The cellular connectivity and IoT industry are in constant evolution. The same can be said about the many complicated terms and concepts used in the field, sometimes making it hard to keep track of all the changes.
Therefore, we have created a jargon-busting glossary to explain terms used with eSIMs, remote SIM provisioning, and the IoT industry in general.
Click on the topic of interest and you will be taken to the right section of the page:
1oT’s eSIM product with multiple pre-negotiated eSIM profiles to streamline global IoT deployments.
The initial network profile provided with the eSIM, which allows it to connect globally. The bootstrap profile provides transport capability for eUICC management and profile management between the eUICC and an SM–SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing).
Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) providing the cellular services.
A set of data (for example, SMSC address) required by the eUICC to open a communication channel (for example, SMS, HTTPS) on a dedicated network.
is a framework for consumer devices like smartphones, often using QR codes to trigger a profile download.
Defines the roaming footprint and available networks.
Changing the roaming footprint from the same carrier.
The state of a profile where all files and applications are not selectable over the eUICC (eSIM) – terminal interface.
Carrier profile downloaded onto the eUICC but not active.
eUICC identifier used in the context of remote provisioning and management of eUICC.
eUICC information set that provides information about the state of the eUICC.
Company producing the eUICCs, including operation system and firmware.
A certificate issued to GSMA accredited EUM (eUICC Manufacturer), which can be used to verify eUICC Certificates. This certificate can be verified using the Root Certificate (a public key certificate identifying a root certificate authority).
The state of a profile when its files and/or applications are selectable over the eUICC (eSIM) – terminal interface.
Currently active carrier on the eUICC.
An eSIM feature that activates a fallback profile when the currently activated profile cannot connect to a network anymore.
An attribute of a profile that identifies another profile enabled by the fall–back mechanism. There can only be one fall-back profile set on eUICC at a time. The profile with fall–back attribute set can't be deleted.
A secure version of HTTP, used for encrypted communication over the Internet, ensuring secure data transfer between the eSIM and the SM-SR.
is a new standard for IoT devices that combines the previous two standards (M2M and consumer eSIM) to address M2M eSIM’s shortcomings.
describes the architecture and profile download flow for machine-to-machine devices that are controlled from a central platform.
A method of remotely managing and updating SIM cards and eSIMs without needing physical access to the device.
A profile containing one or more NAAs (Network Access Applications), associated NACs (Network Access Credentials), network operator's applications, and 3rd party applications.
A virtual profile from a carrier that defines the network settings and credentials needed to connect. When enabled, a profile allows access to specific mobile network infrastructure.
An element of a profile that may be one of the following:
A platform that securely prepares and delivers eSIM profiles to devices.
A server responsible for the secure routing and management of eSIM profiles.
Historical log of all eSIM transactions in the eSIM Detail View.
Detailed view of a specific eSIM card in 1oT Terminal.
A virtual profile from a carrier that defines the network settings and credentials needed to connect.
A SIM card with eSIM support, allowing over-the-air activation of cellular subscriptions.
A certificate issued by the EUM (eUICC manufacturer) for a specific eUICC (eSIM). This certificate can be verified using the EUM Certificate.
The gateway between a mobile network and another network, typically the public Internet.
A protocol used to send data between a SIM card and a mobile network independently of the bearer (e.g., SMS or GPRS).
A protocol used to transport data between the SIM card and network applications, often used in conjunction with the BIP.
A file containing information about recent system usage. Some examples include identities of sources (points of origin), identities of destinations (endpoints), duration of each call or data session, amount billed for each call or data session, the total data usage in the billing period, and the running total charged during the billing period. The format of the CDR varies among different providers or software programs.
A database from a mobile network, where all mobile subscribers' information is stored. An HLR contains information about a subscriber's identity, telephone number, associated services, and general information about a subscriber's location.
A unique number assigned to a SIM card.
A unique number, usually consisting of fifteen digits. The number is associated with a carrier profile to identify a cellular network subscriber.
An MCC is used in combination with an MNC (Mobile Network Code; a combination known as an "MCC/MNC tuple") to uniquely identify a mobile network operator (carrier) using the available mobile networks.
A unique two-or three-digit number used to identify a home mobile network.
The security domain part of the Profile. It's owned by the MNO, providing the Secured Channel to the MNO's OTA (over-the-air) Platform. It is used to manage the content of a Profile once the Profile is enabled.
A telephone number assigned to a mobile user. This telephone number makes it possible for any subscriber of the plain old telephone network to call a mobile station.
Any wireless communications system used by terrestrial subscribers in vehicles or on foot. The system can stand alone but is often interconnected with a fixed system, such as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The most common example of a PLMN end user is a person with a cell phone.
Using cellular service outside of the home network coverage area. A user will be allowed to use a roaming partner's network.
Steering of roaming, or "preferred roaming," is a process where a mobile operator decides which partner their subscribers will use while roaming.
a protocol for enabling SMS sending and receiving.
A network element in the mobile connectivity network. Its purpose is to store, forward, convert and deliver SMS (Short Message Service) messages.
An entity (associated with one or more users) that is engaged in a subscription with a telecommunication service provider. A subscriber can subscribe and unsubscribe to services, register a user or a list of users authorized to use those services, and set the limits relative to the use that associated users make on those services.
A commercial relationship between the subscriber and the telecommunication service provider.
