NB IoT Box – NB-IoT Data Logger for Smart Metering | VERAUT
NB-IoT Data Logger · Gas · Water · Heat · Pressure

NB IoT Box
NB-IoT Data Logger
for Smart Metering

One platform, five variants: the NB IoT Box is a battery-powered NB-IoT data logger for hourly remote meter reading – no gateway, no own infrastructure, with over 10 years of battery life and self-healing communication.

NB IoT Box – battery-powered NB-IoT data logger for smart metering
NB IoT Box · NB-IoT Smart Metering
Platform status
Transmission 1× / hour Battery 10+ years Radio NB-IoT / Cat-NB2 Coverage 164 dB MCL Gateway 0 required Self-Healing 3-Layer Watchdog Encryption AES-128/256 · E2E Integration MQTT · REST · Webhook Variants MINI · LITE · MICRO · GPS · PRESSURE Media Gas · Water · Heat · Pressure
10+ yrs
Battery life with
hourly transmission
/ h
Data transmission
as standard
3× WD
Watchdog layers
self-healing
0 GW
Gateways required –
direct to cloud
The Challenge

Remote meter reading used to be complex.
It doesn't have to be.

Without NB IoT Box
Manual on-site meter reading – high personnel costs
Separate gateway servers and infrastructure required
Ongoing operating costs for gateway maintenance and operation
Unplanned service costs due to connectivity failures
No signal in basements, shafts and underground locations
Data gaps on connection loss – no local buffer
Short battery life due to static energy profiles
No automatic error recovery – manual service call required
With NB IoT Box
Automatic hourly transmission – zero personnel effort
Direct cloud connection – no gateway, no extra infrastructure
No gateway operating costs – SIM connectivity included
3-layer watchdog: self-healing without any service call
NB-IoT: up to 20 dB better building penetration than GSM
Local data buffer + automatic re-transmission
10+ years through dynamic, adaptive energy management
Configurable transmission interval – adaptable to any requirement
Platform Principle

One connectivity core.
Five variants for every metering point.

The NB IoT Box platform deliberately separates two layers: the identical connectivity core – and the variant-specific interfaces and sensors. One rollout concept, one cloud platform, one API – across every metering point and every variant.

Connectivity Core — identical across all variants
The shared foundation: stable, certified, field-proven over years
NB-IoT / Cat-NB2 Optimised Antenna Dynamic Energy Management 3-Layer Watchdog Hourly Transmission Self-Healing E2E Encryption Data Buffer + Re-transmission
NB-IoT / Cat-NB2
3GPP-standardised mobile standard (Release 13+/14), built specifically for IoT with small data packets. Licensed spectrum, no gateway, deepest building and shaft penetration (MCL 164 dB).
Dynamic Energy Management
No static transmission profile. The adaptive algorithm adjusts transmit power, sleep depth and wake-up timing to temperature, signal and network load. Result: 10+ years at hourly operation.
3-Layer Watchdog
Three independent monitoring circuits (device · process · connectivity) detect faults at every system level and resolve them automatically – no manual intervention, no data gaps.
Data Buffer + E2E Encryption
Readings are buffered locally and re-transmitted automatically after reconnection. Transmission is end-to-end encrypted (3GPP / AES-128/256), GDPR-compliant in European data centres.
Interface & sensor layer — variant-specific
Pulse / DI
Digital Input
Reed / S0
🔄
Abs. Encoder
Absolute
Encoder
📊
Analogue
4–20 mA
0–10 V
🔗
RS232 / RS485
Modbus RTU
serial
🔌
DO
Digital
Output
📍
GNSS / GPS
GPS variant
Geofencing
〰️
W-Signal
Wake / Trigger
Signal
📈
Pressure
2× 0–100 bar
Absolute
The choice of variant depends solely on the interface of your metering device or the sensor to be integrated – battery life, reliability and self-healing are identical across all variants.
Product Family

NB IoT Box – five variants.
One platform principle.

All variants share the same connectivity core – identical battery life, reliability and self-healing. Jump straight to the variant you need:

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NB IoT Box MINI · live
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Housing identical to VERIBOX-MINI · with NB-IoT BOX branding
01Ex Zone 1 · Full feature set
NB IoT Box MINI

The most versatile variant in the family. Approved for hazardous areas (Zone 1) – with the most comprehensive interface set for complex gas metering points, transfer stations and volume converters.

