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Glossary

APN

Access Point Name

A gateway between a GSM, GPRS, 3G, or 4G mobile network and another computer network, usually the public Internet. The APN needs to be configured on the device. For emnify, it's em or emnify.

Application token

A unique identification key used to authenticate emnify's APIs. Also used when authenticating the OpenVPN service.

A2P SMS

Application-to-Peer SMS

The SMS sent and received between an application and a device (or vice versa).

Assigned SIM

SIM that has been assigned to a device.

AT+CREG AT command

Gives information about the registration status and access technology of the serving cell.

AuC

Authentication Center

A part of GSM infrastructure, validates any SIM card attempting network connection when a phone has a live network signal.

BIC

Batch Identification Code

A unique code for ordered SIM cards used to register the SIM cards in the SIM Inventory.

BS

Base station

A fixed transceiver that acts as the primary hub for communication with one or more wireless mobile devices. It serves as the central point for wireless devices to connect and communicate within its coverage area.

A satellite base station is a variant that extends this functionality through satellite links, enabling it to transmit and receive signals to and from orbiting satellites. Unlike standard base stations, these connect with satellite ground stations and other communication networks through the ground core network, providing service in remote areas where terrestrial connectivity is limited or unavailable.

Callback URL

URL that will be called by a service to send and receive data related to an event that caused this action.

Carrier-agnostic network

A network that doesn't limit or prefer any specific network in a country and establishes a connection over any network that's transparent to the device.

Check digit

A checksum appended to identification data (for example, IMEI, EID, or ICCID) representing the preceding digits and calculated using an algorithm.

Check digits are used to validate the identifier, verify data integrity, and help prevent errors in equipment databases.

tip

Several identifiers have a check digits but can be calculated differently and have different names. For example, ICCID numbers use a Luhn checksum digit, while the last digits of the EID are called check digits.

Connectivity status

This is the connectivity status of a device. It can be set to:

  • Online: Device is transmitting or can transmit data through a data tunnel.
  • Attached: Device is attached to a network but hasn't established a data tunnel.
  • Offline: Device isn’t attached to a network.
  • Blocked

Coverage policy

Referred to as Tariff Profile in the API

A policy that defines which networks or countries SIM should operate in.

CSM

Customer success manager

A member of emnify's team dedicated to helping you grow and achieve your goals. For a full explanation of the role, see Support.

Data RX

Data received by the device.

Data session

A session between opening and closing a data connection to the network.

Data TX

Data transmitted by the device.

Data usage

The data that has been used by a device, both transmitted and received.

DDoS

Distributed Denial of Service Attack

An attack where the attacker sends multiple requests to a web resource with the aim of exceeding the website’s capacity to handle multiple requests and prevent the website from functioning correctly.

Default Workspace

The Workspace you log into when you visit the emnify Portal. This value is independent and defined on a per-user basis.

note

You can't log in directly to a Workspace that isn't your default. For most people, the first Workspace you were invited to is your default.

Device status

Referred to as Endpoint status in the API

Reflects the current state of the device and determines whether a device can connect to a network or incur charges.

DNS

Domain Name System

A hierarchical decentralized naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network to map a hostname to an IP address.

Dynamic IP

An IP that changes over time.

EARFCN

E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number

A numbering system used in LTE networks to identify specific radio channels for transmitting and receiving data. The number, always an integer, ranges from 0 to 65535. It helps determine the exact carrier frequency used for uplink (sending data from mobile devices to the network) and downlink (sending data from the network to mobile devices). The EARFCN is independent of the channel bandwidth, simplifying frequency selection to enhance device connectivity without interference.

eDRX

Extended Discontinuous Reception

A device configuration that specifies the periodicity in which the device listens for incoming data on the radio. Instead of using a periodicity of 2.56 ms (DRX) it can be increased up to 40 minutes, thus reducing power consumption.

