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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.

Challenge:

Can I sell this IoT service to my customer in this location?

Can I install this NB-IoT/LTE-M module in this location?

Solution:

Perform onsite NB-IoT/LTE-M network coverage and quality measurements with Nemo IoT Meter

C A S E S T U D Y


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.

Figure 1 - Easy-to-use Nemo IoT Meter user interface. When performing measurements, the results are

shown on the UI in real time.

Easy as 1-2-3

1. Install the Nemo IoT Meter application on a suitable Android smartphone

2. Connect the NB-IoT or LTE-M dongle to the smartphone

3. Perform measurements onsite, verify the service coverage or find a suitable place for installation

4. Send measurement report to pre-defined recipient for analysis


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.

Figure 2 - Cover page of the IoT measurement report and measured locations on a map.

Figure 3 - The report can also include a picture taken by the user for each measurement location.


Figure 4 - Example of a measurement where the NB-IoT network is weak but the service connectivity

still succeeds.

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.

Figure 5 - Example of a measurement where the NB-IoT network signal is strong but there is no connectivity.

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.


Figure 5 - Example of a measurement with good signal and good service coverage.

Observation: This location has good signal and good service coverage.

Implication: This location is a very good place to install IoT modules and sensors.

This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2018, Published in USA, August 17, 2018, 5992-3231EN


Learn more at: www.keysight.com

For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services,

please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:

www.keysight.com/find/contactus

SummaryTo 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: [email protected]
http://www.keysight.com/find/dmm

successful installation of nb-iot and lte-m modules...to run a successful nb-iot and lte-m business,...

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