This guide provides a walkthrough of how to set up the Onomondo SoftSIM with the EG21-GL from Quectel.
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 EG21-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-GL module and a physical SIM card tray, will allow for SIM switching between a physical SIM and SoftSIM.
Acquiring and Updating the Module
To use the SoftSIM feature, ensure that your EG21-GL 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
Provisioning a Profile
To provision a new profile, use: AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="profile",<profile>
Example:
AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="profile",011200202338487727377271872fabcdabcdabedab2938297fed
After setting the profile, reinitialize 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 reinitialization of the sim is needed to refresh the values.
Monitoring and Management
Onomondo Platform
Access your Onomondo platform account to monitor the SoftSIM. The platform provides detailed insights into the SIM's connectivity through Network Logs, Traffic Monitor, and Signaling Logs, similar to a physical SIM card.
SoftSIM CLI tool for provisioning
For assistance in provisioning SoftSIM-enabled devices, refer to our SoftSIM CLI tool, available here.
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.
Key AT Commands
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.
Enable or disable SoftSIM
To choose between SoftSIM or a physical SIM run the AT command AT+QSOFTSIMCFG="enable",<mode>
<mode> |
Description |
0 |
Use physical SIM |
1 |
Use SoftSIM |
Checking SIM Initialization
To check if the SoftSIM is running correctly, query the SIM status with AT+CPIN?. The status should return 'READY'.
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 change post-provisioning.
Use AT+ICCID to retrieve the ICCID. Similarly, use AT+CIMI to determine the SIM's IMSI.