Satellite connectivity based on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications to create a non-terrestrial network (NTN) ecosystem, enabling connectivity between terrestrial systems and satellite systems on the same mobile platform. NTN enables a smooth transition between cellular and satellite connectivity for IoT devices needing constant cellular connectivity.
5G is the fifth-generation 95G) wireless technology, which offers low latency and high speed connectivity reducing the time for messages to travel over the network and increasing reliability. It offers new features for IoT including increased bandwidth, supporting many more devices for massive IoT deployments which benefits Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) deployments with much longer battery life.
Cellular IoT is a means of connecting physical devices, often with sensors, to the internet. Cellular IoT enables the transmission of data packets over the air using a wireless spectrum to mobile network towers. The cellular towers provide broad coverage, allowing devices on the move or in remote areas to stay connected using LPWAN through NB-IoT or LTE-M networks. IoT devices include asset-tracking applications, smart meters, smart wearables, healthcare monitoring, security systems, and many other devices to the internet via 4G, 5G, and LTE Cat. 0, LTE Cat M, 4G LTE, LTE Advanced and 5G.
A Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) centralizes control of eSIM connectivity, managing networks, profiles, and devices from one unified interface.
Consumer eSIM provisioning, known as the GSMA SGP.22 standard, remotely activates the embedded SIM (eSIM) in a consumer smartphone, laptop, tablet, or wearable, allowing it to connect to a mobile network or service provider without needing a physical SIM card. The eSIM, a SIM card already embedded in a device, can be activated and managed remotely by a mobile network carrier or service provider. By activating the eSIM remotely, users can quickly activate a mobile plan without physically visiting a store or waiting for a SIM card to be shipped to them.
eDRX enables developers to customize their device's idle mode in more detail than in continuous reception. For instance, eDRX allows a more precise definition of the intervals at which the device enters receive mode to maintain outside connectivity. This feature is like fine-tuning for energy conservation, ensuring that the device stays accessible for longer periods without entering power-saving mode.
The eIM is a standardized eSIM provisioning tool for large-scale deployment and management of eSIM‑enabled IoT devices. It manages the communication with Connectivity Management Platform or Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus (SM-DP+), to manages operator profiles remotely.
This term is used within the GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning standard to describe the manufacturer of an eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards) or embedded SIM. The eUICCs are sold to device manufacturers and mobile network operators (MNOs). EUMs are responsible for creating specifications and designs for eUICCs, which involve defining the hardware, software, and security features. They also manufacture the physical eUICC cards that include the embedded SIM functionality. Ensuring the security of eUICCs is crucial, so EUMs implement security measures such as encryption, authentication and secure storage.
A form factor defines the size, shape, and mounting style of a SIM, eUICC, or eSIM. Learn about common types like 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2, and iSIM, and why form factor matters for device design and connectivity.
SGP.32 facilatets the integration of "Consumer" eSIM profiles from any operator by through their existing SM-DP+. There is no need for user interaction as a resut of the implementation of the Local Profile Assistant (LPA) as an "IPA" (IoT Profile Assistant) – either as "IPAd" (device-based) or "IPAe" (embedded as an application within the eSIM). Also included is the eIM (eSIM IoT Remote Manager). The eIM is a standardized eSIM provisioning tool that simplifies the deployment and management of eSIM IoT devices at a scale. The eIM can be configured at the eUICC manufacturing and (IPA) allows more convenient local profile switching.
IFPP allows OEMs to securely pre-configure devices before shipping with one or more profiles. These profiles provide out-of-the-box connectivity based on geographic location.IFPP serves as an alternative to solely relying on in-field provisioning, especially for applications using Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWAN) technologies, such as NB-IoT, which are utilized in devices with limited battery life. The production lines of connected cellular devices can be dynamically updated with multiple profiles, streamlining fulfillment and enabling scalability.
In the context of eSIM, eUICC, and IoT ecosystems, interoperability ensures that devices, connectivity providers, and management platforms can interoperate across standards like GSMA RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning), enabling flexible, scalable connectivity.
IoT SAFE is an interoperable, GSMA standard that uses the SIM as a miniature crypto-safe inside the device to securely establish a datagram transport layer security (D)TLS session with a corresponding application cloud or server. It provides a common application program interface (API) for the SIM to be used as a root of trust by IoT devices to ensure data is transmitted securely to and from approved devices only.
The Local Profile Assistant (LPA) is built into eSIM-enabled devices to manage downloading, installing, and activating mobile profiles securely. It bridges users, eUICCs, and mobile networks for seamless eSIM connectivity.
LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) is a low-power LTE technology for IoT devices, offering long battery life, wide coverage, and reliable connectivity.
Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology facilitates direct communication between devices, resulting in an interconnected network of objects. This network enables seamless data sharing and collaboration, bolstering productivity, efficiency, and convenience across diverse industries.M2M devices utilize cellular connectivity due to the reliability and extensive coverage provided by cellular networks. This form of connectivity enables seamless communication over large geographical expanses.
