IoT Glossary 2026

3G Sunset

3G sunset is when carriers switch off older cellular networks so that the radio spectrum can be used for faster, more reliable 4G and 5G services. 

For IoT businesses, that means any device that only works on 2G or 3G will stop connecting unless it’s upgraded, replaced, or moved to another network, which can affect billing, monitoring, safety alerts and customer service.

5G

5G is the next-generation mobile network that delivers much faster speeds, lower delay, and greater capacity than 4G, enabling more reliable, real-time connections for IoT devices. 

For IoT businesses, 5G means better remote monitoring, quicker data uploads, and the ability to connect many more sensors and machines at once.

Learn more. 

Access Point (AP)

An access point is hardware or software that lets devices connect to a network, for example a Wi-Fi hub, a vehicle hotspot, or a cellular gateway. 

For IoT businesses, an access point is what links sensors, cameras, chargers and terminals to the internet so they can send data, receive commands, or process payments.

Access Point Name (APN)

An APN is the network “gateway” a cellular device uses to reach the internet or a private service. 

For IoT businesses, an APN controls how devices connect, what networks they can reach, and which security or routing rules apply, helping keep device data private and organized.

Application Programming Interface (API)

An IoT API is a simple, standard way for connected devices and cloud services to exchange data and commands. 

For IoT businesses, APIs let your devices send telemetry, receive instructions, and plug into billing, analytics or dashboard software without custom wiring.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the data-carrying capacity of a network connection (how much information it can move per second). 

For IoT businesses, bandwidth determines how quickly and how often devices can send data, from tiny meter reads to high-definition video, so pick capacity that matches each device’s needs.

Bootstrap SIM Profile (Bootstrap Profile)

A bootstrap profile is a pre-loaded eSIM profile installed at the factory that gives a device its first secure connection to a cellular network. 

For IoT businesses, it simplifies provisioning, devices automatically connect out of the box so they can download setup instructions, register with your platform, and switch to their permanent profile later.

Cat-M1

Cat-M1 (or LTE-M) is a cellular network technology, designed for IoT devices that need to send small to medium amounts of data efficiently across long distances while using low power.

For IoT businesses, Cat-M1 provides reliable, cost-effective connectivity for smart devices that don’t need high-speed data, making it ideal for applications like sensors, meters, and trackers operating over wide areas. 

Learn more. 

Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)

CPE is on-site equipment like routers or gateways that connect devices to a network and enable internet access.

For IoT businesses, CPE acts as the local bridge between connected devices and the cloud, ensuring smooth data transmission, remote monitoring, and reliable network performance. It’s essential for keeping IoT systems, like sensors, cameras, and charging stations, securely online and communicating efficiently.

Data plan

IoT data plans provide cellular connectivity for smart devices and are designed specifically for business use, offering reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient data connections for large fleets of IoT devices.

For IoT businesses, IoT data plans ensure consistent, secure communication between connected devices, like sensors, cameras, and meters, across multiple locations.

Data pool

An IoT data pool is a shared bundle of cellular data that a business can allocate across multiple devices, helping manage usage efficiently and avoid paying for unused data.

For IoT businesses, a data pool makes it easy to connect mixed devices, like EV chargers, security cameras, or sensors, without worrying about each device’s individual data usage.

Device certification

IoT device certification verifies that a device meets network, security, and compatibility standards so it can safely and reliably connect to cellular networks.

For IoT businesses, certification ensures devices like sensors, meters, and trackers work seamlessly with carriers and maintain secure connections without unexpected downtime.

Edge router

An edge router is a device that links a private network to the internet, managing data traffic securely and efficiently at the point where the network meets the outside world.

For IoT businesses, edge routers help devices like sensors, meters, and gateways stay connected, manage data traffic, and maintain secure communication without overloading the network.

UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card)

UICC is a smart card in mobile devices that securely stores subscriber information, like the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and cryptographic keys for authentication on cellular networks. It is the evolution of the SIM card, used in 2G through 5G networks to identify and authenticate users, and may also be referred to as a SIM, USIM, RUIM, or CSIM

eUICC (eSIM enabled UICC)

eUICC is eSIM enabled UICC. This is the hardware component that stores the credentials. The eUICC can be any form factor from Plugin 2FF (Mini), 3FF (Micro) or 4FF (Nano) to embedded variants MFF2, MFF4, BGA (Ball Grid Array), WLSCP (Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging)

For IoT businesses, eUICC simplifies global deployment by letting a single SIM type work across multiple countries and networks, reducing operational complexity and costs.

eSIM (electronic SIM)

eSIM is the Network Profile of a Mobile Network Operator that can reside or be downloaded Over-The-Air to an eUICC. The eSIM can follow various specifications from legacy SGP.02 to Consumer SGP.22 or IoT version SGP.32.

For IoT businesses, eSIMs simplify device deployment and management by letting devices connect to cellular networks anywhere, and switch carriers remotely without physical access.

Learn more.

Learn more.

Frequency Division Duplex (FDD)

FDD is a communication method where the uplink and downlink use separate frequency bands, allowing devices to send and receive data at the same time.

For IoT businesses, FDD ensures reliable, continuous connectivity for devices that need constant two-way communication, like sensors, trackers, and smart meters.

Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)

The ICCID is a unique 19- or 20-digit number that identifies each SIM card worldwide, helping carriers and businesses track and manage their devices.

For IoT businesses, ICCID numbers make it easy to organize, activate, and monitor SIM-enabled devices across different locations and applications.

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)

An IMEI is a 14-digit number that uniquely identifies a cellular-enabled device, helping carriers and businesses track and manage devices on the network.

For IoT businesses, IMEIs make it easy to monitor, activate, and secure devices across multiple locations and applications.

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)

An IMSI is a 15-digit number that identifies a mobile subscriber, showing their country, network, and unique device identity.

For IoT businesses, IMSIs help track devices on cellular networks, ensuring proper connectivity, billing, and network management.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a network of physical devices equipped with sensors and connectivity that allows them to collect, send, and receive data.

For IoT businesses, it enables smart devices to communicate and share information automatically, helping improve operations, monitoring, and decision-making.

IoT cloud

IoT cloud platforms are complete online systems that let IoT devices send, process, and store data securely and efficiently.

For IoT businesses, cloud platforms enable real-time monitoring, analytics, and management of connected devices without needing on-site servers.

IoT connectivity

IoT connectivity is the network link that allows devices in an IoT ecosystem to communicate and exchange data using technologies like cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RFID.

For IoT businesses, strong connectivity ensures devices stay reliably connected for monitoring, control, and data-driven insights.

IoT Dashboard

An IoT dashboard is a web-based portal that provides a single view of all your devices and SIMs, offering real-time insights and management tools.

For IoT businesses, dashboards make it easy to monitor device status, usage, and connectivity in one place, simplifying operations and decision-making.

IoT Platform

An IoT platform is a cloud-based software service that helps businesses manage, monitor, and gain insights from a fleet of connected devices.

For IoT businesses, it simplifies device management by tracking connectivity, location, usage, and billing, all from one central interface.

Learn more.

Latency

Latency measures the time it takes for data to travel from a device to the network and back, with lower latency meaning faster responses.

For IoT businesses, understanding latency helps ensure devices communicate quickly and efficiently, which is critical for real-time applications.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN connects devices within a limited area like a home, office, or factory, allowing them to share data and resources quickly.

For IoT businesses, using a LAN helps devices communicate efficiently on-site, which is essential for real-time monitoring and control.

Long Range (LoRa)

LoRa is a wireless communication technology designed to send small amounts of data over long distances with minimal power.

For IoT businesses, LoRa allows devices to stay connected even in remote areas without draining batteries quickly.

Long Range Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN)

LoRaWAN is a low-power, wide-area networking protocol that lets IoT devices send small amounts of data over long distances.

For IoT businesses, LoRaWAN enables devices to communicate reliably across cities, farms, or industrial sites without using much power.

Machine-to-Machine (M2M)

M2M SIM cards (or IoT SIM cards) are small hardware components inserted or embedded in devices that enable them to connect to cellular networks and send or receive data.

For IoT businesses, M2M SIM cards make it possible for devices to stay connected remotely, ensuring seamless communication and reliable data transfer.

Learn more.

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)

MEC is a type of computing that processes data near the device or source, instead of sending it to a distant central server.

For IoT businesses, MEC helps devices respond faster and reduces network congestion by handling data locally.

