Sim card Lock

[Patrick McHenry]

Hi,

I'm wondering if the sim card in a 4G module needs to be locked to be used in a ISR router and what is the reason for locking it anyway - so, if somebody goes into the router ands takes the sim card, they can't use it for anything else?

Thanks, Pat.

[Ivan Shirshin]

Hi Patrick,

What do you mean by locking - if the guide's definition, then lock means physically pushing the 4g module inside the slot:

"To lock the cover, slide it away from the faceplate in the direction of the lock arrow"

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/ic/hardware/installation/guide/EHWIC-4G-LTEHW.html#wp1147248

If you mean locked with specific carrier, you can choose that:

"The SIM cards must be obtained from a supported wireless carrier, and they must be associated with an appropriate rate plan."

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/modules/ps5949/ps11540/qa_c67-641302.html

Kind Regards,
Ivan Shirshin

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[Patrick McHenry]

Ivan,

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/software/feature/guide/EHWIC-4G-LTESW.html#wp1199429

SIM Lock Feature

The EHWIC-4G-LTE-V needs an active Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) provided by your service provider. The SIM cards are generally given out as unlocked (can be used without a PIN) versus locked (requires PIN configuration). Cisco IOS has a SIM Lock feature that allows you to lock and unlock a SIM and to set or change the PIN code. This feature ensures that the SIM is only used in an authorized device (in this case, a Cisco ISR G2). The SIM lock and unlock procedures are carried out using Cisco IOS CLI via console or Telnet/SSH to the ISR.

Thnaks, Pat.

[Ivan Shirshin]

Hi Patrick,

Also here:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/software/feature/guide/EHWIC-4G-LTESW.html#wp1203651

1. Both locked and unlocked could be used:

The  SIM can be in two states—locked or unlocked. If the SIM is unlocked, it  can be inserted into an EHWIC and used without an authorization code.

The SIM can be initially locked with a four- to eight-digit PIN code defined by the ISR administrator.

2. If  the locked SIM is moved to a different ISR or to another device, or if  the EHWIC in which the locked SIM resides is moved to a different EHWIC  slot in the same ISR, the ISR configuration needs to be changed.

An  authentication command (with the same PIN used to lock the SIM) must be  defined on the new device or on the new cellular controller slot to  successfully initiate the LTE connection.

Kind Regards,
Ivan Shirshin

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[Patrick McHenry]

I guess what I am trying to understand is if it is truly needed for the config and from what you've posted it doesn't seem to matter but, what is the purpose of locking? Is it for the reason I stated above?

Thank you, Pat.

[Ivan Shirshin · Accepted solution]

Hi Pat,

Your understanding is correct - it is not required but can be done specifically for the purpose you mentioned - to ensure that the SIM card will not be used in any unauthorized device (e.g. if stolen).

It is described in this guide:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/access/interfaces/ic/hardware/installation/guide/EHWIC-4G-LTEHW.html#wp1147248

Kind Regards,
Ivan Shirshin