Internet of Things or IoT refers to the interconnected network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity, enabling these objects to connect and exchange data.

IoT allows these devices to be remotely monitored and controlled through the internet, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human intervention.

Examples of IoT devices include smart home devices, wearable technology, and connected cars. The network is linked by a standard internet protocol or communication language, allowing devices to collect, exchange and analyze data in real-time.

SIM cards are an essential tool to connect IoT devices to the internet. You see, every IoT device needs a SIM card to connect to mobile networks and access the internet.

The SIM card stores critical information such as network settings and authentication details, securely accessing mobile networks without needing manual configuration every time. Without a SIM card, an IoT device could not access the necessary networks.

The incredible journey of the SIM card

The SIM, a physical smart card used by operators to identify phone numbers, has decreased in size from the original SIM (85.6 x 53.98 x 0.76 mm) to the nanoSIM (12.3 x 8.8 x 0.67 mm). However, the limitations of physical size and storage capacity led to the creation of the eSIM in 2016. This integrated chip today has much smaller dimensions and offers flexibility for mobile design, cost savings for manufacturers, and portability for users.

With the rise of IoT, a new version of the eSIM has been developed for these devices, focusing on durability and eliminating non-essential functions. IoT SIM cards are made for smart devices, as opposed to standard sim cards, which we use in gadgets like smartphones and tablets. These cards support connectivity and interoperability between devices.

nuSIM - new SIM for IoT applications

What is nuSIM, you ask? It is an innovative new SIM card technology developed specifically for the IoT industry. Deutsche Telekom, a German telecommunications company, created it. The nuSIM offers IoT applications with reliable, secure, and low-cost connectivity.

It leverages the advancements in mobile network technologies, such as eSIM and virtual SIMs. nuSIM supports multiple mobile networks simultaneously, allowing it to switch between them seamlessly when one fails or there is better signal quality on another.

It ensures that all IoT-connected devices remain online, even if the carrier experiences issues. Additionally, nuSIM’s advanced security protocols safeguard communications from unauthorized access while providing end-to-end encryption of data traveling through the internet network.

How nuSIM works: Its functionings

nuSIM is a form of virtual SIM technology that replaces traditional physical SIM cards. It securely stores your subscription details on a secure server, which can then be accessed and used to connect your device to the network without inserting an actual physical SIM card. It involves the following steps:

• An individual secret key is already inserted into the chipset during chip manufacturing.
• By loading a short (1kB) collection of encrypted data known as profile, configuration information and login credentials for a mobile carrier are installed on the device.
• nuSIM can be used after the operator profile has been loaded. It functions precisely like any other SIM card.

Features and capabilities of nuSIM you should know

According to the service provider Deutsche Telekom, there are several advantages of employing nuSIM in IoT, including:

1. Security

Data transmitted via nuSIM is protected from malicious elements using a secure and cloud-based platform.

2. Flexibility

With nuSIM, users can easily switch providers without needing to change their physical SIM card.

3. Low latency

Compared to other sim cards, nuSIM offers improved performance due to its low latency capabilities. 

4. Scalability

With nuSIM, users can easily scale their network as needed without deploying additional hardware. The technology also allows for smaller footprints and easier deployment of new devices.

5. Cost savings

nuSIM is designed to reduce hardware costs and provide better scalability by eliminating the need for SIM cards.

6. Global reach

Because nuSIM technology works across multiple countries and networks, it allows for greater flexibility in terms of IoT deployment.

7. Customizability

The service provider can customize how they use the technology according to their specific needs.

8. Reduced power consumption

With nuSIM, the overall battery efficiency improves as it optimizes the use of the device as and when it needs an internet connection. This arrangement also extends the IoT lifetime.

How nuSIM enables seamless connectivity and device management for IoT applications

An IoT device’s form factor is made simpler when the physical SIM card is removed because there are fewer contacts, circuit routes, and SIM card holders to take into account.

For cost-effective systems with low power usage, nuSIM offers a small hardware and software footprint. Along the IoT value chain, this simplifies things while saving money and time. Due to smaller package sizes and longer battery life, IoT device manufacturers have superior design alternatives. SIM logistics, such as stock management and handling, are no longer required.

IoT service providers can save expenses through a quick digital procedure that embeds the operator’s credentials into the device during production. Customers gain from the lower device price as well. Additionally, because a fully functional SIM is already on board, they may launch their mobile IoT project more quickly and easily.

