PLMN: what it is and how it works within mobile networks and IoT

A PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) is a public mobile network that is operated by a telecom provider. It is used to enable mobile communication for voice, data, and IoT applications.

Within IoT and connectivity, the PLMN plays an important role in identifying networks and managing connections between devices and operators.

Summary

A PLMN is a public mobile network that enables communication.

Important to remember:

• PLMN stands for Public Land Mobile Network
• represents a mobile network of a provider
• is identified via MCC and MNC
• essential for network selection and roaming
• important within IoT connectivity

What a PLMN is exactly

A PLMN is the complete mobile network of an operator within a specific country or region. This includes both the radio infrastructure (cell towers) and the core network.

Each PLMN has a unique identification, so devices know which network they are connecting to.

This identification consists of a combination of codes.

How a PLMN works

A PLMN is identified by a PLMN-ID, which consists of two parts:

• MCC (Mobile Country Code): identifies the country
• MNC (Mobile Network Code): identifies the provider

Together, these codes form a unique identification for a mobile network.

When a device connects, it searches for available PLMNs and selects a suitable network based on settings and availability.

PLMN and network selection

Devices use PLMN information to determine which network to connect to.

In practice, this means that a device scans available networks and selects a PLMN based on priority, signal strength, and SIM configuration.

This process is important for both national connections and roaming.

PLMN in IoT and roaming

Within IoT, PLMN is essential for international connectivity.

Devices can connect to different PLMNs when they are located in other countries. This is made possible through roaming agreements between providers.

In addition, multi-network SIMs can support multiple PLMNs for better coverage and reliability.

Advantages of PLMN

PLMN provides a standardized way to identify and use mobile networks.

This makes it possible to connect globally and easily switch between networks. It also supports roaming and multi-network solutions.

Implementation of PLMN in IoT solutions

When using PLMN within IoT, there are several important considerations.

SIM configuration

SIM cards contain information about which PLMNs are allowed to be used.

Network priority

Determine which networks have priority when connecting.

Roaming strategy

Ensure proper agreements and support for international connectivity.

Monitoring

Track which PLMN devices are connected to for insight and optimization.

Considerations for PLMN

Although PLMN is essential, there are also considerations.

Network selection can impact costs, performance, and energy consumption. In addition, roaming restrictions or regulations can affect connectivity.

It is also important to have fallback options in case of network issues.

Why PLMN is important

PLMN makes it possible to identify and use mobile networks worldwide. This is essential for reliable communication and roaming.

Within IoT, it provides flexibility and scalability of connectivity.

Conclusion

A PLMN is a public mobile network identified through unique codes and used for communication within telecom and IoT. It plays a central role in network selection and roaming.

For organizations working with IoT, PLMN provides the foundation for global and reliable connectivity.

For more information, please contact us by phone at +31-85-0443500 or by email at info@thingsdata.com.