FAQ – Thingstream
Q1 – Can I use any u-blox cellular product with Thingstream?
Yes, any device fitted with a Thingstream SIM can be used to connect to TS using MQTT-SN on the MQTT Anywhere service plan. Alternatively, users can use any data enabled SIM with an internet connection to connect to Thingstream using the Native MQTT client on the module
Q2 – What Radio Access Technology can be used with TS?
For MQTT anywhere, the service operates on top of 2G, 3G, LTE & LTE-M networks.
Q3 – Do I need a TS SIM or can I use any data-enabled SIM?
You can connect to Thingstream over the internet using any SIM with an internet connection and the native MQTT client on the Module.
The Thingstream SIM is exclusively for use with MQTT Anywhere plans in conjunction with the Thingstream SDK for communication with our MQTT broker
Devices fitted with a Thingstream SIM connect to Thingstream using MQTT-SN on the MQTT Anywhere service plan, and are inherently very secure due to having no external IP address.
Identification and authentication Is handled by SIM card which communicates inside core GSM operator networks (Not accessible to the public)
Q4 – How do I activate a TS SIM and add to my domain name?
You will have received a csv file containing the redemption codes that go with your SIMs. The ICCID number shown in this file relates to the number printed on the SIM itself. To add an individual SIM to your account, go to “Add Thing” from the things List in the management console, choose the option to redeem your thing and follow the wizard. If you want to add multiple SIMs at the same time, choose the option to redeem multiple things, and upload the CSV file that you were given.
Q5 – How do I get started with a TS Developer account?
First you need to register your domain via: – https://portal.thingstream.io/register
The Thingstream getting started guide will provide more information and everything users need to know about the Thingstream platform.
Q6 – How do I activate SIM to data plan?
Add new IP thing under ‘Things’
Under Thing details change status from allocated to ‘Activate’
Ensure that the Thingstream SIM is activated in the management console before you initiate a connection.
Q7 – How do I use the native client on SARA-R4 series to connect to TS portal?
Create an “IP Thing” from the “Add Thing” option in the Things list and use the client credentials provide in the credentials tab to configure your MQTT client.
Q8 – What are the advantages of using Thingstream over a generic MQTT broker?
In order to take full advantage of the security and low power advantages that Thingstream offers, you will need to use as Thingstream SIM and SDK
Q9 – How does Thingstream solution fit within the 3GPP licensed technology?
Thingstream supports 3GPP standards initially across 2G and 3G (3GPP specification 27.007) and more recently with LTE and LTE-M being supported by IP. Thingstream is a future proofed IoT Communication-as-a-Service offering.