What is Multi-Network Connectivity? A Comprehensive Guide

With multi-network connectivity, IoT devices connect seamlessly and operate across multiple cellular networks. Multi-network SIM strategies ensure IoT devices maintain reliable, uninterrupted coverage as they move between geographical locations or encounter network disruptions. By reducing dependency on a single network carrier, IoT businesses can improve reliability, optimize operational performance, and achieve more efficient global scalability. 

In this article, we will explore how multi-network connectivity works, how to effectively leverage it to enhance your IoT operations, and future-proof your IoT deployments. We’ll also examine how partnering with Zipit Wireless provides IoT businesses with customized connectivity solutions, guaranteeing optimized global coverage and cost efficiency. 

What is multi-network connectivity?

Multi-network connectivity enables IoT devices to connect to multiple cellular networks rather than relying on a single carrier. With multi-network connectivity, devices automatically switch networks as they travel across geographic locations or encounter network connectivity issues. By removing the reliance on a single carrier, IoT devices can dynamically access the most optimal local carriers, reducing downtime, improving operations, and ensuring continuous global coverage.

Multi-network connectivity provides tremendous benefits to IoT device manufacturers, businesses that rely on IoT devices, and device end-users. The enhanced efficiency facilitates lower operational costs, simplified device management, and streamlined billing. It provides exceptional reliability to mission-critical IoT applications and empowers flexible, scalable deployments worldwide. Multi-network connectivity enables companies to grow and expand their enterprise without sacrificing performance or demanding prohibitive investments in additional labor.

Learn more: Cellular IoT Explained: Is it Right for Your IoT Solution?

How does multi-network connectivity work?

Multi-network connectivity functionality will differ based on the type of SIM technology each device uses, the contracts they have established with MNOs or MVNOs, and the unique application of each device. However, devices generally follow a similar process to achieve multi-network connectivity. Through advanced SIM strategies, devices can automatically select and switch cellular networks to optimize efficiency and performance. 

1. Provisioning of multi-network SIM or eSIM

IoT devices with multi-network connectivity functionality are typically outfitted with SIMs designed to support remote device provisioning, dynamic network switching, and real-time control of network profiles. This includes eSIMs, multi-IMSI SIMs, or even dual physical SIM or eSIM profiles. These SIMs contain network credentials allowing them to utilize multiple global networks. The SIMs can access these networks due to pre-negotiated relationships with carriers and connectivity providers like MNOs and MVNOs. 

2. Network detection and scanning

Upon activation, the IoT device scans all available cellular networks, evaluating key metrics like signal strength (RSSI), signal quality (like RSRQ, RSRP, SINR), network access technology (like LTE-M, LTE Cat 1 bis, NB-IoT, etc.), availability, and operator priority.

3. Network selection

Devices have unique, remotely configured policies that govern their network selection process. They assess criteria in order of predefined priority. These include optimal signal strength, highest data throughput, network reliability and historical uptime, roaming agreements and tariffs, and other cost and quality considerations. 

4. Automatic connection establishment and authentication

After the SIM or eSIM selects the network that best matches its criteria, the registration and authentication process is automatically initiated. The device uses one of its available profiles or its active eSIM profile to authenticate with the MNO. After the device’s credentials are validated, the device is registered to the network, and a secure connection is granted. The device can now access data, voice, or SMS services. 

In some dynamic systems, a new IMSI or eSIM profile may be pushed OTA (over-the-air) to enable connectivity and optimize performance. 

5. Continuous network monitoring and dynamic network switching

Multi-network devices continuously monitor the connection quality, observing key performance metrics like signal strength and latency. If the current connection degrades, experiences an outage, or a better network becomes available, a network switch is triggered. 

Network switching happens at the SIM level, by changing IMSI or through a new profile activation on the eSIM. Devices with multiple physical SIM cards can switch between them manually or based on pre-established preferences. This seamless transition minimizes service interruption, ensuring continuous connectivity regardless of a device’s location or individual network challenges. Proactive network management facilitates reliability, cost, and efficiency optimization.

6. Centralized connectivity management

Centralized connectivity management platforms are crucial to the success of multi-network IoT operations. Administrators must be able to simultaneously manage thousands of devices spread across the globe from a single cloud-based dashboard. This management platform should support OTA provisioning and updates, adjusted data allowances, policy changes, maintenance, and deactivations. 

