November 11, 2022
The advent of eSIMs has paved the way for developing smartphones and IoT devices that provide seamless services. The days of relying solely on your SIM card and the relevant service provider are long gone. With eSIMs, you can connect to any service provider effortlessly and quickly from anywhere.
eSIMs have much more functionality and are far more versatile than standard SIMs. Thanks to the eSIMs engraved in devices, which connect to any network easily and quickly and carry out their responsibilities flawlessly, the idea of IoT devices has earned much acclaim and appreciation.
The embedded SIM (eSIM) market was estimated to be worth $392.74 million in 2019 and is anticipated to increase significantly between 2020 and 2027, increasing to $2,282.27 million. The surge in value denotes the popularity of eSIM technology.
eSIMs include fitness bands and smart door locks. Now that you have a basic understanding of what an eSIM is, why not take a brief tour to learn more about eSIMs and other concepts that contribute to the seamless operation of eSIMs?
From SIM cards to eSIM and iSIM
eSIMs, or embedded Subscriber Identity Modules, and iSIMs, or IP Multimedia Services Identity Modules, are similar to traditional SIM cards except better.
A UICC is a variety of smart cards with an embedded CPU core, memory, and cryptographic operations, which are the primary components that make SIMs function. SIM cards contain useful information on this hardware and execute processes like connecting the network, allowing calls, etc.
SIM cards require a time-consuming procedure of identifying verification and guaranteeing compatibility with the mobile device they will be installed into. This is one of the constraints of SIM cards that drove people to adopt eSIMs and iSIMs.
SIMs are produced by service providers and can only be connected to the network by the applicable service provider. This may function great locally, but if a person needs to travel, they cannot connect to a network in a different location. They will need to purchase another SIM, which will also involve the same lengthy process we discussed previously.
Amid all this chaos, eSIMs emerged. Both SIM cards are inserted into the smartphones at the point of manufacture. They are non-removable, much like non-removable SIM cards, but users can connect to several networks. They also eliminate the risk of theft or harm. Consequently, eSIMs and iSIMs are becoming increasingly common and favored by businesses and individuals. IoT gadgets are excellent illustrations of how valuable eSIMs and iSIMs can be.
eSIM vs. iSIM: Primary Differences Between The Two
Though eSIM and iSIM are both non-removable SIM cards that are etched into devices during the manufacturing phase and yield similar benefits, one difference is the position where they are integrated. Since eSIMs need their CPU, they are integrated into a new, single slot. In contrast, iSIMs are incorporated within the CPU itself.
Now that you clearly understand how valuable and practical eSIMs are, let’s move on to learning about the technology that enables eSIMs to function without a hitch.
What is remote sim provisioning?
Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) is a GSMA specification that defines remotely installing, delivering, activating, and disabling networks, and so on. RSP also provides consumers with a business model through which they can select network providers to evaluate various services such as data service, roaming, etc.
According to the GSMA, RSP provides two distinct architectures for M2M and consumer devices.
RSP for M2M
RSPs were initially developed for M2M due to quickly expanding market trends and the requirement for seamless and quick data delivery with electronic gadgets. Under this architecture, the following three components are mentioned:
- SM-DP (Subscription Manager – Data Preparation): SM-DP is responsible for creating, maintaining, and protecting operator profiles and installing them into the eUICC.
- SM-SR (Subscription Manager – Secure Routing): SM-SR keeps track of the profile’s status, including whether it is enabled, disabled, or removed. Additionally, it secures the communication pathway through which the SM-DP sends profiles to the eUICC.
- eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card): eUICC stores subscriber profiles that resemble SIM cards.
RSP for Consumer Devices
The RSP Consumer Devices Platform can be accessed online and used remotely. Individuals from many departments and regions can create their components or profiles in the same RSP environment. RSP for consumer devices is far more complicated, and its design is made up of four primary members:
- SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager – Data Preparation +): SM-DP+ is a hybrid of SM-DP and SM-SR responsibilities; thus, it coordinates downloads and profile management while providing security for operator credentials.
- SM-DS (Subscription Manager – Discovery Server): SM-DS ensures that the SM-DP+ will reach the eUICC regardless of the access network to which it is attached. It also alerts the LPA when Profile data for the eUICC is ready for download.
- LPA (Local Profile Assistant): The LPA is an essential component in eSIM technology-enabled devices to download encrypted Profiles to the eUICC.
- eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card): eUICC stores subscriber profiles equivalent to real SIM cards.
RSP is a necessary component comprising many functions that improve and regulate the eSIM’s work.
What Are The Core Functions Of Remote Sim Provisioning?
Network swapping and connectivity is handled by RSP. The RSP eliminates this time-consuming process by switching the network provider and providing you with a continuous, seamless experience of data and network, in contrast to standard SIMs that require you to transfer SIMs to connect to different service providers.
Aside from that, below are the core functions of Remote SIM provisioning:
- Enabling non-removable form factors: Operator profiles on eSIMs and iSIMs may be changed thanks to RSP.
- Quickly changing network operators: Users no longer have to stick with the operator profiles pre-set at the factory and are free to switch network operators at any time, thanks to RSP.
- Onboarding more IoT devices: IoT devices are equipped with eSIMs, enabling the gadgets to function better and have better internet. Rapid cellular device deployment is made possible by eSIM and iSIM, particularly in applications spanning multiple networks.
- Reducing lifecycle support costs: Remote diagnostics and updates are available for devices, saving you money on repair calls.
Benefits of eSIM provisioning
RSP and eSIM technology development have several advantages, particularly in IoT. Although many people know that the first and foremost advantage of eSIM provisioning is seamless connectivity, this technology also has several other advantages, which are as follows.
- eSIMs offer a variety of security features that safeguard the safety of user devices. Because of eSIM provisioning, MNOs and IoT service providers can activate millions more devices rapidly and securely.
- Human intervention is eliminated with eSIM technology. The devices have the capability of quickly switching to better network operators.
- By incorporating eSIMs, device manufacturers can deliver their products anywhere in the world.
- RSP can be adapted by businesses to digitally control devices belonging to employees and clients all around the world. Remote delivery of new services and product upgrades is possible.
RSP and eSIM provide unlimited security and convenience for users worldwide to analyze services effortlessly. ESIMs have considerably improved healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and other industries.
Three Common Remote Sim Provisioning Use cases
Numerous advantages of eSIM provisioning are offered to various businesses. Here are different eSIM provisioning use cases demonstrating how the technology has impacted, influenced, and enhanced the process, from fitness trackers to logistics.
Wearables
The technology provided by RSP is used in healthcare by devices including glucose meters, electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors, fall detectors, AR glasses, and others to capture patient health information. Using eSIM technology instead of traditional SIM cards, these gadgets can be made smaller and more tamper-resistant.
Home security
With eSIM provisioning, home security may be carefully monitored and handled from a distance, including locking and unlocking doors. The hub can be quickly re-provisioned in another network if a switch to a different network provider is necessary for business reasons.
Shipping and logistics
Since the eSIM-enabled systems can connect to any network despite the location, it is easy to track the shipment of orders by both the organization and customers.
Bottom Line
The popularity and need for IoT devices are growing daily, encouraging the growth and demand for eSIM-enabled devices. In addition to delivering better and more effective security and smooth network access, eSIM technology is also developing new functions to benefit users and business owners.