Network Requirements
Before deploying CHESTER on a network you have not tested before, compare what the device supports with what the local operator actually provides. The two lists below are meant to be used together — the first one states the device capabilities, the second one is a checklist you can forward to your SIM card provider or mobile operator.
If you are using a HARDWARIO Vodafone or 1NCE SIM card, this has already been done for you — go straight to SIM Card Setup.
What the Device Supports
| Capability | CHESTER support |
|---|---|
| Radio technology | LTE-M (Cat M1) and NB-IoT (Cat NB1). Both technologies are supported and their priority is configurable — see mode. |
| Frequency bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28 and 66. No band lock is applied by default — the modem scans all supported bands. The scan can be narrowed down with bands. |
| Operator selection | Automatic PLMN selection, or a manually forced PLMN ID — see network. |
| Data roaming | Supported. The device accepts the registered, roaming state as a fully valid registration. |
| APN | Both the default (network-provided) APN and an explicitly configured one — see apn. |
| APN authentication | none, PAP or CHAP — see auth. |
| SIM form factor | Nano-SIM (4FF). A soldered MFF2 SIM chip variant is available for bulk orders. |
| Power saving | The firmware requests PSM (Power Saving Mode). PSM is not a hard requirement — CHESTER also works on networks that do not grant it, only at the cost of a higher power consumption. |
What to Confirm with Your Operator
Each answer below maps directly to one of the configuration parameters described in the previous chapter.
- Bands — which of the supported bands does the network use at the deployment site, separately for LTE-M and NB-IoT?
- APN — is an explicit APN required, or can the default (network-provided) APN be used?
- APN authentication — is
PAPorCHAPrequired and, if so, what are the credentials? - PLMN — must a specific PLMN ID be forced, for example when the SIM operates in permanent roaming?
- Data roaming — is data roaming enabled on the subscription?
- PSM — does the network support and grant PSM?
- Other network-specific requirements — IMEI/IMSI whitelisting, fixed IP address assignment, firewall or port restrictions on the operator side.
Once you have the answers, apply them as described in SIM Card Setup under Other SIM cards.