Resources
IOT Glossary
Our IoT Glossary is designed to be your go-to resource for understanding the complex terminology that defines this dynamic field. Whether you’re exploring the intricacies of 5G, learning about the importance of APIs, or delving into the specifics of IoT connectivity, this glossary provides clear and concise definitions to help you navigate the IoT landscape with confidence. Dive in and discover the essential concepts that are shaping the future of connected devices and smart technologies.
3G Sunset
As 4G technologies reach maturity and 5G deployments rapidly expand, mobile network operators are increasingly moving away from reliance on 2G and 3G technologies, not just for data services but also for voice communication. This shift creates an opportunity to reallocate radio spectrum previously used for 2G and 3G to support the more advanced 4G and 5G networks.
The gradual discontinuation of these older 2G and 3G technologies is commonly referred to as their "sunset."
3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
3GPP is a consortium of mobile telecommunications organisations dedicated to developing standards. It focuses on creating and maintaining specifications for core network functionalities, service capabilities, and radio access technologies.
5G
First introduced in 2016, 5G, or fifth-generation broadband cellular network technology began deployment in 2019. It is designed to serve as the global successor to the 4G network. For a network to qualify as 5G under 3GPP standards, it must support a new radio access technology (RAT) known as 5G NR ("New Radio"). 5G NR employs OFDM for modulation but provides significantly greater total bandwidth compared to 4G (LTE). Additionally, a 5G base station (tower) may optionally support millimetre wave frequencies, referred to as 5G FR2 ("Frequency Range 2"), which allow for shorter-range, high-throughput data transmission.
Application Programming Interface (API)
AnAPI is a tool that software developers use to collect and transfer data between applications or computers. APIs allow developers to interact programmatically with software components, both within their own code and externally.
Access Point Name (APN)
An APN allows a connection to the internet through a cellular network. It can also help separate traffic from other networks and defines the set of connectivity rules a device has as well as certain security measures. All cellular connected devices use either a public or private APN of some kind.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection within a specific time frame. In IoT, bandwidth requirements vary depending on the use case.
Cat- M1
Cat-M1, also known as LTE-M, is a radio access technology specifically designed for IoT projects. It facilitates the transfer of low to medium amounts of data over a wide geographic area.
Data Plan
IoT data plans provide cellular data access for devices. Unlike consumer mobile plans, they are uniquely tailored to specific use cases and business requirements. Effective data plans consider factors such as the number of devices, potential fluctuations in data usage, the location of the fleet, and any additional tools or features included.
Data Pool
An IoT data pool enables businesses to purchase a set amount of data for a group of devices, rather than paying for each device individually. This approach is often used when some devices consume a significant amount of data while others use very little.
Device Certification
IoT device certification ensures that all devices operating on a cellular network comply with security and interoperability standards. The specific certifications required depend on the deployment location and the carriers being accessed.
Edge Router
An edge router is a device that links an internal network to the internet. It is used at the boundary of your network, where your private network connects to the public network.
Embedded SIM (eSIM)
The eSIM is a SIM card that is soldered directly onto a device's board. It serves as the hardware component enabling cellular connectivity, while the eUICC is the software component or operating system that facilitates over-the-air updates.
Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC)
eUICC is the software component that enables over-the-air (OTA) updates to SIM cards. eUICC-enabled global IoT SIM cards allow teams to use a single type of SIM card while deploying devices to various locations worldwide. These SIM cards are available in multiple form factors.
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) refers to the radio access network used in 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) mobile communications. It is an upgraded version of the earlier UTRAN (used for 3G networks) and is responsible for connecting mobile devices to the core network. E-UTRAN facilitates faster data transmission, lower latency, and more efficient communication, enabling high-speed internet, voice, and multimedia services. It primarily includes eNodeBs (evolved Node Bs), which are base stations that manage radio connections between devices and the network.
Integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID)
The ICCID is a globally unique serial number, consisting of 19 or 20 digits, that uniquely identifies a SIM card.
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
An IMEI is a 15-digit number that acts as a unique identifier for cellular devices.
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
An IMSI is a 15-digit number that identifies a subscriber's country of origin, mobile service network, and specific device.
Internet Security Protocol (IPSec)
IPSec is a set of protocols used between two points on an IP network to provide data authentication, integrity, encryption, decryption, and confidentiality.
IoT Cloud
IoT cloud platforms are comprehensive services that offer the infrastructure for transmitting, processing, and storing data from IoT devices.
IoT Connectivity
IoT connectivity connects all the components of an IoT ecosystem, enabling devices to send and receive data. Common types of IoT connectivity include cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, RFID, and others.
