Definition
Preferred Network is a list of preferred PLMN configured by country or region, used for PLMN Selection during roaming. The platform can rank VPLMN based on factors such as cost, coverage, and latency. Devices give priority to accessing networks from the list while roaming, achieving cost optimization and connection quality assurance. In the International IoT Cloud Platform (ICMP), Preferred Network is one of the core configurations for cross-border connection management.
Working Principle
The Preferred Network List consists of a series of PLMNs and their priorities, allowing different lists to be configured for different countries/regions. When a device enters a certain area, the PLMN Selection module matches the device's location with the corresponding Preferred Network List, and the device attempts registration in order of priority. Selection preferences include: Cost—preferential access to Roaming Partners with favorable agreements; Coverage—preferential access to operators with stronger signals; Latency—for latency-sensitive services, prioritize high-quality networks. The list can be delivered via OTA, RESTful API, or BSS interfaces and supports dynamic updates.
Use Cases
In scenarios such as cross-border logistics, fleet management, and asset tracking, devices roam in different countries and may access different VPLMNs, with tariff differences reaching several times. By configuring the Preferred Network, enterprises can prioritize access to operators with lower tariffs in the Rate Card, significantly reducing roaming costs. In compliance-sensitive regions, access can be restricted to specific PLMNs, meeting Data Residency requirements. For latency-sensitive services (such as remote control and real-time monitoring), low-latency networks can be prioritized to enhance user experience.
Practice in ICMP
SimtoLink ICMP supports configuring multiple sets of Preferred Network List by customer, project, and region. The platform maintains the mapping of global PLMN with operators, Rate Card, Roaming Policy, which customers can visualize and configure in the Global Dashboard, or manage in bulk via RESTful API and SDK. Configuration supports version control and phased release, and changes can take effect in real time. Combined with Usage Analytics, it can analyze costs and connection quality under different preferred strategies, continuously optimizing network selection configuration.