We all know in advance what a SIM card is and every time we are assimilating more the concept of eSIM. The new SIM cards that will be integrated in the modem of the devices and specially designed for IoT are now called nuSIM.
From SIM to nuSIM, through eSIM
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), is a physical card that operators use to identify our phone number. During the passage of time they have been reducing their size from the SIM, with dimensions of 85.6 x 53.98 x 0.76 mm to the nanoSIM, with dimensions of Nano-SIM (4FF): 12.3 x 8 , 8 x 0.67 mm.
For physical reasons, these cards can no longer reduce their size or have more storage capacity, the solution to this was the eSIM created in 2016 which is basically a chip integrated in the mobile with dimensions much lower than the previous cards.
This gives a lot of flexibility to the manufacturer for the design of the mobile, saving costs to the manufacturers by not having to provide a physical SIM and flexibility for the users when it comes to portability.
With the growing appearance of the "Internet of Things" (IoT), operators and manufacturers have been forced to rethink the placement of eSIM for new devices, this new SIM format is designed for these devices as it eliminates the essential functions of eSIM, in addition they are designed to last much longer and withstand adverse conditions.
But what is a nuSIM?
nuSIM is a neologism for “new SIMâ€, it is the new type of integrated SIM cards, known as iSIM. Presented during the Mobile World Congress 2019, which have been developed by Deutsche Telekom and other technology partners, especially for the Internet of Things (IoT).
This new chip is directly integrated into the modem of Internet devices of things. It is a much simpler solution in functions than the eSIM, which avoids complications for manufacturers when it comes to building products. Therefore, it avoids functions such as the ability to make calls or send SMS, also access to SIM Toolkit or OTA updates for profiles.
The nuSIM, like the eSIM, are cards integrated in the device itself. However, the eSIM is basically a physical SIM integrated in the device by maintaining all the functions it has, such as voice, SMS, data, profiles and much more.
The nuSIM only has the vital functions for IoT devices, this, in addition to simplifying its implementation, makes them consume less energy than an eSIM, something vital for the Internet of things devices.
The removal of the physical SIM card simplifies the form factor of an IoT device, since there are no additional contacts, circuit paths or SIM card holders to consider. nuSIM provides a minimum footprint of hardware and software for cost-effective implementations with minimal energy consumption.
The big difference is in the conception of these products. While the eSIM is an integrated SIM that replaces the physical formats of the SIM card, such as the Nano, Micro or Mini SIM, saving physical space in the terminal; The nuSIM is an iSIM that is no longer a separate chip but part of the device modem.
Advantages of the nuSIM
According to the operator Deutsche Telekom, the advantages of nuSIM in the world of the Internet of things are:
- Supports shock and temperature fluctuations
- It is not necessary to include SIM slot
- Water resistant devices can be built
- High durability
- Almost impossible to manipulate
- Encrypted credentials stored on the device
- Possibility of creating smaller IoT devices
- Low consumption
- Low production cost
- Factory delivery with operator profiles
