Fixed IP SIM Cards FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixed IP SIM Cards

Fixed IP SIM Card FAQ

Our Fixed IP SIM Cards FAQ page will hopefully answer your questions about Fixed IP SIM’s, How they work, the different types of SIM cards, sending and receiving SMS messages, the differences between different types of SIM cards (Roaming SIM Cards, Multi-Network SIM Cards, IoT SIM Cards, M2M SIM Cards, eSIM) and information about different applications using these types of IoT Data SIM cards for your remote management or monitoring application.  We also answer questions about configuring routers for use with these M2M SIM cards about the contracts and payment options.

If you do not find your answer here then drop us an email, fill in our contact us form or give us a call on 0113 824 1481 and speak to our knowledgeable SIM sales team.

What is the difference between an M2M / IoT SIM card and a standard consumer sim?

Purpose and Design

M2M/IoT SIM cards are specifically designed for machine-to-machine and Internet of Things applications, while standard SIM cards are meant for consumer devices like smartphones and tablets. M2M SIMs allow machines to send and receive data in real-time, enabling applications like GPS tracking, process automation, and remote monitoring.

Durability

M2M SIM cards are significantly more robust than consumer SIMs. They can withstand extreme temperatures, are corrosion-resistant, and can tolerate vibration and sudden movements. This makes them suitable for industrial and exposed environments.

Connectivity

M2M SIMs often offer multi-network roaming capabilities, allowing devices to connect to multiple carriers rather than being locked to a single provider. This is particularly beneficial for logistics and transportation sectors.

Management and Control

IoT/M2M SIMs can be remotely managed through a single portal, allowing businesses to access data from multiple SIMs in real-time. This centralized control is crucial for managing large-scale IoT deployments.

Data Plans and Pricing

M2M SIMs often come with more flexible data plans tailored to IoT applications, such as shared data pools across devices or pay-as-you-go options. They may also support data plan aggregation, where adding SIMs to a project increases the overall data cap.

Security

IoT SIMs typically use private APNs (Access Point Names) and can be configured with fixed public or private IPs, providing enhanced security compared to standard cellular networks.

Lifespan

M2M SIM cards generally have a longer lifespan than traditional SIMs, with some lasting up to ten years or more, especially embedded SIMs.

Regulatory Compliance

Using standard consumer SIMs in M2M/IoT devices may violate telecom operators’ terms of service. M2M SIMs are designed to comply with regulations for machine-to-machine communications.

These differences make M2M/IoT SIM cards better suited for business and industrial applications that require robust, flexible, and secure connectivity for devices and sensors.

When implementing IoT solutions with fixed IP SIM cards, it’s crucial to understand the two main approaches service providers use to deliver fixed IP addresses: NAT and non-NAT. Both methods have their advantages and considerations, particularly in the context of IoT deployments.

Non-NAT Fixed IP SIM

In this approach, the IoT device or 4G router is assigned a public fixed IP address directly.

Characteristics:

  • The device has the actual IP address allocated to the router

NAT Fixed IP SIM

This approach assigns a private fixed IP address to the IoT device or 4G router, typically in the 10.x.x.x range, and uses NAT to communicate with the public internet.

Characteristics:

  • The device has a static private IP address.
  • Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to map the private IP to a public IP.

Both NAT and non-NAT approaches to fixed IP SIM cards have their place in IoT deployments. The choice depends on specific project requirements, security considerations, and the nature of the IoT application. Understanding these differences allows organisations to select the most appropriate solution for their IoT connectivity needs, ensuring efficient and secure communication for their devices. 

Fixed IP SIM cards work by providing a device with a static, unchanging IP address for consistent network connectivity. These SIM cards can be configured with either public or private IP addresses, each offering distinct advantages for different applications.

IP Address Assignment

Unlike regular SIM cards that receive dynamic IP addresses, a fixed IP SIM is assigned a specific, permanent IP address. This address remains constant every time the device connects to the network.

