Tag: SIM

AirLink OS 4.1.30 Upgrade Issue for Semtech (Sierra Wireless) Routers

In a recent technical bulletin released on March 4, 2024, Semtech’s Enterprise Solutions Product Management has highlighted a critical issue related to the upgrade process to AirLink OS 4.1.30. Users of Airlink RX55, XR80, and XR90 routers, particularly those who made specific configuration changes on their routers, may face a substantial challenge that could result in a loss of cellular connection.

Issue Details

The affected routers are those that had any SIMs installed while running AirLink OS 3.0 or later. Changes made to various settings, such as IPv4 and IPv6 settings, APN mode, authentication protocol settings, preferred radio technology setting, roaming settings, MTU settings, and SIM PIN settings, will revert to their default values upon upgrading to AirLink OS 4.1.30. This unexpected behavior may lead to a loss of cellular connection, disrupting crucial connectivity for users relying on Semtech routers.

Recommended Actions

Semtech is actively working on addressing this critical issue by developing a new AirLink OS 4.1.x release. As an immediate response, AirLink OS 4.1.30 has been removed from ALMS (AirLink Management Service) and the Source.

  • Users are strongly advised to upgrade to AirLink OS 5.0 if they are planning to perform an upgrade.
  • If an upgrade to AirLink OS 4.1 is necessary, it is recommended to hold off until a new version is released that addresses this specific upgrade issue.

It’s important to note that if you have already upgraded to AirLink OS 4.1.30 and your system is operating as expected, no further action is required at this time.

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What is the Difference Between Dual SIM and Dual Modem Solutions?

If you’re in the market for a cellular solution for your primary or backup/ failover uses, you might find the number of options overwhelming. There are several factors that go into selecting the appropriate router for any application. One important thing to consider is whether you need a solution with dual SIM card slots or dual modems. Read on to find out more about the differences and how to determine which solution is right for you. 

Dual SIM Modems

This is a single modem that accommodates two total SIM card slots. Since there is only one modem, only one SIM card can be connected to at a time. When two SIM cards are present, and the first SIM card fails to connect, the secondary SIM will take over. Once the first SIM can reconnect, it switches the connection back to this first SIM. Note that the router cannot detect poor performance and failover based on that. If the SIM can connect, it will stay connected until its network connection fails. 

Users with metered data plans may insert SIM cards from the same carrier. Once the first SIM reaches its data limit, a configuration rule tells the router to switch to the secondary SIM card. This rule also tells the router when the data plan has been renewed for the month and switches back to the primary SIM. 

Not only will the modem auto switch between SIM cards, but users have the option to manually switch between the SIM card connections. This is especially helpful in cases where users travel. Having the ability to switch between different carriers allows the user to determine which connection is best for their usage. 

Keep in mind that with only one modem, there is some time lag between the SIMs switching. This process can take a few minutes to complete. If your application cannot afford any downtime, this solution is not the best.

Dual Modem Routers

As it sounds, dual modem routers have two modems, which may each have dual SIM card slots as well. Each modem can be connected at the same time, while also supporting failover to their secondary SIM card slots. This solution has little to no downtime because the modems are already connected to their networks. 

Load balancing is possible with dual modems and along with QoS (Quality of Service) rules you can provide more bandwidth to your most important devices and applications. Alternatively, you may take advantage of SD-WAN functionality. For example, using Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology. Like load balancing, all connections are active simultaneously. The difference is that all connections are combined into one and therefore provide more throughput for your devices. 

So, if you’re looking for nearly 100% uptime, using a dual modem router as a backup for your primary wired Internet connection can give you that. It can also provide you increased bandwidth for those important connections on your network. 

Interested in learning more about which solution is best for your specific needs? Contact our team Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm CST by phone, email, or chat!

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SIM vs. eSIM vs. iSIM – What is the Difference? 

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module. It is known as an integrated circuit (IC) and it’s meant to store the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key. This data is used to identify and authenticate subscribers on cellular devices. In other words, without this information, you cannot make calls or send text messages. 

Did you know there’s more than one type of SIM? 

When most of us think of SIM, we picture the physical card. This is known as a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). The other SIM types are fundamentally the same in that they carry an identity to present to the network. Each will then decide what network(s) you have access to. One major difference with a physical SIM card is that it can be taken out of one cellular device and moved into another. If you need to switch carriers or phones, this makes it easy.  

