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LTE-M vs NB-IoT: A Detailed Comparison

lte nb-iot lpwan iot cellular

This article delves into the differences between LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), two prominent technologies in the realm of Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN).

Specifications Comparison

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between LTE-M and NB-IoT:

SpecificationsLTE-MNB-IoT
Bandwidth / Resource Blocks1.08 MHz, 6 Resource blocks180 KHz, 1 resource block
DeploymentIn Band LTEIn Band, Guard Band LTE and Standalone
Coverage155.7 dB164 dB
Downlink Physical LayerOFDMA, 15 KHz tone spacing, turbo code, 16QAM, 1 RxOFDMA, 15 KHz tone spacing, TBCC, 1 Rx
Uplink Physical LayerSC-FDMA, 15 KHz tone spacing, Turbo code, 16QAM• Single tone, 15 KHz and 3.75 KHz spacing • SC-FDMA, 15 KHz tone spacing • Turbo code
Downlink Peak Rate1 Mbps~32 kbps (in-band), 34 kbps (standalone)
Uplink Peak Rate1 Mbps~66 kbps (multitone), ~17 kbps (standalone)
DuplexingFD, HD (type-B), FDD/TDDHD only (Type-B), FDD-only, TDD
Power SavingPSM, eDRX, DRXPSM, eDRX, DRX
Number of Antennas11
Transmit Power (UE)20 dBm23 dBm
Standard3GPP Rel.13 (1Q 2016)3GPP Rel.13 (2Q 2016)
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