IoT Platform
An IoT platform is a Software as a Service (SaaS) product that manages a fleet of connected devices. While features can vary between platforms, they typically include insights into device connectivity and location, along with the ability to manage devices and access connectivity billing information.
Latency
Latency measures the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. Low latency indicates that data is transferred quickly between the device, network, and the intended destination.
Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN)
LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks) are network technologies designed to consume minimal power while enabling long-range communication. Examples include NB-IoT and Cat-M1, among others.
LTE-M
LTE-M is a radio access technology specifically designed for IoT applications, enabling the transfer of low to medium amounts of data over a wide geographic area. It is also referred to as Cat-M1.
Machine-to-Machine (M2M SIMs)
M2M SIM cards, also known as IoT SIM cards, are hardware components embedded in or inserted into devices to enable connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data over cellular networks.
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for IoT applications. It is well-suited for sending messages to control outputs or to read sensor data.
Multi- Access Edge Computing (MEC)
MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing) is a type of computing that processes data closer to its source, rather than relying on a central data centre.
Multi-IMSI
Multi-IMSI technology allows multiple IMSIs (International Mobile Subscriber Identities) to be stored on a single SIM card. The SIM cycles through different profiles until it identifies an available network.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)
An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) is a connectivity provider that has negotiated agreements with multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) to access and use their networks.
Native Connection
A native connection allows devices to access cellular data directly from the MNO (Mobile Network Operator) that owns the infrastructure, rather than through a roaming connection. Native connections generally offer better performance at a lower cost compared to roaming profiles.
NB- IoT
NB-IoT is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology that operates on licensed spectrum and is designed for IoT devices with low-bandwidth requirements.
Network Redundancy
Network redundancy refers to the overlap of cellular coverage to ensure that an IoT device remains connected if it moves outside the original coverage area or if the primary network experiences a disruption.
OV ONE
OV ONE is your all-in-one Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) for deploying and managing your cellular IoT connectivity deployments. As the IoT MNO of choice, our bespoke platform gives our partners the power to leverage our dedicated IoT agreements across the globe and simplify their estate with ONE provider.
OV ONE's user-friendly design and simple API handle make the deployment and management of SIMs effortless. OV ONE puts you in control, making IoT easy.
PTCRB
PTCRB is a standardised framework for device certification that ensures compliance with 3GPP network standards.
Point of Presence (PoP)
A PoP (Point of Presence) is a location where two or more networks or devices share a connection. PoPs are local access points that facilitate online communication and form the foundation of how we connect to the internet.
Radio Access Network (RAN)
The RAN (Radio Access Network) is responsible for connecting devices to the core network and implementing a RAT (Radio Access Technology). For example, UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) implements UMTS, while E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) implements LTE.
Radio Access Technology (RAT)
A RAT (Radio Access Technology) is the physical layer of a radio (cellular) connection, such as UMTS (3G) or LTE. A single device may support multiple access technologies, and a RAN (Radio Access Network) is responsible for implementing a RAT.
Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP)
RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) ensures that the SIM is properly recorded in the databases that determine whether it has the necessary permissions to connect to a specific network or carrier. In addition to the initial SIM registration, provisioning may also involve enabling the correct profile on a multi-profile SIM or activating profiles on the SIM to ensure they are ready to connect to the cellular network.
Roaming Connection
IoT roaming agreements enable devices to access cellular data across multiple networks, rather than relying on a single network. Roaming connections often offer broader coverage and increased redundancy compared to native connections.
SIM Card Form Factors
A form factor refers to the standardised size and specification of a SIM card. For IoT applications, form factors include Mini SIM (2FF), Micro SIM (3FF), Nano SIM (4FF), and Embedded SIM (MFF2).
Short Messaging Service (SMS)
SMS (Short Message Service) is a method of exchanging brief text messages. In IoT, SMS is commonly used to send commands, configure settings, and control devices.
Throughput
Throughput is the measure of the amount of data that can be downloaded or uploaded through a network at any given moment.
Type Allocation Code
The first eight digits of an IMEI make up the TAC (Type Allocation Code), which identifies the manufacturer and model of a specific device. All devices from the same manufacturer will share the same TAC.
UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN)
UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) refers to the radio access network used in 3G mobile communications. It connects mobile devices to the core network and implements the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) technology, enabling voice, data, and multimedia services over cellular networks. UTRAN handles functions such as managing radio resources, providing coverage, and ensuring device connectivity.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between data centres and their connected devices, ensuring secure data transmission.