Types of Fixed IP SIMs

  1. Public Fixed IP SIMs: These provide a publicly accessible IP address, allowing direct access from the internet.
  2. Private Fixed IP SIMs: These assign a private IP address, accessible only through a secure VPN connection.

Network Connection

When a device with a fixed IP SIM connects to the cellular network (4G/5G/LTE):

  1. It establishes a connection using the assigned static IP address
  2. The device maintains this same IP address throughout its session
  3. Even if the connection drops and reconnects, it will use the same IP address

Data Transmission

Fixed IP SIMs send data packets over cellular networks to communicate with servers or other devices. They typically use less data than consumer SIMs, often around 100MB per month or less.

Remote Access and Security

The static IP allows consistent access to the device, but it’s crucial to implement proper security measures, especially for public IP SIMs:

  • Use of an industrial-grade router with a robust firewall is essential
  • Careful management of router access permissions is critical
  • VPN usage for encrypted communication, particularly for private IP SIMs
  • Regular security updates to protect against potential vulnerabilities

Industrial-Grade Routers

When using a Fixed IP SIM card, particularly with a public IP address, it’s crucial to pair it with a suitable industrial-grade router. These routers offer:

  • Enhanced security features and firewall capabilities
  • Robust construction for harsh environments
  • Advanced remote management options

The Millbeck 4G Router Store team can provide expert guidance on selecting and configuring the right router for your specific needs. They can assist with:

  • Choosing the appropriate router model
  • Setting up secure firewall rules
  • Implementing best practices for access management
  • Configuring VPN connections for private IP SIMs

Applications

Fixed IP SIMs are commonly used in:

  • IoT devices and sensors
  • Industrial automation systems
  • Remote monitoring equipment
  • Security cameras and CCTV systems
  • Digital signage
  • Smart city infrastructure
  • Telematics and fleet management

By providing a consistent, known IP address (either public or private), fixed IP SIM cards enable reliable machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and remote device management for various IoT and industrial applications. The choice between public and private IP depends on the specific security requirements and access needs of the application.

1. What is a Steered Roaming IoT SIM Card?

A steered roaming IoT SIM card is programmed by its provider to prefer specific networks when roaming. This means it will connect primarily to the networks that the provider has chosen, often based on agreements or partnerships. If the preferred network is available, the SIM card will prioritize it, even if a stronger or more reliable network is nearby.

2. What is an Unsteered (Non-Steered) Roaming IoT SIM Card?

An unsteered or non-steered roaming IoT SIM card doesn’t prioritize any network when roaming. It will automatically connect to the best available network based on criteria like signal strength, network quality, and stability. This can result in more reliable and consistent connectivity, especially in areas with limited network coverage.

3. How Does Network Steering Impact Coverage?

With steered SIMs, connectivity is typically limited to preferred networks, which may not have the best coverage in certain areas. Unsteered SIMs, on the other hand, have the freedom to switch to the best network, providing broader coverage and more robust connectivity across regions.

4. Which Type of SIM is Better for IoT Devices?

The best choice depends on your IoT application needs:

  • Steered SIMs can offer cost benefits due to provider agreements but may face connectivity limitations in areas with fewer partner networks.
  • Unsteered SIMs are ideal for devices that require stable, uninterrupted connectivity in diverse locations, as they can choose from multiple networks to ensure consistent service.

5. Can Steered SIM Cards Switch Networks?

Yes, steered SIM cards can switch networks, but they will only do so if the preferred network becomes unavailable. An unsteered SIM will select the best network based on real-time availability and signal strength without prioritizing a specific provider.

6. Are Unsteered SIMs More Expensive?

Unsteered SIMs often cost more than steered SIMs, as they utilize multiple networks without restrictions, providing more flexible and reliable coverage. The choice between steered and unsteered SIMs should balance cost considerations with your connectivity needs.

7. Which SIM Type is Better for International or Global IoT Deployments?

Unsteered SIMs generally perform better for international IoT deployments due to their ability to seamlessly connect to the best network in each region. Steered SIMs may limit connectivity options in regions where the preferred networks have limited coverage.