Ex Zone 1 approved 4× DI (Pulse/Digital) 2× DO (Digital Out) 3× Analogue (4–20 mA) RS232 / RS485 1× Encoder SCR
  • Housing identical to the proven VERIBOX-MINI – with NB-IoT BOX branding
  • Direct serial reading of volume converters (EK260/EK280, Corus & Co.)
  • Multiple sources simultaneously: encoder + pulse + analogue + serial
  • 10+ years battery, hourly transmission, no gateway
Best for: Gas shafts, Ex Zone 1 areas, gas transfer stations, volume converters, pressure sensors
Ex Zone · compact NB IoT Box LITE on a gas meter – NB-IoT signal transmission
NB IoT Box LITE on a gas meter with encoder NB IoT Box LITE device – compact
02Ex Zone · compact
NB IoT Box LITE

Compact device for metering points with absolute encoder or digital input. Ex Zone approved, battery-powered – the standard variant for residential buildings, submetering and large-scale meter rollouts.

Ex Zone approved 1× DI (Pulse/Digital) 1× Encoder SCR 10+ years battery
  • Fast, low-tool installation directly on the meter
  • Encoder or pulse reading – manufacturer-independent
  • Deep NB-IoT penetration in basements and metering shafts
  • Plug-and-play for standardised rollouts
Best for: Multi-family buildings, submetering, residential buildings, standardised meter rollouts
Embedded · OEM NB IoT Box MICRO integrated in the VERAUT ultrasonic water meter
MICRO integrated in the VERAUT ultrasonic water meter
03Embedded · OEM · Retrofit
NB IoT Box MICRO

Ultra-compact form factor for direct embedding into metering and sensor hardware (OEM) – or for simple retrofitting of existing devices via TTL interface. Already factory-integrated in the VERAUT ultrasonic water meter.

TTL MCU 3V OEM integration Ultrasonic water meter IP68
  • Direct PCB integration into meters and sensors
  • Retrofit of existing meters with pulse output – without meter replacement
  • Base platform also for the NB IoT Box PRESSURE
  • Identical cloud connection and battery life
Best for: OEM device integration, meter embedding, water meters, fast retrofit rollouts
GNSS · Tracking NB IoT Box GPS – NB-IoT & GPS data logger, IP68, rugged, -40 to +85 degrees
04Tracking · Geofencing · Mobile Assets
NB IoT Box GPS

Position data, motion detection and geofencing events direct to the cloud – no gateway. Rugged, compact form factor for mobile assets, containers and distributed infrastructure with long operating cycles.

GNSS (GPS/GLONASS) Motion sensor W-Signal Geofencing events REST / MQTT / Webhook IP68
  • Position and motion data without separate infrastructure
  • Geofencing alarms when leaving defined zones
  • Long battery life through event-based transmission
  • Rugged, waterproof housing (IP68)
Best for: Construction assets, containers, mobile tanks, bulk containers, infrastructure monitoring
Ex Zone 2 · 0–100 bar NB IoT Box PRESSURE – NB-IoT data logger for network pressure monitoring, 2× absolute pressure sensors 0–100 bar on gas and water pipes
2× absolute pressure sensors (0–100 bar) on the distribution network · based on MICRO platform
05Network pressure monitoring · Gas & Water
NB IoT Box PRESSURE

Battery-powered data logger for pressure measurement based on the NB IoT Box MICRO platform. Two integrated absolute pressure sensors deliver hourly pressure readings directly to the cloud – purpose-built for network pressure monitoring in gas and drinking water distribution networks.

Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc 2× Absolute pressure sensors 0–100 bar range Gas & drinking water Based on MICRO platform 10+ years battery
  • Two independent pressure channels (e.g. upstream and downstream) in one device
  • Hourly pressure profiles for load analysis and leak detection
  • Instant alarms when thresholds are exceeded or undercut
  • Mountable directly at the network node – no control cabinet, no power supply
Best for: Network pressure monitoring, pressure reducing stations, gas & water distribution networks, critical network nodes
NB-IoT Technology

The right technology
for smart metering.

NB-IoT is a 3GPP-standardised mobile standard, designed specifically for stationary IoT applications with small data volumes and long battery life – making it the technically best-suited foundation for smart metering.

Deep building and shaft penetration

Up to 20 dB better coverage than GSM (MCL 164 dB) – reliable signal in basements, metering shafts and underground installations where other technologies fail.

