NB-IoT Data Logger · Gas · Water · Heat · Pressure
NB IoT Box
NB IoT Box
NB-IoT Data Logger
for Smart Metering
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.
System Architecture
Meter / Measuring Device
Gas · Water · Heat · Pressure
NB IoT Box
Acquisition · Buffering · Watchdog
NB-IoT Mobile Network
No gateway · licensed spectrum
Cloud / Backend
VERILOG Dashboard · MQTT · REST
MINI
Ex Zone
IO / RS
IO / RS
LITE
Encoder
DI
DI
MICRO
TTL 3V
OEM
OEM
GPS
GNSS
W-Signal
W-Signal
PRESSURE
0–100 bar
Gas · Water
Gas · Water
10+ yrs
Battery life with
hourly transmission
hourly transmission
1× / h
Data transmission
as standard
as standard
3× WD
Watchdog layers
self-healing
self-healing
0 GW
Gateways required –
direct to cloud
direct to cloud
The Challenge
Remote meter reading used to be complex.
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 deep coverage than GSM
✓Local data buffer + automatic re-transmission
✓10+ years through dynamic, adaptive energy management
✓Configurable transmission interval – adaptable to any requirement
NB IoT Box · In the Field
The NB IoT Box –
The NB IoT Box –
explained in practice.
See how the NB IoT Box is deployed at real metering points – from installation to cloud transmission.
VERAUT GmbH · NB IoT Box – Battery-powered NB-IoT data logger for smart metering
Product Concept
One connectivity core.
One connectivity core.
Multiple interface variants.
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.
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 required, deepest building and shaft penetration (MCL 164 dB).
Dynamic Energy Management
No static transmission profile. The adaptive algorithm continuously adjusts transmit power, sleep depth and wake-up timing based on temperature, signal quality and network load. Result: 10+ years battery life 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.
Datenpuffer + E2E Encryption
All readings are buffered locally and re-transmitted automatically after reconnection – no data loss. 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
Reed / S0
Abs. Encoder
Absolute
Encoder
Encoder
Analogue
4–20 mA
0–10 V
0–10 V
RS232 / RS485
Modbus RTU
seriell
seriell
DO
Digital
Output
Output
GNSS / GPS
GPS variant
Geofencing
Geofencing
W-Signal
Wake / Trigger
Signal
Signal
Pressure
2× 0–100 bar
Absolute
Absolute
The choice of variant depends solely on the interface of your existing metering device or the sensor you need to integrate –
battery life, reliability and self-healing are identical across all variants.
End-to-End Data Path
From the metering point
From the metering point
to your billing system.
The complete data journey – from the meter through NB-IoT mobile network and MQTT broker to the VERILOG dashboard, with automatic export to your billing, accounting or third-party systems. Five clearly defined stages, end-to-end TLS encrypted.
01 · FIELD DEVICE
NB IoT Box
Reads, buffers and transmits meter data via NB-IoT
02 · NETWORK
NB-IoT Base Station
Licensed spectrum, low-power, wide-area coverage
03 · BROKER
MQTT Broker
TLS-encrypted reception and reliable forwarding
04 · APPLICATION
VERILOG Dashboard
Validation, storage, visualisation and alarms
05 · EXPORT
Automatic CSV Export
For billing, accounting or third-party systems
Field Device → NB-IoT Network → MQTT Broker (TLS) → VERILOG Energy Monitoring Dashboard → Automatic export. End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant data centres in Europe, integration via MQTT, REST or Webhook.
NB-IoT Technology
The right technology
The right technology
for smart metering.
NB-IoT is a 3GPP-standardised mobile standard specifically designed 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
Utility 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 duty cycle restrictions of 1%.
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 responsibility of the operator. 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
Why VERAUT
Built for long-term stable
Built for long-term stable
data transmission.
What other loggers don't offer – and why it matters for your rollout.
01
Direct cloud transmission – no gateway
Keine eigene Server-Infrastruktur, kein Gateway-Betrieb, kein zusätzliches Fehler-Layer. Die NB IoT Box kommuniziert über das lizenzierte NB-IoT Mobile Network direkt in Ihr Backend – das eliminiert Investitionskosten, laufende Betriebskosten und eine vollständige Fehlerquelle auf einmal.
Typical market solution: Gateway server required, separate operation, additional failure source, ongoing infrastructure costs.
02
Dynamic Energy Management – 10+ Jahre battery life
No static energy profile: the adaptive algorithm continuously adjusts transmit power, wake-up cycles, retry strategies and sleep depth based on ambient temperature, signal quality and network load. Better signal means lower consumption – poor signal means more efficient transmission, not more frequent.
Typical market solution: Static transmission profile, 5–8 years battery life, no temperature or signal compensation.
