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How to integrate the Onomondo SoftSIM with the EG21-G / EG21-GL / EG25-GL from Quectel
How to integrate the Onomondo SoftSIM with the EG21-G / EG21-GL / EG25-GL from Quectel

This guide provides a walkthrough of how to set up the Onomondo SoftSIM with the EG21-G / EG21-GL / EG25-GL from Quectel.

Jakub Kubinski avatar
Written by Jakub Kubinski
Updated over 3 weeks ago

The following guide applies to:

  • Quectel EG21-G

  • Quectel EG21-GL

  • Quectel EG25-GL


Introduction

The Onomondo SoftSIM is a next-generation software-based SIM solution that enables cellular connectivity through Onomondo's global network while eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

In the Quectel EG21-G / EG21-GL / EG25-GL module, all functionalities typically found on an external SIM are internalized, allowing the SoftSIM to be recognized as a software SIM upon booting. Introducing the Onomondo SoftSIM to a hardware design already equipped with both a Quectel EG21-G / EG21-GL / EG25-GL module and a physical SIM, will allow for SIM switching between a physical SIM and SoftSIM.

Acquiring and Updating the Module

To use the SoftSIM feature, ensure that your module is running the correct firmware. The current firmware version can be queried with AT+GMR. A SoftSIM enabled firmware is identified with <prefix>_SS_<suffix>

If required, the firmware can be updated over USB using the QFirehose tool:
​

QFirehose -f <path_to_new_firmware>

​Note: For production volumes, the module will be shipped with a SoftSIM enabled firmware.

Enabling the SoftSIM

Selecting the SoftSIM is a one-time process and the settings are persistent. To select, input the following command sequence:
​

AT+QSOFTSIMCFG=”enable”,1


After selection, a module reboot is necessary. Use this AT command for rebooting:

AT+CFUN=1,1

Fetching a Profile

In order to fetch SoftSIM profiles, you have to use the SoftSIM CLI tool. Follow this guide for instructions.

Provisioning a Profile

To provision a new profile, use:

AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="profile",<profile>

Example:

AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="profile",011200202338487727377271872fabcdabcdabedab2938297fed

After setting the profile, re-initialize the SoftSIM with AT+CFUN=0 followed by AT+CFUN=1 for immediate effect. To confirm the new profile's activation, retrieve the IMSI and ICCID using AT+CIMI / AT+CCID.

Note: the module reads all the values from the SIM immediately after booting up. The re-initialization of the SIM is needed to refresh the values.

FAQ

How can I send AT commands?

AT commands can be transmitted via the USB interface on the module. Evaluation kits typically have exposed USB ports. Drivers are available for both Windows and Linux.

If your board does not expose a USB interface, an external MCU setup can forward AT commands from the host.

EG-21-G Illustration 2

Key AT Commands

  1. Checking SoftSIM status
    ​
    To check the status of the SoftSIM process, query the status with AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="status".
    ​
    The modules will not be able to accept new profiles until this command returns 1.
    ​

  2. Enabling or disabling SoftSIM


    To choose between SoftSIM or a physical SIM run the AT command AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="enable",<mode>


    To use physical SIM - set <mode> to 0.
    To use SoftSIM - set <mode> to 1.
    ​

  3. Checking SIM initialization
    ​
    To check if the SoftSIM is running correctly, query the SIM status with AT+CPIN?. The status should return 'READY'.
    ​

  4. Determining a SIM's ICCID and IMSI
    ​
    After provisioning a SoftSIM profile, the ICCID can be checked to confirm successful provisioning. The default ICCID is 00112233445566778899, which should be changed post-provisioning.

    Use AT+ICCID to retrieve the ICCID. Similarly, use AT+CIMI to determine the SIM's IMSI.

Monitoring and Management

Now that you've finalized flashing the SoftSIM onto your device, it's time to test it.

  1. Log into the Onomondo platform with your account information.

  2. Check the SIM associated with your device. You'll observe that the connection is established and the SIM behaves just like a physical SIM card.

With the Onomondo platform, you have the advantage of diving deep into the SIM's connection details using features like Network Logs, Traffic Monitor, and Signaling Logs.

Please note that, by default, your SoftSIM is active in your Onomondo account and attached to a global network list.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations on successfully fetching, flashing, and testing the Onomondo SoftSIM with your device!

For more device-specific instructions or further details, please explore our Knowledge Base or reach out to our support team.

We're excited to see the solutions you'll develop with the Onomondo SoftSIM!

If you have any questions regarding SoftSIM, contact us at [email protected].

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