Eventually, manufacturing companies started embedding SIM cards into the motherboard on devices. This became known as the eSIM and can be a bit smaller than a physical SIM. You’ll generally see these in smartwatches. Since these cannot be moved from one device to another, they are electronically programmable. 

eSIM technology actually makes switching carriers even easier – at least in some ways. Instead of waiting for a new SIM card to ship or going out to pick one up, you can make the switch right on your phone with information provided from your carrier. If your phone has an eSIM inside there will be settings that allow you to configure it. You’ll be able to switch between lines and carriers, and manage your accounts. There are also phones with dual eSIM technology. In this case, you can support multiple accounts on one device. 

So, if a SIM card is a UICC, then an eSIM is an EUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card). An iSIM or Integrated SIM, also known as the Integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card (iUICC), takes up the least amount of space as it’s the smallest of the technologies. It is capable of everything that the eSIM is capable of. 

As you know, a physical SIM card requires a dedicated slot on a cellular device, while an eSIM requires a dedicated chip soldered to the device’s circuit board. In comparison, an iSIM is embedded within a Tamper-resistant element (TRE) on the device’s system-on-a-chip (SoC). It eliminates the need to depend on discrete SIM hardware and can be activated wirelessly using an industry-wide secure protocol.

In an article released earlier this year, Qualcomm highlighted the main benefits that iSIM technology offers for smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other IoT devices and gadgets:

  • Simplifies and enhances device design and performance by releasing space previously occupied within a device
  • Consolidates the SIM functionality into the device’s main chipset alongside other critical capabilities such as GPU, CPU, and modem
  • Enables remote SIM provisioning by the operator leveraging the existing eSIM infrastructure
  • Opens mobile service connection capabilities to a host of devices that previously could not have SIM capabilities built-in

Are companies rushing to adopt eSIM or iSIM technology?

eSIM has actually been around since 2016, but hasn’t been used much outside of IoT and wearable devices. iSIM can lead to some vertically integrated solutions because you’re no longer having to source parts separately. Ideally, both would make everybody’s lives easier, but companies have to upgrade their processes for the sake of customers. Currently, there isn’t really a good process for building a device with an eSIM and then personalizing it with the carriers that you want. Once an eSIM carrier profile has been installed on an eUICC, it operates the same as a physical SIM, complete with a unique ICCID and network authentication key generated by the carrier. For example, if you get an eSIM from T-Mobile, it’s only going to access T-Mobile. It’s not the type you can just move to a different carrier. 

While carriers are finally starting to adopt eSIM, it’s still a slow process and they haven’t really done the same for iSIM yet. For iSIM to catch on, the module manufacturers have to provide good backends for people to be able to then personalize the connectivity. So, with regards to the process, there has to be some kind of functionality for the control of that iSIM to be given over to the solution providers so that they can decide on things like the network provider identity.

The use of iSIM in different forms of smart devices will allow various service providers and industries to harness a large number of data points that can then be harnessed to not only optimize physical assets like devices but also operations and services. Vodafone and Qualcomm showcased a proof of concept working with an iSIM (see earlier article) and demonstrated how an iSIM could be a valuable commodity in upcoming smartphones. For now though, companies like Apple are sticking to the eSIM technology with devices like their iPhone 14. 

So what does all this mean to me?

As the cellular industry and the technology involved progresses, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more eSIM and iSIM integration. With the high bandwidth and low latency benefits brought by 5G, it seems more companies are going to adopt the technology. Perhaps in an effort to keep the overall size of devices down, increase security for users, or to create more universally accessible devices.  Whatever the case may be, the important thing to note is that eSIM and iSIM are really no different than the traditional SIM “card.” You may not be able to touch either of them, but because of their application, the possibilities for the future are greater.

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How Do I Activate My Cellular Device?

Today we’re going to go over some details and tips for activating your cellular modem or router. First, a little background information before you get started. Each cellular device – whether that be your cell phone, a mobile hotspot, or a cellular router – has an IMEI number. This is much like a serial number, as it is used to identify cellular devices. 

Each cellular carrier has a certification process they put cellular modems through. This is essentially a test to verify the modem is compatible with their network and capable of providing the necessary performance. Once certified, you can reach out to the carrier with the modem’s IMEI number and they will confirm compatibility and activate an appropriate data plan. For example, check out the links from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile below. These will provide you a list of all certified devices on their network. 

