Mini GPS Glossary Definition
A quick reference guide to essential GPS tracking terms and technologies — from IMEI and LBS to OTA and IoT SIM — helping you better understand product specifications and industry standards.
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
A unique 15-digit identifier assigned to cellular-enabled devices for network identification, authentication, and management.
Location-Based Services (LBS)
Services that use a device’s geographic location to provide location-specific information, tracking, navigation, or other location-aware functions.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
A satellite-based navigation system that provides accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services anywhere on Earth by using multiple global satellite constellations.
Controller Area Network (CAN)
A robust in-vehicle communication protocol that enables electronic control units (ECUs) to exchange data efficiently without a central computer, supporting real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and control.
Geofencing
A location-based technology that creates a virtual geographic boundary and triggers alerts or predefined actions when a GPS device enters, exits, or remains within the designated area.
Telematics
A technology that combines telecommunications, GPS positioning, and onboard vehicle systems to collect, transmit, and analyze real-time vehicle and asset data for tracking, monitoring, and fleet management.
Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)
A high-precision GNSS positioning technology that uses real-time correction data from a base station to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy for surveying, mapping, precision agriculture, and autonomous navigation.
Access Point Name(APN)
The network configuration that allows a cellular-enabled device, such as a GPS tracker, to connect to a mobile network and access the internet for data transmission.
Internet of Things SIM (IoT SIM)
A SIM card designed specifically for Internet of Things devices, enabling reliable cellular connectivity, remote device management, and efficient data communication for connected devices such as GPS trackers, sensors, and smart terminals.
Narrowband IoT(NB-IoT)
A low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology designed for IoT devices, providing reliable connectivity, wide coverage, and low power consumption for applications such as smart meters, sensors, and asset tracking devices.