Flexible M2M/IoT service with Radiator and Private APN

M2M (Machine to Machine) communications, IoT (Internet of Things), and Industrial Internet are constantly bringing new connected devices, things, to the Internet. Operators and other companies already use Radiator AAA Server Software to create M2M, IoT, and Industrial Internet services to customers. Using Radiator with Private APN (access point name) is an important use case.

Figure 1: Radiator RADIUS server and Private APN service architecture

Most mobile operators provide, in addition to their own APNs, also a Private APN service for companies interested of separating their data traffic from operators’ generic subscriptions. The Private APN service utilises operator’s SIM cards for radio network access, but separates the data traffic in operator’s GGSN (gateway GPRS support node) by the access point name (e.g. internet.company instead of operator’s own access point name). These separate private access points may have their own parameters for authentication, accounting, IP networks, IP address allocation, connection parameters, traffic accounting, priorities, and other functionalities. Depending on the GGSN capabilities, it is possible to move some of these functionalities and information to a separate RADIUS service, which is provided either by the operator or company utilising the Private APN.

With the Private APN and Radiator AAA Server Software as a RADIUS service, our customers have successfully deployed M2M, IoT, and Industrial Internet solutions. Some examples are:

• Fixed IPv4 and IPv6 address allocation for mobile operator M2M/IoT service based on MSISDN (phone number) with the option of returning any GGSN-supported subscription parameters from RADIUS to GGSN
• Ensuring that the Australian state-wide network of water measurement devices are active and sending measurement data, and working as AAA service for VPN connection authentication for devices
• Tracking truck locations, and authenticating, accounting, and authorising GPS tracking devices for fleet tracking service operating across several operators and European countries

Would you like to know more?

This use case is one of the many, where Radiator can be used to provide additional and complementary functionality to mobile network and Internet of Things/Industrial Internet solutions. Contact our team at sales(a.t.)radiatorsoftware.com to set up a meeting, where we can discuss how Radiator could help you in building and deploying mobile network or IoT/Industrial Internet services and solutions.

Radiator Connects - from Machine to Machine to the Internet of Things

Our customer, a telecommunication company, had a pressing need in their network. They needed to replace their outdated Radius solution with a new design that allowed their M2M (Machine-to-Machine) network to function automatically as a integrating solution between the network controlled devices and the operator’s network.

In addition to telcos, the same kind of solution can be provided for power companies, logistical companies and others who have a need for an IoT-solution where devices interact with each other. Devices can be either pre-provisioned in batches (such as contactless electricity meters) or they can be uploaded to the system one device at a time via the user portal operated by the company. The basic functionality is shown below.

 

In this kind of operating environment, it is essential that the Radius server used for authentication and provisioning is compatible with and able to adapt different systems and devices - some dated while back. You may have, for example, a need to use database of some specific vendor (Oracle etc) in the future as well. From Radius server you then need interoperability and flexibility - and Radiator can be easily integrated to your operating environment. 

Same need in your own network?

For this kind of configuration, the right solution for you is Radiator, possibly with Radiator EAP-SIM Pack  - with an IoT-solution it is often convenient to use SIM authentication. To complement Radiator capabilities, our team of Radiator experts, making it easy for you to just deploy Radiator as the solution or the replacement for less flexible system. Please contact our sales team sales@radiatorsoftware.com,  when figuring out the best solution for your needs.

The Radiator EAP-SIM Pack is now known as Radiator SIM Pack.