No gateway – direct network connection

NB-IoT uses the existing mobile network infrastructure of operators. No own infrastructure, no proprietary frequency band, no gateway operation required.

Optimised for small, cyclic data volumes

Meter readings are minimal data packets. NB-IoT is designed precisely for this – low overhead, maximum energy efficiency per transmission cycle.

Licensed spectrum – guaranteed quality

Unlike LoRaWAN, NB-IoT operates in licensed spectrum – no sharing with third-party devices, guaranteed quality standard, no 1% duty-cycle restriction.

Technical comparison
NB-IoT vs. LoRaWAN: Why utilities should rely on licensed spectrum
LoRaWAN operates in the unlicensed ISM band (868 MHz). This means duty-cycle restrictions limit transmission time, interference from third-party devices is possible, and network quality is the operator's responsibility. For smart metering with hourly transmission cycles and billing-grade quality requirements, this is a structural risk.
Technology comparison
Frequency spectrumNB-IoT: LicensedLoRa: ISM shared
Gateway requirementNB-IoT: NoneLoRa: Mandatory
Duty cycle limitNB-IoT: NoneLoRa: 1% (868 MHz)
Interference riskNB-IoT: NoneLoRa: Possible
Building penetrationNB-IoT: 164 dB MCLLoRa: ~155 dB
Energy Management

Dynamic. Adaptive.
10+ years battery life.

No fixed transmission profile – an adaptive algorithm continuously optimises based on real operating parameters. Unlike the static energy profiles of typical market solutions.

📡
Adaptive transmit power
When the NB-IoT signal is strong, transmit power is automatically reduced – energy consumption drops without compromising transmission reliability.
🌡️
Temperature compensation
Lithium batteries lose capacity in cold conditions. The system accounts for ambient temperature and adjusts transmission strategy and sleep depth accordingly – critical for basement and shaft installations.
⏱️
Configurable transmission interval
The transmission interval is adjustable – from hourly to daily. More frequent transmissions enable finer consumption profiles; less frequent intervals extend battery life further.
🔄
Intelligent retry strategy
If a transmission fails, the connectivity watchdog applies a backoff strategy – not an immediate retry, but energy-optimised retry timing.
Energy consumption by operating phase
Schematic breakdown at hourly operation
NB-IoT transmission
72%
Meter reading
18%
Process logic
7%
Sleep overhead
3%
The adaptive energy management primarily optimises the transmission phase (the largest single consumer). With adaptive transmit power, this share drops significantly under good reception conditions.
Technology · Self-Healing

The 3-layer
watchdog system.

A device working unattended in a shaft for years must detect and resolve faults on its own. Three independent layers – automatic recovery at each one.

W1
Device watchdog – meter reading
Monitors the communication process with connected meters (DI, encoder, analogue, RS232/RS485). Detects timeouts, protocol errors and stalled reading cycles. Response: Automatic restart of the reading process – the measurement cycle is repeated, no data loss.
W2
Process watchdog – internal system monitoring
Monitors internal processes, memory operations and application logic at OS level. Detects software deadlocks, memory errors and system hangs. Response: Controlled system restart – locally buffered readings are preserved and fully re-transmitted.
W3
Connectivity watchdog – NB-IoT connection
Continuously monitors the NB-IoT connection, network registration and transmission success. On connection loss: network rescan, retry with backoff strategy. Response: Automatic re-transmission of all buffered readings after reconnection.
Monitoring layers
W3 · Connectivity
NB-IoT connection · Network registration · Transmission success
↻ Network rescan · Retry · Re-transmission
W2 · Processes
Internal software · Memory · Operating system
↻ Controlled restart · Data buffer preserved
W1 · Meter reading
DI · Encoder · Analogue · RS232/RS485
↻ Reading cycle restart · No data loss
All three layers active
Continuous self-monitoring · 24/7
Why VERAUT

Built for long-term stable
data transmission over years.

What other data loggers don't offer – and why it matters for your rollout.

