As the name suggests, a plug-in IoT card is a type of IoT-specific SIM card that can be inserted into and removed from devices. It is similar in appearance to the SIM cards we use in our daily mobile phones and also complies with relevant communication standards. It can provide IoT devices with access to mobile networks, enabling data transmission and interaction.

This plug-in design is its most prominent feature, allowing the card to be swapped between different devices as needed. It also facilitates operations when the card malfunctions, needs upgrading, or when the operator needs to be changed.

The working principle of a plug-in IoT card is similar to that of an ordinary SIM card. The core is to establish a connection with a mobile network base station to realize data interaction between the device and the network.

When the card is inserted into an IoT device, the device reads the user identity information, network parameters, and other data stored in the card. This data includes the "pass" required for the device to access the network, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). With this information, the device initiates a registration request to a nearby base station. After the base station verifies the information, it allows the device to access the mobile network.

After accessing the network, the IoT device can transmit data according to preset programs. For example, a smart electricity meter sends users' electricity consumption data to the power company's server through a plug-in IoT card, and smart home devices receive users' remote control instructions through it.

Can be swapped between devices, facilitating maintenance, upgrades and deployment.

No need to be welded to the device motherboard, simplifying the production process and reducing manufacturing costs.

Easy to replace when the card is damaged, data is exhausted or the operator is changed, without complex disassembly.

The plug-in design may cause poor contact due to frequent operations, vibration or dust, affecting network stability.

Requires the device to reserve a card slot, which is a limitation for devices with strict size requirements.

The card stores core information such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and encryption keys (such as Ki keys). This information is encrypted and stored through a dedicated chip, making it difficult to be illegally read or tampered with. When a device accesses the network, the base station will conduct two-way authentication with the device through the key in the card. Only devices that pass the authentication can access the network, preventing illegal devices from stealing network resources from the source.

Data transmitted by IoT cards will be encrypted through communication protocols (such as GSM's A5 encryption algorithm and LTE's 128-bit encryption algorithm). Even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it is difficult to be cracked, ensuring data confidentiality.

Operators will provide a dedicated management platform for IoT cards, which can perform operations such as remote monitoring, traffic limitation, and status management of the cards. For example, when abnormal traffic or login from a different location is detected, the card can be remotely frozen to prevent illegal abuse.

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