03
Self-Healing durch 3-Layer Watchdog-System
Three independent watchdog layers monitor meter reading, internal processes and NB-IoT connectivity. Detected faults are resolved automatically – no service call, no data gap, no manual intervention. The system restores itself.
Typical market solution: Usually only 1 software watchdog, no automatic layer healing, data gaps on failures.
04
Platform approach instead of individual devices
One standardised connectivity core – five specialised variants. Uniform operating processes, same cloud platform, same API – regardless of the interface at the metering point. Configurable transmission interval adaptable for every deployment.
Typical market solution: Individual devices without platform strategy, separate systems, no unified API.
Product Family
NB IoT Box – Five variants.
NB IoT Box – Five variants.
One platform principle.
All variants share the same connectivity core with identical battery life, reliability and self-healing. The choice depends on the interface of your existing meter – or on the sensor you need to integrate. The transmission interval is configurable on all variants.
Ex Zone 1 · Full feature set
NB IoT Box MINI
The most versatile data logger in the family. Approved for hazardous areas – with the most comprehensive interface set for complex metering points.
⏱ Transmission interval configurable
Ex Zone 1 approved
4× DI (Pulse/Digital)
2× DO (Digital Out)
3× Analogue (4–20 mA)
RS232 / RS485
1× Abs. Encoder
Best for: Gas shafts, Ex Zone 1 areas, gas transfer stations, volume converters, pressure sensors
Data sheet ↗ Details →
Ex Zone approved · Compact
NB IoT Box LITE
Compact device for metering points with absolute encoder or digital input. Ex Zone approved. Ideal for residential buildings and standardised rollouts.
⏱ Transmission interval configurable
Ex Zone approved
1× DI (Pulse/Digital)
1× Abs. Encoder
Best for: Multi-family buildings, submetering, residential, standardised meter rollouts
Data sheet ↗ Details →
Embedded · OEM · Retrofit
NB IoT Box MICRO
Ultra-compact form factor for direct embedding into metering and sensor hardware (OEM) or simple retrofitting of existing devices via TTL interface.
⏱ Transmission interval configurable
TTL MCU 3V
OEM integration
Best for: OEM device integration, meter embedded, fast retrofit rollouts
Data sheet ↗ Details →
Tracking · Geofencing · Mobile Assets
NB IoT Box GPS
Position data, motion detection and geofencing events direct to cloud – no gateway. For mobile assets, containers and distributed infrastructure with long operating cycles.
⏱ Transmission interval configurable
GNSS (GPS/GLONASS)
Motion sensor
W-Signal
Geofencing events
REST / MQTT / Webhook
IP68
Best for: Construction assets, containers, mobile tanks, bulk containers, infrastructure monitoring
Data sheet ↗ Details →
Network pressure monitoring · Gas & Water
NB IoT Box PRESSURE
Battery-powered pressure monitoring data logger 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.
⏱ Transmission interval configurable
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
Best for: Network pressure monitoring, pressure reducing stations, gas & water distribution networks, pressure profiles at critical nodes
Data sheet ↗ Details →
Energy Management
Dynamic. Adaptive.
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 found in typical market solutions.
📡
Adaptive transmit power
When 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
Das adaptive Energy Management optimiert primär die Sendephase (größter Einzelverbraucher). Durch adaptive Sendeleistung sinkt dieser Anteil bei guten Empfangsbedingungen deutlich.
Technology · Self-Healing
The 3-layer
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
Gerätewatchdog – Meter reading
Überwacht den Kommunikationsprozess mit angeschlossenen Zählern (DI, Encoder, Analogue, RS232/RS485). Erkennt Timeouts, Protokollfehler und hängende Auslesezyklen. Reaktion: Automatischer Neustart des Ausleseprozesses – der Messzyklus wird wiederholt, kein Datenverlust.
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 data points are preserved and fully re-transmitted.
W3
Connectivity watchdog – NB-IoT connection
Continuously monitors NB-IoT connection, network registration and transmission success. On connection loss: network rescan, retry with backoff strategy. Response: Automatic re-transmission of all buffered data points 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
VERAUT vs. Market
What sets the NB IoT Box
What sets the NB IoT Box
apart from the market.
Factual, verifiable – without marketing language.