Centralized remote management allows telecom companies and IoT solution providers to track network usage and ensure accurate billing. Analytical insights gleaned from these platforms can incentivize data-driven business decisions and promote improved consistency and control. 

Learn more: How Does a Multi-Carrier IoT Device Choose a Carrier?

What are the types of multi-network SIMs?

Multi-network connectivity is typically achieved through specialized SIM cards and customized SIM strategies. Each SIM technology has a unique approach to implementing multi-network connectivity. Still, they all share the unified goal of providing maximal global coverage, flexible and scalable IoT options, and efficient cost optimization. 

To achieve multi-network connectivity, consider partnering with an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like Zipit Wireless. We can provide SIM solutions tailored to your business’s unique goals, network needs, data usage patterns, and deployment models.   

1. eSIMs

eSIMs allow users to dynamically manage, download, and switch between carrier profiles over-the-air. eSIMs are rewritable SIMs embedded within devices. They can be remotely provisioned using GSMA SGP.32 standards and are designed for highly flexible, scalable, global IoT deployments. 

Most eSIMs have numerous MNO (Mobile Network Operator) profiles within them. As they enter a country, experience network volatility, or identify a more cost-efficient connectivity option, they can securely download and activate a new profile and switch networks. eSIMs make these changes remotely, without any manual replacement of SIMs or user interface interactions. eSIMs are easily managed from a centralized IoT connectivity platform, enabling real-time insights and adjustments. 

eSIMs are transformative for IoT solutions. They offer a level of sophistication, elasticity, and adaptability previously unattainable with the limitations of physical SIMs. eSIMs guarantee ongoing connectivity and maximized performance for various IoT use cases. Highly mobile asset trackers that cross international borders can use eSIMs to ensure unbroken connectivity as they traverse the globe. Stationary sensors in harsh environments can also use eSIMs to safeguard performance against network outages and unpredictable signal strengths.

The potential for IoT innovation with eSIMs is still being discovered. This future-proofed technology introduces more accessible, reliable, and flexible multi-network connectivity.  

2. Multi-IMSI SIMs

Multi-IMSI SIMs store multiple IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) profiles on a single SIM. The device can switch identities between mobile operators based on network availability, quality, cost, or geographic location. This can happen manually or automatically, depending on the configuration of the device. Multi-IMSI SIMs are frequently used for IoT devices that routinely cross borders and regions and require local network optimization. They offer accessible, cost-optimized global coverage for worldwide IoT deployments. 

Multi-IMSI SIMs activate one of their multiple stored IMSIs when establishing a connection with a network. They appear on the network as a new subscriber and can operate freely for 90 days. Before the 90 days expire, the device switches to a new IMSI and continues to look like a new subscriber, ensuring continuous connectivity and optimal performance. This strategy avoids the 90-day roaming limitation implemented by MNOs and allows them to connect to different networks managed by the same connectivity provider.

Multi-IMSI solutions come with their unique complications. Switching IMSIs requires re-authentication with a network. This can increase latency or trigger connection interruptions, potentially leading to problems with data transmissions. Multi-IMSI SIMs can also cause compliance issues in certain countries where permanent roaming is prohibited, like Brazil and India. Multi-IMSI SIMs are also typically tied to a single MNO, unlike eSIMs, which switch providers without physical SIM changes. 

3. Global roaming SIMS

Global roaming SIMs rely on a single SIM card that leverages multiple roaming agreements with MNOs worldwide. Global roaming SIMS typically only have one IMSI from a home carrier, but many roaming partnerships allow them to access global connectivity via international networks. These SIMs can identify and access the most optimal, highest-performing available network in their region and dynamically switch without necessitating a physical SIM replacement or risking carriers removing them from the network. 

Global roaming SIMs can sometimes face uneven performance across networks. This connectivity strategy relies on roaming agreements with multiple international vendors. However, devices may be limited to a single cellular provider in a specific region if they have fewer MNO relationships. Other multi-network strategies, like eSIMs, may offer more flexibility. 