EID

eUICC Identifier

The eUICC Identifier (EID) provides a unique global serial number for an eUICC. It has a fixed length of 32 digits, as indicated in the following diagram:

A 32-digit EID number: '89049011803455664400046832584675' The first 18 digits are the EUM Identification Number (EIN). Within those 18 digits, the first two digits are the Major Industry Identifier (Telecom in this example). The next three digits are the Country Code (GER in this example). The next three digits are the eUICC Manufacturer. The final 10 digits of the EIN contain information about the chip, OS, and its version. After the EIN, the following 11 digits are the EUM Specific Identification Number (ESIN). This value is also the eUICC Individual Identification Number. The final two digits of the EID are the Check Digits.
note

The EUM specific identification number (ESIN) and check digits are for example purposes only, and the values aren't real.

Unlike the ICCID, the EID remains the same throughout the life of the eSIM. Therefore, you can use it as a permanent identifier to keep track of your SIM cards.

Endpoint

A representation of the device which has a SIM installed. Often used as a legacy term for a device, particularly in the REST API.

eSIM

Embedded SIM

Because of the "e" (for embedded) in its name, eSIM is sometimes incorrectly used for referring to the MFF2 physical form factor of an eUICC chip that's designed to be permanently surface-mounted inside a device. Within the IoT industry, eSIM refers to the entire solution that's comprised of an eUICC-equipped SIM along with the software platform for OTA provisioning. Although eSIMs can be embedded directly in a device, they're also manufactured as pluggable SIM cards. The emnify eSIM has capabilities not available with other eSIMs.

eUICC

Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card

The embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) is a component of a SIM card. It allows consumers and IoT manufacturers to provision the SIM with a new mobile network operator (MNO) profile over-the-air.

tip

Learn more about the eUICC in the blog post: What is an eUICC and why does it matter?

Event log

A log that stores all device events.

Form factor

The form factor of a SIM card represents the SIM card format. SIM cards vary in size (Mini vs. Micro vs. Nano), function (embedded vs. standard), and quality (industrial grade vs. standard):

  • 2FF: Mini SIM card
  • 3FF: Micro SIM card
  • 4FF: Nano SIM card

GEO

Geostationary equatorial orbit

A type of orbit situated approximately 35,786 kilometers above the Earth's equator, perfectly aligned with the planet's rotation. Satellites in this circular orbit synchronize with the Earth's rotational period, appearing stationary in the sky from any fixed point on the ground. This characteristic makes GEO especially valuable for telecommunications satellites, as they consistently cover the same area on the planet's surface. This facilitates continuous communication without the need for tracking movement across the sky.

GGSN

Gateway GPRS Support Node

Part of the GSM infrastructure, the GGSN is responsible for the interworkings between the GPRS network and external packet switched networks.

Globally-distributed infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure that's distributed globally, with several local breakout points for better traffic handling.

GNSS

Global navigation satellite systems

Comprises several satellite constellations, including GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), BeiDou (China), and QZSS (Japan). These systems, together with ground control stations and receivers, provide global coverage for precise location and time information. GNSS is crucial for navigation and positioning in various applications, from mobile apps to transportation.

note

emnify specifically utilizes the GPS constellation for its operations.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications

A standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to describe the protocols for second-generation digital cellular networks used by mobile devices.

HAPS

High-altitude platforms

Vehicles, such as planes or balloons, stationed in the stratosphere. They're typically at an altitude of 20 kilometers, higher than conventional aircraft but lower than satellites. Operating similarly to satellites, HAPS provide continuous surveillance or communication services over a specific area, offering proximity, coverage, and flexibility advantages.

HLR

Home Location Register

A database from a mobile network in which information from all mobile subscribers is stored. Part of GSM infrastructure.

HTTP POST request

A request method supported by the HTTP protocol, which typically includes data in the request body.

IC

Integrated Circuit

A semiconductor chip containing a large number of extremely small electronic components. For example, a CPU, the chips on computer memory cards, the electronic part of a SIM card, an eUICC, etc.

