MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) is the phone number linked to a SIM. It is the number through which a device can be reached for voice, SMS and sometimes data-related services.
Within IoT and connectivity, the MSISDN is used for identification and communication with devices, especially in SMS-based applications.
Summary
An MSISDN is the phone number associated with a SIM.
Important to remember:
- MSISDN is the phone number of a SIM
- used for reachability
- linked to voice and SMS
- can be used in IoT applications
- differs from IMSI and IMEI
What an MSISDN exactly is
The MSISDN is the public number used to reach a device. This is the number dialed when making a call or sending an SMS.
The MSISDN is linked to the SIM but is separate from technical identification such as the IMSI.
This means a SIM can be technically identified via the IMSI, while the MSISDN is used for communication.
How an MSISDN works
When a call or SMS is sent to a device, the MSISDN is used as the address.
In practice, this means that the network translates the MSISDN to the corresponding IMSI and then determines where the device is located. After that, the communication is routed to the correct device.
This process happens automatically within the network.
MSISDN, IMSI and IMEI
These three terms are often confused, but they serve different functions.
MSISDN
The phone number used for communication.
IMSI
The unique identification of the SIM within the network.
IMEI
The unique identification of the device (hardware).
Together, these identifiers ensure the full operation of mobile communication.
Applications within IoT
The MSISDN is used in various IoT applications.
Examples:
- SMS communication with devices
- configuration via SMS messages
- alarm systems and notifications
- remote management via SMS
- identification of SIMs in systems
In these applications, reachability plays an important role.
Advantages of an MSISDN
The MSISDN makes it possible to easily reach devices via a familiar format: a phone number.
This makes communication accessible and widely applicable. Additionally, it supports existing infrastructures such as SMS and voice services.
Within IoT, this can be useful for simple communication and management.
Implementation of MSISDN in IoT solutions
When using MSISDN, there are several important considerations.
Use of SMS
Determine whether SMS is a suitable communication method.
Integration with systems
Ensure that MSISDNs are correctly registered in platforms.
Management
Maintain an overview of numbers when dealing with large numbers of SIMs.
International deployment
Take into account country codes and roaming.
Considerations for MSISDN
Although MSISDN is useful, there are also considerations.
Not all IoT applications use SMS or voice, which can make the MSISDN less relevant. Additionally, management can become complex in large deployments.
Costs for SMS and voice may also play a role.
Why MSISDN is important
The MSISDN ensures that devices can be reached via a phone number. This makes communication simple and recognizable.
Within IoT, it plays a role in specific use cases such as SMS-based communication and management.
Conclusion
An MSISDN is the phone number linked to a SIM and used for communication within mobile networks. It plays a role in reachability and identification.
For organizations working with connected devices, the MSISDN provides a practical way to reach and manage devices, especially in applications where SMS or voice is used.
For more information, please contact via phone number +31-85-0443500 or by email at info@thingsdata.com.
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