In the enterprise and industrial world, there is one type of system that is regularly used: edge computing. There are various reasons why this is the case. It helps to minimize latency, enhance uptime, increase security, decrease operational costs, and more. Edge computers also incorporate various features you may not see with standard computer systems.
The ability to use a SIM card is one such feature.
Edge computers can often be found with SIM sockets. This is advantageous in numerous ways – and that will be covered in more detail below. However, did you know there are edge computers available that go one step further with dual SIM capabilities? While this may seem like an unnecessary addition, this guide will highlight why your next edge computer purchase needs to include dual SIM sockets.
What Do You Gain From Using a Sim Card in an Edge Computer?
Before explaining the benefits of dual SIM capabilities, you might be wondering why a computer should incorporate a SIM card in the first place. After all, if you browse the innovation solutions for edge computers at things-embeded.com, you will see that a common feature is a SIM socket. Why do edge computers include this as part of their configuration?
Well, there are various benefits gained from using a SIM card. Here are some of the key points:
- Internet accessibility: With a SIM card, it is possible to use a mobile phone network to access the internet. This is beneficial if your Wi-Fi connection goes down for whatever reason. As a backup, it helps to maintain continual internet access for a company.
- Phone contacts: Just like when using a SIM card in a mobile phone, you are able to use your phone contacts via your edge computer. This includes making phone calls and sending messages.
- Accessibility around the world: Although it might not necessarily be a factor for a stationary edge computer, it is worth noting that, as long as you have a signal, you are able to access the internet in virtually any location in the world.
Why Use Dual Sim Capabilities in Your Edge Computer?
You have seen the positives of using a single SIM card in an edge computer. Yet what is the reason behind expanding this to a dual SIM? In fact, what even is a dual SIM?
Regarding the latter question, a dual SIM functions much in the same way as mobile phones with this feature. In simple terms, it involves you adding two SIM cards simultaneously within your edge computer. You can then choose between either SIM card when operating your computer.
However, what are the positives gained from going down this route? Below are the main advantages of utilizing dual SIM capabilities.
Use two phone numbers at the same time
The most obvious benefit gained from using a dual SIM is that you have two phone numbers at the same time. This means you don’t have to use two separate edge computers to use two SIM cards. While obvious, not many organizations will find much use with two separate numbers. Yet it can be a positive attribute if you have multiple numbers for your business and you’d like to keep these to as few computer systems as possible.
Pick your networks
With dual SIM capability, you’re not restricted to a single network. The ability to spread your wings and pick multiple networks can assist in different ways. This is the case if you decide to go with a combination of a standard SIM card and a M2M SIM.
For the uninitiated, M2M stands for Machine to Machine. These SIM cards incorporate a range of additional advantages. You only require a single VPN for all devices under your own application, shared data is available, and they have a more robust construction for edge computers situated in harsh environments.
Added security
No, this doesn’t mean you have added protection against existing cyber threats. What it does mean, however, is that you gain added security against potential internet downtime. While it might seem like overkill, you can never be sure even one of two internet options will be available at any one time.
Picture the scenario. Your standard Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. Now you decide to turn to your SIM as an alternative, but there’s a problem – the network is not accessible. With a second SIM effectively acting as another backup, this minimizes the likelihood of not being able to get online. After all, one mobile network being down for a period of time is possible. Two separate networks being down at the same time is next to impossible.
If it’s essential your systems are connected to the internet at all times, the extra insurance of dual SIMs cannot be understated.
More reliable connectivity
Expanding on the previous point, it is not just about improved uptime. A dual SIM also helps a business gain more reliable connectivity. This is certainly the case if you are using devices nationally across different locations.
Even though connectivity strength is growing by the day for major mobile providers, particularly since the introduction of 5G, there is still the likelihood that signal levels can vary significantly across different locations. In fact, that strength can change across different areas of the same building facility.
When you use dual SIM capabilities, you’re not simply relying on a single SIM for connectivity via your edge computer. As a result, if the strength of one SIM isn’t as effective in one area, you can switch to the other SIM for a more reliable connection. This choice reduces the chances of connectivity issues for your company, even if you are based across multiple locations.
Conclusion
Edge computers are packed with a wide assortment of features. Yet, if you’re in the market for a new system for your business, make sure you consider one that incorporates dual SIM capabilities. As the above advantages demonstrate, it is much more valuable to utilize two SIM cards rather than sticking with just a single one for your edge computer.
