Your quick reference for essential cellular IoT terms and definitions.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing how we live and work. IoT is transforming numerous industries, from smart homes that automate daily tasks to industrial sensors improving manufacturing efficiency.
According to a report by TechJury, the number of IoT devices worldwide will exceed 75 billion by 2025. As the IoT landscape expands, you should familiarize yourself with the terminology. This glossary provides clear, concise definitions of 25 key cellular IoT terms.
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The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to connect and exchange data.
SIM cards play a crucial role in IoT by providing the necessary connectivity for these devices to communicate and exchange data over cellular networks. They allow IoT devices to connect to the internet anywhere there's cellular coverage, making them essential for applications that require mobility or are located in remote areas.
IoT is transforming industries such as energy, infrastructure services, medicine, aviation, and government agencies by connecting billions of devices to the internet and creating a vast data-sharing and communication network. With its unique features, such as connectivity, sensor technology, machine learning, scale, and interoperability, IoT technology empowers businesses to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences.
By leveraging the power of IoT, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities, improve safety and security, and create a better future for all. However, as with any emerging technology, IoT comes with its own set of acronyms and jargon, which can confuse those new to the field.
We've compiled an IoT glossary to help you understand and engage with IoT. In this section, we'll define 25 essential IoT terms (arranged alphabetically) that every tech enthusiast, developer, or curious individual should know.
We’ve also included an example use case for each term to provide additional context. Note that the use cases are not exhaustive, and there can be many different applications across—or even within—industries.
Active steering refers to controlling a SIM card's network preferences. It allows device owners to specify desired networks for connection and those to avoid.
Use case: In a scenario where a device travels internationally, active steering allows the device owner to specify which local networks the device should connect to, optimizing for cost or performance.
The core network is the backbone of a telecom system. It consists of high-functioning communication facilities that connect primary nodes. Users typically connect to the core network via sub-networks.
Use case: When you make a call or send a text, your data travels through the core network of your service provider before reaching the recipient, even if they're on a different sub-network or carrier.
In the context of IoT, a data aggregator is a device or software that processes data from multiple sensors and provides a more meaningful output.
Use case: A smart home hub that collects data from various sensors (like temperature, humidity, or security sensors) and provides a unified view on a single platform is an example of a data aggregator.
Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to where it’s needed to improve response times and save bandwidth.
Use case: In a smart factory, edge computing allows for real-time processing and data analysis from machinery on the shop floor, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
An eSIM is a SIM card integrated into a device's mainboard. It can be programmed to work with any carrier network, allowing cellular IoT devices to switch networks via software.
Use case: Smartwatches often use eSIMs to connect to cellular networks, allowing them to operate independently of a paired smartphone.
An eNB, or Evolved NodeB, is a component that manages radio network resources. It optimizes communication for devices connected to the LTE network.
Use case: In an LTE network, the eNB manages resources for connected devices, such as when your smartphone connects to a local cell tower.
The EPC, or Evolved Packet Core, is a key part of the LTE network infrastructure. It comprises Serving Gateways (SGWs), Packet Gateways (PGWs), Mobile Management Entities (MMEs), Home Subscriber Servers (HSS), and Policy and Charging Rules Function Servers (PCRF).
Use case: When you use data on your smartphone, the information passes through the EPC of your service provider's LTE network.
Failover connectivity refers to backup connections that maintain communication access if the primary connection fails. Common choices include 3G, 4G, and LTE cellular networks.
Use case: If a retail store's primary internet connection fails, failover connectivity can switch the Point of Sale (PoS) system to a 4G network to maintain operations.
The HSS database stores user identification numbers, addresses, and profile information. It also handles authentication and authorization processes, enabling secure access and connectivity for IoT devices within a network. It is essential for managing services, routing information, and controlling subscriber access in both 3G and 4G LTE networks.
Use case: When you connect to a new network, the HSS verifies your identity and profile information to authenticate your device.
The IIoT comprises devices and sensors that enable industrial automation, improve quality control, and reduce maintenance resource strain. It's one of the largest IoT device markets.
Use case: In a manufacturing plant, IIoT devices can monitor equipment health in real time, improving maintenance and reducing downtime.
Local breakout is a roaming cellular traffic handling method. Instead of tunneling back to the home network, traffic is managed by a local operator.
Use case: When you use data on your phone while traveling abroad, local breakout allows your data to be handled by a local operator, reducing costs and improving speed.
LPWAN is a wireless telecommunication wide-area network designed to allow long-range communications at a low bit rate among things (connected objects), such as sensors operated on a battery.
Use case: LPWAN is used in smart city applications, such as monitoring the fill level of public trash cans to optimize waste collection routes.
M2M refers to direct communication between devices using any communications channel, including wired and wireless.