A GSM (Global System for Mobile) communication technology that is used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network. Applications may include prepaid roaming or mobile chatting.
The second generation of GSM (Global System for Mobile) cellular technology. 2G improved the network performance by adding the cellular radio spectrum, which would help solve the coverage issues and drops in signal due to urban obstacles. Implementing 2G was the turning point in moving from analog transmission methods to digital by adding digital encryption and paving the way for cellular data usage. Nowadays, 2G is considered a legacy network and is being shut down worldwide.
To read more about the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, visit our blog.
The third generation of GSM (Global System for Mobile) cellular technology. It offers substantially improved data transfer rates over its predecessor, 2G. Later releases of 3.5G and 3.75G provided mobile broadband access of Mbit/s. That introduced wireless voice telephony internet access through mobile appliances and video calls to the industry. Like 2G, 3G is considered a legacy network and is being shut down worldwide.
To read more about the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks, visit our blog.
The fourth generation of GSM (Global System for Mobile) cellular technology. It's currently considered the best cellular network around the world. The users get speeds up to 100 Mbit/s and introduced video streaming to the cellular connectivity field. 4G is also referred to as LTE.
To find out what cellular network is the best option for your IoT project, visit our blog.
The fifth generation of GSM (Global System for Mobile) cellular technology. It introduces an amazing peak download speed at 20 Gbit/s, up to 1 million devices connected per one square kilometre, and covers connections and speeds when driving up to 500 km/h. While the technology is being implemented in more and more areas around the world, it's important to know that it's still relatively new and has a lot to improve in the upcoming years.
To read more about 5G technology and how it works with IoT, visit our blog.
A wireless wide area network technology that interconnects low–bandwidth, battery-powered devices with low bit rates over long ranges. The most well-known LPWAN technologies include LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things).
Read more about LPWAN and its use cases in our blog.
A type of 3G cellular network that meets 4G network’s speed requirements, but lacks the core network features of it (for example, LTE doesn’t meet the criteria of a Wireless 4G service). The terms 4G and 4G LTE are used interchangeably, but it’s important to keep in mind that they’re not the same.
A LPWAN (low-power wide-area network) technology in licensed frequency, designed for IoT (Internet of Things) usage. It's often compared to another LPWAN technology NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), but the two have relatively different use cases.
Read more about LTE-M, NB-IoT, and which one to choose for your IoT project here in our blog.
The LoRa Alliance is an open, non–profit organization dedicated to promoting interoperability and standardization of LPWAN (low–power wide area network) technologies to drive implementation of IoT (Internet of Things).
A LPWAN (low-power wide-area network) technology that uses a license-free frequency spectrum.
LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology in licensed frequency. Designed for ultra-low bandwidth IoT devices, the lowest power consumption of cellular connectivity solutions.
To read more about NB-IoT and its use cases, read our blog post on comparing NB-IoT and LTE-M.
2FF (Mini SIM), 3FF (Micro SIM) and 4FF (Nano SIM) are physical SIM form factors currently in widespread use. These SIMs are widely accessible, easy to operate with, and supported by hardware components.
To read more about SIM form factors and see which one would work best for your use case, visit our blog.
A set of functions and procedures that allow the creation of applications. These applications have access to the features or data of an operating system, application, or other services.
Embedded SIM is another way to refer to an MFF2 SIM form factor, a SIM that's soldered straight into the device. Despite many articles referring to embedded SIM as eSIM, it's not correct.
A framework that allows the remote management and provisioning of eSIM profiles on IoT devices.
An integrated circuit card that stores the network authentication parameters.
A platform built to provision (e)SIMs. It has a set of functions related to changing SIM statuses, usage reports, and the ability to enable/disable and manage carrier profiles (on eSIM).
outbound SMS.
inbound SMS.
A standard of the GSM system that enables the SIM to initiate actions that can be used for various value-added services. SIM Application Toolkit (SAT) commands that need to be supported by the device:
Generally referred to as SIM card, a UICC is a smart card used in mobile terminals in GSM (Global System for Mobile) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks.
Miniaturized SIM card integrated with the device’s processor core, using the encryption of SoC (System on a Chip), on a cellular module. With iSIM, physical chip SIMs in the form of 4FF, 3FF, 2FF, MFF2, are not needed anymore.
To read more about iSIM, visit our blog.
A short-range wireless band commonly used in wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee.
A project that develops and maintains technical specifications for mobile telecommunications.
Physical objects (or groups of objects) that have been embedded with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that collect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communication networks.
The term refers to direct communication between devices using any communications channel, including wired and wireless. It can include industrial instrumentation, enabling a sensor or meter to send the information it records to application software.
Wireless communications services provider that owns or controls all the elements necessary to sell and deliver services to an end-user, like Radio Access Network infrastructure. MNO examples include AT&T, Telia, Orange, etc.
Wireless communications services provider that doesn't own the infrastructure themselves but rents it from an MNO. Even though MVNO uses MNO's infrastructure, they may use their services (e.g. customer and billing support systems).
A manufacturer that produces goods for other companies to sell under their name.
A GSMA program that ensures secure and standardized processes for managing eSIMs and related services.
A segment that primarily consists of devices connected by unlicensed radio technologies within a range of up to 100 meters, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.
A segment made up of devices using cellular connections or unlicensed low-power technologies like Sigfox and LoRa (Long Range Alliance).
