Nb-Iot / Cat-M Module - Libelium Waspmote Technical Manual

19. NB-IoT / Cat-M module

Due to the popularity of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) such as LoRaWAN or Sigfox in the IoT industry,
the traditional cellular networks like 4G have been ousted as the best choice, specially when low cost, low power
consumption and long range are key characteristics. As a response to this market demand, the 3GPP association
published 2 cellular narrow band IoT standards in the release 13: NB-IoT ("narrow band for the Internet of Things")
and Cat-M ("category machine"). They are also known as LTE Cat-NB1 and LTE Cat-M1. Libelium has integrated the
BG96 chipset by Quectel to meet this requirement.
This module has been included in the Waspmote ecosystem as an OEM development kit, where the NB-IoT and
the Cat-M connectivities can be easily tested in pilot projects or proof of concepts applications.
The NB-IoT / Cat-M module also includes EGPRS connectivity, allowing to transmit information even if there is no
coverage for NB-IoT or Cat-M and also maintaining ultra-low power consumption. Besides, the most common
Internet protocols like HTTP(S), FTP(S), SSL, TCP or UDP are supported.
Moreover, the module integrates a GNSS engine supporting GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS and QZSS systems,
making it suitable for tracking applications where low cost and accurate positioning is needed.
Designed to be plugged on the socket1 of Waspmote, the module can meet almost all requirements for IoT
applications like smart cities, remote monitoring, smart logistics, real-time tracking, etc. Additionally, the NB-IoT /
Cat-M module has a unique global version, allowing the usage all over the world with no fragmentation.
Like other radio modules, Libelium provides a dedicated library for Waspmote and some example codes, which
speed up the testing for the NB-IoT or the Cat-M connectivity with just a few high-level functions, and without
dealing with AT commands. Thus, the development of pilot projects and proof of concepts becomes easy.
Note: It is important to remark that the NB-IoT or Cat-M connectivities require a dedicated SIM card (not
included by default). With a standard SIM card, only the EGPRS connectivity can be tested. Besides, the
network coverage is only present in certain zones and strongly depends on the selected mobile network
operator. It is recommended to check operators coverage in the location where the module will be used.
Model: BG96 (Quectel)
Frequency bands:
Cat NB1 / Cat M1: LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/ B19/B20/B25**/B26*/B28
•
LTE TDD: B39 (for Cat-M1 only)
•
EGPRS: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
•
Data:
Cat-NB1: Max. 32 kbps (DL), Max. 70 kbps (UL)
•
Cat-M1: Max. 375 kbps (DL), Max. 375 kbps (UL)
•
EDGE: Max. 296 kbps (DL), Max. 236.8 kbps (UL)
•
GPRS: Max. 107 kbps (DL), Max. 85.6 kbps (UL)
•
SMS:
Point-to-point MO and MT
•
SMS Cell Broadcast
•
Text and PDU Mode
•
GNNS:
Embedded GNSS as optional. Supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/Compass, Galileo and QZSS.
Antenna connectors:
U.FL for main antenna (cellular)
•
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NB-IoT / Cat-M module
v8.2