8. How Do I Choose the Right SIM for My IoT Project?

Consider your deployment environment and requirements:

  • For cost-effective, stable coverage in well-supported regions (with many partner networks), a steered SIM could suffice.
  • For critical applications across regions with varying network quality or remote locations, an unsteered SIM will generally provide more reliable coverage.

Yes, of course. 

Give our IoT specialists a call on 0113 824 1481 to discuss your requirements.  We can assist with new projects for hardware and SIM cards as well as discuss the options available from moving your installed base of customers over to Millbeck.

CGNAT (Carrier Grade NAT) is a network address translation technique used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to conserve IPv4 addresses. Here’s an explanation of CGNAT and why it prevents remote access to your router when using a standard network SIM card:

What is CGNAT?

Carrier Grade NAT, also known as Large Scale NAT (LSN), is a method where multiple customers share a single public IP address. With CGNAT:

  1. Your router is assigned a private IP address from a reserved range (often 100.64.0.0 to 100.127.255.255)
  2. This private IP is then translated to a public IP address shared with many other customers
  3. The ISP’s CGNAT device manages the translation and routing of traffic

Why CGNAT Prevents Remote Access

When using a standard network SIM card with CGNAT:

  1. Your router doesn’t have a unique public IP address
  2. The private IP assigned to your router is not directly accessible from the internet
  3. Incoming connections can’t be reliably routed to your specific device

This means you can’t:

  • Use port forwarding to access devices behind your router
  • Set up Dynamic DNS to create a persistent hostname for your connection
  • Establish direct incoming connections to your router or devices

Implications for Remote Access

Because of CGNAT:

  1. You can’t remotely access your router’s management interface
  2. You can’t set up remote access to devices like security cameras or home servers
  3. Some applications, especially peer-to-peer services, may not function correctly

Solutions for Remote Access

To overcome CGNAT limitations:

  1. Use a Fixed IP SIM card: This provides a dedicated public IP address, allowing direct access to your router.
  2. VPN services: Some providers offer solutions to create outbound connections that enable remote access.
  3. Consult with your ISP: Some may offer options to bypass CGNAT for an additional fee.

When using a Fixed IP SIM card, it’s crucial to implement proper security measures:

  • Use an industrial-grade router with a robust firewall
  • Carefully manage router access permissions
  • Consider using a VPN for encrypted communications
  • Keep all devices and software up-to-date

The Millbeck 4G Router Store team can provide expert guidance on selecting appropriate hardware and implementing secure configurations for remote access solutions.

No, you cannot use DynDNS (Dynamic DNS) with a standard SIM card to access your router remotely. Here’s why:

CGNAT and Standard SIM Cards

Standard mobile broadband SIM cards in the UK use Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT), which presents several obstacles:

  1. Your connection is assigned a private IP address on the mobile network’s private network.
  2. Your device shares a public IP address with up to 250 other devices.
  3. You cannot directly access your specific device from the internet.

Why DynDNS Won’t Work

DynDNS requires a public IP address to function properly. With a standard SIM card:

  1. Your router doesn’t have a unique public IP address to update the DynDNS service.
  2. The shared public IP address can’t be reliably mapped to your specific device.
  3. Port forwarding, which is often used in conjunction with DynDNS, is not possible due to CGNAT.

Recommended Solution

The most reliable way to access your router remotely is to use a Fixed IP SIM card:

  1. It provides a dedicated public IP address for your device.
  2. Allows direct access to your router from anywhere on the internet.
  3. Enables the use of DynDNS and port forwarding.

 

When using a Fixed IP SIM card, it’s crucial to:

  • Use an industrial-grade router with a robust firewall.
  • Implement proper security measures to protect your device.
  • Carefully manage router access permissions.

 

The Millbeck 4G Router Store team can provide expert guidance on selecting appropriate hardware and implementing secure configurations for remote access solutions using Fixed IP SIM cards.

