Steering connectivity beyond the dashboard

Powered by IPAe, eSIM is breaking new ground, driving seamless connectivity from cars to smart grids and energising sectors like healthcare, utilities, and more

- RAHUL TANDON

As technology evolves, sectors beyond automotive-such as utilities, healthcare, manufacturing, have and logistics recognised the advantages of eSIM technology. eSIM machine-to-machine (M2M) technology has transformed vehicle communication by simplifying logistical operations and allowing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to change connectivity providers even after their products have been delivered. This adaptability enhances operational efficiency and ensures long-term connectivity for automotive manufacturers.

However, the complexity of eSIM M2M architecture has limited its successful deployments outside automotive, leading to the development of the eSIM loT (Internet of Things) specification. The eSIM IoT specification maximises the reuse of existing architectures from eSIM Consumer, a variant connecting millions of smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. Because eSIM IoT targets a variety of device types, it adopts functionalities from eSIM M2M while adding new capabilities that were absent in previous specifications.

eSIM management relies on Local Profile Assistant (LPA) functionality for for consumer devices like smartphones and smartwatches. The loT Profile Assistant (IPA) concept was developed to replicate this functionality in the loT space, with a specific variant, IPA embedded or IPAe, gaining importance because of its potential to simplify loT device management within the automotive industry and beyond.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF IPA