M2M is the abbreviation for machine-to-machine and means that machines communicate with each other or exchange data. An M2M SIM card in turn ensures that machines and other devices have access to the internet or mobile network in order to transmit data. In this overview, we explain what M2M SIM cards are all about. If you have any further questions about M2M SIM cards, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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An M2M SIM card is a SIM card that enables devices such as alarm systems, vending machines, trucks and many others to establish a connection to the mobile network and transmit data via it. The M2M SIM is to be understood as a kind of manual for the end device, in which it receives all the information it needs to establish the Internet connection. Accordingly, it is important that the end device is technically capable of processing the information provided by the M2M SIM. Successful IoT communication therefore requires both - a reliable M2M SIM card and an intelligent end device.
A "normal" SIM card, such as the one we know from our own smartphone, is only suitable for IoT projects to a limited extent. Although M2M SIM cards do not look any different from SIMs for smartphones, they have a different purpose and therefore offer different functions. In the context of M2M communication, for example, it is important that the device can establish a data connection anywhere and at any time. It cannot do this with a normal SIM card, but instead requires an M2M SIM card.
Strictly speaking, there is no difference between an M2M and an IoT SIM card. The two terms are often used interchangeably, even though IoT and M2M themselves do not actually mean the same thing. Since M2M and IoT SIM cards are both technically SIM cards that provide information for connecting to the mobile network, the difference between IoT and M2M is irrelevant for use. The devices in which M2M and IoT SIM cards are used are enabled by the SIMs to transmit and receive data. So if you are actually looking for an M2M SIM card, you can also use IoT SIM cards.
In order to meet the different requirements of end devices and machines, the SIM formats have been and are constantly being developed further. To ensure that the SIM cards themselves take up as little space as possible, the size has been significantly reduced, leaving more room for other components if required. A basic distinction is made between the mini, micro and nano SIM card formats. There are also embedded SIMs, which are soldered directly into the modem as a chip. In addition to the standard version, the different formats are also available as "Industrial SIM". This more robust variant is designed for an extended temperature range and a longer service life, for example.
-25°C to +85°C
500.000
10 years
-40°C to +105°C
1.000.000
10 years at -40°C to +105°C
15 years at -25°C to +85°C
2FF, 3FF, 4FF
2FF, 3FF, MFF2
M2M SIMs have information and, if you like, "access keys" so that end devices can use a variety of mobile networks from different network operators both nationally and internationally (national roaming). This means they enable a connection for IoT and M2M projects almost everywhere. Conventional SIM cards, especially in Germany, usually only provide the information for network usage of the SIM-issuing network operator, i.e. the provider with whom the mobile phone contract was concluded. However, the availability of this one network varies depending on the location: sometimes there is good reception, sometimes there is none at all.
M2M SIM cards also enable the use of different network operators (e.g. Telekom, Vodafone and O2 in Germany) in Germany so that IoT and M2M projects do not lead to connection interruptions. M2M SIM cards are therefore also referred to as multi-network SIMs or roaming SIMs.
However, there are also differences in network access for M2M SIM cards: SIMs from independent companies, such as wherever SIM , do not prefer any mobile network and therefore allow the device to connect to the best possible network at the location. In this context, this is also referred to as network independence or uncontrolled roaming. The M2M SIMs of the major network operators generally prioritize their own network. This means that before an end device is allowed to connect to the network of another mobile network operator, its own network must no longer be available. Until then, the device always remains in the network of one network operator, no matter how poor the reception is. This prioritization of networks can be a disadvantage, especially for projects where a strong and reliable connection is required on a permanent basis.
M2M SIM cards are connected to a platform for easier management. Both the SIM cards and the associated endpoints are configured via this platform. For example, service profiles can be set up for M2M SIMs, SIM cards can be activated and deactivated or mobile networks can be excluded for use(blacklisting).
Comprehensive monitoring is also possible via such portals. Users can see the status of the end device, whether and to which network the SIM card is connected and how much data it is transmitting. In the event of a problem, various diagnostic functions such as a remote reset of the SIM card can help.
At wherever SIM , we offer a clear online portal and a comprehensive API for easier management of the M2M SIM cards, which can be used to transfer the data from our portal to your own systems.
In addition to technical performance, the online portal is an important tool for monitoring SIM cards against misuse, improper use or unexpectedly high costs.
Costs can be monitored using various configuration options. The configuration of permitted networks and countries ensures that end devices only connect in accordance with the booked tariffs. Additional data limits and notifications prevent excess data consumption (overconsumption/overuse) or at least provide information in good time so that further decisions can be made. However, once a data limit has been set and reached, the device cannot transfer any more data unless the limit is suspended. This is not an option for some use cases, as a permanent connection of the device is required. In these cases, data pools are often used: The possible additional consumption of an M2M SIM is offset by the lower consumption of other SIMs in the pool.
Misuse and misappropriation of the SIM card can be prevented by IMEI lock. This function prohibits the use of the SIM in an end device other than the one assigned to it in the portal. This lock can only be removed via the portal. So if a SIM with IMEI lock is stolen from a device, this M2M SIM is useless in other end devices.
Security is essential for M2M communication. This is why mobile network providers already separate M2M connections from the rest of the data traffic in their core network. This is made possible by so-called APNs. These are private access points to the network. This APN must be entered once for the SIM so that it can enable the connection to networks in the first place. If the data traffic between the end device and the system is to be additionally protected, VPNs can also be used.
Unlike conventional data tariffs, M2M plans must cover a significantly larger bandwidth: Fluctuations in data requirements range from just a few kilobytes to several gigabytes, depending on the application. For this reason, there are a variety of different tariff offers and billing models specifically for M2M projects.
For example, the aforementioned data pooling. In this constellation, all active M2M SIMs use a shared data quota in which lower consumption by SIM cards compensates for higher data consumption by individual SIMs.
