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      Glossary & frequently used terms

      Essential definitions for mobile connectivity, network, and SIM terminology.

      Table of Contents

      Core eSIM Concepts & Definitions

      SIM Card Storage Acronyms

      Key Acronyms & Technologies

      Cellular Network Terms

      Cellular Technology

      Additional Terms

      Core eSIM Concepts

      • CMP (Connectivity Management Platform): A software platform used by mobile network operators (MNOs) and enterprises to manage the lifecycle of connected devices, including eSIM-enabled devices. eSIM orchestration is often a key function of a CMP.
      • CSP (Connectivity Service Provider): A broader term that encompasses companies providing connectivity services, which may include MNOs and MVNOs. Their systems need to be orchestrated to deliver seamless eSIM experiences.

      • IPAd (IPA for device): This is a software component that resides on the device itself (or more specifically, on the eUICC - the embedded SIM card). Its primary role is to assist in the secure download and installation of new operator profiles onto the eUICC. It handles tasks like establishing a secure connection with the SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager - Data Preparation +), receiving the profile, and managing its installation.

      • IPAe (IPA for eUICC): This is a software component that resides on the eUICC (the embedded SIM card). It works in conjunction with the IPAd (if present) or directly with the LPA (Local Profile Assistant) in consumer devices. The IPAe is responsible for the low-level management of profiles on the eUICC, including activation, deactivation, and deletion of profiles, as well as ensuring the integrity and security of the profiles stored on the eUICC.

        NOTE: Essentially, both IPAd and IPAe are crucial for the secure and flexible remote management of eSIM profiles, allowing devices to switch between mobile network operators without needing a physical SIM card swap. The "d" in IPAd emphasizes its role in the broader device context, while the "e" in IPAe highlights its specific functions within the eUICC itself.

        eIM (eSIM Identifier Manager): A functional entity involved in managing the lifecycle of eSIM identifiers (EIDs) within the ecosystem.
      • eSIM (Embedded SIM): A digital SIM card that is built directly into a device. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, it cannot be removed and requires software to activate a cellular plan.
      • eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card): The secure hardware component within a device that stores one or more mobile network operator profiles. It's the physical chip that makes eSIM functionality possible.
      • Orchestration: The automated and coordinated management of eSIM profiles and related services across various platforms and systems. This includes tasks such as profile provisioning, activation, deactivation, updates, and ensuring seamless connectivity and user experience throughout the eSIM lifecycle.
      • OTA (Over-The-Air): Refers to the wireless transmission of data, in the context of eSIM, used for downloading, installing, and managing profiles remotely.
      • Profile: The software and data that contains the subscription information for a specific mobile network operator (MNO). Think of it as the digital equivalent of the data stored on a physical SIM card.
      • Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP): The process of remotely downloading and activating a mobile network operator profile onto an eSIM-enabled device without needing a physical SIM card.
      • SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module): a portable memory chip that securely stores information used to identify and authenticate a mobile subscriber on a cellular network. Think of it as your phone's ID card for the mobile network.

      Key information stored on a SIM card:

      IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): A unique number that identifies your mobile subscription within the network.
      ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier): A unique serial number that identifies the SIM card itself.
      Authentication Keys: Secret keys used to verify your identity when your phone connects to the network.
      Phonebook Contacts and SMS Messages: Older SIM cards often stored a limited number of contacts and SMS messages. Modern smartphones primarily store this data on the device or in the cloud.
      Network-Specific Information: Details about the mobile network operator, such as service codes and preferred network lists.

      When you insert a SIM card into a compatible device, it allows the device to connect to your mobile network, make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and use cellular data services according to your subscription plan.

      eSIM technology essentially embeds this functionality directly into the device's hardware, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card.

      • SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation+): A secure server infrastructure used by mobile network operators to remotely download, install, and manage eSIM profiles on a device.
      • SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing): A secure server infrastructure responsible for managing the routing of commands and data between the device's eUICC and the SM-DP+.
      • Subscription Management: The overall process of managing eSIM profiles throughout their lifecycle, including downloading, installing, enabling, disabling, and deleting profiles.
      • UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card): While not specific to orchestration, it's the underlying smart card technology. Understanding UICC is fundamental as eSIM orchestration manages the embedded form of this. 

      Key Acronyms and Technologies

      • GSMA (Groupe Spécial Mobile Association): A global industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. They also define the standards and specifications for eSIM technology.
      • IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): A unique 15-digit number that identifies a specific mobile device. It's often needed when activating an eSIM.
      • IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): A unique number associated with a mobile network subscriber. Multiple IMSIs can be stored on an eUICC, but only one is typically active at a time.
      • MNO (Mobile Network Operator): A company that provides mobile phone services, such as voice, data, and SMS, to subscribers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone).
      • MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator): A company that provides mobile services to customers but does not own its own network infrastructure. They lease network capacity from MNOs (e.g., Mint Mobile, Google Fi).
      • QR Code: A two-dimensional barcode that can contain information, such as a link to download an eSIM profile and activation details.

