The blog post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" laments the frustrating developer experience of integrating cellular modems into IoT projects. It criticizes the opaque and inconsistent AT command interfaces, the difficult debugging process due to limited visibility into modem operations, and the complex and often expensive cellular data plans offered by MNOs. The author highlights the lack of standardized, developer-friendly tools and documentation, which forces developers to wrestle with legacy technologies and proprietary solutions, ultimately slowing down IoT development and hindering innovation. They argue for a simplified and more accessible ecosystem that empowers developers to leverage cellular connectivity more effectively.
A new custom firmware for the PlayStation Portable, called PSP-CFW 6.61 PRO-C Infinity 2, allows the 20-year-old handheld console to connect to modern WPA2 Wi-Fi networks. Previously limited to the outdated WEP encryption, the PSP can now access most current Wi-Fi networks, opening up possibilities for online gaming and other internet-based features on original hardware. This update builds upon existing custom firmware, adding improved compatibility and stability while retaining previous functionality like ISO loading and plugin support.
Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about the WPA2 patch for the PSP, praising the developer for their dedication and skill in reverse-engineering the system. Several commenters reminisced about their experiences with the handheld console and discussed its unique place in gaming history. Some questioned the practical applications given the availability of faster internet on modern devices, while others pointed out the benefits for preservation and playing online games on original hardware. A few highlighted the technical challenges involved in the process, appreciating the developer's deep understanding of the PSP's architecture. The potential for further development, such as implementing WPA3 support, was also mentioned.
Network Address Translation (NAT) presents significant challenges for battery-powered IoT devices aiming for low power consumption. Because devices behind NAT can't be directly addressed from the outside, they must maintain persistent outbound connections to receive data, negating the power-saving benefits of sleep modes. Techniques like keep-alive messages or frequent polling to maintain these connections consume significant energy. This post advocates for solutions that bypass NAT, such as IPv6 with its vast address space enabling globally routable unique addresses for each device, or by employing intermediaries like a message broker positioned outside the NAT. These approaches allow devices to initiate communication only when necessary, drastically reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Several commenters on Hacker News discussed the challenges of NAT traversal for low-power devices, agreeing with the article's premise. Some suggested solutions like using a TURN server or a lightweight VPN, while others pointed out the benefits of IPv6 in eliminating the need for NAT entirely. One commenter highlighted the trade-offs between power consumption and complexity when implementing these workarounds, and another mentioned the difficulty of managing NAT keepalives with devices that sleep frequently. The issue of scaling these solutions for a large number of devices was also raised. Several users shared personal anecdotes of struggling with similar NAT issues. One commenter proposed a simpler approach involving a central server that all devices could communicate with, bypassing direct peer-to-peer communication and thus avoiding NAT complications altogether.
The article explores using a 9eSIM SIM card to enable eSIM functionality on devices with only physical SIM slots. The 9eSIM card acts as a bridge, allowing users to provision and switch between multiple eSIM profiles on their device through a companion app, effectively turning a physical SIM slot into an eSIM-capable one. The author details their experience setting up and using the 9eSIM with both Android and Linux, highlighting the benefits of managing multiple eSIM profiles without needing a physically dual-SIM device. While the process isn't entirely seamless, particularly on Linux, the 9eSIM offers a practical workaround for using eSIMs on older or incompatible hardware.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and security implications of using a 9eSIM to bridge the gap between eSIM-only services and devices with physical SIM slots. Some expressed concerns about the security of adding another layer into the communication chain, questioning the trustworthiness of the 9eSIM provider and the potential for vulnerabilities. Others were skeptical of the use case, pointing out that most devices support either physical SIM or eSIM, not both simultaneously, making the 9eSIM's functionality somewhat niche. The lack of open-source firmware for the 9eSIM also drew criticism, highlighting the difficulty in independently verifying its security. A few commenters saw potential in specific situations, such as using the 9eSIM as a backup or for managing multiple eSIM profiles on a single physical SIM device. Overall, the sentiment was cautiously curious, with many acknowledging the cleverness of the solution but remaining hesitant about its real-world security and usefulness.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43182854
Hacker News commenters largely echoed the author's frustrations with cellular modem integration. Several shared anecdotes of flaky connectivity, opaque documentation, and vendor lock-in issues, particularly with Quectel and SIMCom modems. Some pointed to the lack of proper abstraction layers as a core problem, hindering software portability. The difficulty in obtaining certifications for cellular devices was also highlighted, with some suggesting this complexity benefits larger established players while stifling smaller innovators. A few commenters suggested exploring alternatives like the Nordic Semiconductor nRF91 series or using a Raspberry Pi with a USB cellular dongle for simpler prototyping, while others called for more open-source initiatives in the cellular modem space. Several also discussed the challenges with varying cellular carrier regulations and certification processes internationally. The general sentiment was one of agreement with the article's premise, with many expressing hope for improved developer experience in the future.
The Hacker News post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters sharing their own experiences and perspectives on the challenges of working with cellular modems and mobile network operators (MNOs).
Several comments echoed the author's frustrations with the opaque and complex nature of cellular technology. One commenter lamented the difficulty in finding clear documentation and the lack of standardization across different modems and networks. This sentiment was reinforced by another who described the process of integrating cellular connectivity as a "nightmare," citing inconsistent APIs and the need for extensive trial and error.
The issue of vendor lock-in was also raised, with commenters expressing concerns about being tied to specific modem manufacturers and MNOs. This was particularly problematic for those working on IoT projects, where flexibility and interoperability are crucial.
A few comments offered alternative perspectives. One commenter suggested that the complexity of cellular technology is inherent due to the stringent requirements of reliability and security in a wireless environment. Another pointed out the significant improvements in cellular technology over the past few years, particularly with the advent of newer standards like LTE-M and NB-IoT, suggesting the author's experience might be specific to older technologies or particular vendors.
There was some discussion around the challenges of managing SIM cards and data plans for large deployments of IoT devices. Commenters mentioned difficulties with provisioning SIM cards, managing data usage, and dealing with varying roaming agreements across different countries.
Some practical suggestions were also offered. One commenter recommended using virtual SIMs (eSIMs) to simplify the process of managing connectivity for IoT devices. Another suggested working with specialized connectivity providers that offer a more streamlined and developer-friendly experience.
Finally, a few comments touched upon the broader issue of the telecommunications industry's structure and its impact on innovation. One commenter argued that the lack of competition among MNOs has stifled innovation and led to higher prices and poorer service for consumers.
While the comments largely agreed with the author's premise about the difficulties of working with modems and MNOs, they also provided a nuanced view, acknowledging the complexities of cellular technology and offering some practical solutions and alternative perspectives. The discussion highlighted the need for greater transparency, standardization, and developer-friendliness in the cellular connectivity space, especially as the demand for IoT devices continues to grow.