Strongest network or specific 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 (controlled roaming)
A defined list of preferred M2M roaming networks or partners is stored here. This controls which networks a SIM card should preferentially connect to. If it is not possible to dial into the first preferred network, the SIM card searches for the next network from the list. If the SIM card is not registered in a preferred network, it keeps trying to access a preferred network.
Unsteered roaming (uncontrolled roaming)
Without controlled M2M roaming behavior, the IoT SIM cards always log into the strongest network. This dial-in behavior is normally preset for roaming cards from network operators that do not have their own network in a country.
M2M SIM cards that always and automatically select the strongest network (signal strength) have significant advantages. These SIM cards are guaranteed for many requirements and applications, especially for stationary use:
- Best network availability – optimally suited to the location or area of application.
- Highest possible connection quality.
- Optimized power consumption of the devices or hardware – transmission & data exchange with lower power.
- Short booking times.
Important to know:
- The roaming cards of national network operators are always offered with controlled roaming. The background to this is to ensure the highest possible usage in the company’s own network.
- As an additional option for network selection or presetting, this network preference and thus the regular roaming behavior can be “overridden” in the device or hardware where the IoT SIM card is integrated. The software in the device can be used to define/preset a specific network. If this setting is made, the SIM card only logs into the previously defined network. Depending on the configuration in the hardware, the SIM card searches for another network if the fixed network is unavailable or no longer dials in at all.
AUTHOR:IN
Dirk Uhlmann
FUSION IoT
Project Manager FUSION IoT
Do you have questions about the article?