Built-in versus inserted eSIM comparison

Cellular routers are evolving in how they manage SIM technology. Digi offers two distinct approaches to eSIM support:

Note See eSIM-capable Digi devices and their specifications to see if your device uses the plastic card eSIM accessory (dg-esim-a) or has a built-in eSIM.

Feature Routers using plastic eSIM cards Routers with embedded eSIM chips

Physical SIM slot

 Required Not required
Installation Insert a card Built into device
Remote provisioning Yes Yes
Reliability Good, but depends on the SIM tray Excellent - no moving parts
Swap carrier profiles Can swap card OR download profiles Download profiles only

Best for

Hybrid/transition users

MCPs managing routers for their customers

Large or remote deployments

MCPs managing routers for their customers

Routers using plastic card eSIM accessory

Routers with embedded eSIM chips
These routers use a removable, physical eSIM card, similar to a traditional SIM, but with eSIM technology built in. These routers contain a built-in, soldered eSIM chip (eUICC) inside the device.

How it works

  • The carrier provides a physical eSIM card containing an eUICC chip.

  • The card is inserted into the SIM slot like a normal SIM.

  • Even though it's a physical card, it still supports remote provisioning, downloading eSIM profilesand switching carriers through software.

How it works

  • The eSIM chip is permanently part of the device hardware.

  • Carriers provide a downloadable carrier profile, which the router installs over the air.

  • No physical SIM card is involved.

  • The eSIM shares an interface with the SIM 2 slot. See SIM interfaces and built-in eSIM behavior to see valid SIM usage combinations.

Benefits

  • Easy to replace: If a customer wants to switch carriers, they can physically swap the eSIM card.

  • Familiar form factor: Works with existing SIM trays and installation processes.

  • Still remotely programmable: Supports eSIM profile downloads through SM-DP+ servers.

Benefits

  • No SIM handling: No cards to insert, remove, lose, or damage.

  • Stronger reliability: No mechanical failure points like SIM trays.

  • Fully remote provisioning: Ideal for large IoT fleets or hard-to-reach installations.

  • Multiple carriers stored: The device can hold several digital profiles and switch instantly.

  • Tamper-resistant: More secure than removable SIMs.

Ideal scenarios

  • Ideal for environments where technicians already manage physical SIMs

  • Customers transitioning from traditional SIMs to eSIM technology

  • Legacy systems where a physical slot is required.

Ideal scenarios

  • Large-scale IoT deployments

  • Devices installed in remote or sealed locations

  • Rugged environments with vibration, dust, or moisture

  • Long-term deployments requiring carrier flexibility