Examples of IoT applications that might benefit from using the nuSIM technology

nuSIM aims to provide a secure and flexible connectivity solution for IoT devices that need to be connected to the internet. The nuSIM card integrates the necessary hardware and software components within the SIM card, eliminating the need for additional hardware or firmware components.

This makes it a cost-effective and scalable solution for IoT device manufacturers and network operators. nuSIM also enables secure device activation, identity management, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, which makes it a critical component in enabling secure and efficient IoT networks. Here are its top use cases you must know about:

1. Industrial automation

Industrial devices use sensors, connectors, actuators, and IoT gateways. They help remotely monitor interfaces, motion controllers, lightbulbs, locks, and so on.

They have the potential to communicate information about their performance and condition while providing remote access and control. Automation IoT software can manage these devices and learn to adapt appropriately to accommodate new ones as needed when combined with cloud computing and advanced data analytics.

2. Smart cities

Integrating cameras, access controls, motion sensors, fire detectors, alarms, and any other device that can join the network is useful for smart cities. It streamlines response times for operators. Depending on the situation, it gives them access to live images of the cameras in the zone and the visuals from sensors and other network devices.

Providing real-time information about parking availability and air quality. The recorded information is utilized to provide evidence to support inquiries into energy grid failures, water distribution issues, energy consumption anomalies, traffic, and so on.

3. Agriculture

Cutting-edge sensors are linked to the cloud using a cellular or satellite network. It enables us to access the sensors’ real-time data, facilitating effective decision-making. In agriculture operations, the development of IoT technology has led to the use of sensors at every stage of farming. Farmers can monitor the water tank levels in real-time to improve irrigation efficiency.

Automated drones monitor crop health using sensors and identify problems. IoT also supports efficient pest control with integrated spraying systems that detect weeds and other pests early on. Furthermore, the data gathered by these sensing systems can be analyzed using AI algorithms to improve production yields.

4. Healthcare

Patients can access individualized care with the help of wearable technologies like fitness bands and other wirelessly connected equipment like glucometers, blood pressure, and heart rate monitor cuffs.

These gadgets can be programmed to remind users to keep track of their calories, exercise, appointments, blood pressure changes, and much more. Physicians can more effectively monitor patient health by employing these wearables. IoT device data can assist doctors in choosing the best course of therapy for patients and achieving desired results.

5. Retail

Retail IoT devices, products, and environments can gather crucial information on the entire product and shopping life cycles through the use of sensors. The data is processed and evaluated, providing retailers with valuable insight into customers’ buying behavior, preferences, and other shopping-related insights.

Data can be used to optimize the customer experience by offering personalized promotions or discounts in real-time and increasing efficiency through automation.

Benefits of using nuSIM for IoT 

Deutsche Telekom launched nuSIM in collaboration with industry titans in IoT chipsets, modules, and digital security. The innovation has been created especially for low-cost, long-lasting mobile IoT devices.

Asset tracking software, intelligent motion sensors, and temperature sensors are some of the uses of these devices. Here are the benefits of using nuSIM cards for IoT:

1. Greater compatibility

The operator claims that nuSIM’s open standard set provides compatibility for the secure provisioning of operator credentials during module or device production.

Everyone benefits from simplicity and intelligent connectivity, and Deutsche Telekom appears to have mastered simplicity for the IoT environment quite well.

2. Simplistic hardware and software

For cost-effective systems with low power usage, nuSIM for IOT offers a small hardware and software footprint. Across the IoT value chain, it results in simplicity, cost, time, and space reductions.

3. Extended battery lifetime

Smaller package sizes and longer battery life provide better design options for device suppliers, which is something that everyone can replicate. Additionally, no longer required are SIM logistics like stock management and handling.

4. Better communication

Moreover, nuSIM is designed with low latency, making it ideal for real-time communication between devices over networks with higher bandwidths, such as 4G or 5G mobile networks.

Over to you

Supporting a wide range of IoT applications such as smart home systems, industrial automation systems, and asset tracking solutions, nuSIM has a modular architecture. The platform can easily be extended to accommodate new technologies and meet customer demands. It also offers flexible pricing plans to fit any budget.

A nuSIM card simplifies IoT device form factors and reduces costs along the IoT value chain. Examples of IoT applications that might benefit from using nuSIM include secure device activation, identity management, and over-the-air updates.

If you would like to learn more about nuSIM cards and how you can build an IoT environment using the technology, book a free consultation with our IoT experts.