ICCID

Integrated Circuit Card Identifier

The integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID) is a 20-digit code used to identify a SIM card. It includes a SIM card's country, home network, and identification number, as indicated in the following diagram:

A 20-digit ICCID number: '89883030000080139311' The first two digits are the Major Industry Identifier (Telecom in this example). The next three digits are the Country Code (non-terrestrial). The following two digits are the Issuer Identifier (emnify). After that, the next 11 digits are the Individual Account Identification. The final digit is the Check Digit.
info

Following the introduction of eUICC SIM cards in 2021, there are situations where the ICCID can no longer be unique. For example, the ICCID value can change when a different SIM profile is provisioned on the eSIM.

note

The emnify REST API returns two ICCID values: iccid and iccid_with_luhn. The iccid_with_luhn value includes the final Luhn checksum digit, while the iccid value doesn't.

API references: SIM object and Endpoint object

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity

A unique number used to identify cellular modems.

Learn more about how IMEIs are constructed

An IMEI has 15 digits (14 digits plus a check digit). An IMEISV has 16 digits (14 digits plus two software version digits).

For more detailed information, see emnify's IoT Glossary article: What is an IMEI number?

info

There are also "software versions" of IMEIs, referred to as IMEISVs. In an IMEISV, there is no check digit, and the last two digits represent the Software Version Number (SVN).

IMEI lock

The practice of strictly associating a SIM to the device with a certain IMEI number.

IMSI

International Mobile Subscriber Identity

A unique number used to identify a GSM subscriber. Therefore it changes if a device connects to a different operator while roaming.

See how the IMSI is constructed

An IMSI is usually a 15-digit number but can be 14 digits in some cases. It comprises three components: MCC, MNC, and MSIN.

MCC: 3-digit country identifier
MNC: operator identifier (two or three digits)
MSIN: identifier for the connected device (nine or 10 digits)

IPsec

A protocol suite for Secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications that works by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet of a communication session.

IP subnet

A logical subdivision of an IP network.

JSON

JavaScript Object Notation

A lightweight format for storing and transporting data. It's often used when data is sent from a server to a web page.

LAC

Location Area Code

A unique 16-digit fixed-length location area identity code that identifies a phone number’s location area.

LEO

Low Earth orbit

The region of space close to the Earth, typically between 500 and 2,000 kilometers. Satellites in LEO orbit the Earth rapidly, completing multiple orbits each day, which makes them ideal for telecommunications due to their proximity to the planet. This close range allows for lower latency in communications and detailed imagery capture.

Linked Workspaces

Two or more Workspaces in the emnify Portal linked together by a main organization.

step-by-step guide

Luhn checksum digit

A check digit calculated from the previous digits using the Luhn algorithm.

tip

Luhn checksum digits are most notably used to validate ICCID and IMEI numbers.

Main organization

The organization that determines the SuperAdmin user role when managing multiple Workspaces. Typically, this is the organization that has the initial contract with emnify.

note

Unlike a traditional sub-account structure, the main organization doesn't inherit any additional roles or permissions in linked Workspaces besides the SuperAdmin.

MDOP

Modem device operational parameters

Configurable settings and statuses within a modem that dictate its functionality and performance. In satellite connectivity, these parameters are crucial for optimizing the modem's operation to handle the unique challenges of satellite communications, such as variable signal strength, higher latency, and bandwidth constraints.

MEO

Medium Earth orbit

A range of orbits around Earth positioned between low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO). Satellites in MEO typically orbit at altitudes of about 7,000 to 25,000 kilometers. This orbit is commonly used for navigation satellites, like those in GPS, because it balances coverage area and signal delay well.

MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence (also known as factors) to verify your identity before accessing a website or application. MFA is sometimes called two-factor authentication (2FA) and has historically been at emnify.

tip

To learn more about MFA and how it's enforced at emnify, see the Set up multi-factor authentication guide.

MFA key

Multi-Factor Authentication key

A combination generated by an external device or a service that's used to authenticate the user during the multi-factor authentication (MFA) process. These keys are sometimes referred to as "codes" or "tokens."

