Smart meters function as information hubs, gathering consumption data and receiving remote commands to guarantee the metering system runs smoothly and efficiently.
What bridges the smart meters and the utility company is the communication network. It allows all the different parts of the system to talk to each other and share information.
Smart meter connectivity differs per country and can be a combination of different communication technologies along with cellular. This guide focuses on low-power wide-area (LPWA) network technology that works virtually anywhere using cellular networks, specifically NB-IoT and LTE-M for smart meter connectivity. Let’s dive right in!
What you’ll learn in this article:
Why choose LPWA for smart meter connectivity
Many utility companies have combined communication solutions such as Bluetooth, satellite, power line communications, or mobile connectivity to connect smart meters in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). While this approach supports many applications, this makes the network more complex with increasing costs.
Hard-to-reach devices require multiple hops and extra relays, driving up expenses. For example, when using mesh devices, it constantly receives and repeats signals from neighbors, consuming more energy in dense setups and limiting battery-powered devices. This also makes predicting failures difficult and network management tricky.
As AMI networks grow to cover large areas, it brings both challenges and opportunities for all communication technologies involved in the smart grid.
LPWA technology offers a low-power, long-range solution for smart meter connectivity, driven by two key factors:
- Widespread availability: LTE networks are expected to be everywhere and offer advanced capabilities.
- Lower total cost of ownership (TCO): Distribution system operators can save big on upfront and ongoing costs by tapping into existing telecom infrastructure.
The benefits of LPWA for smart meter connectivity
Smart meters rely on strong communication networks, which represent a significant cost (up to 20%, according to the Electric Power Research Institute) when deploying AMI. Smart devices themselves make up the largest cost chunk at 45%.
Selecting LPWA networks as a connectivity solution for smart metering offers several advantages:
- Power consumption: Smart meters running on a single battery need to operate between 10-20 years. LPWA technologies are designed to be energy-efficient, significantly extending the battery life of these devices.
- Coverage and signal penetration: Smart meters are often installed in challenging environments, such as basements or remote areas. LPWA networks provide excellent coverage and can penetrate through obstacles, ensuring reliable connectivity.
- Data transmission requirements: Smart meters typically generate small amounts of data that need to be transmitted periodically. LPWA network technologies are well-suited for these low-bandwidth, infrequent data transmissions.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that smart meters can communicate seamlessly with the existing grid infrastructure and other devices is essential for long-term viability and system reliability.
- Remote troubleshooting: Utility companies need to minimize technical uncertainties during the replacement process and rollout of smart meters. Network providers with insight tools offer better visibility and control over smart meters, regardless of location.
Exploring LPWA network technologies: NB-IoT and LTE-M in smart metering
NB-IoT for smart meters: Deep penetration and energy efficiency
NB-IoT is a 3GPP standardized narrowband radio technology specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT).
NB-IoT advantages for smart metering:
Due to its configuration to integrate with existing LTE technology, NB-IoT is ideally suited for static devices, which include most stationary smart meter installations.
NB-IoT operates on lower frequencies, providing excellent deep indoor penetration. The lower the frequency, the better the penetration, making it particularly beneficial for smart meters installed in basements or areas with dense building structures.
For smart gas and water meters in particular, NB-IoT’s high energy efficiency and power-saving features are beneficial. These meters are often entirely battery-powered, so their communication needs to be as efficient as possible to conserve energy.
Real-world applications of NB-IoT in smart metering:
NB-IoT operates on existing cellular networks (LTE) and is optimized for devices that need to send small amounts of data infrequently. This could be particularly useful for smart gas and water meters which typically send small, regular data packets and receive limited instructions in return.
Drawbacks with NB-IoT for smart meters:
- No Roaming: NB-IoT’s lack of roaming capabilities poses a significant limitation for global deployments or mobile devices, as it restricts seamless connectivity across different networks.
- No SMS and VoLTE support: NB-IoT does not inherently support SMS services or VoLTE (SMS is not guaranteed from operators). This absence can complicate communication with devices over cellular networks, especially if issues arise, as SMS is often relied on as a fallback communication method.
LTE-M for smart meters: Higher bandwidth and future-proof
LTE-M, also known as LTE Cat-M1, is another LPWA technology that leverages existing LTE networks. Compared to NB-IoT, LTE-M offers higher bandwidth, lower latency, and supports greater device mobility.
→ Get a full overview of LTE-M in this guide
LTE-M advantages for smart metering:
With its broader deployment and established roaming agreements, LTE-M offers a reliable and widely available network solution for deploying smart meters globally. This extensive reach makes LTE-M particularly well-suited for large-scale implementations across diverse geographical locations.
Like NB-IoT, LTE-M is energy-efficient and supports power-saving features such as PSM and eDRX.
