysts^[13] predict].

MegaFon and Qualcomm jointly tested NB-IoT in St. Petersburg

On August 2 the companies "MegaFon" and Qualcomm Technologies announced completion of joint testing IoT LTE of Narrowband (NB-IoT) technology.

Testing was held based on the Federal research and development center of MegaFon in St. Petersburg. As the end device the test exchange service station based on the global multimode Qualcomm MDM9206 modem was used, and from network the equipment of Huawei was used. The range of 900 MHz was used for testing. The main functionality of the NB-IoT standard was checked on jointly adopted agenda. Within testing the operability of the methods of improvement of a covering (Coverage Enhancement Levels) allowing the device to remain in network even at very small values of the accepted signal that it is especially relevant for perspective devices of Internet of Things was also checked.

The carried-out NB-IoT test allows to prepare the formalized requirements for a large number of producers of IoT-modules, software developers, system integrators which are going to develop and implement the devices for work for networks of MegaFon in the NB-IoT standard.

MegaFon prepares infrastructure for mass connection of devices of Internet of Things. The NB-IoT technology will provide mass connection to network of different devices which are in hard-to-reach spots and should work a progressive tense without replacement of the battery. Besides, this technology assumes use of the licensed frequency range that guarantees reliability, security and the continuity of data transmission. Implementation of NB-IoT technology is one more step in preparation of infrastructure of MegaFon for start of networks of fifth generation which will allow to increase not only data transfer rates, but also the capacity of network — Nikolay Sidorov, the head of a federal research and development center of MegaFon said

We are glad that commercially available modules based on global multimode LTE IoT of the MDM9206 modem do Internet of Things possible already now. NB-IoT and eMTC — optimal technologies for connection and connection of IoT-devices, such as mobile payment devices (POS), pipelines, counters of water, gas and electricity and also for creation of asset management systems and the smart cities. We are satisfied with results of joint testing of NB-IoT technology and different user scenarios with MegaFon. Our already commercially available chipset Qualcomm MDM9206 gives the chance to solve all these problems already now. It is one more important step towards emergence of new services and services for private and corporate subscribers in Russia" — Yulia Klebanova, the vice president of Qualcomm company for business development in Eastern Europe considers

Huawei tested "smart" counters of the electric power based on NB-IoT in Spain

The Huawei company developed the "smart" counter based on technology of narrow-band Internet of Things (NB-IoT, 4.5G) in cooperation with JANZ CE and u-blox, and implemented the first operational project based on such counters.^[14]

EDP Distribui ção (Spain) uses narrow-band Internet of Things for implementation of a pilot project within the Upgrid program which, in turn, acts as a part of strategy of European Commission Horizon 2020. The infrastructure network NB-IoT was set by the telecom operator of NOS using developments of Huawei.

According to Huawei, using narrow-band Internet of Things the following problems are solved:

• due consumer service quality — due to automatic detection of failures and damages is maintained that reduces service recovery term (in case of natural disasters and other unforeseen situations she allows to detect quicker malfunctions and to solve a problem);
• consumption measurement online with support of different situations and statistics;
• the reaction on demand controlled almost in real time;
• continuous development of technology due to gradual mass implementation by telecom operators (implementation in big scales will provide creation of the developed ecosystem and implementation of technology revolution due to optimization of functionality and implementation of new elements according to requirements of "smart" network).

EDP Distribui ção selected for pilot start of development the area the Park dazh Nasoyesh (Park of the Nations, Parque das Na ções) from Lisbon, at the same time 100 clients are involved in the project. Here narrow-band Internet of Things is already implemented and two base stations of NOS are set that provides a NB-IoT-covering. Intellectual energy management became an example of practical application of this technology, noted in Huawei.

MegaFon tested operation of counters in the NB-IoT standard

The complete solution presented in the spring by MegaFon together with partners will allow the housing and public utilities enterprises and management companies to obtain quickly information on resource consumption, to automatically control expenses, to instantly define balance and to get rid of payment gaps. The inhabitants who passed to a new solution should not take readings manually, besides, behind an expense of the electric power any more, water and gas it will be possible to monitor through the convenient application and to unload statistics for a certain period.

