Is there a way I can use eSIM with Mikrotik?

RouterOS Wireless Networking
41

I’d be curious if you get this work. I’ve seen similar commands on the Telit under “AT#ESIMxxx”, but never tried them since this whole eSIM topic is complex stuff where EVERYTHING has to align module/carrier/DP-SM/eSIM/AT/Mikrotik/etc/etc/etc… for it work.

Found a Quectel “eSIM PowerPoint” which a LOT more clues, at least for Quectels –
https://forums.quectel.com/uploads/short-url/aCFNp1v9fRZtWU9mucGbJy3N0rq.pdf

But the AT+QESIM aren’t in any Quectel AT reference, which makes even trying them pretty hard. Although I’d imagine you START with
AT+QESIM=“lpa_enable”,1
AT+QESIM=“add_profile”,something…
then more on the ones for the eSIM data from decoded from the QR code…

Based on the “Quectel eSIM PowerPoint”, seem you’d want to use a real SIM card to get internet to the modem first. But even that may not work, since the “LTE data session” is going to the Mikrotik – so maybe more AT command to have the modem module itself open any data connection to the SM-DP. Anyway, an AT manual with the AT+QESIM documented is what’s missing to event START trying anything.

Basically I’m not sure you can guess the right AT command from a PowerPoint. If you have the docs/AT manual for your specific module, then you might stand a better chance here.

What what I found interesting in the eSIM PowerPoint linked, was this diagram:

So, seemingly, eSIM/eUICC support is in Quectel’s MBIM implementation. Which is what I was getting at when I said:

If Mikrotik’s MBIM support INCLUDED the eSIM parts, then any modem with MBIM (with the eSIM part of MBIM spec supported too) could work. This would be preferable to a module/carrier/eSIM specific “AT magic-spell”.

Now curious if someone CAN make the “eSIM AT method” work – if eSIM is “just a few” /interface/lte/at-chat on even one 5G LTE module – that would be pretty nifty.

42

Another solution for those that need to regularly swap SIM cards could come from esim.me :slight_smile:

esim.me it’s classic SIM card that has embedded space for up to 15 eSIM profiles :slight_smile:

At the moment managing/activating the SIM cards is done via an app on a mobile phone,
but maybe they (esim.me) will be open to help with AT commands on how to manged this process from CLI …
and save people climbing up the roof and trying to fiddle with the SIM cards there :wink:

Only downside of eSIM is that it needs “Internet” connection in order to load/unload the profile from eSIM module …
and it’s pain in the back when it does not unload correctly as this means going to MNO/MVNO and requesting new eSIM profile :frowning:

Interesting articles about an eSIM

4 ways to activate eSIM-capable consumer IoT devices (2022)
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/mobile/connectivity/esim/consumer-esim-device-activation-modes

-eSIM simplified: a guide to consumer eSIM-ready device activation | Blog series (1/3)
https://dis-blog.thalesgroup.com/mobile/2018/07/02/how-to-activate-an-esim-ready-consumer-iot-device/

-eSIM simplified: a guide to consumer eSIM-ready IoT device activation via QR codes | Blog series (2/3)
https://dis-blog.thalesgroup.com/mobile/2018/07/03/esim-simplified-guide-consumer-iot-ready-device-activation-qr-code-explained/

-eSIM simplified: a quick guide to consumer eSIM-ready IoT device activation | Default SM-DP+ address & Root Discovery Service | Blog series (3/3)
https://dis-blog.thalesgroup.com/mobile/2018/07/04/default-sm-dp-address-based-activation-root-discovery-service-esim-subscription/

43

FWIW: I got HP Elitebook with Intel XMM 7360 LTE-A modem. It has a SIM card which seems to be eSIM data holder. I have activated T-Mobile data plan on it using Windows and this eSIM is working fine after moving it to my fresh Mikrotik SXT LTE6.

44

Again, that is just using the name eSIM (which used to mean “embedded SIM”) for something else.

45

.
same situation here … new employer hardware arrived ( a while ago ) … which is a DOA in terms of usability and a trample on … … ( jeez … ) common sense
.
while the lte-modem is quite the piece https://www.dell.com/de-de/shop/intel-xmm-7360-lte-advanced/apd/555-bfko/wlan-und-netzwerke
.
so my question … could you check if the device ( Intel 7360 LTE-A ) is running in MBIM- or in serial-mode in your SXT ?? … maybe some config-snippets ?
.
https://www.amazon.de/3-0-Adapter-Dual-SIM-Kartensteckplatz-Dual-Lüfter-High-Gain-Antenne-Hilfsstromversorgung/dp/B0CQ587PJM/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_1/257-4498446-7281625?pd_rd_w=rHmTV&content-id=amzn1.sym.3c81483b-6678-478b-bd4a-9a0aedeab67e&pf_rd_p=3c81483b-6678-478b-bd4a-9a0aedeab67e&pf_rd_r=GVMQHN43049F9HTNNFXN&pd_rd_wg=LxMZf&pd_rd_r=4502a62a-f4ce-4ea7-b3c3-545bb933163b&pd_rd_i=B0CQ587PJM&psc=1
.
… which would coarsely justify the purchase of the afore-mentioned hardware ( since my 7360 is a M.2-card ) … and then could be a spangling part on my RB5009 : )
.
thanks in advance

46

https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B098BLTBN7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3U4Z6J8CRTUVM&psc=1
.
looks … kinda … adventurously … in terms of construction … … and even in price ¯_(ツ)_/¯
.
but we’re exactly here for that … so … no excuses : )

47

Thanks, we’ve successfully tested that eSIM/SIM with a Chateau 5G ax.

It would be very suitable to have a native support of the eSIM in Mikrotik devices :slight_smile:

48

Can you configure the eSIM via the Chateau? Or do you need to set it up using an Android phone first?

49

did you use AT-QESIM commands or mikrotik native support → interface/lte/esim/
The native support doesn’t work for me, the logs show slot #0 state: esim without profile (although there are two profiles)
I can list and switch profiles via AT commands however I can’t add new profiles via AT command, it seems like quectel firm doesnt fully support it.

50

I love people who don’t write what commands they used to switch profiles and view. Let’s all do this