Strongest network or pre-defined network?
M2M roaming – Unlike SIM cards for private smartphones, M2M SIM cards can also switch between the networks of several network operators within a country. The network operator determines the roaming behavior of the SIM card and the procedure for automatic network selection.
Steered roaming
A defined list of preferred M2M roaming networks or operators is saved on the M2M SIM card. This controls the preferred networks a SIM card should connect to. If it is not possible to connect to the primary network, the SIM card searches for the next network on the list. If the SIM card cannot log into a preferred network, it keeps trying to access a preferred network.
Unsteered roaming
Without steered M2M roaming, the IoT SIM cards always log into the strongest available network. This connection behavior is normally preset for roaming cards from network operators that do not have their own network in a particular country.
M2M SIM cards that always automatically select the strongest network (signal strength) have significant advantages. For many requirements and applications, especially for use in stationary sites, these SIM cards guarantee:
- Best network availability – optimally suited to the location or area of use.
- Highest possible connection quality.
- Optimized power consumption of the devices or hardware – transmission & data exchange with lower power.
- Short booking times.
Important to know:
National network operators always offer roaming cards with steered roaming. This ensures the highest possible usage of the company’s own network.
This network preference and thus the regular steered roaming behavior can be “overridden” in the device or hardware in which the IoT SIM card is installed. The software in the device can be changed and preset to a desired network. If this setting is used, the SIM card only logs into this defined network. Depending on the configuration in the hardware, the SIM card can either search for another network if the desired network is unavailable or it no longer attempts to make a connection.
AUTHOR
Dirk Uhlmann
FUSION IoT
Project Manager FUSION IoT
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