At Zipit Wireless, we build extensive relationships with global MNOs, negotiating contracts that are far more cost-effective and dependable than traditional global roaming agreements. Through strategic partnerships with MVNOs, your IoT business can access these pre-established relationships and circumvent many of the exorbitant costs and logistical headaches that usually accompany global roaming. Partnering with MVNOs allows you to leverage more diverse connectivity options and access consistent, reliable coverage for your global SIMs. 

4. Dual SIMs and multiple SIM/eSIM configurations

Multi-SIM models utilize two or more physical SIMs (or eSIMs) in tandem. One of the primary benefits of multi-network connectivity is maintaining reliable global coverage without manually replacing SIMs. In some use cases, this can still be achieved with physical SIMs. 

A single device can be engineered to hold numerous SIMs (or, in some cases, eSIMs). This allows devices to access back-up networks when traveling across regions, switch to higher-performing networks when encountering weak signals, reduce international roaming expenses, and ensure network redundancy. Multi-SIM architecture enables the use of multiple carriers, adding flexibility to coverage and avoiding regulatory issues and permanent roaming restrictions. Multiple SIMs can also help devices segment data and load balance, distributing traffic across networks for increased performance and cost efficiency. 

Multi-SIM device architectures often require more complex and expensive form factor designs to accommodate the SIM slots. These devices often have higher energy usage, which can present challenges for battery-powered IoT devices. Effectively monitoring and configuring multiple SIMs also requires robust connectivity management platforms. However, for mission-critical applications like IoT healthcare devices, multiple SIMs offer an elevated level of reliability and connectivity continuity.

What are the benefits of multi-network connectivity for IoT?

IoT deployments rely on flexible, reliable, and scalable solutions for success. IoT devices are incredibly diverse in their size, data usage, battery power demands, and mobility requirements. However, they universally benefit from the comprehensive global coverage, cost efficiency, improved uptime, and streamlined connectivity management offered by multi-network connectivity.

1. Enhanced reliability and uptime

High reliability is crucial in the IoT ecosystem. For many IoT applications, even a brief period of connectivity loss can result in operational disruption, safety risks, and lost revenue. Multi-network connectivity ensures continuous device operation, even if the primary network fails, weakens, or becomes congested. 

Multi-network SIM strategies enable automatic network failover and redundant connections, enabling reliable, uninterrupted performance. Devices can rapidly detect network problems, then automatically identify and switch to a better-performing connection. This minimizes downtime, making it essential for use cases like cold chain monitoring, industrial automation, healthcare, and security systems. 

2. Comprehensive coverage 

With multi-network SIMs, IoT devices can connect to various carriers, substantially expanding the geographic reach of their deployments. Previously, devices were locked into the limitations of a single MNO. With multi-network SIMs, your IoT business can achieve global connectivity and offer services in remote and rural locations. 

Comprehensive global coverage is ideal for highly mobile IoT use cases, like asset trackers, that frequently cross international borders and can leverage multiple networks along their routes. It’s also beneficial for deployments in isolated areas, like construction sites, agriculture, and offshore installations, where networks often experience more frequent outages and connectivity challenges.

3. Seamless scalability

Multi-network connectivity allows IoT deployments to grow freely and easily scale IoT infrastructure across international borders. Multi-network SIMs and MVNO partnerships eliminate the complexity of negotiating carrier agreements with separate global mobile operators. This speeds up device activation and fleet expansion, facilitating rapid market entry and straightforward global rollouts. 

4. Improved performance

IoT devices actively monitor networks, observing bandwidth, signal strength, and latency. They can dynamically change networks if they detect service degradation or identify improved performance opportunities. This not only enables consistent connectivity but also improves efficiency and data integrity. Multi-network connectivity also offers a consistent global user experience, even at scale, elevating end-user satisfaction. 

Reduced latency ensures minimal delays in data transmission. This makes it ideal for real-time monitoring and autonomous systems often found in industrial IoT applications. High-quality data also enhances analytical accuracy. IoT operations with precise, reliable data gain better insights into their processes, expenses, and growth opportunities. 

5. Cost efficiency and optimization

Multi-network SIMs access international networks through pre-established contracts, avoiding exorbitant roaming charges. Eliminating roaming costs provides significant savings for widely dispersed, globally deployed IoT devices.  These contracts also provide an added layer of predictability to billing, making cost forecasting and budgeting easier and more accurate. 

