How the M2M SIM card is revolutionizing the world of connected objects
M2M connectivity using M2M SIM cards enables remote machine-to-machine communication in real time, without human intervention. Thanks to quality of service (QoS) and SIM cards adapted to your industrial needs, M2M connectivity offers integrators, manufacturers and installers of connected objects great possibilities, such as real-time remote management of their equipment and continuity of service, using the best network coverage. M2M connectivity has become one of the challenges of the IoT: while GSM alarms are often cited as an example, many companies are exploiting the features and capabilities of M2M SIM cards in their respective markets. Here's an overview of the solutions available.
SUMMARY :
M2M connectivity for the Internet of Things
- Machine-to-machine communication or the mobile Internet
- How to make connected objects communicate in real time
- When to use an M2M SIM card?
The different features of an M2M SIM card
- Connection via the GSM network
- Communications capabilities
- The different types of M2M SIM card
- Differences between single-operator and multi-operator SIM cards
- Energy consumption and lifetime
The added value of M2M SIM cards
- The best coverage in the world
- Reliability and continuity of service
- The benefits of remote management
3 examples of M2M solutions for businesses
- Example no. 1: a connectivity solution for managing electrical energy
- Example no. 2: connected robot cameras to help farmers
- Example no. 3: securing an environment by keeping out wild animals
The need for a management platform
- Supporting connected object manufacturers and installers
- Sim cards dedicated to M2M communication
- Use all mobile networks
M2M connectivity for the Internet of Things
Machine-to-machine communication or the mobile Internet
Did you know what the term Internet of Things (IoT) means? Quite simply, it refers to all Internet-connected objects capable of communicating with each other, without human intervention, to carry out actions in the real world.
These communicating objects reflect the development of the Internet as it materializes in the physical world.
How to make connected objects communicate in real time
Machine-to-machine communication is the technology that enables objects to exchange information. It relies in particular on the M2M SIM card: this M2M card uses the cellular / GSM network to exploit the mobile Internet and connect one machine to another. These cards are mainly used in a BtoB context.
When should you use an M2M SIM card?
The capabilities of an M2M SIM card are particularly well-suited to the industrial IoT environment, for example :
- connecting an alarm system (construction sites, burglary protection and fire safety),
- protect a lone worker (PTI) or access a remote assistance service,
- operate remote smart meters or electrical recharging stations,
- enable elevator emergency calls, or even include a geolocation function,
- track a fleet of vehicles such as bicycles, scooters and all types of vehicles.
M2M SIM card features
Connection via the GSM network
M2M SIM card connectivity offers global reach. It is necessary to use an operator who offers M2M by subscription or by M2M package.
Indeed, the general terms and conditions of mobile & consumer subscriptions do not allow their use within machines. This means your SIM card can be blacklisted at any time, and your data will no longer be sent to your server.
Communications capabilities
You can transmit SMS, voice or data (DATA). To choose the right offer for your needs, you need to determine the volume of data required and the frequency of transmission.
Note: M2M SIM cards are standardized in France and internationally.
The different types of M2M SIM card
| Card type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Mini SIM card |
2FF format |
| Micro SIM |
3FF format |
| Nano SIM |
4FF format |
| Embedded SIM also called integrated SIM card or eSIM |
MFF2 format |
All these SIM card formats can be used in your connected objects, giving you access to :
- various secure formats,
- compliance with GSMA specifications,
- removable cards (except Embedded SIM),
- remote management of subscriptions and mobile network operators,
- software updates to change parameters remotely, like operators,
- object-soldered or hardened cards are available to withstand harsh environments,
- single and multi-operator SIM cards to stay connected to the best network.
The differences between single-operator SIM cards and multi-operator SIM cards
A single-operator SIM card connects an object to the network of a single operator: if you use an Orange SIM card, your single-operator SIM card can only connect to the Orange network.
The multi-operator SIM card connects an object to several networks, those of the chosen operators. Compared with the single-operator SIM card, the multi-operator SIM card offers the great advantage of connecting the object to the best available GSM network. This is particularly useful when an operator's network fails: the object remains connected, and continuity of service is assured.
Energy consumption and lifetime
While the M2M SIM card has a very long lifespan, energy consumption remains high and depends on the volume of data consumed.
However, direct connection to a DC power outlet, a rechargeable battery or the use of low-speed networks based on cellular technology (NB IoT) can reduce your consumption.
The added value of M2M SIM cards
The best coverage in the world
Hundreds of thousands of relay antennas give the GSM network a global reach: satellite links complete this connection, enabling data exchange even in the most inaccessible areas.
Reliability and continuity of service
This is the great strength of multi-operator SIM cards: they detect the best GSM network between several operators and connect to it automatically. When one network fails, the card connects to another operator.
The result is a more reliable connection and real-time service continuity anywhere in the world.
The benefits of remote management
M2M SIM cards can be activated remotely. Activation time is considerably reduced, which also means fewer interventions on the machine.
The benefits: lower costs, less travel, significant productivity gains.
3 examples of M2M solutions for companies
Example no. 1: a connectivity solution for managing electrical energy
Borne Recharge Service manufactures, installs and manages charging stations for electric vehicles. These terminals operate using SIM cards that enable meter reading and remote control.
This provides users with a certain level of comfort: they can measure the electricity they consume via a management platform, and know when they need to recharge their vehicle.
Example no. 2: connected robot cameras to help farmers
Naïo Technologies helps farmers: their autonomous robots equipped with cameras carry out tedious tasks such as weeding or transporting crates. Connected via SIM cards, they can locate themselves, move around and detect new shoots.
Over and above the productivity gains, this connectivity enables the farmer to retrieve data from the robots in real time to detect any problems and inform the farmer by SMS of any event: flat battery, end of task, etc.
Another benefit: the cards can be used for preventive remote maintenance.
Example no. 3: securing an environment by keeping out wild animals
Electronic devices from Bestwarden diffuse ultrasound to ward off potentially harmful wild animals, particularly in crops and public places.
Connection via M2M sim cards enables the user to program and personalize sounds according to the type of animal identified. A set of sensors enables a beacon to trigger sound only when an animal is detected.
A management platform is essential
Supporting the business of connected object manufacturers and installers
Today's M2M market players are turning to M2M SIM card management platforms: in fact, this type of SaaS platform centralizes data from all SIM-equipped machines, enabling them to track consumption and solve any remote object management problems.
In the M2M communications market, Matooma's M2MManager offers invaluable integrated technical support managed by IoT experts.
Sim cards dedicated to M2M communication
Multi-operator SIM cards guarantee continuity of service for all connected objects by detecting the best available network.
This SIM card format, dedicated to machine-to-machine communication, is an essential advantage for all professionals.
Use all mobile networks
It's becoming essential to take out subscriptions with several operators, such as SFR and Orange. Taken one by one, this complicates both your invoices and your relations with the operators.
Matooma's IoT services offer an interesting alternative: a single point of contact for all your M2M subscriptions, with consumption formulas adapted and customized to the context of use.
Article translated from French