Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a wireless internet of things (IoT) protocol using low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology. It was developed by 3GPP for cellular wireless communication that enables a wide range of new NB-IoT devices and services. NB-IoT is one of the three main 3GPP LPWAN standards.

The NB-IoT communication standard is aimed at enabling IoT devices to operate via carrier networks, either within an existing Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication carrier wave, in an unused "guard band" between LTE channels or independently.

One of the goals of NB-IoT is to boost the coverage extension beyond what existing cellular technologies offer. To do that, NB-IoT offers transmission repetitions and different bandwidth allocation configurations in uplink transmission.

NB-IoT can enable a broad range of new IoT devices and services. NB-IoT reduces the power consumption of connected devices, while increasing system capacity and bandwidth efficiency, particularly in locations that aren't easily covered by traditional cellular technologies. NB-IoT connected devices can have a battery life of more than 10 years for many use cases.

To date, 159 operators have invested in NB-IoT with 107 deployed/launched networks worldwide.

NB-IoT is a data transmission standard designed to enable devices to operate in mobile carrier networks. NB-IoT technology uses low bandwidth signals to communicate within existing GSM and LTE technologies.

Specially designed devices and sensors are the basic components in NB-IoT systems. These devices collect information from their surroundings and transmit it to NB-IoT base stations or transmission nodes. Individual base stations are connected to an IoT gateway and IoT cloud application servers for centralized monitoring and data analysis.

NB-IoT employs a new physical layer with signals and channels to meet the requirements of extended coverage in rural areas and deep indoors, while enabling very low device complexity. The underlying technology is much less complex than that of GSM/GPRS modules.

Supported by all major mobile equipment, chipset and module manufacturers, NB-IoT can exist along with 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks.