The developments in the IoT sector have made it necessary to have various technologies to connect the devices. The transfer and sharing of data within the deployment make it a requirement to have a reliable mechanism for data transmission and connectivity.
Unfortunately, we can not use the conventional SIM cards in IoT devices because they are designed for smartphones, tablets, and other consumer devices. IoT devises connectivity technologies are a critical element in the IoT sector nowadays. Among the various technologies, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM cards play a critical role in ensuring connectivity in IoT devices. In this post, we will look at the various aspects of M2M SIM cards.
What is an M2M SIM card?
To understand M2M SIM cards, we have to understand the concept of IoT and Machine-to-Machine. IoT refers to the interconnection of various devices on the internet to facilitate efficient and accurate processes. Machine to Machine is IoT-driven. It is the process through which two connected devices transfer data between them. Thus, you can automate most of the processes and remove human requirements. To improve the accuracy and productivity of various aspects of a business, M2M is widely applied in the IoT industry.
Why Choose an M2M SIM card?
In applications that require less data, M2M SIM cards are an ideal choice compared to other forms of cellular connectivity. Such applications include elevator emergencies and telephones.
M2M SIM cards offer increased security and are designed for easy management through various devices. The other reason for using M2M SIM cards is their persistence during the inactive periods. They can shift through various networks in case of a network failure, making the connectivity of the IoT device continuous.
How does the M2M SIM card differ from the conventional SIM card?
Build
The M2M SIM card is built to withstand high-stress temperatures. They can survive exposure to dust, high temperatures, vibrations, water, and other environmental factors. Conventional SIMs are designed differently. To begin with, they are not durable as M2M SIM cards. They can easily break or get damaged by various environmental factors like dust or exposure to water.
Their application
The two types of SIM cards are made for different uses. The conventional SIMs facilitate general communications. Conventional SIMs can store information that is required to connect various cellular networks. They keep phone numbers and network settings, like the carrier gateway and the access points. They can be single or multi-network and roaming. They are of three different sizes like micro (three form factor), Nano (4 form factor), and mini (2 form factor). The two differ in three broad ways. Users can make calls, send messages and connect to the internet.
M2M SIMs are built for machines or devices that need to communicate within the network. They are mainly applied in IoT devices like autonomous vehicles or fridges.
The function
In M2M SIMs, you gain all your information from a single IoT portal. Therefore, you can track your data usage for each M2M SIM. It gives you greater control over your data package and usage. Through the IoT Portal, you can share the data packages over all your IoT devices. Thus, this saves you various costs in the long run.
Conversely, conventional SIMs do not give the users such a level of control. It can only allow you to control your usage of data.
How do M2M SIMs work?
There are two main types of M2M SIMs; multi and single Operator cards. Single operator M2M SIMs connect to a single operator or network while multi-operator SIMs connect to many networks. With a multi-operator, the device connects to the best network available. If one connection fails, the device scans and reconnects to the next best network that is available. Therefore, a multi-Operator M2M SIM card is best in applications that require service continuity.
Benefits of using M2M SIM cards
SIM management
Using a managed platform, you can easily view and manage various SIM aspects in the M2M SIM card. You can monitor the data usage, SIM activity, activate or deactivate your SIMs using a portal. M2M SIM cards have other SIM management benefits like setting alerts and data caps to prevent data misuse or overspending.
Roaming
M2M SIM cards are uniquely flexible. Unlike the conventional SIM cards, you can easily roam the network using M2M SIM cards on a steered or non-steered basis. You can automatically connect to the network that has a better or a stronger signal. Therefore, the likelihood of losing the network connection is reduced.
Variety
M2M SIM cards are of various shapes and sizes. Thus, they are perfect in various IoT applications. They can be 2FF, 3FF, and 4FF. Therefore, regardless of the size of the IoT device, there is an M2M SIM card that fits it. They also vary in durability; some M2M SIM cards can be soldered into the device directly for increased durability.
These SIMs have a lot to provide. They are flexible and have the capability of meeting future connectivity and data requirements. M2M SIMs can also reduce the limitations of traditional SIM cards and connectivity issues.M2M SIM cards can transform the interactions and business models in IoT. In the future, M2M-powered IoT applications will be more efficient.
Remote and secure device access
Various IoT applications require remote access to IoT devices. M2M SIMs have fixed IPs, allowing secure connectivity, transfer, and data access among various devices. In many industries, there are various applications of secure and remote device access.
Cost benefits
IoT machine-to-machine applications require the bulk purchase of SIM cards. Hence the buyers are forced to buy many of them, enjoying the cost benefits. Because M2M SIM providers can offer discounts that are better than the conventional SIM vendors. They can also provide better rates of data than regular Phone SIM providers. Thus, because of lower data rates, data can reduce power consumption costs.
Conclusion
The connectivity of IoT devices is a critical aspect, often overlooked by various providers. M2M SIM cards are highly beneficial, as we have seen above, and their application to IoT devices ensures secure connectivity. Because they are delivered in various sizes, we can use them in a wide range of devices.