Multi-IMSI (Multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identities)
Multi-IMSI is a unique set of digits that forms an important part of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) profile that lets Mobile Network Operators authenticate their subscribers for access to roaming agreement.Multi-IMSI enables the management of multiple subscriber profiles, enabling devices to effortlessly roam across different regions by dynamically selecting appropriate local carrier profiles.
NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) is a low-power cellular technology for IoT devices, offering long battery life, deep coverage, and cost efficiency.
IoT devices in the field use IMSI to connect to a network as part of the identification process to gain access. The network authentication relies on the IMSI and Ki values, which are shared between the SIM card and the network. During authentication, the network creates a random value for each session. The SIM card encrypts this value using a secret key Ki using the A3 algorithm as defined by the GSMA.
Applying a set of software data to an eUICC that enables it to function and makes it unique. This can include an operating system, applications, profiles and security configurations.
A combination of data and applications that enables access to a cellular network and influences some aspects of the device behavior on the cellular network.
Power Saving Mode (PSM) enables idle IoT devices to enter a low-power state, conserving a significant amount of energy during periods of inactivity when no data is being transmitted. This precise management of power consumption is crucial for reducing energy costs, easing cellular network congestion, and prolonging the operational lifespan of low-power devices. PSM is particularly well-suited to NB-IoT and LTE-M low power wide area network technologies.
Remote SIM provisioning (RSP) in IoT is made possible by eUICC technology, which is part of the eSIM standard. RSP enables the remote management of SIM profiles stored on eUICC-capable SIM cards.
SAS-SM (Subscription Management) is part of the GSMA’s Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) specifically for entities involved in subscription management i.e. the platforms and services that generate, deliver, and manage operator profiles for eUICC / eSIM under Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP).
SAS-UP is the GSMA’s Security Accreditation Scheme for UICC / eUICC production. It mandates that UICC / eUICC (embedded SIM) manufacturers submit their production facilities, operational processes, and supply chain controls to rigorous security audits.
The Secure Enclave stands as a certified security stronghold nestled within a System-On-Chip design. It encompasses robust hardware and low-level software, forming an impenetrable defense against both hardware and software attacks. Within its secure confines, the Secure Enclave can adeptly accommodate Kigen SIM or eSIM OS and applications and their sensitive cryptographic data. This remarkable feature is also recognized as an integrated Tamper Resistant Element (iTRE).
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a secure element that stores the critical security data, network credentials, and identifiers required for a device to authenticate and connect to a mobile network. Traditionally, a SIM is a removable smart card inserted into a mobile device that contains a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) operating system and a single mobile network operator profile.
SIM OTA (SIM Over-the-Air) refers to the secure remote communication process used to update, configure, or manage data on a SIM, eSIM, or eUICC after it has been deployed in the field.
SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) is a core server-side component within the GSMA M2M (Machine-to-Machine) Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) architecture. It is responsible for securely storing, preparing, and encrypting operator profiles before they are downloaded and installed onto an eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) in IoT or M2M devices.
SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus)
The central server-side platform of the consumer remote SIM provisioning architecture that securely stores profiles, makes them available for and negotiates their secure download to the target eUICC via the device LPA.
The universally available platform within the consumer remote SIM provisioning architecture that may be used to inform an eUICC that a profile has been made available for download and on which SM-DP+.
The server-side platform of the M2M remote SIM provisioning architecture that acts on behalf of the eSIM owner. The SM-SR enables remote management of the eSIM and its profiles, if permitted by the profile owner.
A System on Chip (SoC) is a single microchip that integrates all the essential electronic components and circuits required to operate an entire system or device. Rather than relying on multiple separate chips, an SoC combines the processor, memory, input/output interfaces, power management, and communication modules
Subscriber and Network Data refers to the essential information stored within a SIM, eSIM, or eUICC that enables a mobile device to identify itself, authenticate securely, and connect to a mobile network.
A silicon enclave within a Tamper Resistant Chip (TRC) or a System on Chip (SoC) that supports the security and tamper resistance requirements for a Primary Platform.
A Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) is a physical smart card used in mobile devices to securely store a subscriber’s identity and enable network access.
eSIM is a sealed chip soldered directly to the printed circuit board (PCB) within the device. This form factor is known as MFF2 (machine-to-machine form factor). eSIM technology combines hardware, a secure element and a software package known as a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) into a single silicon chip. This allows network access profiles to be downloaded, enabled, and securely managed by the SIM card. eSIMs are utilized in various IoT devices based on their specific use case and can be provisioned remotely over the air.
iSIM is built into a dedicated Tamper Resistant Element (TRE) on the System on Chip (SoC) and provide all the same functionality as an embedded SIM (eSIM). Unlike MFF2 embedded SIMs, which must be soldered onto the circuit board, iSIMs are a dedicated chip component. The iSIM is incredibly small, measuring just 1mm by 1mm, much smaller than the MFF2 and standard SIM card form factors.