DE102017007449A1 - NB-loT measuring device for installation companies - Google Patents

Abstract

NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) is implemented by the three mobile service providers (Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica O2) in Germany via the well-known mobile radio frequency bands. With NB-IoT, a large number of devices will be networked in the future. These include so-called smart meters which report the levels of the gas, water and electricity meters to the energy suppliers.
It lacks a suitable measuring instrument for installation companies which is easy to use to find out if, for example, in the basement (where, for example, Smartmeter be installed) sufficient NB-IoT reception is given. Since there are different link balances between GSM / LTE and NB-IoT, a classic mobile phone / smartphone can not be used as a measuring device set.
The solution is, for example, a matchbox big gauge that represents the reception strength of NB-IoT. The display is possible via a display or diodes.
Also, a plug or screw coupling to connect an external antenna should be present.
The meter can be manufactured inexpensively due to the relatively simple technology of NB-IoT.
With this simple meter, NB-IoT is adopted more quickly by installers and end users, making it much easier to install smart meters and the like in basements with inadequate mobile coverage. The installation companies can thus ensure the later functionality of the smart meter already at the time of the offer preparation and avoid planning errors and thus unnecessary costs.

Description

State of the art:

NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) is implemented by the three mobile radio providers (Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica O2) in Germany via the known mobile frequency bands (e.g., 800MHz, 900MHz, etc.). With NB-IoT, a large number of devices will be networked in the future. These include so-called smart meters which report the levels of the gas, water and electricity meters to the energy suppliers.

Problem:

There is a lack of a suitable metering device for installers which is easy to use to find out, for example, if there is sufficient NB-IoT reception in the basement (where, for example, smart meters are being installed). Since there are different link balances between GSM / LTE and NB-loT, a classic mobile phone / smartphone can not be used as a measuring device set. NB-loT has a 20dB higher link balance compared to the usual mobile radio connections.

Solution:

For example, a matchbox big gauge that represents the reception strength of NB-loT. The display is possible via a display or diodes. The presentation via a display is possible with the aid of the "bar display", which is already known from the smartphone / mobile phone. The display via diodes can be achieved via an RGB LED in the colors red (NB-loT not available) and green (NB-loT available). There are also two diodes (one green, one red) conceivable. Alternatively, the display of reception strength may be implemented with multiple diodes (e.g., ten), the more diodes light, the higher the quality of the NB-10T connection.

Also, there should be a male or female coupling (e.g., SMA) for connecting an external antenna. An external antenna on the Smartmeter may be useful to place it in a location with better reception characteristics (for example at the basement window). For this purpose it makes sense to measure under as real conditions as possible.

Furthermore, an on-off switch is required.

The meter can be manufactured inexpensively due to the relatively simple technology of NB-loT.

Advantages:

NB-loT is being adopted more quickly by installers and end users, greatly facilitating the installation of smart meters and the like in basements with inadequate mobile coverage. The installation companies can thus ensure the later functionality of the smart meter already at the time of the offer preparation and avoid planning errors and thus unnecessary costs.

Claims (6)

Measuring device for displaying the transmission and reception properties of Narrow Band Internet of Things, consisting of a housing with antenna, transmitting and receiving device and a display device for the transmission and / or reception properties. Meter after Claim 1 wherein the display device consists of one or more lamps or a display, which represent the transmission and / or reception properties. Meter after Claim 2 wherein the / the lighting means consist of one diode or a plurality of diodes. Meter after Claim 1 to 3 wherein the antenna is mounted in or on the housing and / or an external antenna is mounted via an interface mounted in or on the housing. Meter after Claim 1 to 4 wherein as a transmitting and receiving device, a commercial transmission and reception module for narrow band Internet of Things is used. Meter after Claim 1 to 5 where the size of the housing does not exceed the dimensions 80x50x20 mm.