Communication · mobile network

NB-IoT for water and heat meters

The H2O water meter and the DELTA III heat and cooling meter are available with NB-IoT in all nominal sizes. The meters send their values directly over the mobile network, with no bus cables and no radio network of your own.

How it works

From the meter via the mobile mast to the analysis

Basement or pitHelvatron H2ONB-IoTDELTA IIINB-IoTNB-IoT module with SIMMobile mastof the network operatorLicensed mobile bandgood penetration of walls and pitsNo gateway of your ownMobile operator networkSIM check, forwarding to the internetServer or data platformreceives and decodesData via the internetJoulio-Web or control systemAnalysis and billing
  1. Meter with NB-IoTH2O or DELTA III with NB-IoT interface, also in a basement or pit. The meter needs a SIM and a contract with a network operator.
  2. Radio to the mobile mastThe meter sends short data packets in the licensed mobile band to the nearest mast. No gateway of your own is required.
  3. Operator networkThe mobile network checks the SIM and forwards the data.
  4. Server receivesA server or data platform receives the packets and decodes the readings.
  5. AnalysisJoulio-Web or the control system displays consumption, energy and alarms and handles billing.
Simplified illustration. Network coverage, SIM and data platform are defined in the project.

What is NB-IoT?

NB-IoT stands for Narrowband Internet of Things. It is a mobile communications standard for devices that send small amounts of data infrequently and must run on a battery for a long time, such as meters. NB-IoT uses the mobile operators’ licensed frequencies and their existing masts.

For planning, this means that instead of bus cables or your own gateways, each meter needs a SIM or SIM profile and a data contract. The data travels over the operator’s network to a server or data platform.

When is NB-IoT the right choice?

  • Individual or widely scattered metering points, such as service connections, pits or outdoor stations
  • Buildings where no bus can be installed and no LoRa network exists
  • Projects where you do not want to operate your own radio infrastructure

Limits and requirements

  • NB-IoT coverage from a network operator must be available at the installation location. Coverage varies between countries and regions.
  • SIM and data costs apply per meter.
  • How often the meter transmits affects battery life.
  • The SIM, network operator and data platform are specified for each project, and we can advise you on these.

Comparison

NB-IoT or LoRa?

Both are radio technologies for low-power devices. The main difference is who owns the network.

FeatureNB-IoTLoRa
Networkan operator’s mobile networkown or shared gateways
Frequencieslicensed mobile bandslicence-free 868 MHz band (Europe)
Local infrastructurenone, operator coverage requiredgateway in range required
Running costsSIM and data contract per meteroperating gateways and network server
Suited toscattered individual sitesmany meters on one site

More on LoRa: LoRa for water and heat meters

H2O with NB-IoT

Available in all nominal sizes, from the threaded DN15 to the flanged meters.

View the H2O

DELTA III with NB-IoT

Available in all nominal sizes, interface code ABN in the part number. The communication card can be replaced, for example to switch from M-Bus to NB-IoT.

View the DELTA III

NB-IoT for your project?

Tell us the sites, country and number of meters, and we will work out coverage, version and data path with you.

Technical advice