M2M SIM cards: the most popular form of connectivity

For most users, the SIM card is a small chip inserted into a mobile device (cell phone or tablet) when it is first set up. This SIM card stores information about you as a user and enables you to access cellular networks. However, few people are aware that there are different types of SIM card for specific uses. Among them is the M2M (Machine-to-Machine) SIM card, a more advanced technology than the classic SIM card and specially designed for professional environments.

What is an IoT or M2M SIM card?

An IoT/M2M SIM card is a variant of thetraditional SIM cards used in personal mobile devices such as smartphones, with additional features designed for IoT devices. This includes features such as greater durability, enhanced security and greater flexibility.

SIM cards work by establishing a connection to your host network and transferring data between your device and the rest of your IoT platform. Although you can technically use traditional SIM cards for this purpose, this is not recommended as they are not equipped to meet the needs of most IoT projects.

IoT devices have specific needs compared to other smart devices such as phones and tablets. They need to be able to maintain a secure connection at almost any time, survive in harsher conditions and meet the specific needs of your IoT project objectives.

Different types of M2M SIM cards

M2M SIM cards differ from conventional SIM cards in terms of form factor (size), network roaming and functionality.

IoT SIM card shapes

The Full-Size SIM (1FF) is the largest of the M2M SIM cards, about the size of a credit card. It has been largely replaced by smaller, more modern SIM cards.

The mini-SIM (2FF) is the industry-standard SIM card size, measuring 25 mm x 15 mm x 0.76 mm. It is generally used in industrial and commercial applications (connected vehicles, vending machines, payment terminals, fixed IoT sensors).

There’s also :

  • Micro-SIM (3FF) – Micro-SIM is half the size of mini and is used in wearable devices such as tablets, GPS, health trackers and other mobile IoT devices.
  • Nano-SIM (4FF) – The nano-SIM is 40% smaller than the micro version, making it ideal for small IoT devices. These SIM cards offer relatively low protection and are therefore not recommended for harsh environments.
  • Integrated SIM card (MFF2) – Integrated SIM cards, also known as eSIMs, measure just 6 mm x 5 mm x 1 mm. They are the most popular IoT SIM cards, thanks to their practical size and durability. They are usually soldered directly to the devices, so they should last a long time.

SIM M2M roaming types

IoT devices generally require SIM cards capable of connecting to multiple cellular networks. There are two types of open multi-network roaming:

  • Steered SIM cards: steered M2M SIM cards refer to a specific provider’s network, even if a more powerful network is available, unless they are completely out of range.
  • Non-steered SIM cards: this type of SIM card connects to the most powerful network available.It is essential to use non-steered SIM cards when constant connectivity is crucial, such as in healthcare or navigation devices.

SIM M2M features

There are three IoT SIM models:

  • Standard IoT SIM cards, which meet the needs of connected objects, while relying on traditional SIM technology. They offer the essential functionality to keep your IoT devices connected and enable their simplified management, without the additional costs associated with greater durability. They are particularly suitable for connected devices operating in stable environments.
  • Industrial IoT SIM cardsare much more robust, offering greater resistance to extreme environmental conditions.
  • Automotive IoT SIM cardsshare features with industrial IoT SIM cards, but are designed specifically for connected vehicles. They are optimized for harsh environmental conditions and roaming.
apn sim card

Where are M2M SIM cards used?

In a world undergoing constant digital transformation, M2M SIM cards are being used more and more. Indeed, they have unlimited potential for making devices and industries smarter.

The most common applications concern several strategic areas: the healthcare sector, transport and logistics, as well as asset tracking and telematics.

Synox M2M SIM card

Synox M2M SIM cards are distinguished by their many advanced features, offering significant advantages in terms of secure connectivity and optimized management of your connected objects.

Above all, they enable multi-operator connectivity. In other words, they are compatible with multiple operators and a wide range of cellular technologies (3G, 4G, LTE-M, NB-IoT, 5G), guaranteeing continuous, reliable connectivity wherever you are.

And thanks to private APNs and VPN tunnels, your data remains protected against cyber-attacks. Communications are totally isolated from public networks, ensuring the confidentiality of exchanged information. And thanks to our intuitive platform, you can easily manage and monitor your M2M SIM cards, optimizing the performance of your IoT infrastructure.

Our SIM cards can be adapted to your specific needs, whether for industrial, urban (smart cities) or security applications. At the same time, they offer a reliable connection anywhere in the world, enabling your connected objects to operate without interruption.

With over 15 years’ experience, Synox is committed to providing you with responsive, expert customer support, with a dedicated contact to help you with your IoT projects. We don’t limit ourselves to private APNs and M2M SIM cards, we also have the capacity to deploy public networks when required. For example, for the city of Montpellier, we deployed a public LoRa network as an alternative to Wi-Fi, which is often limited in an urban setting for security reasons. Our expertise enables us to offer tailor-made solutions, adapted to the specific needs of each project.

Need help choosing the right technology for your project?

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