Case Studies
Successful Installation of NB-IoT and LTE-M Modules
Ensuring network coverage and service quality with field measurements
The availability of LTE network coverage in a customer location is not a true indication of a fully operational NB-IoT or LTE-M service.
IoT devices are typically installed in remote locations such as basements and garages where the network signals are weak.
Failure events and transmission repetitions often occur in poor conditions, quickly consuming the battery and even failing to connect.
By performing active field measurements with Nemo IoT Meter, companies using IoT modules or companies selling, installing or integrating IoT modules can now validate that networks meet set requirements and reliable IoT services are offered to end customers for their IoT applications.
Nemo IoT Meter - the fastest way to verify IoT service coverage
Nemo IoT Meter can be used to verify coverage and end-to-end connection quality for IoT module installations. Nemo IoT Meter is meant for personnel selling and technicians installing IoT modules and sensors. The application runs on a regular Android-based smartphone and is connected to the IoT network via an NB-IoT or LTE-M dongle.
The Nemo IoT Meter is an easy-to-use handheld measurement tool for verifying IoT service quality at customer premises. The solution measures key IoT parameters and RF conditions and performs active testing by sending Ping messages to verify that the end-to-end connection truly works for each installation location.
The test settings, number of pings, KPI thresholds, and the recipient address of the PDF report can be easily defined.
Example measurement results with findings
Nemo IoT Meter generates an easy-to-understand PDF report of the measurements including information of the customer, author of the report, test location information, picture of each measurement location, and test results. Test results include selected key RF parameters, IoT parameters, and results of active Ping tests. One test report can include multiple measurement results.
Observation: Negative signal-to-noise ratio means that the level of background noise is stronger than the desired signal. However, the data was still going through in both directions: towards the network and from the network.
Implication: Due to a weak signal and negative signal noise ratio, the IoT device needs to repeat message sending multiple times, causing excessive battery consumption. Thus, this location is not ideal for IoT device installation.
Observation: This location has good signal coverage and RF conditions from the network towards the IoT module. However, active testing indicates that there is no service coverage and messages do not go through.
Implication: Looking only at the IoT signal coverage gives the idea that this is a good installation location. However, Ping test shows there is no service coverage. This means data would not go through leading to multiple repetitions which drain the battery or, in worst case, failure of service.
Observation: This location has good signal and good service coverage.
Implication: This location is a very good place to install IoT modules and sensors.
Summary
To run a successful NB-IoT and LTE-M business, the ecosystem players need to ensure that IoT delivers its promise of long lifespan, connectivity, and service.
The best way to ensure this is to perform active field measurements onsite where the IoT module will be installed.
Nemo IoT Meter is an easy-to-use on-site measurement solution fulfilling the needs of personnel selling and technicians installing IoT modules. It gives effortless visibility of the NB-IoT and LTE-M network coverage and quality securing the IoT business case.
For direct sales inquiries, please contact: sales.nemo@keysight.com
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