Combining GSMA M2M and Consumer Functionality for IoT Device Maintenance

At MWC2018 the achelos team demonstrated an innovative proof of concept combining GSMA M2M (SGP.02) and consumer (SGP.22) functionality.

The solution includes user-centric local connectivity management - based on GSMA’s Local Profile Assistant (LPAe) technology in combination with M2M SM-DP, consumer SM-DP+ and M2M SM-SR functionality in the connectivity management back-end.

The major difference between M2M and consumer specifications of GSMA is the control of the connectivity profile switching mechanism. While in the M2M case the profile switch is managed remotely by SM-SR controlled by the service provider, the consumer specification is build around the concept of end user consent.

In the nominal case an eSIM in the M2M device is managed remotely and automatically by the achelos Subscription Manager back-end.

Remote eSIM management is performed following the mechanisms defined in GSMA SGP.02 and automation is achieved thanks to the achelos event-triggered connectivity orchestration functionality.

When an M2M device, however, experiences a malfunction and permanently looses cellular connectivity, the eSIM is out of reach of the back-end under the GSMA solution architecture.

In this scenario, where the attendance of the service provider's maintenance personnel is required, the achelos proof of concept offers the possibility to perform operations even without mobile connectivity of the device.

A local interface, for example the web interface on a laptop connected to the M2M device via RS-232 interface, can be used to establish a connection with the device.

It allows switching between the existing profiles already installed on the eSIM, to request the download of a new profile from the back-end using the laptop's internet connectivity (Wi-Fi or cellular) or to perform a reset of the eSIM to its initial state.

This combination of the functionality from two GSMA RSP specifications offers a greater flexibility for the service providers operating a fleet of eSIM-enabled M2M devices.