Understanding How a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Works

In an increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding our online privacy and security is paramount. One powerful tool that ensures secure internet browsing is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Let’s delve into the inner workings of a VPN and explore how it enhances your online experience.

 

What is an IP VPN Service?

An IP VPN service, also known as a Virtual Private Network, establishes a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, such as the Internet. It creates a private network by encrypting your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers, ISPs, or other prying eyes to intercept or decipher your data.

 

How Do VPN Services Work?

When you connect to a VPN server, your device creates a secure tunnel to the VPN server. All your internet traffic, including websites visited, downloads, and communications, is routed through this encrypted tunnel. This shields your online activities from potential threats and unauthorised surveillance. VPNs also mask your IP address, providing anonymity and allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions.

 

Types of VPN

There are several types of VPN protocols that determine how the VPN connection is established and encrypted. Some standard VPN protocols include:

  • OpenVPN: An open-source protocol known for its robust security and versatility.
  • IPSec (Internet Protocol Security): A protocol suite that provides secure communication over IP networks.
  • L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol): A protocol that combines the best features of PPTP and L2F (Layer 2 Forwarding).
  • PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol): A widely supported protocol that offers fast connection speeds but is less secure.

 

Why Use M2M One’s VPN Services

At M2M One, we offer reliable and secure VPN services tailored to meet your specific needs. Our VPN solutions provide enhanced data privacy, allowing you to browse the Internet confidently. Here’s why you should choose M2M One:

  • Data Security: Our VPN services utilise strong encryption protocols to safeguard your data, protecting it from potential threats.
  • Anonymity: By masking your IP address, our VPN services grant you anonymity and enable unrestricted access to online content.
  • Flexible Plans: We offer flexible VPN plans to cater to diverse requirements, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your business or personal use.

Safeguard your online privacy and security with M2M One’s VPN services. Browse online to explore our VPN offerings and experience the benefits of a trusted VPN provider.

Understanding how a VPN works is essential in today’s digital landscape. VPNs provide a secure and private online environment by encrypting your internet traffic and protecting your data. Stay one step ahead of potential threats and enjoy a worry-free browsing experience with a reliable VPN service like M2M One.

Satellite vs. Cellular: Choosing the Best IoT Deployment Option

Two direct connectivity options stand out in the IoT realm: satellite and cellular IoT deployments. Understanding the differences between these technologies is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your specific IoT requirements.

 

Understanding Satellite and Cellular IoT Deployments

Satellite IoT deployments rely on satellite networks to establish connectivity between IoT devices and the internet. This technology employs communication satellites positioned in space to transmit and receive data. On the other hand, cellular IoT deployments utilise existing cellular networks, enabling IoT devices to connect to the internet via cellular infrastructure such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G.

 

Differentiating Satellite and Cellular IoT Deployments

Satellite IoT deployments offer global coverage, making them suitable for remote and hard-to-reach locations with limited cellular infrastructure. They excel in maritime, agriculture, and asset tracking industries, where devices operate in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage. 

Cellular IoT deployments, on the other hand, leverage existing cellular networks, providing reliable connectivity in urban areas and regions with established cellular infrastructure. They are ideal for low to moderate data usage applications, such as smart cities, industrial automation, and transportation.

 

Determining the Best IoT Deployment Option

Selecting the ideal IoT deployment depends on various factors. If your IoT devices operate in remote areas or across vast geographical regions without cellular coverage, satellite IoT is the optimal choice for ensuring seamless connectivity. It provides global coverage without relying on terrestrial infrastructure. 

If your IoT devices primarily function in urban or well-connected areas, cellular IoT offers reliable and cost-effective connectivity. Cellular IoT is well-suited for applications that demand low latency and real-time responsiveness. 

Consider the coverage, data requirements, deployment location, and cost when deciding between satellite and cellular IoT deployments, ensuring the best fit for your project.

 

Benefits of Using Satellite and Cellular IoT Deployments

Satellite IoT deployments offer unparalleled coverage, reaching even the most remote corners of the globe. They provide reliable connectivity in areas where cellular networks are unavailable or unreliable. Satellite IoT is resilient to natural disasters and offers high data security. 

