How the M2M SIM card is revolutionising 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 a quality of service (QoS) and SIM cards tailored to your industrial needs, M2M connectivity offers integrators, manufacturers and installers of connected objects great possibilities, such as remote management of their equipment in real time 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 different 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 get connected objects to communicate in real time
- When should an M2M SIM card be used?
The different characteristics of an M2M SIM card
- Connection via the GSM network
- Communications capabilities
- The different types of M2M SIM card
- The differences between single-operator SIM cards and multi-operator SIM cards
- Energy consumption and lifespan
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 1: a connectivity solution for managing electrical energy
- Example 2: connected camera robots to help farmers
- Example 3: securing an environment by keeping out wild animals
A management platform is needed
- Supporting manufacturers and installers of connected objects
- 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 clever term Internet of Things (IoT) means? Quite simply, it refers to all objects connected to the Internet that are 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 materialises 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 is based 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 an M2M SIM card be used?
The capabilities of an M2M SIM card are particularly well suited to the industrial IoT environment, for example to :
- connect an alarm system (building sites, burglary protection and fire safety),
- protect a lone worker (PTI) or access a remote assistance service,
- remotely operate smart meters or electricity recharging points,
- enable lift emergency calls, or even include a geolocation function,
- track a fleet of vehicles such as bicycles, scooters and any other type of vehicle.
The different features of an M2M SIM card
Connection via the GSM network
M2M SIM card connectivity has a global reach. You need to go through an operator that offers M2M by subscription or by M2M package.
The general terms and conditions of sale for mobile and consumer subscriptions do not allow them to be used in machines. Your SIM card can therefore be blacklisted at any time and your data will no longer be sent to your server.
Communications capabilities
It is possible to send SMS, voice or data (DATA). To choose your package according to your needs, you need to determine the volume of data required and the frequency of transmission.
Note: M2M SIM cards comply with standardised norms in France and internationally.
The different types of M2M SIM card
| Type of card | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Mini SIM card |
2FF format |
| Micro SIM |
3FF format |
| Nano SIM |
4FF format |
| Embedded SIM also known as integrated SIM card or eSIM |
MFF2 format |
All these SIM card formats can be used in your connected devices, giving you access to :
- various secure formats,
- compliance with GSMA specifications,
- the card can be removed (except for the Embedded SIM),
- remote management of subscriptions and mobile network operators,
- software updates to change parameters remotely, like operators,
- Cards can be soldered or hardened to withstand harsh environments,
- single and multi-operator SIM cards to keep you 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 GSM network available. This is particularly useful when an operator's network fails: the object remains connected and continuity of service is guaranteed.
Energy consumption and lifetime
While the M2M SIM card has a very long life, 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 enable the GSM network to offer a global reach: the link with satellites completes this connection to enable the exchange of data, 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 connection is more reliable and offers continuity of service in real time anywhere in the world.
The benefits of remote management
M2M SIM cards can be activated remotely. The activation time is considerably reduced, which also means fewer interventions on the machine.
Benefits: you cut costs, reduce travel and achieve significant productivity gains.
3 examples of M2M solutions for businesses
Example 1: a connectivity solution to manage electrical energy
Borne Recharge Service manufactures, installs and manages charging stations for electric vehicles. These charging points operate using SIM cards, which enable meters to be read and controlled remotely.
This gives users 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 2: Connected camera robots to help farmers
Naïo Technologies helps farmers: their autonomous robots equipped with cameras carry out all the arduous tasks such as weeding or transporting crates. Connected via SIM cards, they can find their bearings, move around and detect new shoots.
As well as boosting productivity, this connectivity means that the farmer can retrieve data from the robots in real time to detect any problems and inform the farmer by text message of any events such as a flat battery or the end of a task.
Another benefit is that the cards can be used for preventive remote maintenance.
Example no. 3: securing an environment by keeping out wild animals
Electronic devices from Bestwarden emit ultrasound to ward off potentially harmful wild animals, particularly in crops and public places.
Connected via M2M sim cards, the user can programme and customise the sounds according to the type of animal identified. A set of sensors enables a beacon to trigger the sound only when the animal is detected.
A management platform is needed
Supporting the business of manufacturers and installers of connected objects
Players in the M2M market are now turning to M2M SIM card management platforms: this type of SaaS-mode platform centralises data from all machines equipped with SIM cards to monitor consumption and resolve all remote object management issues.
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 a key advantage for all professionals.
Use all mobile networks
It is becoming essential to take out subscriptions with several operators, such as SFR and Orange. Taken one by one, this complicates both your bills and the fact that you have to manage relations with the operators directly.
Matooma's range of services dedicated to the IoT offers an interesting alternative: a single point of contact for all your M2M subscriptions, and consumption formulas that are tailored and personalised according to the context of use.
Article translated from French