Connecting your device

– important considerations –

Podsystem group

Founded 1999

Focus now on M2M / IoT

connectivity

Multi-network global

solutions

Offices in USA, UK &

Spain

Patent pending multi-IMSI application

No single point of failure service

How is this relevant to IoT?

Podsystem involved in M2M right from the start

●Over 15 years experience●Relationships with global operators – best prices and coverage

IoT goes beyond M2M… beyond computers… to things 

Connectivity the heart of M2M & IoT applications

●Similar requirements for global connectivity●Similar issues in terms of applications & hardware

Connectivity options

Many different options, important to consider:● The overall application

● The required performance

● Where the devices will ultimately be located

● Cost-effectiveness, quality, reliability and security of the connectivity

● Low power

 

Connectivity options

Bluetooth® Low energy BTLE) •health care industry•portable and lifestyle devices.•Rise of the smart phone

ZigBee® and low-power Wi-Fi®•targeted at industrial control and automation industries. •ZigBeealso dominates in applications related to the smart grid, building automation

WiFi has emerged as a universal option, and requirement, for most applications. Often,devices targeting specific market segments need to support a specialized wireless connectivity option.

Market momentum has pushed ANT to the forefrontfor fitness applications

The large established base of compatible smartphones has pulled Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) into IoT devices targeting Personal Area Network (PAN) applications.

Cellular generally for city and nationwide applications, •ubiquitous nature •ability to extend applications globally. T•which is why Podsystem is focused on mobile

Connectivity options

Hardware requirements

Consider hardware requirements at the design stage to:

Ensure compatibility with network connectivity

Prevent obsolescence Future proof devices

Hardware requirements

1.Firmware

• Brief the developer• Precise specifications• Future-proof programming• Connectivity

2. STK & PCB

• SIM Application Toolkit (STK) enables advanced modem features

• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) should be compatible with 3G & 4G modems for easy device upgrades

3. Session Length

• Keep costs down!• Know how much data will be transmitted

each session• Use trial SIMs• Check billing increments – continuous

connection may be more cost effective than new sessions for each transmission

5. API & CDR

• If the company has many devices, get an Application Programming Interface (API) from the service provider for direct control over SIM activation

• To monitor real-time data use on the company’s own platforms, make sure the service provider can provide Call Data Records (CDR)

4. Battery Life

• Consider duration & frequency of connection• Continuous connection vs. multiple reconnects:

Which uses more power?• Ensure the firmware developer knows your

preference

Hardware requirements

● All modern device firmware must include a SIM application toolkit (STK) so that the device modem can instruct the SIM to undertake more advanced features.

● For example, the STK allows applications to be developed specifically to enable remote control over the profile of the SIM, giving the M2M application developer maximum control over where and when the devices can connect, and allowing them to control costs.

● Another aspect that should be considered with the arrival of 4G is the design of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB should be compatible with 3G and 4G modems, enabling the manufacturer to upgrade the device by simply swapping the modem without having to adapt any of the other components

SIM Application Toolkit (STK) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Ensuring reliable connectivity

● ●The main challenge: the need for a connectivity solution with a lifespan that matches that of the M2M or IoT application.

● ●Risks: - Fluctuations in network pricing,

- Commercial or technical issues on the network- Need to swap out the SIMs, a costly exercise.

● ●A solution: Semi Network agnostic or multi-IMSI SIMs - no single point of failure. - control over which networks and countries SIMs connect in

Global Multi-IMSI Solution – The Future of Connectivity

Ensuring reliable connectivity

Multi-Network

Traditional Multi-Network SIMs:

• Agreements with other networks worldwide.

• SIMs automatically swap networks if it loses connection, BUT only 1 core network: if technical issues on the core infrastructure, the SIM cannot connect to any network

• Worst case scenario for IoT company with remote devices: Need to swap the SIM for one from another network

• SIM profile with independent IMSIs from different networks around the world

• SIM automatically swaps between IMSIs (networks) on completely separate infrastructures, creating a “No Single Point of Failure” network topology.

• IMSIs can also be swapped Over The Air (OTA) avoiding any disruption to the connectivity of the application

Multi-IMSI

Ensuring reliable connectivity

Control:

• Best rates automatically available

• Add new coverage OTA without having to swap SIMs

• Flexibility for embedded SIMs which cannot be removed from the device

Resilience:

• Automatic swapping between networks and IMSIs with separate core infrastructure

• Automatically detects location and swaps IMSI for best signal

• No Single Point of Failure

• Multi-network capability solves coverage issues

Global Multi-IMSI SIM Solution – Some of the Advantages for IoT

Our Vision and Strategy

Our business divisions

Before the term Machine to Machine (M2M) was widely used, Podsystem M2M was developing telematics solutions for the logistics sector which used data SIM cards to communicate with a server via the GSM network. Now, 14 years later, we are focused solely on the development of global data connectivity solutions for M2M companies.

From 3G broadband back-up to global roaming SIM cards for tablets and laptops, Podsystem Business Services provides a range of solutions designed to keep businesses connected.

Having worked very closely with resellers of data connectivity solutions for the travel sector for many years, we understand the specific requirements of this market, many of which are not addressed by data plans offered directly from the network operators or from other travel SIM providers.