As a standardized technology, LTE-M ensures compliance and benefits from ongoing plans to enhance its efficiency, particularly in terms of penetration depth. LTE-M also supports SMS, VoLTE, and other features derived from LTE.
Real-world applications of LTE-M in smart metering:
LTE-M’s capabilities make it suitable for smart metering applications that require more frequent data transmission or real-time data analysis, which is often needed for smart electricity meters. This includes use cases such as outage detection, remote meter control, and integration with advanced grid management systems.
While LTE-M supports higher mobility, which can be beneficial for use cases involving mobile or semi-mobile devices, it also works with static devices.
Drawbacks with LTE-M for smart meters:
- Module cost: LTE-M modules are typically priced a little higher than NB-IoT modules, especially when building custom devices. Off-the-shelf devices which includes an LTE-M modules may be priced differently.
NB-IoT or LTE-M for smart meter connectivity
NB-IoT and LTE-M are both great options for connecting smart meters, catering to different needs.
NB-IoT shines in its low energy consumption and ability to reach deep indoors, making it perfect for stationary meters, especially those measuring gas and water. These use cases prioritize long battery life and dependable communication in difficult settings. However, NB-IoT’s limitations, such as its inability to roam and unreliable SMS support, make it less suitable for global rollouts and troubleshooting.
On the other hand, LTE-M boasts higher bandwidth, lower latency, and a more extensive global presence. This makes it a better fit for applications that demand frequent data transfer or real-time analysis, like electricity meters with advanced capabilities. LTE-M’s standardization ensures compliance and future-proofing.
Take note that both NB-IoT and LTE-M will be part of 5G LPWA, and will continue to be supported on the path to 5G.
How to choose a cellular network for smart meters
The choice between which LPWA network technology for your smart meter could come down to geographic availability. Some countries have deployed both or just one. Some are only available in urban areas and not rural places.
💡 Curious to know what network technologies are available in your region of deployment? Use our coverage map to plan your smart meter deployment. Visit coverage map ↗︎
For long-term success of smart meter deployments, it maybe more important to look into network services that come with using cellular connectivity for smart meters.
To streamline your decision-making process and ensure it aligns with the specific requirements of your smart meter deployment, we’ve compiled a list of key questions and provided additional resources for deeper insights:
- Remote troubleshooting: Is there a way to troubleshoot issues remotely?
→ Learn more about Network Insights tools. - Coverage quality: What is the quality of coverage in your target deployment area?
→ See the results of SIM card performance tests from IoT connectivity providers in this report - Cost optimizations: Is it good for the overall Bill of Materials (BOM)?
→ SoftSIM extends device lifespan but also minimizes costs and enables smaller device designs. Watch more ↗︎ - Network flexibility: How is operator switching handled when the contract is over or if there’s a need to change operators due to performance issues?
→ Learn more about SIM card ownership and “freedom to leave” in this blog.
Choosing the best technology for smart meter connectivity requires a thoughtful approach. Geographical location often dictates the most viable option, while the ease of implementation offered by different network providers should also factor into the decision-making process. Ultimately, the chosen network partner will significantly impact the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term success of smart meter deployments.
Free webinar: choosing the right cellular connectivity provider for your smart meters
Are you looking for a reliable and efficient cellular connectivity solution for your smart meters?
Join our upcoming webinar to discover how Onomondo can simplify your IoT connectivity needs.
Our experts will discuss our comprehensive offering, which includes global IoT connectivity, a user-friendly SIM management platform, advanced software SIM technology, and powerful debugging tools.
This is also your chance to engage directly with our experts and get your specific questions answered.
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Resources
- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) (2007). https://www.epri.com/research/products/1016049
- G. C. Madueño, J. J. Nielsen, D. M. Kim, N. K. Pratas, Č. Stefanović and P. Popovski. Assessment of LTE Wireless Access for Monitoring of Energy Distribution in the Smart Grid, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 34, no. 3, pp. 675-688, March 2016, doi: 10.1109/JSAC.2016.2525639
- Sohraby, K., Minoli, D., Occhiogrosso, B. et al. A Review of Wireless and Satellite-Based M2M/IoT Services in Support of Smart Grids. Mobile Netw Appl 23, 881–895 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11036-017-0955-1
- van de Kaa, G.; Fens, T.; Rezaei, J.; Kaynak, D.; Hatun, Z.; Tsilimeni-Archangelidi, A. (2019). Realizing smart meter connectivity: Analyzing the competing technologies Power line communication, mobile telephony, and radio frequency using the best worst method. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 103(), 320–327. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2018.12.035
- Wan, L., Zhang, Z. & Wang, J. Demonstrability of Narrowband Internet of Things technology in advanced metering infrastructure. J Wireless Com Network 2019, 2 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13638-018-1323-y
