Narrowband means that a narrow band of frequencies is used for wireless communication for a single channel. On the other hand, wideband communication uses a wider range of frequencies. EN300220 (SRD) stipulates respective requirements for narrowband radios operating with ≤ 25 kHz channel space and radios operating with > 25 kHz channel space. Narrowband is also a predictor of good radio performance, since narrowband generally provides higher levels of blocking, frequency tolerance, etc.

The Advantages of Narrowband are the following: Reduction of Noise The narrow frequency band used for communication allows for narrower receive bandwidths. Reducing the receiver bandwidth allows the blocking of noise from nearby frequencies. Long-distance communication Narrowband communication methods improve reception sensitivity by increasing the S/N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio). Signals can be received from a distance, enabling long-distance communication. Multiple Simultaneous communication The narrow frequency channel allows multiple channels to be assigned simultaneously within the same band. This allows radios to communicate with each other simultaneously without interference.

While narrowband has the above advantages, it is limited in the amount of data that can be transmitted in a given period of time, meaning that it is not suitable for sending large quantities of data. However, it does not imply that wideband is suitable for all cases. For example, narrowband is instead considered to be used in these situations.

IoT devices are equipped with a variety of sensors or actuators and communicate wirelessly to send/receive data. Narrowband is often chosen for IoT devices because of its low energy consumption and long battery life. In addition, IoT devices typically accomodate many sensors at the same time, so the efficiency of the narrowband frequency bandwidth is an important factor.

In industrial applications such as factories, port facilities and warehouses, wireless communication is an essential element for efficient operation and monitoring. Narrowband is suitable for industrial applications that require low radio interference and high communication reliability, and is used for data communication and control between devices.

There is a need for real-time monitoring of animal health and location information. Narrowband wireless communication is well suited for animal monitoring, with low energy consumption and long battery life. For example, narrowband technology is used to track animal locations and monitor biometric information such as body temperature or heart rate.

The sensors installed in fields and orchards is used to monitor data such as soil humidity, temperature, and light intensity. Making use of low power consumption and long-distance communication, narrowband is also used in agriculture. Remote operation of agricultural equipment or irrigation systems is facilitated through wireless communication.

In some rural areas, communication infrastructure is not well developed. Under such circumstances, narrowband wireless communication is useful for infrastructure development because of its low cost and wide coverage. Examples include remote monitoring and control of agricultural pumps and generators in remote areas.

Thus, there are many situations where narrowband is useful. However, narrowband RF modules have higher technical requirements, such as frequency tolerance and narrow filters. Our modules solve these and achieve greater radio performance. Please visit and see Circuit Design's products.

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