The product has several advantages before alternatives, available in the market, as works at the NB-IoT standard which MegaFon develops together with Huawei and is going to put in 2017 into commercial operation. Its energy efficiency allows attached devices to work up to 10 years without replacement of the accumulator, the range of network provides uninterrupted data transmission even in premises with the complicated acceptance of a signal of mobile communication, and the low cost of the radio module provides competitive implementation cost.

The convenience of the solution also consists in its complexity: created together with the Russian developer of information systems in the field of housing and public utilities, Big Three company, it resolves all issues connected with transition to an intelligent system of measurements – from production of counters before installation of the platform for collecting and the analysis of indications through one window.

"Today we can speak about emergence of the whole market of technologies in housing and public utilities, and solutions which appear here, then find application and in other industries. Certainly, this phenomenon - result of systematic work on increase in investment attractiveness of the industry, - the deputy minister of construction and housing and public utilities of the Russian Federation Andrey Chibis notes. - We consider that arrival of the private investor and determination of well-defined rules of a game are capable to make housing sector really effective and customer-oriented. The professional manager, whether it be the investor or management company, is interested in process automation, and, respectively, cost reduction, increase in controllability and predictability of work. We are sure that the solution which is presented today will become one more step on the way to increase in effective management of housing and will be able to increase payment discipline among the population".

The solution of MegaFon, Huawei and Big Three will appear in the market right after start of the NB-IoT standard and will allow to solve in a complex a problem of connection of metering devices in network for management companies and the housing and public utilities enterprises.

2016: Practice of Huawei

To final adoption of standards of NB-IoT the Huawei company together with partners carried out works on preparation for standardization and applications testing better to understand customer needs, to accelerate upgrade and to optimize technical solutions. Only in the first half of 2016 the Huawei company completed a set of joint projects. For example, together with Etisalat the Huawei company tested services and applications for the smart parking; together the Australian operators (VHA and Optus) and South East Water company started in system testing of intellectual management of water supply and also signed the agreement on strategic partnership with the Chinese China Telecom and Shenzhen Water Group for implementation of a similar system.

2015

Market assessment from Stratistics MRC

According to data of Stratistics MRC, the volume of global market of LPWA networks is estimated by $0.5 billion at the end of 2015. By 2022, according to forecasts of analysts, the market will reach $46.3 billion. Annual average rates of a gain (CAGR) of the market in 2015-2022 will be 88.8%.

According to analysts, the private sector of economy will occupy the greatest market share during the forecast period. At the same time indicators of CAGR of public sector of economy on consumption of LPWAN services will exceed indicators of private. The countries of Europe will dominate in the world market of LPWAN. At the same time higher growth rates of an aggregate annual turnover will be observed in the Pacific Rim.

MegaFon in GSMA NB-IoT Forum

In 2015 the MegaFon company became the participant of community GSMA NB-IoT Forum which purpose is cooperation in development of NB-IoT technology worldwide. As a part of the organization – operators (China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, etc.) and also producers of technological solutions (Huawei, Intel, Qualcomm). On July 14, 2016 Moscow. MegaFon received the notification on assignment of the status NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT) of Forum Project Member from GSMA association. So, MegaFon became the participant of community GSMA NB-IoT Forum which purpose is cooperation in development of NB-IoT technology worldwide.

You See Also

• Martin: Collecting of indications of housing and public utilities counters
• Article:Internet of Things of Internet of Things (IoT)
• Article:Internet of Things, IoT, M2M (world market)
• Article:Internet of Things, IoT, M2M (market of Russia)
• Internet of Things: be in time it is impossible to remain
• RFID
• IIoT - Industrial Internet of Things (Industrial Internet of Things)
• Industrial revolution (Industry 4.0)
• Smart Grid (Smart Networks)

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