Smooth Connectivity Logo blue green
Get a Sample Pack
Smooth Connectivity Logo blue green
IoT Glossary

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.

  • CDMA

    (Code Division Multiple Access) – A wireless communication technology that allows multiple signals to share the same channel by using unique codes.

  • Narrowband IoT

    (NB-IoT) – A low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) standard designed for IoT devices requiring small data transfers and long battery life.

  • Application Programming Interface

    (API) – A set of rules and tools that allows software applications to communicate and share data.

  • Access Point Name

    (APN) – A gateway between a mobile network and the internet, defining how devices connect to data services.

  • Virtual Private Network

    (VPN) – A secure, encrypted connection that protects data when transmitted over public networks.

  • Cat-M1

    (LTE-M) – A low-power cellular technology optimized for IoT devices, offering longer battery life and broad coverage.

  • Data Pool

    A shared bundle of mobile data that can be distributed across multiple devices or SIMs in a network.

  • Embedded SIM

    (eSIM) – A digital SIM built into a device, enabling remote SIM provisioning without the need for a physical card.

  • Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card

    (eUICC) – A programmable SIM card that supports multiple profiles, enabling flexible connectivity.

  • Integrated Circuit Card ID

    (ICCID) – A unique number that identifies a SIM card internationally.

  • International Mobile Equipment Identity

    (IMEI) – A unique identifier assigned to every mobile device, used to track and verify hardware.

  • International Mobile Subscriber Identity

    (IMSI) – A unique number stored on a SIM that identifies a mobile network subscriber.

  • Internet Security Protocol

    (IPSec) – A protocol suite that secures IP communications by authenticating and encrypting data packets.

  • Low-Power Wide Area Network

    A wireless network designed for long-range communication and low energy consumption in IoT devices.

  • Message Queuing Telemetry Transport

    (MQTT) – A lightweight messaging protocol widely used in IoT for efficient device-to-device communication.

  • Multi-Access Edge Computing

    (MEC) – A network architecture that brings cloud computing closer to end users for lower latency and faster services.

  • Mobile Virtual Network Operator

    (MVNO) – A company that provides mobile services by leasing network access from traditional carriers (MNOs).

  • PTCRB

    A certification body that ensures wireless devices meet North American cellular network standards.

  • Point of Presence

    (PoP) – A physical location where internet service providers connect users to the internet or other networks.

  • Radio Access Network

    (RAN) – The infrastructure that connects devices to the core mobile network via radio signals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • M2M (Machine to Machine)

    Direct communication between connected devices over a network, enabling automated data exchange without human involvement.

  • OTA (Over The Air)

    The wireless method of updating, configuring, and managing IoT devices or SIM cards remotely through a cellular network.

  • SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)

    A small chip that authenticates and connects a device to a mobile network, enabling secure data and voice communication.

  • IP (Internet Protocol)

    The standard set of rules for sending and receiving data across networks, allowing IoT devices to communicate over the internet.

  • GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

    A mobile data service that provides basic internet connectivity over 2G and 3G networks for IoT and M2M devices.

  • SMS (Short Message Service)

    A text-based communication protocol used by IoT devices for sending alerts, commands, or small data packets.

  • 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.

  • 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.

IoT Connectivity Powered by the Networks you Trust

Providing the best coverage for your IoT devices. Wherever they need it across 370 networks in 185 countries. 

Multiple network carriers for m2M SIM Cards.

Need help? Call our award-winning support team on 0330 056 3040

Supercharged IoT connectivity, designed with security and resilience at its core.

Reach Out

Solutions

Industries