IoT Dictionary
The Internet of Things is packed with terminology. Simbase helps customers navigate the jargon by providing this keyword glossary. Helping to demystify the Internet of Things and give an understanding of all it’s different components.
5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
4G is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding 3G. 4G works much in the same way as 3G, but simply faster.
3G stands for third generation network, it is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology which uses a network of phone towers to pass signals.
2G network is a 2nd Generation system for mobile communications. 2G systems provided voice and a limited data capacity of 9.6 to 14.4 Kbps.
An application program interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications.
A Base Station controller (BSC) is a telecommunication network component responsible for the control of one or more Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
A base station is a radio receiver which may have one or multiple antenna. It was first used in mobile telecommunication networks.
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network path in a fixed amount of time.
Backhaul in terms of telecommunication refers to the physical part of a network that is in between the backbone of the network and the individual local networks.
Code division multiple access (CDMA) is a multiple access scheme that relies on direct sequence spread spectrum communication techniques to facilitate radio communication.
Cellular Network also referred to as a mobile network is a network of radios distributed over land. These networks are distributed by cells.
A cell is a geographical area covered by the frequency emitted by a base station in a cellular network. The elements that transmit this frequency is called a cell site.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol that provides a framework that allows the allocation of internet protocol (IP) addresses.
The downlink is a term used in radio communications and satellite communications to denote the link from the network to the end user or from the satellite to the earth.
A digital twin is a computer program that takes real-world data about a physical object or system as inputs and produces predications or simulations of how that physical object or system will be affected by those inputs.
An Embedded-SIM (eSIM) or embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) is a rewritable Subscriber Identifier Module (SIM) card that is embedded directly in to an IoT device
Ethernet is the most common type of Local Area Network (LAN) Connection in use today. Ethernet connects devices on a wired LAN, enabling them to communicate with each other using a common protocol.
Encryption is the method of encoding information. The process of encrypting and decrypting information is known as cryptography.
An embedded system is a computer system that has a dedicated purpose within a larger mechanical or electrical system.
Full Duplex (FDX) is a type of communication system. In full duplex, there is a two-way communication between the sender and the receiver.
A firewall is a network security system that prevents unauthorized users from having access to a network.
Frequency is defined as the number of cycles per unit time. Frequency is usually used to represent short and fast waves like sound and radio signals.
Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) is a duplex communication technique in which connected parties transmit at different frequencies for upstream and downstream communication.
Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is a wireless telecommunication standard described by the European telecommunication standards Institute (ETSI) for cellular services.
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a 2.5G packet-based technology designed to support packet switching traffic in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network.
Home Location Register is a database that contains data regarding authorized subscribers using a global system for mobile communication core network.
High speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), also known as 3.5G is an improved third generation telecommunication protocol.
Half Duplex (HDX) is a type of communication system. In half duplex, there is a two-way communication between the sender and the receiver.
In cellular networks, base stations have a limited reach, to achieve connectivity between mobile devices – which are mostly on the move – handover is necessary.
The Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) is the network of an operator in which a mobile subscriber has a subscription.
The internet protocol is the key communication protocol in the internet protocol suit. It is responsible for relaying datagrams or packets across networks.
An International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a 15 or 17 digit long unique number generated by an international organization that oversees network operators, the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA).
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies every user in a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunication system (UMTS) network.
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard in wireless communication developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for mobile devices and data terminals.
The area in which a cellular radio network covers is usually referred to as a location area.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that interconnects devices – like computers and printers – within a relatively small area such as schools, laboratories, university campuses or office buildings.
Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) is the telephone number structured according to the ITU-T Recommendation E.164 numbering plan that is assigned to a mobile user.
The Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN) is a unique serial number to identify mobile subscribers within a mobile carrier network.
A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) is a core part of the GSM/CDMA network system. It acts as a control center of a Network Switching Subsystem (NSS).
Mobile Network Code (MNC) is a unique two- or three-digit number used to identify a home Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to.
Mobile Country Code (MCC) is defined by ITU-T as standard E.212. MCC is a mobile code consisting of three digits used to identify GSM networks.
A network address is a unique physical or logical address that distinguishes a network node or device over a computer or telecommunications network.
Out-of-band management (OOBM) involves the use of management interfaces for managing networked equipment.
Packet switching is a method of data transmission whereby the data is divided in packets. Each packet is given a header containing information of the destination.
A packet is a bit of data that is packaged for transmission over a packet switched network. It is a small amount of data sent over a network, such as a LAN or the Internet.
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is a widely deployed system operating on port 1812, to provide authentication, authorization and accounting for network access.
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet.
The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a smart card necessary to make use of a mobile phone for communication.
The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a protocol that is used for reliable data communications between computers in a packet-switched computer communication network.
The uplink is a term used in radio communications and satellite communications to denote the link from the end-user to the network or from the earth to the satellite.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) a connectionless transport-layer protocol. It provides an unreliable datagram connection between applications.
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is one of the third generation (3G) mobile telecommunications systems.
The Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, or USSD Code service that banks and other financial service providers use to service the banking community from their platforms.
The visitor location register (VLR) is a database which houses information about the subscribers whom have roamed within a mobile switching center’s (MSC) location area.
The Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN) is the network used by a mobile subscriber while roaming outside of their Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN).
Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that covers a large geographic area.