When using a Fixed IP SIM card, your 4G/5G router may not always get a true public IP address directly allocated to it. The implementation can vary depending on the provider. Here’s a more nuanced explanation:

  1. Direct Public IP Allocation:
    Some Fixed IP SIM providers do assign a true public IP address directly to your router. In this case, your router is directly accessible from the internet.
  2. NAT with Fixed Public IP Mapping:
    Many Fixed IP SIM providers use Network Address Translation (NAT) in their network architecture. In this scenario:
    • Your router gets assigned a private IP address
    • This private IP is consistently mapped to a fixed public IP address
    • The public IP remains constant and is used for incoming connections
  3. Functionality:
    • In both cases, you can still remotely access your router
    • Port forwarding and other remote management features work similarly
    • The end result for most applications is effectively the same
  4. Considerations:
    • With NAT, there’s an additional layer between your router and the internet
    • This can provide an extra level of security but may impact some advanced networking scenarios
  5. Provider Variations:
    • Some providers offer options for both NAT-based and direct public IP allocation
    • The choice may depend on factors like security requirements and specific use cases

It’s important to clarify with your Fixed IP SIM provider exactly how they implement their service. Whether using direct public IP allocation or NAT with fixed mapping, these solutions still offer significant advantages over standard SIM cards for remote access and management.

When setting up your system:

  • Confirm the exact implementation with your provider
  • Adjust your security measures accordingly
  • Test remote access thoroughly to ensure it meets your needs
IF YOU NEED A TRUE IP ADDRESS (The Same IP address on your router WAN port as the public IP address) then please call is to discuss the options.

The Millbeck 4G Router Store team can provide guidance on selecting the right Fixed IP SIM solution and configuring your router appropriately for your specific requirements, taking into account these different implementation methods.

In many cases, SMS functionality is not automatically available or enabled on M2M/IoT SIM cards. The ability to send or receive SMS messages depends on the specific plan and provider. Here’s a more accurate overview:

  1. SMS Availability:
    • Many M2M/IoT SIM plans do not include SMS functionality by default.
    • Some providers offer SMS as an optional feature that needs to be specifically requested or activated.
  2. Use Cases for SMS in M2M/IoT:
    • SMS reboot: Allowing remote restart of devices via SMS command.
    • Digital I/O SMS messaging: Triggering or reporting on digital input/output states.
    • Low-power wake-up: Using SMS to activate devices from sleep mode.
    • Fallback communication: When data connectivity is unavailable.
  3. Fixed IP SIM Cards with SMS:
    • Customers may require both a fixed IP address and SMS functionality for comprehensive remote management.
    • This combination allows for both data-based monitoring and control, as well as SMS-based commands and notifications.
  4. Considerations when Ordering:
    • It’s crucial to specify the need for SMS functionality when ordering M2M/IoT SIMs.
    • The Millbeck team can ensure you’re on the correct M2M SIM plan that includes SMS capabilities if required.
  5. Importance of Clarification:
    • Always confirm SMS capabilities with your provider before deployment.
    • Ensure your devices and applications are compatible with the SMS features offered.

When considering Fixed IP SIM cards with SMS functionality, potential use cases include:

  • Remote management of industrial equipment
  • Backup communication for critical infrastructure
  • Security systems that require both data reporting and SMS alerts
  • Telematics solutions that benefit from SMS commands for vehicle management

 

By clearly communicating your needs for both Fixed IP and SMS functionality to the Millbeck team, they can guide you to the most appropriate M2M SIM plan that meets your specific requirements, ensuring your IoT deployment has all the necessary communication capabilities.

An APN (Access Point Name) is a crucial component when using fixed IP SIM cards. Here’s an explanation of APNs in relation to fixed IP SIM cards:

  1. Definition:
    An APN is a gateway between a mobile network and the internet. It’s essentially a set of settings that tells a device how to connect to the mobile network and access data services.
  2. Function with Fixed IP SIMs:
    For fixed IP SIM cards, the APN is specifically configured to ensure the SIM always receives the same IP address when connecting to the network.
  3. Types of APNs for Fixed IP SIMs:
    • Public APN: Used for fixed public IP addresses. It allows direct access from the internet to the device.
    • Private APN: Used for fixed private IP addresses. It requires additional security measures like VPNs for remote access.
  4. Configuration:
    When using a fixed IP SIM, you’ll need to configure your device with the specific APN provided by your SIM card supplier. This APN is unique to the fixed IP service.
  5. Security:
    Private APNs offer enhanced security as they create a closed network environment, isolating your devices from the public internet.
  6. Network Routing:
    The APN determines how data is routed between your device and the mobile network, ensuring it reaches the correct destination and maintains the fixed IP address.
  7. Custom APNs:
    Some providers offer custom APNs for fixed IP services, allowing for more tailored network configurations to meet specific business needs.
  8. Importance:
    Using the correct APN is critical for fixed IP SIMs to function properly. An incorrect APN may result in the device not connecting or not receiving its assigned fixed IP address.
  9. Provider-Specific:
    Each mobile network operator or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) typically has its own APN settings for fixed IP services.
  10. Setup:
    The APN settings usually need to be manually configured in the device using the fixed IP SIM, often including the APN name, username, and password if required.

Understanding and correctly configuring the APN is essential for successfully using fixed IP SIM cards in IoT, M2M, and other applications requiring consistent, addressable connections.

When we dispatch your SIM card, we will send a cover letter with details of the correct APN, authentication and passwords required.  When you install the SIM card into your router you will need to connect a laptop to the router and access the routers web interface and configure the APN.

You can see this process for Proroute and Teltonika routers in the videos below, other manufacturers will have different router configuration options.