MSISDN

Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number

A unique number used to identify a mobile phone number internationally—essentially the telephone number assigned to each SIM. For an emnify IoT eSIM, this number is needed for its ability to receive SMS messages.

info

emnify's system distinguishes application-to-peer (A2P) SMS from peer-to-peer (P2P) SMS based on the length of the source (SMS MO) or the destination (SMS MT) address.

  • If there are 7 digits or less (that is, an invalid MSISDN), an SMS will be considered A2P.
  • If there are 8 digits or more, an SMS will be processed as MSISDN and will be considered P2P.

MSC

Mobile Switching Center

The part of GSM architecture that controls the network switching subsystem elements.

NB-IoT

Narrowband IoT

A low-power wide-area network technology that offers robust IoT connectivity. It's designed for applications in remote areas or inside buildings where signal strength can be a challenge. NB-IoT features low power consumption and reduced module costs, making it an ideal choice for devices that operate for long periods without frequent battery replacements or recharging. For more information, see LPWAN: LTE-M/NB-IoT radio access technology (RAT) type.

NOC

Network operations center

A centralized location where administrators supervise, monitor, and maintain a telecommunication or satellite network. The emnify NOC is used primarily for incident management.

NTN

Non-terrestrial networks

A type of network that isn't based on terrestrial infrastructure. In the context of emnify's services, it specifically refers to the Skylo satellite IoT network. This satellite network is part of emnify's IoT SuperNetwork SatPlus, providing global connectivity by combining terrestrial and satellite coverage.

NTN-IoT

NB-IoT over NTN

A standardized cellular technology that defines the way satellites provide direct-to-device telecommunication services with NB-IoT cellular modems. NTN-IoT works similarly to NB-IoT devices, except the device telemetry data is sent through a satellite communication channel.

Organization

The billable entity (company, subsidiary, branch, division, department, etc.) associated with a Workspace.

info

Information on your organization, users, subscriptions, and more are available in the emnify Portal under Workspace settings.

OTA

Over-the-Air

A method of wireless distribution of the software, configuration settings, or encryption keys.

OTA provisioning

A technology that allows changes to the SIM memory over-the-air.

OpenVPN

An open source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities.

tip

emnify hosts an OpenVPN service that allows you to establish a private network between a device and any remote client location.

P2P SMS

Peer-to-Peer SMS

SMS sent from a device with any SIM to a device with the emnify SIM.

PDP context

Data structure present on both the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and the gateway GPRS support node (GGSN), which contains the subscriber’s session information when the subscriber has an active session.

Private IP

An IP address that's not reachable from the public Internet but only through a local or virtual network. Dynamic private IPs keep changing, whereas static private IP addresses don't change.

PSM

Power Saving Mode

While in power saving mode (PSM), the device tells the network that it's powering off for a specific time and sending periodic updates in longer-than-usual intervals. When the device comes back online, it doesn't need to reattach to a network but can use an already-created PDP context, thus saving power.

Public IP

An IP address accessible from the public Internet.

RAT

Radio access technology

The specific technology used to wirelessly connect a device to a network. It plays a crucial role in cellular communication and IoT connectivity. Different types of RATs, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, cater to various use cases based on their unique characteristics and capabilities. For more information, see radio access types.

RESTful API

The representational state transfer application programming interface allows you to integrate services with your applications.

RTT

Round-trip time

The time it takes for a signal to travel from a source to a destination and back again, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). This measure includes both the transmission time to the destination and the time for an acknowledgment or response to return to the original sender.

Difference between RTT and latency

While RTT measures the total time for a signal to travel to a destination and back, latency refers only to the one-way delay from the source to the destination.

SASE

Secure Access Service Edge

SASE is a term coined by Gartner which combines software-defined networking (SDN) and security and serves it as cloud-based Security-as-a-Service.

SDN

Software-Defined Networking

An approach that allows network administrators to programmatically initialize, control, change, and manage network behavior dynamically via open interfaces.

Service profile

A profile that defines the services and capabilities of a device managed through the emnify platform.

SIB

System Information Block

Integral components in cellular networks, specifically used within 3G, 4G (LTE), and 5G technologies. SIBs contain essential information that mobile devices need to operate effectively on a network. This information is broadcast by the base stations (cell towers) and includes a variety of operational parameters about the network.

