Globally configurable NB-IoT module ready for 3GPP Rel 14 and 5G

U-blox has released the SARA-N3, a multi-band NB-IoT module that supports a preliminary set of 3GPP Release 14 features (LTE Cat NB2). The module is offered in two variants: one aimed at China and the other operating across multiple bands on any NB-IoT network globally. The company's firmware-over-the-air (uFOTA) client/server solution with Lightweight M2M (LwM2M) enables SARA-N3 to be remotely provisioned with added features. LwM2M is a more lightweight solution when compared to OMA-DM and is therefore perfect for giving critical firmware updates to IoT devices. In this way, the module can ultimately become 5G compliant. The module also enables the creation of dynamic LwM2M objects, giving clients high levels of feature customisation through the capability of scripting their own configurable objects. “With its feature-rich capabilities, the SARA-N3 enables the development of one device across multiple regions for a wide variety of IoT/IIoT applications such as metering, smart city smart city systems, smart homes and industrial trackers,” says Samuele Falcomer, senior product manager, Product Center Cellular at U-blox. “For customers currently using other methods to send IoT/IIoT data, such as legacy cellular technology, it is simple to upgrade to SARA-N3 through U-blox nested design and the new features introduced. The product is future-proof, as it can receive further firmware upgrades over the air.”