eSIM, iSIM and remote SIM provisioning
Jargon Busting eSIM and iSIM Terminology
The cellular IoT is changing rapidly and with it comes with a number of new terms to understand. We have created a jargon-busting glossary to explain terms used for eSIMs, iSIMs, remote SIM provisioning and more.
Consumer solution for remote SIM provisioning
The GSMA specification for managing profiles on consumer connected devices (eg. mobile phones and wearables).
eSIM (embedded SIM)
A SIM capable of supporting remote provisioning. Also, a physical non-removable SIM that is soldered into a device. The term is used interchangeably with eUICC.
eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card)
A SIM capable of supporting remote provisioning. The term is used interchangeably with eSIM.
EUM (eUICC manufacturer)
An entity which provides eUICC personalization service. It may or may not engage in physical card manufacturing.
FF (Form Factor)
The size and shape of a UICC. Such as: 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2 (solderable machine-to-machine form factor).
iSIM (integrated SIM) or iUICC (integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card)
eUICC software which runs in a dedicated security enclave, alongside the processor and modem, on a purpose-built SoC.
LPA (Local Profile Assistant)
The functionality in the device's main operating system which provides services, such as profile download or profile management to the eUICC.
M2M (Machine-to-Machine) solution for remote SIM provisioning
The GSMA specification for managing profiles on unattended, autonomous IoT devices, without any end-user interaction.
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.
Profile (also, operator profile)
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.
RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning)
Secure and remote (over the air) management of network operator profiles on an eSIM or iSIM.
SAS-SM (Security Accreditation Scheme - Subscription Management)
The security auditing and accreditation scheme for providers of eUICC subscription management services.
SAS-UP (Security Accreditation Scheme - UICC Production)
The security auditing of the sites - including their organization, processes and people - where profile generation, UICC and eUICC production and personalization is conducted.
Security Enclave
A dedicated secure area on a SoC, aimed at handling security related workloads and offering self-contained processing and encryption elements.
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)
The secure element that stores security data enabling network access. Colloquially, SIM is often used to refer to the removable physical SIM card containing a UICC with a single profile.
SIM OTA (SIM over the air)
Secure mechanism for updating the content of a SIM profile.
SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation)
The server-side platform of the M2M remote SIM provisioning architecture that acts on behalf of the network operator to securely store profiles in readiness for an allocation and download request. Upon establishing a secure session with the target eUICC, it executes their download and installation.
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.
SM-DS (Subscription Management Root-Discovery Service)
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+.
SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing)
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.
SoC (System on Chip)
A microchip with all the necessary electronic circuits and parts for a given system.
The ability to move a device from one cellular contract to another by employing remote SIM provisioning.
The service reflecting the commercial contract between the network operator and the customer.
UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card)
A smart card that ensures the integrity of user identity data and runs a SIM application.
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