In cases that you might have a cellular modem that supports the proper frequency bands for your cellular carrier, but is “not” certified, it may still be possible to use this with a pre-activated SIM card. However, this may not work if the modem requires a different SIM card. Such as a 5G SIM card for the new 5G modems. Or if the data plan on the current SIM is not compatible with the modem. We mainly run into this where users have a grandfathered or pre-paid data plan. This also means even with a certified device, if the SIM card and data plan is not supported on the modem, you will need to change your data plan. If this might be the case for you, we advise inquiring with the carrier about making a switch first. 

The SIM card the carrier provides should be the correct size for your modem, but this is also something you’ll want to be clear on before you insert it into your modem. Currently, there are three sizes that modems use. Most require the 2FF size, which is also sometimes referred to as a standard or mini SIM. This is the largest of the three. Next is the 3FF, also called “micro.” And the smallest is known as a 4FF, or nano size. These days you’ll generally get a “combi” or “trio” type SIM card, which allows you to pop out the size your device requires.

Modems will differ slightly with regards to how the SIM card is inserted also. Take time to review the modem setup instructions, along with the diagrams shown on the hardware, as this will illustrate the proper orientation. Please double check this information as inserting the SIM card incorrectly may damage the device and/or the SIM card. 

Are you still looking for more tips? Chat with our team online, give us a call, or send us an email. We look forward to helping you get, and stay connected!

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Which Cellular Modems Use a Smaller SIM?

Up until more recently, cellular modems – whether that be a USB modem, mobile hotspot, or embedded router – were using the mini, or 2FF size SIM card. Now, we’re starting to see more devices requiring a micro or nano SIM card – like most cell phones use today. 

Here are some of the most popular embedded routers and the SIM card size they require: 

Micro/ 3FF SIM:

Nano/ 4FF SIM:

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What is difference between eSIM and iSIM?

An iSIM is an integrated SIM built into a system-on-chip (SoC) and is expected to replace the nano-SIM and eSIM found in most modern-day devices. While both an iSIM and eSIM have similar functions, and benefits, there are some notable differences.

Most phones still have at least one physical SIM card slot for a nano-sized SIM card. The nano-SIM card has existed for years and is an evolution of the Mini-SIM and Micro-SIM card. The eSIM was released years later. It’s a smaller chip than the nano-SIM and is soldered onto the printed circuit board. It works no differently than the nano-SIM in how it connects the device to the mobile network. The difference though is that the eSIM uses multiple profiles it has saved to verify the mobile network, allowing it to connect to any network operator in minutes. 

Unfortunately, the adoption of the eSIM has been very slow. Several manufacturers still make phones that don’t have support for an eSIM and those that do limit it to their high-end models. There are also a lot of mobile operators who have not even adopted the eSIM method. The area where the eSIM is most popular is in the wearable space, such as smartwatches like the Apple Watches. 

Enter the iSIM, which was announced in 2018 by Arm as a secure identity solution that replaces a physical SIM card and an eSIM. An iSIM is supposed to make it easier to connect a wider variety of devices to the internet. Its ease of use and implementation eliminates not only the cost of issuing physical SIMs, but the cost of deploying them and the need for physical access when there is a need to change the mobile network operator. 

With an iSIM, it is also easier to connect IoT devices with a smaller footprint that don’t have space for a physical SIM card. While an eSIM takes up less space than a nano-SIM, an iSIM is much smaller since it is integrated into the device’s processor. This allows manufacturers to use the additional space that would have been occupied by a SIM tray or eSIM for other components. Furthermore, without the need for a physical SIM card, a device with an iSIM (or eSIM) can be easily designed to be water-resistant.

The iSIM brings the benefits associated with an eSIM, but has a significant difference from an eSIM, which can also be termed its biggest advantage – its security. By integrating the SIM with the system-on-chip (SoC), the SIM is protected from being tampered with as it runs on a secure enclave built into the chipset. Also, since an iSIM can’t be removed, it makes it harder to steal a mobile device that has one.

iSIMs are mainly designed for IoT devices as it allows manufacturers to add cellular connectivity to these devices, but as we can see, smartphones can benefit from the advantages it brings. Unfortunately, Qualcomm’s new mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 appears to be the only mobile platform with support for an iSIM, so the adoption rate may even be slower than that of the eSIM.

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