Partner Knowledge Base
IoT Glossary
| Term | Definitions |
|---|---|
| API (Application Programming Interface) | A set of protocols, tools, and definitions that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. |
| Asset tracking | Asset tracking involves monitoring the location, status, and movement of physical assets such as vehicles, equipment, containers, and packages in real-time or near-real-time to monitor and manage them efficiently. |
| Big Data | Large volumes of information, collected from a high number of devices and delivered at extremely rapid speed. This information is raw data that is used by analysts to devise better-informed strategies for businesses and other organizations. |
| Cloud Computing | The delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (“the cloud”). |
| Edge Computing | Processing data near the source of generation, rather than relying on a centralized data processing facility, to reduce latency and bandwidth usage. |
| eSIM (Embedded SIM) | Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are embedded directly into the device’s hardware during manufacturing. They can be remotely provisioned with subscription profiles, allowing for easier device management and flexibility to switch between different mobile networks without physically changing the SIM card. |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | The network of physical objects (“things”) embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. |
| LTE (Long-Term Evolution) | LTE is a standard for wireless broadband communication and is commonly known as 4G LTE. It offers high-speed data transmission for mobile devices and other connected systems. |
| LTE-M | LTE-M is another variant of LTE designed for IoT applications, offering better coverage and penetration compared to traditional LTE networks. It supports voice, data, and SMS services with lower power consumption and cost-effective deployments. |
| LoRa | LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication technology that enables long-range, low-power communication between IoT devices and gateways. |
| LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a communication protocol built on top of LoRa technology, providing a standardized way for IoT devices to communicate with network gateways and application servers. |
| LPWAN | LPWANs are a class of low-power wide-area networks. There are many different LPWAN networks being used today, but the most commonly-used standards include LoRaWAN, LTE-M & NB-IoT |
| Machine-to-Machine (M2M) | Direct communication between devices using wired or wireless connections, without human intervention. |
| M2M SIM (Machine-to-Machine SIM) | M2M SIM cards are specifically designed for machine-to-machine communication, such as IoT devices. They often offer features tailored to the needs of IoT deployments, such as lower power consumption, extended lifespan, and support for remote management. |
| Multi-Network SIMs | Multi-network IoT SIMs enable devices to roam across multiple carrier networks, both domestically and internationally, without requiring separate SIM cards for each network. This capability ensures reliable connectivity and coverage in various locations. |
| NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) | NB-IoT is specifically designed for low-power, wide-area IoT deployments that require long battery life and deep indoor penetration. It operates in licensed spectrum bands and supports a large number of devices per cell. NB-IoT is ideal for applications such as smart cities, smart utilities, and asset tracking. |
| NFC (Near Field Communication) | A set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, typically a mobile device and a tag, to establish communication by bringing them within close proximity. |
| OTA eSIM (Over the Air eSIM Provisioning) | OTA technology enables the remote management and provisioning of eSIM profiles over-the-air. It allows for dynamic allocation of eSIM profiles to devices, simplifying the process of activating and managing large fleets of IoT devices. |
| Predictive Maintenance | The use of data and analytics to predict when equipment failure is likely to occur so that maintenance can be performed just in time. |
| Radio Access Network (RAN) | A RAN is a radio antenna system that provides cellular connectivity within a specific area. It’s typically used to connect cellular devices to a core network. |
| Security | Measures and protocols implemented to protect IoT devices and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks. |
| Sensor | A device that detects or measures physical properties, such as temperature, pressure, motion, light, or sound, and converts it into digital signals. |
| Smart Device | Any electronic device capable of connecting to other devices or networks and interacting with them intelligently. |
| Traditional SIM | This is the standard SIM card used in most mobile devices. It securely stores the subscriber’s identity and information necessary to authenticate and connect to a mobile network. |