CountryOperatorTADIG codeCovered AreaIncluded in EU Economy Zone
AustriaHutchison Drei Austria GmbHAUTCAAustriaYes
AustriaT-Mobile Austria GmbHAUTMMAustriaYes
AustriaA1 Telekom Austria AGAUTPTAustriaYes
BelgiumTelenetBELKOBelgiumYes
BelgiumORANGE Belgium nv/SABELMOBelgiumYes
BulgariaA1 Bulgaria EADBGR01BulgariaYes
BulgariaTelenor Bulgaria EADBGRCMBulgariaYes
BulgariaBulgarian Telecommunications Company EADBGRVABulgariaYes
CroatiaHrvatski Telekom d.d.HRVCNCroatiaYes
CroatiaTele2 d.o.o za telekomunikacijske uslugeHRVT2CroatiaYes
CroatiaVIPnet d.o.o.HRVVICroatiaYes
CyprusCyprus Telecommunications AuthorityCYPCTCyprusYes
CyprusMTN Cyprus LimitedCYPSCCyprusYes
Czech RepublicVodafone Czech Republic a.s.CZECMCzech RepublicYes
Czech RepublicO2 Czech Republic a.s.CZEETCzech RepublicYes
DenmarkTelenor A/SDNKDMDenmarkYes
DenmarkHI3G Denmark ApSDNKHUDenmarkYes
EstoniaTelia Eesti ASESTEMEstoniaYes
EstoniaTele2 Eesti AktsiaseltsESTRBEstoniaYes
FinlandDNA PlcFIN2GFinlandYes
FinlandTelia Finland OyjFINTFFinlandYes
FranceOrangeFRAF1FranceYes
FranceBouygues TélécomFRAF3FranceYes
GermanyTelekom Deutschland GmbHDEUD1GermanyYes
GermanyVodafone GmbHDEUD2GermanyYes
GibraltarGibtelecom LimitedGIBGTGibraltarYes
GreeceCosmote Mobile Telecommunications S.A.GRCCOGreeceYes
GreeceVodafone-Panafon Hellenic Telecommunications Company S.A.GRCPFGreeceYes
GreeceWind Hellas Telecommunications S.A.GRCSHGreeceYes
HungaryTelenor Magyarország Zártkörűen Működő RészvénytársaságHUNH1HungaryYes
HungaryVodafone Hungary Mobile Telecommunications Company LimitedHUNVRHungaryYes
IcelandNova ehf.ISLNOIcelandYes
IrelandVodafone Ireland LimitedIRLECIrelandYes
IrelandMeteor Mobile Communications LimitedIRLMEIrelandYes
ItalyWind Tre S.p.A.ITAH3ItalyYes
ItalyVodafone Italia S.p.AITAOMItalyYes
ItalyWind Tre S.p.A. (ITAWI)ITAWIItalyYes
LatviaTele2 SIALVABCLatviaYes
LatviaLatvijas Mobilais TelefonsLVALMLatviaYes
LiechtensteinTelecom Liechtenstein AGLIEMKLiechtensteinYes
LithuaniaUAB Tele2LTU03LithuaniaYes
LithuaniaTelia Lietuva ABLTUOMLithuaniaYes
LuxembourgPOST LuxembourgLUXPTLuxembourgYes
LuxembourgTango SALUXTGLuxembourgYes
LuxembourgOrange Communications Luxembourg S.A.LUXVMLuxembourgYes
MaltaGO p.l.c.MLTGOMaltaYes
MaltaVodafone Malta LimitedMLTTLMaltaYes
NetherlandsKPN B.V.NLDPTNetherlandsYes
NorwayTelia Norge ASNORNCNorwayYes
NorwayTelenor Norge ASNORTMNorwayYes
PolandT-Mobile Polska S.A.POL02PolandYes
PolandOrange Polska S.A.POL03PolandYes
PolandPolkomtel Sp. z o.o.POLKMPolandYes
PolandP4 Sp. z o.o.POLP4PolandYes
PortugalNOS – Comunicações, S.A.PRTOPPortugalYes
PortugalVodafone Portugal – Comunicações Pessoais, S.A.PRTTLPortugalYes
RomaniaTelekom Romania Mobile Communications S.A.ROMCSRomaniaYes
RomaniaS.C. Orange România S.A.ROMMRRomaniaYes
SlovakiaSlovak Telekom, a.s. (T-Mobile group)SVKETSlovakiaYes
SlovakiaOrange Slovensko, a.s.SVKGTSlovakiaYes
SlovakiaO2 Slovakia, s.r.o.SVKO2SlovakiaYes
SloveniaTelekom Slovenije d.d.SVNMTSloveniaYes
SloveniaTelemach d.o.o.SVNVGSloveniaYes
SpainVodafone España, S.A.U.ESPATSpainYes
SpainOrange Espagne, S.A., sociedad unipersonalESPRTSpainYes
SwedenTelenor Sverige ABSWEEPSwedenYes
SwedenTele2 ABSWEIQSwedenYes
SwedenTelia Company ABSWETRSwedenYes
SwitzerlandSunrise Communications AGCHEDXSwitzerlandYes
SwitzerlandSalt Mobile SACHEORSwitzerlandYes
United KingdomTelefónica UK LimitedGBRCNUnited KingdomYes
United KingdomEE LimitedGBRMEUnited KingdomYes
United KingdomEE LimitedGBRORUnited KingdomYes
United KingdomVodafone LtdGBRVFUnited KingdomYes

It will depend upon your router, for example in most industrial M2M / IoT routers, you will have the option to either lock your roaming SIM to a particular network, and some routers will even let you set a preferred network.  This is ideal if you have a particular preference in your installation location based upon network speed or perhaps the number of cell towers in that location.

In most cases you will need to know the operator network code – we have listed the UK ones below:-

  • Three – 23420
  • Voda – 23415
  • EE – 23430
  • O2 – 23410
  • EE ESN (Emergency services network) – 23432

 

You can compare the above to this older list with previous network names and the following also contains Jersey and Guernsey Telecom SIM cards which are sometimes used as roaming SIM cards in the UK.

23420 = Hutchinson 3G (3) – United Kingdom
23410 = O2 – United Kingdom
23415 = Vodafone – United Kingdom
23430, 23431, 23432 = T-Mobile – Virgin – UK
23433 = Orange – United Kingdom
23450 = Jersey Telecom GSM – United Kingdom
23455 = Guernsey Telecoms GSM – United Kingdom
23458 = Manx Telecom Pronto GSM – United Kingdom
23400 = Virgin 3510i
23400001 = Virgin

Once your initial contract term comes to an end your SIM service will revert to a monthly rolling contract with 30 days cancellation notice required.

