The difference between GPRS and NB

1.Transfer rate

GPRS: Transmission rates can reach 115kbps, suitable for scenarios with high real-time requirements.

NB-IoT: Transmission rates are lower (25.5kbps for uplink and downlink), but are more suitable for low-power IoT devices with small data volumes.

2.Power consumption and battery life

GPRS: Power consumption is relatively high, resulting in shorter device life (often requiring frequent battery replacement).

NB-IoT: Utilizing a low-power design, the terminal module can maintain a standby time of over 10 years, making it suitable for long-term IoT deployments.

3.Connectivity

GPRS: A single base station supports a limited number of connected devices.

NB-IoT: A single base station can support a massive number of connected devices (50-100 times that of GPRS), making it suitable for large-scale IoT applications.

4.Coverage

GPRS: Signal coverage depends on base station density, and coverage is weak indoors or in basements.

NB-IoT: Signal penetration is strong, providing wider coverage, reaching deeper into indoor areas and basements.

5.Application Scenario

GPRS: Suitable for scenarios with high real-time requirements and large data volumes (such as mobile office and video surveillance).

NB-IoT: Suitable for IoT scenarios requiring low power consumption and wide coverage (such as smart meter reading, environmental monitoring, and smart homes).

6.Cost and deployment

GPRS: Module costs are lower, but battery replacement costs are a consideration for long-term use.

NB-IoT: No need to rebuild the network; existing base station resources can be reused, resulting in lower deployment costs.