IoT Glossary

eUICC is the SIM operating system that enables secure remote provisioning and management of multiple carrier profiles. Learn how eUICC works, key benefits for IoT deployments, and how it supports OTA profile updates across SIM form factors.

An IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that identifies cellular device hardware. Learn how IMEI numbers work, their role in network authentication and IoT device management, and how they differ from IMSI and ICCID identifiers.

Integrated SIM (iSIM) embeds SIM functionality directly into a device’s chipset, enabling secure, low-power connectivity for IoT. Learn how iSIM works, its benefits, and how it compares to eSIM and traditional SIM solutions.

A Multi-IMSI SIM stores multiple subscriber identities on one SIM, enabling automatic network switching for resilient global IoT connectivity. Learn how Multi-IMSI works, its benefits, and what to consider for scalable deployments.

Satellite IoT enables communication between IoT devices using satellite networks, extending connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial cellular networks are unavailable. With 3GPP Release 17, compatible devices can now support both cellular and satellite connectivity.

A Soft SIM is a software-based SIM that removes physical hardware by emulating SIM functions in a device processor. Learn how Soft SIM works, its advantages, limitations, and where it fits in IoT deployments.

A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a microchip that securely stores a subscriber’s International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and its associated authentication key, which together identify and authenticate a device on a mobile network. In the context of the Internet of Things (IoT), a SIM card allows cellular-connected devices to establish a secure connection with a mobile network operator.

An eSIM is a GSMA-defined global specification that enables Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) on mobile devices. While the term is commonly used to describe a SIM that is embedded into a device, the GSMA definition goes beyond form factor. It refers to any SIM system that supports remote provisioning using eUICC technology, whether the SIM is removable, embedded, or integrated.