PCTEL has released new Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) testing capabilities on its IBflex scanning receivers. With mobile operators rolling out NB-IoT networks, enabling Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, IBflex scanning receivers provide accurate baseline measurements that network operators can use to ensure NB-IoT network coverage and reliability.
NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology that operates on new and existing LTE mobile network infrastructure, including multi-mode small cells. Scanning receiver measurements are crucial for NB-IoT rollouts and post-deployment optimization. Mobile devices and other sources of LTE network data are poor predictors of NB-IoT network performance because NB-IoT is designed to satisfy different requirements than broadband LTE.
Although NB-IoT networks may use existing LTE infrastructure, it is a new air interface, providing enhanced coverage in exchange for lower data throughput rates. IBflex scanning receivers provide a reliable characterization of NB-IoT network performance through precise measurements of NB-IoT signals in all three operation modes (In-Band, Guard Band, and Stand Alone).
While LTE networks are often optimized for data throughput and capacity, NB-IoT networks need to be optimized for coverage, including indoors, underground, and in remote areas. Operators may deploy NB-IoT small cells to provide coverage for applications such as industrial process automation, connected health care, city infrastructure monitoring, asset tracking, and energy management. Designed for ease of use both indoors and outdoors, IBflex scanning receivers can provide the measurements necessary to verify and optimize NB-IoT coverage for a wide variety of applications. These scanning receivers can also simultaneously collect traditional LTE network measurements alongside NB-IoT measurements.
PCTEL is demonstrating the IBflex scanning receivers and other test and measurement solutions for in-building and outdoor small cells on December 5 and 6 at SCWS Americas in San Jose, California.