01
Hourly transmission over 10+ years
The NB IoT Box transmits hourly – as standard, not as a special case. And it does so for more than a decade from a single battery. More frequent data points mean finer load profiles, earlier leak detection and reliable billing data.
Typical market solution: 1× daily, 5–8 years battery, finer intervals only at the expense of lifespan.
02
Dynamic energy management instead of a static profile
An adaptive algorithm continuously adjusts transmit power, wake-up cycles, retry strategy and sleep depth to temperature, signal quality and network load. Good signal = lower consumption, poor signal = more efficient rather than more frequent transmission. This is what makes a 10+ year battery life plannable in the first place.
Typical market solution: Static transmission profile, no temperature or signal compensation, fluctuating real-world lifespan.
03
Optimised antenna & transmit power
Hardware-optimised NB-IoT antenna instead of a standard module antenna – combined with adaptive transmit power. This secures stable connections even where it gets difficult: in basements, metering shafts and underground locations (164 dB MCL).
Typical market solution: Standard module antenna, fixed transmit power, dropouts in deep installation locations.
04
Stable communication over years – self-healing
Three independent watchdog layers monitor meter reading, internal processes and NB-IoT connectivity and resolve faults automatically. Combined with a local data buffer and re-transmission, this means: no data gaps, no service call – even after years in the field and under changing ambient conditions.
Typical market solution: Usually 1 software watchdog, no layer healing, data gaps on failures.
VERAUT vs. Market

What sets the NB IoT Box
apart from the market.

Factual, verifiable – without marketing language.

"With other solutions you need a gateway server that must be maintained, secured and operated around the clock. Every additional system is an additional point of failure and an ongoing cost factor. The NB IoT Box eliminates this layer entirely."

FeatureNB IoT Box · VERAUTTypical market standard
Gateway-free direct transmission✓ Always, all variantsOften separate gateway required
Transmission cycle as standard✓ 1× hourly, configurableUsually 1× daily
Battery life✓ 10+ years at 1×/h (dynamic)5–8 years (static profile)
Energy management✓ Dynamic & adaptiveStatic transmission profile
Antenna & transmit power✓ Hardware-optimised + adaptiveStandard module antenna
Watchdog architecture✓ 3 independent layersUsually 1 layer (software)
Ex Zone approval available✓ MINI, LITE & PRESSURERare, custom manufacturing
Data buffer + re-transmission✓ Integrated, all variantsOptional, sometimes extra cost
Interfaces & sensors✓ DI, Encoder, Analogue, RS232/485, DO, GNSS, W-Signal, PressureTypically 1–2 interfaces
Platform approach✓ 1 core, 5 variants, 1 cloudIndividual devices, separate systems
Use Cases

Designed for
real metering points.

The NB IoT Box is designed for the specific requirements of utility companies – including the structural and operational challenges at real-world metering points.

🔥
Gas · AMR · Ex Zone
Gas metering & Ex Zone remote reading
Remote reading of gas meters and volume converters in house transfer stations and underground shafts. The Ex Zone variant (MINI) is approved for Zone 1 areas. Hourly consumption data enables leak detection without any on-site visits.
Gas AMREx Zone 1Leak detectionVolume converter
💧
Water · AMI
Water meter remote reading in residential buildings
Reading cold and hot water meters in apartment buildings and municipal facilities. The LITE variant captures meter data via encoder or DI; the MICRO is already integrated in the VERAUT ultrasonic meter. Walk-by reading is fully eliminated.
Water AMIEncoderSubmeteringEED directive
🌡️
Heat · District heating
Heat meter & district heating monitoring
Capturing heat quantities at transfer points in district heating networks. Hourly data points enable load forecasts and line-loss calculations. Connection via RS485 / Modbus or analogue interfaces.
Heat meterDistrict heating AMREED complianceRS485 / Analogue
📈
Pressure monitoring · Gas & Water
Network pressure monitoring
Continuous monitoring of network pressure in gas and drinking water distribution networks. The NB IoT Box PRESSURE combines two absolute pressure sensors (0–100 bar) with the MICRO platform – for pressure reducing stations, distribution nodes and critical network points. Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc.
Network pressure0–100 barGas & WaterEx Zone 2
🏗️
Underground · Shaft installation
Shaft and basement installation in urban infrastructure
NB-IoT offers up to 20 dB better coverage than GSM (MCL 164 dB). Reliable connections in underground shafts and deep basements – without any external antenna.
Shaft installationBasement mounting164 dB MCL
📦
Tracking · Mobile Assets
Position & geofencing monitoring
The NB IoT Box GPS transmits position, motion and geofencing events directly to the cloud without a gateway. For mobile tanks, containers, construction assets and distributed infrastructure with long operating cycles.
GNSS / GPSGeofencingMobile AssetsIP68
Reference projects · anonymised

Projects that show
what matters in the field.

