Enhanced security on our global IoT network; working with Polystar to maximise IoT network visibility
18 July 2022

Enhanced security on our global IoT network; working with Polystar to maximise IoT network visibility

18 July 2022

In our previous blog about IoT Roaming we looked at an interesting white paper published by Juniper Research titled The Evolution of IoT Roaming which “explores the future of the IoT roaming market; identifying the opportunities that can be realised through 5G and LPWA network roaming connectivity”.

The author Scarlett Woodford wrote that operators need to be able to detect hidden devices on their networks in order to maximise revenue from roaming IoT traffic.

“As no operator is in the business of renting out network connectivity for free, a failure to identify these devices can significantly impact revenue.

To detect these devices, operators must use advanced analytics which can differentiate roaming IoT traffic from that of consumers. Once this traffic is segmented, operators can apply the appropriate charging models. When operators have an awareness of how many roaming, and permanent roaming IoT devices are on their network, they are then in a much better position to negotiate agreements and contracts with their roaming partners.”

This is something that the IoT team at Telecom26 is already on top of.  We need to be because we:

  • are using our network to rollout IoT networks across a range of vertical markets.
  • run our own full mobile core, while using agreements with more than 1100 network partners in over 200 countries and territories, to support global connectivity. Most of our customers deploy our solutions in multiple countries.

Telecom26, IoT, Polystar and visualising our network

A number of specialist IoT connectivity providers have emerged in recent years, all eager to serve new applications and customers.  This includes Telecom26 with its team of IoT experts. However, not all IoT connectivity providers are the same….

Performance has become a critical yardstick by which IoT operators can be measured, and ensuring that hidden and unauthorised devices can be detected and removed from a network is key to keeping traffic moving.

Telecom26 has a complex network architecture and operational environment. And we know that our IoT customers come to us for our high-quality networks which we are constantly expanding and investing in.

We have recently chosen Elisa Polystar to provide a complete network monitoring and analytics solution. There are two elements to this. OSIX provides network monitoring and probe capabilities, while KALIX offers dashboards that display the information collected.

The solution is passive and can collect real-time information regarding network signalling and data without disrupting service delivery. This data allows Telecom26 to capture an end-to-end view of service delivery. Unlike a classical mobile operator, which is primarily concerned with just one network, Telecom26 needs to understand what’s happening across the hundreds of networks that to which its SIMs are connected. Polystar enables Telecom26’s IoT experts to obtain this view.

The multi-IMSI approach means that there can be complicated signalling flows, which can make troubleshooting a slow and difficult process. However, with the end-to-end view and the ability to easily interrogate the Polystar platform via the KALIX interfaces, Telecom26 can quickly locate and isolate any problems – and correlate these with specific customer tickets and alarms. Moreover, the real-time visibility and advanced analytics means that Telecom26 can pre-empt problems, resolving them before they impact customers and service delivery

As a result, of these investments, Telecom26 can manage its IoT network and remote SIMs more effectively, delivering a better experience for its IoT customers. Customers benefit from proactive service monitoring and rapid fault resolution, because the solution enables drill-down to perform Root Cause Analysis quickly and efficiently.

Telecom26’s Global IoT capabilities

If you would like to read our forthcoming white paper Quality as a differentiator: Meeting the challenge of delivering assurance for demanding IoT applications, then please get in touch.

At the heart of Telecom26’s IoT service are our global IoT eSIMs and physical SIM cards.  Just one of our global IoT eSIMs and physical SIM cards in an IoT device:

  • Provides access to all of the networks covered by our global roaming service. That’s 1100+ cellular networks belonging to 650+ mobile operators in 200+ countries.
  • Removes the need to worry about the coverage of a single MNO, or the existence of roaming alliances. Our SIMs automatically select the best performing network in the area, cross-border, while providing enterprises with the freedom to change SIM profiles and services with ease.
  • Can be customised with routing profiles built for each IoT device according to a customer’s needs and budget. For example, for organisations that are more price sensitive we can ensure that our Global SIM cards automatically connect to the cheapest service in the area.

In addition, Telecom26’s global IoT eSIMs and physical SIM cards:

  • Are programmable over the air - Over the Air (OTA) updates enable remote control of SIM profiles and it’s easy to add new profiles and adjust services on the fly.
  • Have secure, independent architecture based on Standards-based, 3GPP-compliant infrastructure, with Tier-1, carrier-grade performance
  • Use API access with a full management portal for business process integration and a comprehensive interface, for full control of IoT devices.

We support all current SIM form factors, including 2FF, 3FF and 4FF – that’s mini, micro and nano, as well as MFF2. In addition to classic SIMs, we also offer Global IoT eSIM, which provides new levels of flexibility.

We take care of the full end-to-end lifecycle, from programming to reprogramming and all necessary updates.

In a nutshell, Telecom26 enables data connectivity, anywhere - so that your IoT SIM device can connect to the best available network, regardless of location.

You can read more about our IoT SIM service here.

And, if you’d like to find out how Telecom26 can help your organisation to embrace the benefits of IoT SIMs, IoT eSIM, IoT Networks, improve IoT connectivity and maximise IoT Security please contact us.

And if you’d like to discuss about IoT and Private Networks at Sea requirements please Get In Touch.

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