However, cellular IoT deployments boast cost-effectiveness, leveraging existing cellular infrastructure for widespread coverage. They provide faster data transmission speeds and lower latency, making them ideal for real-time applications. Cellular IoT also benefits from continuous network advancements, such as the rollout of 5G, ensuring future-proof connectivity.

 

The Evolution of IoT: Embracing Connectivity

The IoT landscape continues to evolve with advancements in connectivity technologies. As 5G networks emerge, cellular IoT is expected to enhance data speeds, low latency, and support a massive number of connected devices. Additionally, satellite IoT is evolving with the deployment of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, improving performance and reducing costs.

Choosing between satellite and cellular IoT deployments depends on your project requirements, location, and budget. Evaluate factors such as coverage, latency, and costs to make an informed decision. 

As IoT connectivity evolves, embracing the right deployment option will empower your business to leverage the full potential of the IoT ecosystem and drive innovation in your industry.

IPX Services Outage & Mandatory SIM Clearing Notification

20 April 2023

Dear valued customers,

We regret to inform you that an outage occurred on our DAE instances, including m2mone.com.au, m2mone.ipx, ipx1.m2mone, and ipx3.m2mone. The outage affected all DAE instances, but Telstra has resolved the issue.

However, SIMs that initiated sessions on the DAE before 3:18 am today may experience route issues, even with the fix in place. To address this, mandatory clearing within the DAE is necessary. This clearing will cause devices/SIMs to disconnect from the network, but they are expected to reconnect automatically. If a device fails to reconnect, manual power cycling will be required.

Telstra is currently working on remediation efforts, and we will provide updates on this matter as they become available.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

M2M One

 

eSIM, eUICC and Global SIMS – Which is best for your IoT Application?

What is an eSIM?

The term eSIM and eUICC are often used interchangeably, although there is a difference between the two. The eSIM is the hardware component of the SIM and a physical form that can be soldered into a solution. The eUICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is the software component that allows the remote SIM provisioning of multiple network profiles.

An eSIM is a SIM that has been embedded in a device and is sold as part of a larger eSIM solution that also includes the software and subscription management system needed to remotely provision the eSIM and manage its connectivity over time.

With eUICCs, device manufacturers integrating IoT applications into their products can insert an eUICC eSIM card into a circuit board during the manufacturing process as if it were any other component. This eUICC eSIM solution can then be used to provision the eSIM with an appropriate network operator profile at the most convenient time and place in the product’s supply chain.

What is a Global SIM?

As mentioned above, an IoT SIM can also be multi-carrier or a Global SIM. Global SIMs are not tied to a specific carrier and can connect to cellular networks owned and operated by multiple MNOs in the same country, or different countries.

Some Global SIMs, which are often based on the eUICC standard, can automatically detect, and connect to another network if the IoT device it is installed in moves and is not able to connect to its primary carrier in a country or region, or if taken out of this country or region into a location where this primary carrier does not provide coverage.

Whilst a Global SIM enables an IoT device to connect to cellular networks from multiple carriers, unless the device’s owner has contracted for connectivity from the carrier or Virtual Mobile Network Operator (VMNO) that can provide access to networks other than its primary network, the device will not be able to connect to them.

Like rugged and eSIMs, Global SIMs are not unique IoT devices. What really differentiates an IoT SIM from any other SIM is that rather than being used to provide access to a connectivity service designed to be used by smartphones, it provides access to an IoT connectivity service designed to be used by IoT devices.

When will this become available in Australia?

The development of the eSIM (eUICC) capability is still at least 6 months away from being deployed in Australia, as a whole. Whilst it is available on some mobile phones, the technology is yet to be carried over to the IoT industry. This is because it relies on the protocols explained above to be finalised by both the SIM and device manufacturers, and the local and global carriers.

Please keep in mind if you find a global e-SIM offering by an overseas carrier, the ability to roam in Australia will be restricted to 3 months as regulated by Telstra and our Government.