Four anonymised application examples from typical NB IoT Box projects – matched to the variants, without naming any companies or individuals.

Reference 01 · Gas network · NB IoT Box MINI
10+years
hourly load profiles without gateway infrastructure
Ex Zone 1 gas metering points read without own infrastructure

A regional gas network operator equipped its transfer and volume-converter metering points with the NB IoT Box MINI – directly in ATEX Zone 1, without a power connection and without a gateway. Encoder, pulse and serial volume converters are captured in parallel and transmitted hourly.

Result
Building an own gateway infrastructure was avoided entirely; the load profiles have since run seamlessly and automatically into the backend.
Ex Zone 1Volume converterHourlyNo gateway
Reference 02 · Water supply · NB IoT Box MICRO
0Walk-by
Ultrasonic meters with factory-integrated MICRO
Area-wide water AMI without on-site reading

A municipal water utility converted its meter fleet to VERAUT ultrasonic meters with integrated NB IoT Box MICRO. The devices transmit hourly consumption readings directly to the billing platform – even from deep metering shafts.

Result
Manual readings and walk-by trips were eliminated entirely; consumption anomalies are detected much earlier thanks to hourly readings.
Water AMIUltrasonicMICRO embeddedShaft
Reference 03 · Housing sector · NB IoT Box LITE
10+years
submetering without battery replacement in existing stock
Heat and water meters in existing buildings read remotely

A property operator digitised consumption capture across several residential complexes with the NB IoT Box LITE via encoder and pulse interfaces. The devices transmit reliably via NB-IoT even from basements and utility rooms.

Result
The EED-compliant, sub-annual consumption information is provided automatically; no battery replacement is required over the planned service life.
SubmeteringEEDEncoderNB-IoT basement
Reference 04 · Distribution network · NB IoT Box PRESSURE
2pressure channels
network pressure hourly at critical nodes
Network pressure monitoring in gas and water distribution networks

A distribution network operator monitors critical network nodes with the NB IoT Box PRESSURE. Two absolute pressure sensors (0–100 bar) capture upstream and downstream pressure; hourly pressure profiles run directly to the cloud – battery-powered and without a control cabinet.

Result
Pressure deviations and possible leaks become visible early from the hourly profiles – without any own infrastructure at the network node.
Network pressure0–100 barEx Zone 2Gas & Water

Anonymised, representative application examples from typical NB IoT Box projects – without naming any companies or individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical questions –
direct answers.

With hourly transmission and normal reception, the NB IoT Box achieves over 10 years of operation. The adaptive energy management (3GPP Cat-NB2 PSM/eDRX) reduces transmit power and sleep cycles dynamically – with good reception, consumption drops significantly. The transmission interval is configurable and directly affects battery life.
Yes. With MCL 164 dB, NB-IoT achieves a coverage gain of up to 20 dB over GSM – equivalent to up to 100× signal amplification. In practice, this means reliable connections in underground car parks, metering shafts and basement rooms.
All data points are buffered locally in the device memory. The connectivity watchdog (W3) continuously monitors the NB-IoT connection. After restoration, it automatically re-transmits all stored readings – no manual intervention, no data gap.
Depending on the variant: pulse / DI, absolute encoder, analogue (4–20 mA / 0–10 V), RS232 / RS485 (Modbus RTU), DO, GNSS/GPS and W-Signal. The NB IoT Box MINI offers the most complete interface set. The NB IoT Box PRESSURE additionally integrates 2 absolute pressure sensors (0–100 bar) based on the MICRO platform – for network pressure monitoring, Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc.
No. The NB IoT Box transmits over the licensed NB-IoT mobile network directly to the cloud – no gateway server, no own infrastructure. The device ships with an integrated multi-IMSI SIM; the connectivity contract is included in the operating model.
Transmission is end-to-end encrypted based on the 3GPP security architecture (AES-128/256) with SIM-based device authentication. Data is stored GDPR-compliant in European data centres. Integration via MQTT, REST or Webhook.
The NB IoT Box MINI and LITE are approved for use in hazardous areas (Ex Zone 1). The NB IoT Box PRESSURE is classified Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc for Zone 2 (gas) – suitable for pressure metering points in gas distribution networks and regulating stations.
The devices are pre-configured and ready to operate immediately – plug-and-play for smart metering rollouts. Data is transmitted to the VERILOG cloud platform or directly via MQTT, REST or Webhook to your existing backend (HES, MDM, ERP).
Next step

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next step?

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