How to choose the best M2M chip for international tracking.

Global Roaming: The Difference Between Connecting and Staying Online

In international shipping, the greatest risk to the digital footprint is the transition between networks in different countries. For an operation that values the flawless maintenance of information, using SIM cards from local carriers with limited roaming agreements is a critical mistake. A true International M2M SIM card should offer native multi-carrier roaming, ensuring that the hardware can authenticate with any available tower as soon as it crosses the border.

Unlike conventional chips, professional international M2M uses a private, global APN (Access Point Name). This eliminates redial latency and allows the tracker to keep the socket open even when changing countries. At Ikonn, we encourage technical autonomy through partnerships that offer complete visibility of connection status via a connectivity portal, allowing for diagnosis of whether a fault is due to a foreign network or hardware in seconds.

The Importance of Non-Steering: Freedom for Hardware

One technical criterion often overlooked is Steering of Roaming technology. Common M2M chips are frequently "forced" by the originating operator to connect to a specific partner network, even if the signal from that network is weak. For cutting-edge logistics, the chip should be Non-Steering .

A non-steering chip allows the tracker to autonomously choose the network with the best available RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) . If Operator A has an unstable 4G signal at the border, but Operator B offers a solid 2G signal, the hardware will switch instantly. This resilience is what keeps the tracking fluid and avoids unnecessary use of the device's internal memory buffer.

Multi-technology Stability: 2G, 4G and LTE-M in Foreign Soils

The global connectivity landscape is heterogeneous. While Europe and North America are rapidly moving towards 2G shutdown (Sunset), many Latin American countries still heavily rely on this network for coverage in remote areas. The best international M2M chip is one that supports all technologies simultaneously.

When choosing a provider, it is vital to verify support for LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT roaming. These low-power networks are ideal for asset tracking and ensure superior signal penetration. Keeping the fleet in "new condition" means ensuring that the hardware uses the latest technology available in each country, without losing backward compatibility with legacy networks where necessary.

Cost Management and Alerts via Rules Engine

International connectivity brings the challenge of cost control. The Ikonn platform, integrated with good M2M providers, allows the Rules Engine to monitor data consumption in real time. It is possible to configure automations to detect "anomalous network behaviors," such as a tracker repeatedly attempting to connect to a denied network (Forbidden PLMN), which could drain the battery and data package.

The autonomy of your control center depends on clear data. Choosing a chip that offers API management allows Ikonn to show, within your monitoring screen, which country and operator the vehicle is currently connected to. This level of transparency eliminates repetitive tasks of consulting external portals and gives support the agility needed to respond to international incidents.

Conclusion: Connectivity without Compromises

Choosing the right international M2M chip is the foundation for a resilient global operation. By prioritizing non-steering roaming and multi-technology support, your central office ensures that the truth of the digital footprint is preserved across all borders. At Ikonn, we work to ensure that our communication technology is as robust as our software engineering, delivering an end-to-end solution that ignores geographical boundaries to protect your assets.

IKONN SUPPORT: Connectivity engineering without borders.