In satellite connectivity, SIBs are data sets broadcast by satellites to deliver crucial operational parameters like beam coverage, frequency bands, and handover guidelines. These blocks facilitate device configuration and communication efficiency, addressing the unique challenges and high latencies of satellite networks.

SIM

Subscriber Identification Module

A subscriber identification module (SIM) contains an integrated circuit (IC) that's often mounted on a plastic card. Pluggable SIMs mounted on plastic cards are offered in various form factors. A SIM stores data used to identify a subscriber (IMSI) along with other network information for connecting and authenticating with a mobile network operator (MNO). See also eSIM - Embedded SIM.

SIM batch

A collection of SIM cards that can be registered with a single BIC code.

SIM hosting fee

Monthly fee for an activated SIM.

SIM profile

The mobile network operator (MNO) ID information stored in the SIM’s memory.

SIM registration

A process to allow your SIM cards to be registered within your Workspace and visible in the SIM Inventory.

step-by-step guide

SIM status

Reflects the current state of the SIM in the SIM lifecycle.

API reference

SMPP

Short Message Peer-to-Peer

A protocol used by the telecommunications industry for exchanging SMS messages between short message service centers (SMSC) and/or external short messaging entities (ESME).

SMS console

An interface to send A2P SMS from the platform to the SIM card.

SMS firewall

A firewall that controls the SMS flow.

SMS MO

Mobile originated SMS

SMS sent from the device with the emnify SIM.

tip

Using the emnify REST API, you can dispatch MO SMS from devices as HTTP POST requests toward a user-configurable URL.

For more information, see Receive MO SMS via API callback

SMS MT

Mobile terminated SMS

SMS that are received by a device with an emnify SIM.

Source address

The address of the SMS sender as displayed on the receiving device.

Static IP

An IP that doesn’t change over time.

TA

Timing advance

A control mechanism used in mobile communications to adjust the timing of signals sent from a mobile phone to a base station. This adjustment ensures that the signal arrives at the correct time, avoiding interference with signals from other users.

TAC

Timing advance command

A directive issued by a base station in cellular networks to adjust the timing of data transmissions from mobile devices, ensuring signals arrive precisely and avoid interference. In satellite connectivity, TAC is critical for managing the greater transmission delays due to the significant distances signals travel.

Traffic pooling

A term used to describe the service model when various devices utilize the same data pool.

UE

User equipment

Devices end-users use to communicate with a network, such as sensors and other IoT devices.

Unassigned SIM

SIM that has been unassigned from a device.

URC

Unsolicited result code

Notifications automatically sent from a device to report status changes or specific events, such as changes in network registration. These codes are generated without a direct request and can differ in format from standard AT command responses. URCs are crucial for real-time monitoring and managing device states in a network.

Usage limit

User-defined limit of consumption for a certain service (data, SMS) per device.

User account

An account associated with a specific person and used to log in to one or more Workspaces. User accounts can be assigned a role (for example, Administrator) per Workspace.

info

A user can have different roles in different Workspaces. For more information, see Roles and permissions.

User-defined coverage

An ability to select which network the customer’s SIM connects to.

User-defined networking

An approach that enables users to create their own virtual mobile network, define service and security policies, and provision coverage policies and data packages.

VPC

Virtual Private Cloud

A secure private cloud hosted within a public cloud where you can host websites, store data, run applications, etc.

VPN

Virtual Private Network

A service that protects your internet connection and privacy online.

tip

IPsec and OpenVPN are both protocols for securing data transmission through a VPN.

For more information, see IPsec vs OpenVPN: What's the difference?

Workspace

An independent entity in the emnify Portal associated with an organization. Workspaces can be managed individually or centrally (if linked) while billed and accessed separately.

note

Every emnify customer has free access to a single Workspace. By default, accounts with the Pro Package can have up to three Workspaces.

For more information, see Multiple Workspaces.

Workspace switcher

The feature in the emnify Portal that allows specific user roles to switch between Workspaces.

step-by-step guide