A cellular device that combines with a mobile network operator (MNO) requires a unique SIM card that is allotted and controlled by the MNO to track and bill for individual usage. To change the MNO, you must have to change the SIM card. This is inconvenient, and it also involved challenges such as the potential for damage, loss, or theft, as well as time-consuming for both the device owner and the MNO to support. Here we will explain the differences between SIMs, eSIMs, International SIM card (iSIMs) and their benefits.
eSIMs
An eSIM is a SIM card embedded straight into a device, and the developers and remotely provisioned can program it. The eSIM specification is issued by the global system for mobile communication association (GSMA), and two architectures have approved in the current release:
The consumer architecture
The mobile phones follow a client-driven (pull) model that supports remote command provisioning and local management of operator profiles by the device's end-user. The control of this place of permissions in the hands supports operations without any human control of connectivity that allows backend infrastructure development of automated services.
The machine to machine (M2M)
The M2M architecture, e.g., autonomous cars, supports a server-driven (push) model to store and remotely control operator profiles. The M2M standard supports services without any human being control of connectivity, allowing backend infrastructure development of automated services.
How eSIMs Driving the IoT Evolution?
eSIMs have driven the IoT growth as it is explicitly designed with the development of IoT in mind. A goal of eSIM specification is to provide interoperability and provides more comprehensive accessibility. Remote provisioning means that much smaller devices typically in IoT can be supported and companies can build a new series of products for global deployments. On top of that, eSIMs offer various benefits, including space savings, robust tamper-proof security, simpler device setups, and simpler international roaming. More habitually, both structures described in the eSIMs have the specifications and aspects that IoT is sure to benefit from.
iSIMs
It is not a standard, but it is widely adopted by industry, International SIM cards (iSIMs) builds on the improvements offered by eSIM technology. The significant change is that the SIM hardware is integrated into system-o-chip (SOC) architecture that will combine a processor and cellular modem. There are lots of traditional SIM cards that offer a level of physical security. Both eSIMs and iSIMs are challenging to steal and so develop the integrity of their host device. The idea of the iSIM option being designed into IoT SoCs is very appealing. If you are talking about a product development perspective, it results in an easier-to-design device at a lower cost.
Final Words
eSIMs and international roaming SIM card technologies address the physical SIM card's numerous limitations, paying the way for new Cellular IoT solutions in the years to come. In the end, iSIMs are beneficial for those who do regular travel abroad.