Multi-network SIMs are further optimized to dynamically select the most reliable network available. Lower downtime and maintenance costs further promote cost efficiency. 

6. Simplified connectivity management

Multi-network SIMs allow IoT devices to sustain consistent performance without manual network management. Administrators can easily manage thousands of devices from a single dashboard, centralizing control over SIM/eSIM configuration, data consumption, and network selection preferences. Through these hubs, devices can be provisioned remotely and in real-time. OTA updates can be pushed out globally, regardless of the scale or geographic scope of the deployment. 

MVNO partnerships further simplify operations and minimize overhead for IoT businesses. You can leverage the pre-existing contracts of their MVNO rather than individually managing international carrier relationships. Zipit offers consolidated connectivity management and billing platforms customized to the specific needs of each client. 

7. Future-proofed connectivity

Multi-network connectivity enables flexible transitions as cellular standards evolve from legacy networks to modern technologies like 5G. With eSIM technology, devices remain fully operational without demanding hardware replacements or physical SIM changes. This long-term investment prolongs the service life of devices, whether they are stationed in a remote location or traveling across the globe. Multi-network SIM strategies ensure that devices are not made obsolete by emerging technologies or network advancements. 

Common IoT use cases for multi-network connectivity

In the modern interconnected world, almost every IoT device benefits from some form of network flexibility and connectivity optimization. However, certain IoT industries reap specific benefits from the global coverage, high reliability, and future-proofed design of multi-network SIM strategies. 

Global asset tracking and logistics 

Asset monitoring requires real-time status updates, accurate global positioning, and reliable tracking information. Since shipments may travel through regions with erratic coverage, multi-network connectivity ensures consistent and accurate insight into asset location. 

Industrial automation and remote monitoring 

Industrial IoT needs high-quality connectivity for real-time monitoring, seamless automation, and predictive maintenance. Interruptions in service can result in inaccurate data collection, compromising efficiency, safety, and operational continuity. Many industrial sites, like oil rigs, smart grids, factories, and wind farms, are located in harsh or isolated environments where no single carrier can offer uninterrupted service. Multi-network connectivity provides these applications with critical redundancy to ensure high performance. 

Vehicle telematics and fleet management

IoT-connected vehicles frequently travel across diverse regions, countries, and environments. This presents a challenge to legacy connectivity models, as no single carrier can provide unbroken connectivity for such mobile use cases. Multi-network connectivity allows devices to dynamically switch networks and maintain uninterrupted operations, promoting stronger fleet management.  

Healthcare technology

Wearable healthcare devices, remote patient monitors, and emergency response vehicles depend on always-active, dependable connectivity to rapidly address crises. Multi-network connectivity gives healthcare technology fallback strategies regardless of network outages or rural deployments. Ensuring peak performance is critical to preserving the health of patients and reducing response time. 

Smart agriculture and environmental monitoring

Precision farming and environmental sensors are often positioned in rural, hard-to-reach areas that face uneven network coverage. Multi-network connectivity allows these agricultural operations to continuously collect data and remain responsive to changing external conditions. 

Access global multi-network connectivity with Zipit Wireless

Whether your goal is comprehensive connectivity or cost optimization, Zipit Wireless offers guaranteed global coverage. One partnership with Zipit unlocks international agreements with eleven premier mobile carriers and limitless connectivity solutions. We will serve as the intermediary between you and the carriers, negotiating reliable global coverage with Tier-1 carriers. 

At Zipit, we create custom solutions to address the challenges our customers face. We understand that multi-network connectivity looks different for each IoT application, so we create strategies tailored to optimize efficiency, expenses, and coverage based on your unique needs. 

Unique solutions may involve installing multiple native SIMs in a single SKU for devices that know their routes and regional coverage needs from the design outset. For applications where the deployment location is uncertain, the solution may be an eSIM that can download profilers wherever they travel. 

Regardless of the implementation details, we’re here to ensure that you seamlessly access global connectivity and manage your connections through a single pane. 

Every IoT operation needs multi-network connectivity to succeed in the modern, hyperconnected world. However, the reasons why are always unique and require engaged collaboration. Zipit partners with device manufacturers to create custom solutions that maximize the growth potential for each client. 

Contact us and learn more about how Zipit can unlock multi-network connectivity solutions designed to suit you. 

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