Multi-IMSI

Multi-IMSI technology allows a single SIM card to hold multiple IMSIs (International Mobile Subscriber Identities) and switch between them to connect to the best available network.

For IoT businesses, Multi-IMSI ensures devices stay connected globally without manual SIM changes or network interruptions.

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT / Cat-NB1)

Narrowband IoT is a cellular network technology designed for low-power IoT devices that need long battery life and reliable connectivity.

For IoT businesses, NB-IoT enables devices to send small amounts of data over long distances while using minimal energy.

Learn more.

Native connection

A native connection allows IoT devices to connect directly to the mobile network operator (MNO) that owns the network, instead of relying on roaming through another provider.

For IoT businesses, native connections deliver faster, more reliable data transfer at lower costs.

Network redundancy

Network redundancy provides backup connectivity by overlapping multiple cellular networks, ensuring IoT devices stay online if the main network fails or coverage is lost.

For IoT businesses, network redundancy keeps devices reliably connected, preventing downtime and data loss.

Over-The-Air (OTA)

OTA allows IoT devices to be configured, updated, or managed remotely using a wireless connection, without needing physical access.

For IoT businesses, OTA makes it easy to maintain and upgrade devices quickly, saving time and reducing operational costs.

Packet Data Network (PDN)

A PDN is an external network, like the Internet or a company’s internal network, that IoT devices connect to through the mobile core network.

For IoT businesses, PDNs allow devices to securely send and receive data over the Internet or enterprise systems.

Point of Presence (PoP)

A PoP is a location where two or more networks or devices connect, serving as a local access point for data and online communications.

For IoT businesses, PoPs help devices link to networks quickly and reliably, ensuring smooth data transfer.

Quality of Service (QoS)

QoS is the measurement and management of network performance, including speed, reliability, and data delivery consistency.

For IoT businesses, QoS ensures devices communicate efficiently, with minimal delays or data loss.

Radio Access Network (RAN)

The RAN is the part of a mobile network that connects devices to the core network and manages how data travels over the wireless radio signal.

For IoT businesses, a RAN ensures devices maintain a stable and fast connection to send and receive data efficiently.

Radio Access Technology (RAT)

A RAT is the type of cellular connection a device uses, like LTE (4G) or UMTS (3G), and a single device can support multiple RATs.

For IoT businesses, RAT ensures devices can connect to the best available network for reliable data transfer.

Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP)

A RSP system manages which networks a SIM card can connect to and can activate or switch profiles on multi-profile SIMs so devices stay connected.

For IoT businesses, RSP ensures devices always have the right network access for reliable and seamless connectivity.

Learn more.

Roaming connection

A roaming connection allows IoT devices to access cellular data from multiple mobile networks instead of relying on a single provider.

For IoT businesses, roaming connections ensure devices stay connected across regions and maintain consistent performance even outside their main network.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

An SLA is a contract that sets clear performance expectations for network connectivity, uptime, and support.

For IoT businesses, an SLA ensures devices stay reliable and connected, with agreed standards for performance and response times.

SIM card form factors (1FF, 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2)

A form factor is the standard size and type of SIM card used in IoT devices, ranging from Mini, Micro, Nano, to Embedded SIMs (eSIMs).

For IoT businesses, choosing the right form factor ensures devices fit properly and connect reliably to cellular networks.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

A SIM is a smart card or eSIM that securely identifies and authenticates a device on a mobile network.

For IoT businesses, SIMs ensure your devices can connect to cellular networks to send and receive data.

Learn more. 

Throughput

Throughput is the amount of data a network can transmit or receive at a given time.

For IoT businesses, throughput ensures your devices can quickly send and receive the information they need for smooth operations.

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

TLS is a protocol that encrypts data while it travels across networks to keep it safe from interception.

For IoT businesses, TLS ensures that your devices can securely send and receive sensitive information without risk of hacking.

Type Allocation Code (TAC)

The TAC is the first eight digits of a device’s IMEI, identifying its manufacturer and model.

For IoT businesses, TAC helps track and manage different devices on the network based on their model and origin.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a secure, encrypted connection that protects data transmitted between devices and networks.

For IoT businesses, VPNs ensure that sensitive data from connected devices stays safe from hackers and unauthorized access.