Energy-efficient IoT Communications: A Comparative Study of Long-Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Technologies

This article investigates the power consumption of LTE-M and NB-IoT devices using u-blox SARA-R422S modules complying with the standards of two French operators. Our findings suggest that under certain conditions, these technologies can achieve a 5-year operational lifespan. The size of transmitted data does not have a significant impact on power consumption under favourable coverage conditions, but can quickly affect the battery life under harsh coverage conditions. This article offers insights into the power consumption of LTE-M and NB-IoT devices and provides useful information for those considering the use of these technolgaies in IoT.