What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the global network of physical objects — sensors, machines, vehicles, appliances, infrastructure — embedded with connectivity and intelligence to collect and exchange data without direct human intervention. 5G’s mMTC use case is specifically designed to support billions of IoT devices simultaneously.
How Does IoT Work?
5G supports IoT across three technology tiers: NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (eMTC) for low-power, low-data-rate LPWA use cases; NR RedCap (Reduced Capability, Release 17) for mid-tier wearables and industrial sensors; and full NR for latency-critical industrial IoT (uRLLC). Battery life targets exceed 10 years for NB-IoT devices using PSM and eDRX power-saving modes.
Use Cases
Smart metering (water, gas, electricity), agricultural monitoring, logistics and asset tracking, smart city infrastructure (parking, lighting, waste), connected health, industrial sensors.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 36.888 (NB-IoT Study Item), TS 38.875 (NR RedCap Study), TS 22.261
Related Terms
mMTC | uRLLC | Private 5G | MEC
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