„Bei anderen Lösungen brauchen Sie einen Gateway-Server, der gewartet, gesichert und dauerhaft betrieben werden muss. Jedes zusätzliche System ist eine zusätzliche Fehlerquelle und ein laufender Kostenfaktor. Die NB IoT Box eliminiert diesen Layer vollständig."
| Feature | NB IoT Box · VERAUT | Typical market standard |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway-free direct transmission | ✓ Always, all variants | Often separate gateway required |
| Transmission cycle as standard | ✓ 1× hourly, configurable | Usually 1× daily |
| Battery life | ✓ 10+ years at 1×/h (dynamic) | 5–8 years (static profile) |
| Watchdog architecture | ✓ 3 independent layers | Usually 1 layer (software) |
| Ex Zone approval available | ✓ NB IoT Box MINI, LITE & PRESSURE | Rare, custom manufacturing |
| Optimised NB-IoT antenna | ✓ Hardware-optimised | Standard module antenna |
| Data Buffer + Re-transmission | ✓ Integrated, all variants | Optional, sometimes extra cost |
| Interfaces & sensors | ✓ DI, Encoder, Analogue, RS232/485, DO, GNSS, W-Signal, Pressure | Typisch 1–2 Interfaces |
| Configurable transmission interval | ✓ All variants | Usually fixed |
| Platform approach | ✓ 1 core, 5 variants, 1 cloud | Individual devices, separate systems |
Use Cases
Designed for
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.
💧
Water · AMI
Water meter remote reading in residential buildings
Reading cold and hot water meters in apartment buildings and municipal facilities. The LITE variant collects meter data via encoder or DI and transmits directly to the billing platform. Walk-by reading is fully eliminated.
🌡️
Heat · District heating
Heat meter & district heating monitoring
Erfassung von Wärmemengen an Übergabestellen in Fernwärmenetzen. Stündliche Datenpunkte ermöglichen Lastprognosen und Trassenverlustberechnungen. Anbindung über RS485 / Modbus oder analoge Interfaces möglich.
📈
Pressure monitoring · Gas & Water
Network pressure monitoring
Continuous monitoring of network pressure in gas and drinking water distribution. 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 approved.
🏗️
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.
🏭
OEM · Embedded · Retrofit
Device integration & retrofit of existing meters
The NB IoT Box MICRO with TTL 3V interface is suited for direct embedding in metering and sensor hardware. For existing meters with pulse output, it enables retrofit without meter replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical questions –
Technical questions –
direct answers.
How long does the battery really last?
Bei stündlicher transmission und normalem Empfang erreicht die NB IoT Box über 10 Jahre Betrieb. Das adaptive Energy Management (3GPP Cat-NB2 PSM/eDRX) reduziert Sendeleistung und Sleep-Zyklen dynamisch – bei gutem Empfang sinkt der Verbrauch deutlich unter den Referenzwert. Das Sendeintervall ist konfigurierbar und beeinflusst die battery life direkt.
Does NB-IoT work in basements and shafts?
Ja. NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) erreicht mit MCL 164 dB einen Abdeckungsgewinn von bis zu 20 dB gegenüber GSM – das entspricht bis zu 100-facher Signalverstärkung. In der Praxis bedeutet das zuverlässige Verbindungen in Tiefgaragen, Zählerschächten und Kellerräumen.
What happens when the connection drops?
Alle Datenpunkte werden lokal im Gerätespeicher gepuffert. Der Konnektivitätswatchdog (W3) überwacht die NB-IoT-Verbindung kontinuierlich. Nach Wiederherstellung überträgt er alle gespeicherten Messwerte automatisch nach – keine manuelle Intervention, keine Datenlücke.
Welche Interfaces und Sensoren werden unterstützt?
Je nach Variante: Pulse / DI (Digital Input), Absolute Encoder, Analogue (4–20 mA / 0–10 V), RS232 / RS485 (Modbus RTU), DO (Digital Output), GNSS/GPS und W-Signal. Die NB IoT Box MINI bietet das vollständigste Interface-Set für komplexe metering points. Die NB IoT Box PRESSURE integriert zusätzlich 2 Absolutdrucksensoren (0–100 bar) auf Basis der MICRO-Plattform – für Netzdruckmonitoring in Gas- und Trinkwassernetzen, Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc.
Is a gateway or own SIM contract required?
Nein. Die NB IoT Box überträgt über das lizenzierte NB-IoT Mobile Network direkt in die Cloud – kein Gateway-Server, keine eigene Infrastruktur. Das Gerät wird mit integrierter Multi-IMSI-SIM geliefert; der Konnektivitätsvertrag ist im Betriebsmodell inklusive.
How is data security ensured?
Die transmission ist Ende-zu-Ende verschlüsselt auf Basis der 3GPP-Sicherheitsarchitektur (AES-128/256) mit SIM-basierter Geräteauthentifizierung. Datenhaltung DSGVO-konform in europäischen Rechenzentren. Integration via MQTT, REST oder Webhook möglich.
Which variants are approved for hazardous areas?
Die NB IoT Box MINI und LITE sind für den Einsatz in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen (Ex Zone 1) zugelassen. Die NB IoT Box PRESSURE ist mit Ex II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc für Zone 2 (Gas) klassifiziert – geeignet für Druckmessstellen in Gasverteilnetzen und Regelstationen.
How does integration into existing systems work?
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
Ready for the
Ready for the
next step?
Talk to our metering experts – whether pilot project, large-scale rollout or technical integration. We support you from feasibility study to full operation.