10 April 2024
10 min read

SGP.32: Embracing Experimentation with the New IoT Architecture

By Caio Hamer
Product Marketing Manager at Valid.
As the IoT landscape evolves, industry players are eagerly anticipating the impact of the new GSMA eSIM IoT specification, SGP.32. This standard holds the promise of revolutionizing IoT architecture, ushering in significant changes in connectivity and operational efficiency. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of experimentation with the new IoT architecture, exploring the implications of SGP.32 and its potential impact on scaling Massive IoT.
The importance of eSIM IoT SGP.32 for the industry

SGP.32 represents a pivotal step forward in IoT architecture. It aims to streamline connectivity, enhance security, and foster scalability in IoT deployments. It provides a robust framework for device management and data exchange and sets the stage for a new era of innovation and possibilities in the IoT ecosystem.

The new architecture was created to cover many use cases in the context of IoT such as low power and constrained capability devices without a Graphic User Interface (GUI) and not supporting HTTPs, usually unattended, or devices that can’t be physically reached so easily, among many more particularities.

Therefore, SGP.32 marks a significant milestone for enhancing cellular IoT use cases, which have been attempting to grow through the SGP.02 (M2M) and SGP.22 (Consumer) with limited success, largely due to the specific needs and requirements of IoT Devices not covered by such architectures.

As companies prepare for the adoption of SGP.32, experimentation with the new IoT architecture becomes essential. This involves exploring different deployment models, assessing compatibility with existing systems, and identifying opportunities for optimization, all to better understand the implications of SGP.32 and tailor IoT connectivity strategies accordingly.

Key Considerations in IoT Experimentation

The SGP.32 does not necessarily replace the existing eSIM M2M architecture (SGP.02); instead, it offers a complementary deployment model for the IoT market. Companies must assess how the new architecture aligns with their existing infrastructure and determine the most suitable approach for their deployments. The SGP.02 and SGP.32 architectures will coexist for the foreseeable future, and it’s hard to determine exactly when the new architecture will fully replace the existing one, if at all.

While the technical specifications for SGP.32 are expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, companies can begin preparations now. In fact, early adopters can gain a competitive advantage by proactively integrating SGP.32 into their IoT solutions, staying ahead of the curve.

Although standardized eSIM IoT solutions are not yet widely available, companies like Valid are actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop proof-of-concept deployments.

These initiatives help validate the viability of SGP.32 and pave the way for future implementations.
Preparing for SGP.32

To prepare for SGP.32 deployments, companies should focus on several key areas:

Integrations with Existing Systems: MNOs and OEMs need to integrate their backend systems with SGP.32-compatible platforms. This may involve upgrading existing infrastructure or partnering with solution providers like Valid.

Testing and Compliance: End-to-end testing between SM-DP+ platforms and eUICC devices is essential to ensure compatibility and compliance with SGP.32 specifications. Companies should conduct thorough tests to identify and address any potential issues, and rely on companies like Valid to ensure interoperability across platforms and systems for all its IoT fleet.

Scalability and Flexibility: Choosing a scalable and flexible eSIM solution is crucial for success in the IoT market. Cloud-based platforms offer the agility and resilience needed to handle fluctuations in demand and scale operations accordingly. Companies like Valid carry expertise and experience in cloud deployments to speed up time to market and help customers scale according to their IoT connectivity management needs.

Conclusion

As the IoT ecosystem continues to evolve, companies must adapt to new standards and technologies to remain competitive. SGP.32 represents a significant milestone in this journey, offering a comprehensive framework for IoT deployments specially around Massive IoT. Embracing experimentation and preparing for SGP.32, enable companies to position themselves for success in the dynamic IoT landscape. As we look towards the future, proactive adoption of SGP.32 will be key to unlocking the full potential of IoT connectivity.