Hey Adam, I noticed we're incorporating eUICC sim in our latest IoT project. Can you fill me in on what is eUICC and what it brings to the table?
Sure, James. eUICC allows devices to switch between network carriers remotely without a physical SIM swap.
Without a SIM swap? Sounds interesting. Can you add more on how it is carried out? Or the technology ivnolved?
Sure James. With the technologies like RSP and OTA, the profile updation and management of SIM profiles is easier and requires no manual intervention.
Does that mean it enables remote carrier profile switching for our IoT deployment, making it more flexible?
Exactly the point. Manage and load SIM profiles into the IoT deployments remotely. To know more, go ahead and read this blog about eUICC.
Introduction
IoT deployments worldwide have used conventional SIM cards for a long time from the early 2000s, when it was first used in the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project in Texas. But, as IoT deployments grew, there arose many difficulties in IoT Connectivity enablements and management.
Conventional SIM cards are carrier-specific. Locked into a single carrier, it will require physical SIM swaps to switch between networks, which obviously seems like an impractical thing to do. A single network SIM could lead to significant connectivity blackouts, especially in the below mentioned two scenarios
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IoT-enabled deployments in mobility
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Deployments are in remote locations, where that particular carrier may not have good coverage
Frequent human intervention and associated recurring costs to just maintain ‘Connectivity’ is not a smart proposition, and requires a technology upgrade/innovation to solve this problem. To address these shortcomings, the eUICC concept came into play.
Transitioning From UICC to eUICC
The transition from traditional UICC SIM cards to eUICC-enabled eSIMs
The UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is known as the mini-computer in the SIM ecosystem. It is a smart card technology that ensures the authentication and identification of SIM cards with designated MNOs.
What is eUICC?
eUICC or Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card is the architectural standard published by GSMA for eSIMs for establishing SIM capability. eUICC enables RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) and OTA (Over-The-Air) updates for the SIM profiles, making it easier to
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Manage multiple SIM profiles
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Load new carrier profiles remotely
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Seamlessly switch over different carrier profiles
Architecture of eUICC- Explained
Architectural overview of the eUICC security in eSIM
With tech growth, eUICC capability is now available in removable SIM cards and eSIMs. The key elements constituting the eUICC architecture are:
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SM-DP
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SM-SR
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ISD-R
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ECASD
eUICC remote provisioning components of an eSIM
The Subscription Manager (SM) of eUICC has two components:
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SM-DP (SM- Data Preparation)
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SM-SR (SM- Secure Routing)
SM-DP prepares and stores operator profiles, and installs them onto the eUICC. SM-SR manages profile status, enables/disables/or deletes profiles, and secures the link between eUICC and SM-DP during operator profile delivery.
Issuer Security Domain Root (ISD-R) is the in-build card component on SM-SR that manages SIM profiles. The ISD-P represents the UICC profiles. ECASD is also known as eUICC Controlling Authority Security Domain. It contains non-modifiable eUICC private keys, and root public keys for the establishment of new keysets in the ISD-P(s) and ISD-R. The Local Profile Assistant (LPA) component handles profile discovery, downloading profiles, and profile management.
Benefits of eUICC-Enabled eSIMs
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eUICC SIM cards enable remote SIM provisioning
The remote provisioning of mobile network operator profiles helps switch between the network carrier profiles. This ensures flexibility and optimum coverage for IoT solutions deployed globally.
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eUICC eSIMs offer remote device management with OTA updates
It is now easier for IoT engineers and manufacturers to connect and upgrade their IoT solutions deployed across the globe.
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eSIM with eUICC capability enables localization
With OTA and RSP capability, eUICC SIM stores and manages updates of local network carrier profiles in which IoT solutions are deployed. Thus, it mitigates coverage and roaming difficulties making it cost-efficient for IoT solution providers.
Closing Notes
As the technology makes progress, there is more evolution occurring in this SIM field. The introduction of iUICC with iSIM invention is a topic in itself to discuss later on in the coming chapters. With xUICC ( eUICC & iUICC), it is evident that the connectivity issues in the M2M domain will be addressed to a great extent.
To learn more, visit us at https://www.cavliwireless.com/iot-modules/cellular-modules.html
Amusing Tech Chronicles
Facts and Anecdotes related to this edition of Wireless By Design
A Global Citizen Passport
eUICC is the passport of IoT devices. They allow devices to 'travel' internationally without the hassle of 'visa applications' (carrier negotiations and contracts) for each country.
Go Green
eUICC is environment-friendly. Fewer physical SIM cards mean less plastic waste, making a small but yet a significant green solution.
The Stamp Collector
eUICC is a stamp collector gathering stamps from different (carrier) countries in the world of connectivity.
Go Beyond and Explore
An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, also known as MFF2 SIM card, is a SIM card that is embedded into the devices to provide a permanent network connection. eSIM is the combination of eSIM hardware, RSP platform, and eUICC architecture. eUICC is an architectural component that adheres to GSMA's specifications enabling remote SIM provisioning, OTA updates, and multiple carrier profile storage, without any physical SIM swap.
Consumer eSIM is typically used in mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other consumer devices with user interfaces, where the user actively downloads the profile, often via a QR code. M2M eSIM, on the other hand, is designed for IoT sensors, utility meters, trackers, and devices that operate with minimal onsite human interaction, where the profile is remotely pushed to the device.
eSIMs are more power-efficient than traditional SIM cards, meaning they use less power and don't drain your battery as quickly when connecting to the wireless network. The factors that influence battery life in devices with eSIM include switching between networks, high data usage, and overall efficiency of the device.
References
https://www.gsma.com/esim/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/esim-whitepaper.pdf