If you are out of contract and you want to cancel your SIM contract you will need to email sales@millbeckcomms.co.uk with details about the SIM and that you wish to cancel the service.

Once we receive this written notification, your SIM will be cancelled after 30 days and a final bill sent.

If you are still in contract then an account manager will contact you and discuss the options, but in most cases you will be required to pay any outstanding rentals due under the contract terms.

In most cases, to help manage costs and to provide an efficient service, our payment terms are by monthly direct debit.

If your company is unable to pay using direct debit then contact our sales team to discuss your requirements and we look look at advance annual payments or possibly the option of credit terms depending upon the number and type of SIM’s required.

If you have queries regarding payment terms 

The quickest way to get support is to take screen shots of your router web admin pages where you have configured your APN settings, as well as screen shots of your mobile network status pages and main router status page so we can quickly identify any issues.

You can also check basic things like, checking to see of the router can see the SIM is inserted , whether you have any mobile network service in the router location (try moving to a slightly different location and checking), ensuring that the CELL antennas are all connected.

Here’s a simple port forwarding guide for HiKvision NVR, tailored for users with a 4G or 5G router using a Fixed IP SIM card with a fixed, public IP address:

Port Forwarding Guide for HiKvision NVR

  1. Configure NVR Network Settings:
    • Ensure your NVR is on the same subnet as your router
    • Set the NVR’s default gateway to your router’s LAN IP address
    • Example: If router’s LAN IP is 192.168.1.1, set NVR to 192.168.1.x (where x is 2-254)
  2. Log into your 4G/5G router’s admin interface
  3. Locate the port forwarding section (may be called “Virtual Server” or “Port Mapping”)
  4. Add the following port forwards to your NVR’s local IP address:
    • HTTP Port: 80 (can be changed for security)
    • Server/Client Port: 8000
    • RTSP Port: 554
  5. Save and apply the settings

Standard HiKvision Ports:

  • HTTP: 80
  • Server/Client: 8000
  • RTSP: 554

Security Advisements:

  • Change default passwords on both NVR and router
  • Use a strong, unique password for remote access
  • Consider changing the default HTTP port (80) to a non-standard port
  • Enable HTTPS if available
  • Regularly update NVR firmware
  • Use a VPN for remote access when possible

Important: For port forwarding to work, the HiKvision NVR must be correctly configured on the LAN. It should be on the same subnet as the router, and its default gateway must be set to the router’s LAN IP address.

Remember: Your Fixed IP SIM card provides a public IP address. Use this IP to access your NVR remotely, along with the appropriate port number.

Note: Port forwarding opens your NVR to the internet. Only do this if necessary and ensure all security measures are in place.

HikVision Port Forwarding

In the UK, 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, aimed at enhancing IoT and industrial applications with a simplified 5G solution, is being trialed by BT (which includes the EE network) and Vodafone.

BT, in collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek, is testing RedCap as part of its commitment to IoT and connected applications. This trial includes a partnership with Nokia’s AirScale Radio Access Network, showcasing how RedCap 5G can deliver efficient, lower-cost 5G solutions tailored for IoT and devices requiring less bandwidth than standard 5G but more than LTE​.

Similarly, Vodafone has partnered with Ericsson and Qualcomm in European RedCap trials, aiming to implement this technology in connected devices across various sectors. RedCap enables Vodafone to support industries needing reliable connectivity with lower power consumption and reduced device complexity, crucial for IoT and industrial operations​.

Both networks’ trials suggest 5G RedCap may soon become commercially available in the UK, targeting industries and sectors where IoT is essential.

Teltonika have already announced the launch of their Redcap 5G Routers – the RUT271 and RUT976 in readiness for the rollout of this exciting new 5G Technology.

Can't find an answer to your question about Fixed IP SIM Cards?

If you do not find your answer here then drop us an email, fill in our contact us form or give us a call on 0113 824 1481 and speak to our knowledgeable SIM sales team.