1137 NB-IoT Power and Channel
1137.1 Overview
This chapter covers NB-IoT power management and channel access - essential topics for achieving 10+ year battery life and reliable communication in challenging deployment environments. The content has been organized into focused chapters for easier learning:
1137.2 Chapter Overview
1137.2.1 NB-IoT Power Saving Modes: PSM and eDRX
Learn how NB-IoT devices achieve ultra-long battery life through Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX).
Topics covered: - PSM deep sleep mechanics (3-5 µA) - eDRX periodic wake-ups for downlink reachability - T3412 and T3324 timer configuration - Battery life calculations and worked examples - Hybrid PSM + eDRX strategies
Best for: Understanding how to configure power modes for different application requirements (uplink-only vs bidirectional communication).
1137.2.2 NB-IoT Channel Access and Uplink Optimization
Understand NB-IoT physical channel structure and optimize uplink transmission for power efficiency.
Topics covered: - Downlink channels (NPDSCH, NPDCCH, NPBCH) - Uplink channels (NPUSCH, NPRACH) - Single-tone vs multi-tone configurations - Power concentration principle - Frequency hopping for interference resilience
Best for: Selecting optimal uplink tone configuration based on signal quality and payload size.
1137.2.3 NB-IoT Coverage Enhancement and Deep Indoor Deployment
Master NB-IoT’s industry-leading 164 dB Maximum Coupling Loss for basement and underground deployments.
Topics covered: - Repetition mechanism for deep coverage - Coverage classes (CE0, CE1, CE2) - MCL calculations and link budgets - Coverage vs battery life trade-offs - Infrastructure optimization strategies
Best for: Designing deployments that reach challenging RF environments while managing power consumption.
1137.3 Quick Reference
| Topic | Chapter | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Power modes | PSM and eDRX | PSM (<5 µA), eDRX (15 µA), T3412, T3324 |
| Channel structure | Channel Access | NPUSCH, NPDSCH, single/multi-tone |
| Coverage | Coverage Enhancement | 164 dB MCL, repetitions, CE levels |
1137.4 Learning Path
Recommended sequence:
- Start with PSM and eDRX to understand power management fundamentals
- Continue with Channel Access to learn uplink optimization
- Complete with Coverage Enhancement for deep indoor scenarios
Prerequisites: Before diving in, ensure you’re familiar with: - NB-IoT Fundamentals - Basic concepts and architecture - Cellular IoT Fundamentals - 3GPP standards context
1137.5 What’s Next
After mastering these topics:
- NB-IoT Labs and Implementation - Apply concepts with AT commands and real hardware
- NB-IoT Comprehensive Review - Test your understanding with comprehensive assessments
- Cellular IoT Applications - Real-world deployment case studies