Glossary

There are many terms used in the M2M/ IoT/ Telecom world that can be confusing. Here’s an attempt to make sense of it.

Terms	Meaning
2FF	Standard/ Traditional SIM (2nd form factor)
3-in-1 plug-in SIMs	SIMs that can be broken into Standard, Micro and Nano SIM form factors
3FF	Micro SIM (3rd form factor)
4FF	Nano SIM (4th form factor)
Automotive grade SIMs	Purpose built to comply with the automotive sectors’ tough quality management standards (such as PPAP, AEC-Q100) and with higher data retention span (15-17 years).
Embedded SIMs (eSIMs)	SIMs that can be embedded into devices, not meant for plug-in slots typically found in handsets. The machine Form Factor with the widely accepted Surface Mounted Device (SMD) form factor now being MFF2.
eUICC	While previously, a SIM would belong to a particular network operator, the eUICC allows the user to take control of the connectivity.
Industrial grade SIMs	Produced with higher resistance with an expanded temperature range of -40°C and +105°C. Other factors such as corrosion and impact on SIMs from vibrations were also improved.
MFF2	Standard embedded SIM Surface Mounted Device (SMD) (Machine form factor 2)
Standard grade SIMs	Operational within a temperature range of -25°C and +85°C
Subscription Management	Referred to also as Remote SIM Provisioning Platform, it is the counterpoint to interact with eUICC SIMs to manage profiles on a SIM.