Resilient Connectivity is More Than Just an eSIM
Enterprises want the freedom to deploy a single eSIM SKU IoT device globally, with confidence that it will always be connected—regardless of network availability, roaming restrictions, or outages. At Eseye, we solve these challenges through a unique combination of interconnects with 25 global MNOs, our cloud-native Infinity platform, and our award-winning AnyNet+ SIM.
Eseye insight: once intelligent connectivity is integrated and optimised, our team will help you achieve near-100% uptime
The Eseye Advantage: Near 100% Connectivity
Since 2007 Eseye has implemented IoT projects for over 1,000 customers. Most of these customers came to us having already deployed their IoT project locally with an alternative supplier but then experienced significant issues when they attempted to deploy the solution nationally or internationally.
Our analysis of the root cause has shown that 80% of these issues were device related.
Customers often believe that IoT connectivity is all about the SIM and the platform and as a result underestimate the importance of a properly configured IoT device. This is backed up by Gartner’s assertion that “80% of IoT projects fail before they are deployed”.
Eseye’s Three-Step Process for Reliable IoT Connectivity
Eseye has a three stage process to ensure that your device will reliably connect every time:
- Device Remediation
- Device Assessment
- Device Validation
1. Device Assessment
For companies like Amazon Key for Business and Accuhealth, connectivity issues have been a major obstacle to scaling their operations globally. Vijayakrishnan Nagarajan of Amazon emphasized the importance of having a ubiquitous global connectivity solution, as inconsistent connectivity can undermine the technology's effectiveness. Similarly, Accuhealth faced challenges with unreliable SIM cards and Bluetooth connections, which were mitigated by adopting Eseye’s multi-IMSI AnyNet+ eSIMs, leading to improved patient adherence and satisfaction.
2. Device Validation
If the customer wants to proceed beyond an initial PoC, the next stage is a more detailed device validation process to undertake the additional tests outlined previously. In this case, one of our Technical Consultants conducts a broader set of device tests against a predefined script of connectivity and resiliency scenarios. The output of this is a detailed report of the findings, which is then discussed with the customer. This ranks the issues into different categories such as:
- Critical – These issues must be addressed immediately, as the device will not perform according to specifications without the necessary changes.
- Strongly Recommended – These changes are advised to ensure maximum connectivity and resiliency of the device.
- Recommended – These improvements will enhance device performance but can be implemented after deployment if necessary.
- Future Risk Mitigation – not critical today but could be in the future based on customer deployment plans
Device validation is conducted as a fixed-cost Professional Services engagement, charged per device.
3. Device Remediation
If the customer, or their device partner, has access to firmware expertise they can make the necessary firmware changes to address the issues identified in the device validation report and Eseye will rerun the automated tests. If not, Eseye can carry out the device remediation and firmware updates via our in-house engineering team. This may require us to get permission to access the customer’s device firmware source code.
Device Connectivity
Resilience with AnyNet SMARTconnect™
In response to customer requests to increase the overall resiliency of their devices when deployed, Eseye has developed AnyNet SMARTconnect™. This has two primary
use cases:
- Customers who are designing a new device.
- Customers who want their device to be able to switch IMSI without the need to communicate with the Cloud Management Platform i.e. enhanced device connectivity resilience
New device design capabilities
SMARTconnect is a lightweight device resident connectivity application which delivers three high level capabilities:
- Management of the interface between the Eseye SIM and the modem.
- The provision of a Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) capability for software updates to the modem, the application and SMARTconnect itself
- The management of the transmission of data from the device to the chosen cloud.
Intelligent IMSI switching
For new and existing devices where the customer seeks enhanced resilience beyond the current connectivity levels, SMARTconnect enables the device to switch IMSI or select an alternative eUICC profile (either SGP.02 or SGP.32) based on specific criteria when there is a network issue.
For instance, if a device is connected to a cell tower but a network outage results in no data path being available, the modem will still believe it is connected, and so will the Connectivity Management Platform, which means no action will be taken to resolve the issue. This can lead to extended periods without connectivity until the data path is re-established, with the potential for further delays due to the signaling storm caused by thousands of attempted reconnections.
SMARTconnect addresses this by being configured to conduct end-to-end network tests on a cadence defined by the use case, and if no data path is detected, it will trigger an IMSI rotation to another profile already embedded in the SIM.
It will then work with the modem and the SIM to reset the current connection to check if this allows the data to flow.
The SMARTconnect™ Approach
You do not need to have extensive firmware expertise and deep knowledge of cellular device connectivity. SMARTconnect codifies our extensive device experience in solving connectivity issues for hundreds of customers into an OTA installable in-device application.
SMARTconnect improves device resilience. The software can be configured to enable Eseye to allow the device to switch network provider without needing to communicate with the Connectivity Management Platform in cases when a network outage occurs
SMARTconnect can manage OTA firmware updates. Further enhancing resilience by keeping the modem and application firmware up to date and by downloading new connectivity enhancements to the device as needed.
Automating remediation via software saves time and money. SMARTconnect transforms the remediation process from reactive (it’s broken so I’ll raise a ticket) to proactive (it looks like that it might break so the device takes action to remediate) and pre-emptive (your device will not break in the first place as all the firmware is up to date).
Built-in resiliency helps future proof the device from changes. With permanent roaming agreements and regulatory landscapes changing frequently, having a dynamic OTA and
customizable connectivity solution helps to future proof the device and reduces maintenance costs and the risk of device downtime.
You can concentrate your focus. Direct your efforts on developing and deploying your IoT application rather than having to be device, firmware and telecom experts
Build resilience into your IoT device
Transform Your IoT Connectivity with Eseye
With Eseye’s expertise, integrating, managing, and optimizing IoT device connectivity becomes seamless—whether for small-scale or complex global deployments. Focus on what matters: developing your IoT application while we ensure your devices stay connected.
Book a meeting today to discover how our IoT solutions can transform your business.