Use case: In a vending machine, M2M communication allows the machine to automatically notify the distributor when stock is low.
A MIP protocol allows mobile devices to keep a permanent IP address when switching networks.
Use case: When you use your laptop at a coffee shop, then move to a library, your device maintains a consistent IP address through MIP.
An MME manages end-user connections to an LTE network. It handles user authentication, access requests, and security key information management.
Use case: When your smartphone connects to an LTE network, the MME manages your connection, including authentication and access requests.
Multi-IMSI refers to a SIM card's ability to store multiple IMSI profiles. This feature enables seamless switching between operator networks.
Use case: Like a tracking device, a global IoT device uses Multi-IMSI to switch between operator networks as it moves between countries.
NB-IoT is a Low Power Wide-Area Network radio technology standard developed to enable a wide range of devices and services to be connected using cellular telecommunications bands.
Use case: NB-IoT is used in applications like smart meters, which send small amounts of data over long distances and have long battery lives.
A PGW provides access to external packet data networks. It functions as an IP router and supports mobile-specific signaling protocols and tunneling.
Use case: When you browse the internet on your phone, your data passes through a PGW to reach the external data network.
Passive steering directs a SIM card to attach to wireless networks based on a priority list.
Use case: In a scenario where a device doesn't have a preferred network, passive steering directs the device to connect to networks based on a pre-set priority list.
The PCRF server provides quality of service settings information for each user session.
Use case: When you stream a video on your phone, the PCRF server ensures your data session has the necessary quality of service.
Private LTE is a network designed for specific enterprise, government, or education operations. It can be optimized for particular applications and equipment.
Use case: A large factory might use a private LTE network to connect its machinery and devices, optimizing it for specific needs.
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.
Use case: When you use your phone in a city, it connects to the internet through a RAN, which provides cellular connectivity within that area.
A roaming operator is a carrier with its own network and roaming agreements with other carriers. These agreements allow customers to connect to other networks outside the home network's coverage area or if the home network fails.
Use case: When you travel abroad, a roaming operator allows your phone to connect to the local network so you can continue to use your phone as usual.
An SGW manages user data packets and functions as an IP router.
Use case: When you use mobile data, the SGW manages your data packets, routing them through the network.
UE refers to the device an end-user connects to an LTE network. Common examples include phones, cellular-capable tablets, and LTE-compliant USB dongles.
Use case: When you use a smartphone or a cellular-capable tablet to browse the internet, make calls, or send texts, these devices are considered user equipment.
The world of cellular IoT is filled with acronyms and technical terms. However, understanding the key terms we’ve covered in this post will help you grasp the core concepts and principles of cellular IoT. The IoT landscape is vast and rapidly evolving, and staying informed is crucial to leveraging its full potential.
A quality SIM card is a key component of any IoT device that relies on cellular connectivity. It's not just about maintaining a consistent connection to the internet, it's about enabling seamless communication between devices, facilitating data exchange, and ultimately, driving the functionality of the IoT system. With a reliable SIM card, your IoT devices can operate efficiently and effectively anywhere there is cellular coverage.
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What are the most important IoT keywords? Core IoT terms include sensors and actuators, edge computing, firmware over the air updates, digital twin models, and interoperability standards. You will also see MQTT, latency, bandwidth, device provisioning, identity, and zero trust used in planning and deployment.
What are the four types of IoT? Most frameworks group IoT into consumer, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure segments. Each focuses on different use cases, from wearables and retail to factory automation and smart cities.
What are the four key components of an IoT system? Every IoT stack includes devices or sensors, connectivity, data processing at the edge or in the cloud, and a user interface or application. These pieces work together to capture signals, move data securely, extract insight, and present actions to people or systems.
What are the 5 Cs of IoT and why do they matter? Connectivity, continuity, compliance, coexistence, and cybersecurity set the foundation for reliable and safe deployments. Many teams add customer experience as a practical sixth C to ensure the solution is usable and valuable.
Which communication protocols and channels do IoT devices use? Common choices include MQTT, CoAP, and HTTP over transports like Wi-Fi, cellular, LoRaWAN, and BLE. For device-to-human alerts that require images or longer text, understanding SMS vs. MMS helps teams choose the right channel constraints and costs.
How do IoT devices send images or rich media in alerts? When photos, diagrams, or QR codes must accompany an alert, MMS messaging carries media that SMS cannot. Devices can also send a link to cloud-hosted media when bandwidth or policy constraints apply.
What is the best way to notify multiple teams from a single IoT event? If recipients need to see and coordinate on each other’s replies, group messaging fits, while broadcast suits one-to-many notices without cross-replies. For planning human workflows, compare reply behavior and privacy needs with the options in MMS group or broadcast messaging.
