With the internet of things continuing to be a phrase thats bounced about all over the place, and having lived the ‘connected devices’ world now for so long ; from x10 to z-wave and zigbee etc. I’m always curious what’s next.
So it was with some interest I read about Narrowband-IoT - which is a low power wide area (LPWA) technology, aiming to fill the gap between mobile (3G, LTE) and short-range wireless (eg Bluetooth, WiFi and ZigBee) networks.
I wonder could this be the next big thing we should look for compatibility on when choosing a HA contoller ?
Agreed, and I found this - so it’s seems they use the following.
Why use NB-IoT?
NB-IoT turns ordinary devices into smart devices. These newly enabled devices can then transmit critical information which will change the way businesses collate data. In addition to being low cost and low power, there are some key reasons to choose NB-IoT:
LTE grade security as standard, keeping your data and network safe
Uses existing networks minimising the need to deploy additional infrastructure
Based on open standards - service is not vendor or operator dependant
Wide industry support from service providers through to chipset makers
Supports two-way communication
Operates in a licensed spectrum and provides assured quality of service with minimal risk of disruption.
I guess that suggests it’s as secure as the communication you already have on your mobile/smart device when sending date over your 3G/4G network.?
Using the cellular network suggests what you can track could be limitless, potentially place an IoT-NB chip in your socks and you woukd never lose them…
This looks less HA and more SCADA. It uses licensed bands so it will require some kind of cellular contract per device. 10yr battery life means very infrequent usage.
I am thinking a city wide network of flood sensors to trigger pump stations, toxic chemical sensors, gunshot detectors, etc.
Also I agree with you, due to the cellular requirements in-home usage will likely be limited, but if we think about the ultimate goal for interoperability of products/services via a common ‘Automation’ interface (the best one for me is still to be seen) Then this will likely have a place for those devices that roam outside of your house. E.g you car, your bike, your kids (all reporting back various information, fuelling our big data and analytical needs)
Some cities install “smart” microphones that can detect gunshots in areas prone to violence. The different mics compare relative sound level and sometimes directionality to give an approximate location. Police can then be dispatched without a 911 call.
Telco based (LTE, 5G) for professional applications of objects that move or need two way communication.
It will remain expensive due to the licenced airwave (some countries may allow unlicenced as addition) and the control is with a third party.
5G will make more sense in the IoT space than 4G as it will support true low power and long range like LPWA (with the low speeds of course)
Local (Z-Wave, ZigBee, etc) for home / office use for stationary devices
Local control, no need for third party to operate, relative low cost, fast response.
Need local controller makes it harder to sell as managed service, i.e. you need a real brain in the house too to build/operate as we all experience.
LPWA (LoRa, etc) large scale sensor use
Low cost Telco (3G,4G,5G) alternative, unlicensed airwave (very close or same to Z-Wave frequencies!) very small data transfers.
Still need for third party to operate, often done by a Telco.
Just a single antenna can cover hundredths of miles so quick and low cost to deploy for vendors compared to 3/4/5G.
PS; and yes in the US they have some odd IoT applications for local and federal government in the eyes of non-US people 8). But who knows, we might have them in our backyards too in to not so distant future.
Cheers Rene
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