Podsystem has over 15 years of experience in M2M and IoT connectivity solutions. They offer multi-network global connectivity using a patent-pending multi-IMSI application to prevent single points of failure. When designing an IoT device, key considerations for connectivity include the application, device locations, performance, cost, quality, and reliability. Hardware requirements like SIM application toolkit and printed circuit boards must also be chosen to ensure compatibility with networks and allow for future upgrades.

1. Connecting your device
– important considerations –

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 forefront
for 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

6. Connectivity options

7. Hardware requirements
Consider hardware requirements at the design stage to:
Ensure compatibility with
network connectivity
Prevent obsolescence Future proof devices

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.