2

Cellular connectivity solutions overview

A cellular connectivity solution enables devices to be used by the edge mobile network operators (also called

MNO) or mobile virtual network operators (MVNO). This solution increases network coverage and it maintains

seamless connectivity.

Moreover, a cellular solution is simple to deploy. This solution is mainly composed of the modem (baseband), the

SIM card connector and the plastic SIM card. This is the traditional SIM concept inherited from the mobile phone.

Figure 1. SIM solution overview

It is also possible to have an embedded SIM (eSIM) solution. In this case, the SIM is soldered directly into the

device. It reduces the board footprint and there is no need for a SIM connector.

Figure 2. eSIM solution overview

These traditional solutions are simple but the SIM / eSIM only supports one cellular connectivity profile at a time

for one network operator. In this case, if the operator needs to be changed, the SIM / eSIM solution must be

changed.

The eSIM GSMA solution extends this traditional SIM / eSIM solution.

ST4SIM-200M

Cellular connectivity solutions overview

DB4082 - Rev 5

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