       

      Cellular Network Terms

      • APN (Access Point Name): The settings on a device that tell it how to connect to the mobile network's data services. These settings are usually configured automatically with an eSIM profile.
      • Cellular Data: The data transmitted over a mobile network, allowing devices to access the internet and use online services.
      • Network Coverage: The geographic areas where a mobile network operator provides service. eSIMs can sometimes allow easier switching between networks with better coverage (if supported).
      • Roaming: Using a mobile network operator's services while outside of their home network coverage area. eSIMs can simplify international roaming by allowing users to easily switch to local profiles.

       

      Cellular Technology

      • 5G (Fifth Generation): The latest generation of mobile network technology, currently being deployed globally, promises even greater advancements:
        • Ultra-High Data Speeds: Significantly faster than 4G LTE, enabling near-instant downloads and ultra-high-resolution streaming.
        • Very Low Latency: Extremely low delays, critical for applications like autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, and industrial automation.
        • Massive Capacity: Ability to support a much larger number of connected devices simultaneously, essential for the growth of IoT.
        • Network Slicing: Allows operators to create virtualized and dedicated network slices optimized for specific use cases and services.
        • Key Technologies: New Radio (NR) is the foundation of 5G, operating on different frequency bands (including sub-6 GHz, mid-band, and mmWave) to deliver varying levels of speed and coverage.

      Significance: 5G's high bandwidth and low latency further enhance the user experience with eSIMs, allowing for even faster profile downloads and seamless switching between profiles. The massive capacity also supports the growing number of eSIM-enabled IoT devices. Network slicing could potentially be leveraged to provide dedicated connectivity for specific eSIM profiles or applications.

       

      • 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long-Term Evolution): Launched around 2010, 4G LTE was designed for high-speed data and aimed to provide a significantly improved mobile broadband experience:
        • High Data Speeds: Enabled smooth streaming of high-definition video, faster downloads, and responsive online gaming.
        • Packet-Switched Network: An all-IP (Internet Protocol) network architecture optimized for data.
        • Lower Latency: Reduced delays in data transfer, improving the responsiveness of applications.
        • Key Technologies: LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the standard, with LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) offering even higher speeds through carrier aggregation and other techniques.

      Importance: 4G LTE's robust data capabilities are crucial for the seamless downloading and management of eSIM profiles. The higher bandwidth allows for quicker activation and updates. Many current eSIM-enabled devices rely on 4G LTE for their primary connectivity.

       

      • 3G (Third Generation): Arriving in the early 2000s, 3G brought significant improvements in data speeds, enabling new mobile applications and services:
        • Faster Data Transfer Rates: Allowed for mobile internet access, email, and basic video streaming.
        • Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS): Enabled the sending of messages with images, audio, and video.
        • Video Calling: Introduced the possibility of real-time video communication.
        • Key Technologies:
          • UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) was the primary 3G technology
          • HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) and HSPA+ further enhancing data speeds ("3.5G" and "3.75G").
          • EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized): Evolution of the CDMA2000 standard

      Relevance: 3G networks provided the data capabilities that made remote provisioning and management of SIM profiles more practical, laying some of the groundwork for eSIM's potential. NOTE: CDMA and EV-DO on Verizon Wireless did not support SIMs and instead used a device identifier, ESN (electronic serial number).

       

      • 2G (Second Generation): Introduced in the early 1990s, 2G was the first generation of digital cellular networks. While most 2G networks have been decommissioned, features included:
        • Digital Voice Encoding: Improved voice call quality and security.
        • Text Messaging (SMS): Introduced the ability to send short text messages.
        • Lower Power Consumption: Led to longer battery life in devices.
        • Key Technologies:
          • GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) was the dominant 2G technology worldwide. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) was later introduced as a "2.5G" technology, offering rudimentary packet data capabilities.
          • CDMA (Code-division Multiple Access): Technology used by Verizon.

      Usefulness: While early eSIM specifications were developed later, 2G networks were the foundational infrastructure upon which subsequent generations, now compatible with eSIM, were built.

       

      Additional Terms to Consider:

      • API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and specifications that allows different software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other. In the context of eSIM orchestration, APIs are crucial for integrating various systems involved in managing eSIM profiles and services.
      • Carrier Lock/Network Lock: A restriction imposed by a mobile network operator that prevents a device from being used with SIM cards from other operators. eSIMs can be carrier-locked, but one of their benefits is the potential for easier switching between carriers.
      • Dual SIM: A phone that can use two SIM cards (either two physical SIMs, or one physical and one eSIM, or in some cases, two eSIMs) simultaneously.
      • eSIM Activation: The process of downloading and installing a mobile network operator's profile onto an eSIM-enabled device, making it ready to connect to the cellular network.
      • eSIM Transfer: The process of moving an eSIM profile from one device to another. This process can vary depending on the device and the mobile network operator.
      • IoT (Internet of Things): A network of physical objects ("things") embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data.1 eSIM orchestration is vital for managing connectivity in many IoT deployments.
      • M2M (Machine-to-Machine): Direct communication between networked devices without human interaction. eSIM orchestration plays a key role in managing connectivity for M2M applications.
      • SDK (Software Development Kit): A set of software development tools that allows developers to create applications for a specific platform or system. SDKs related to eSIM orchestration can enable easier integration of eSIM management capabilities into other applications.