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IoT & Connectivity Glossary
Discover essential terms in IoT, eSIM, M2M, and smart connectivity. Our glossary helps you quickly understand key concepts shaping the future of connected technology.
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CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access) – A wireless communication technology that allows multiple signals to share the same channel by using unique codes.
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Narrowband IoT
(NB-IoT) – A low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) standard designed for IoT devices requiring small data transfers and long battery life.
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Application Programming Interface
(API) – A set of rules and tools that allows software applications to communicate and share data.
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Access Point Name
(APN) – A gateway between a mobile network and the internet, defining how devices connect to data services.
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Virtual Private Network
(VPN) – A secure, encrypted connection that protects data when transmitted over public networks.
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Cat-M1
(LTE-M) – A low-power cellular technology optimized for IoT devices, offering longer battery life and broad coverage.
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Data Pool
A shared bundle of mobile data that can be distributed across multiple devices or SIMs in a network.
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Embedded SIM
(eSIM) – A digital SIM built into a device, enabling remote SIM provisioning without the need for a physical card.
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Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card
(eUICC) – A programmable SIM card that supports multiple profiles, enabling flexible connectivity.
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Integrated Circuit Card ID
(ICCID) – A unique number that identifies a SIM card internationally.
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International Mobile Equipment Identity
(IMEI) – A unique identifier assigned to every mobile device, used to track and verify hardware.
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International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI) – A unique number stored on a SIM that identifies a mobile network subscriber.
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Internet Security Protocol
(IPSec) – A protocol suite that secures IP communications by authenticating and encrypting data packets.
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Low-Power Wide Area Network
A wireless network designed for long-range communication and low energy consumption in IoT devices.
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Message Queuing Telemetry Transport
(MQTT) – A lightweight messaging protocol widely used in IoT for efficient device-to-device communication.
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Multi-Access Edge Computing
(MEC) – A network architecture that brings cloud computing closer to end users for lower latency and faster services.
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Mobile Virtual Network Operator
(MVNO) – A company that provides mobile services by leasing network access from traditional carriers (MNOs).
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PTCRB
A certification body that ensures wireless devices meet North American cellular network standards.
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Point of Presence
(PoP) – A physical location where internet service providers connect users to the internet or other networks.
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Radio Access Network
(RAN) – The infrastructure that connects devices to the core mobile network via radio signals.
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Radio Access Technology (RAT)
The type of wireless communication technology used to connect devices to a mobile network, such as LTE, 5G, or NB-IoT.
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Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP)
The process of remotely activating, updating, or switching SIM profiles on eSIM-enabled IoT devices without needing to replace the SIM card physically.
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Type Allocation Code (TAC)
A unique identifier assigned to each mobile device model, forming the first eight digits of its IMEI number to indicate manufacturer and device type.
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M2M (Machine to Machine)
Direct communication between connected devices over a network, enabling automated data exchange without human involvement.
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OTA (Over The Air)
The wireless method of updating, configuring, and managing IoT devices or SIM cards remotely through a cellular network.
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SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)
A small chip that authenticates and connects a device to a mobile network, enabling secure data and voice communication.
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IP (Internet Protocol)
The standard set of rules for sending and receiving data across networks, allowing IoT devices to communicate over the internet.
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GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
A mobile data service that provides basic internet connectivity over 2G and 3G networks for IoT and M2M devices.
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SMS (Short Message Service)
A text-based communication protocol used by IoT devices for sending alerts, commands, or small data packets.
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TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
The foundational communication framework that governs how data is packaged, transmitted, and received across the internet and private networks.
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5G (Fifth Generation Network)
The latest generation of mobile network technology that offers faster data speeds, lower latency, and higher device capacity. 5G enables real-time communication for IoT devices, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and advanced industrial applications, delivering more reliable and efficient global connectivity.
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6G (Sixth Generation Network)
The future evolution of mobile connectivity expected to deliver ultra-high speeds, near-zero latency, and advanced AI-driven networking. 6G will support next-level IoT applications such as holographic communication, autonomous systems, and hyper-connected smart cities.
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MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)
A lightweight messaging protocol designed for IoT devices that need efficient, low-bandwidth communication. MQTT is widely used for sending sensor data, remote commands, and real-time updates across distributed IoT systems.
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Z-Wave
A low-power wireless communication protocol used primarily for smart home and building automation. Z-Wave enables secure, energy-efficient device connectivity for sensors, locks, lights, and other IoT systems.
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DDS (Data Distribution Service)
A middleware protocol that enables real-time, scalable, and high-performance data exchange between distributed IoT devices. DDS is commonly used in mission-critical environments like robotics, healthcare, defense, and industrial automation.
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TLS (Transport Layer Security)
A cryptographic protocol that secures data transfer between IoT devices and servers by encrypting communications and preventing unauthorized access. TLS is essential for protecting sensitive IoT traffic over public networks.
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