Glossary
Find definitions for common terms and concepts in AirPinpoint
Glossary
Browse our comprehensive glossary of AirTag and device tracking terms
2FA/MFA
Two-Factor/Multi-Factor Authentication: Security methods that require multiple verification factors to access accounts that control location tracking devices and sensitive location data.
A-GPS
Assisted GPS: A comprehensive guide to technology that enhances GPS performance in mobile devices by using network data to improve startup times, accuracy, and indoor positioning.
AirTag
A comprehensive guide to Apple AirTags: features, specifications, privacy, and integration methods. Learn everything about these small tracking devices that help locate items using the Find My network.
AMS
Asset Management System: A comprehensive guide to the software and processes used to track, maintain, and optimize physical assets throughout their lifecycle.
API
Application Programming Interface: A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other, enabling integration of location tracking data across systems.
ATP
Anti-Tracking Protocol: The technologies and mechanisms employed to detect and prevent unwanted location tracking using Bluetooth trackers and similar devices.
BLE
Bluetooth Low Energy: A comprehensive guide to the wireless technology that enables energy-efficient communication between devices and powers Apple AirTags' basic tracking functionality.
BMS
Battery Management System: Technology that monitors, controls, and optimizes battery performance in tracking devices to ensure reliability, longevity, and safety while maximizing operational time.
CoAP
Constrained Application Protocol: A specialized web transfer protocol designed for resource-constrained devices and networks, enabling efficient communication in IoT and tracking applications.
DTM
Digital Twin Management: The process of creating, updating, and utilizing virtual replicas of physical devices, assets, and environments to enable advanced tracking, analysis, and optimization capabilities.
E2EE
End-to-End Encryption: A security mechanism that protects data throughout its journey from sender to recipient, ensuring only authorized users can access location information in tracking systems.
ETL
Extract, Transform, Load: A data integration process that collects location data from various sources, converts it into a suitable format, and loads it into target systems for analysis and reporting.
FMD
Find My Device: A comprehensive guide to Google's device location service that helps Android users locate, lock, and erase lost or stolen devices remotely.
FMI
Find My iPhone: A comprehensive guide to Apple's device location service that helps users locate, lock, and erase lost or stolen iOS devices remotely.
FMN
Find My Network: A comprehensive guide to Apple's crowdsourced location tracking system that enables AirTags and other devices to be found even when not connected to the internet.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation: The comprehensive European Union data protection law that governs how location data and personal information must be handled in tracking applications.
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite System: A comprehensive guide to worldwide satellite navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou used for precise location tracking and positioning.
GPS
Global Positioning System: A comprehensive guide to satellite-based navigation technology used in location tracking, asset management, and navigation applications worldwide.
IoT
Internet of Things: A network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enables them to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.
ITAM
IT Asset Management: A comprehensive guide to the specialized discipline of tracking and managing IT hardware, software, and digital assets throughout their lifecycle.
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation: A lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate, widely used in location tracking APIs and applications.
LBS
Location-Based Services: A comprehensive guide to applications and technologies that use location data to provide relevant information and functionality to users and businesses.
LLA
Latitude, Longitude, Altitude: A comprehensive guide to geographic coordinate systems used in location tracking, navigation, and mapping applications worldwide.
LPD
Lost Phone Detection: A security feature that helps users recover their devices when lost or stolen, utilizing network-based location services and device-specific safeguards.
LPM
Lost Mode Protocol: The technology framework that enables trackers like AirTags to be marked as lost, helping finders return items to their owners while preserving privacy and security.
M2M
Machine-to-Machine: A technology that enables direct communication between devices without human intervention, forming the foundation for automated tracking systems and the Internet of Things.
MAC
Media Access Control: A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on a physical network segment, serving as a fundamental component for device identification and network operations in tracking systems.
MQTT
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport: A lightweight messaging protocol designed for constrained devices and low-bandwidth, high-latency networks, widely used in IoT and tracking applications.
NFC
Near Field Communication: A comprehensive guide to the short-range wireless technology that enables contactless communication between devices for payments, access control, and data exchange.
OTA
Over-the-Air: The process of remotely delivering and installing firmware, software updates, configurations, and settings to tracking devices without physical access, enabling maintenance, feature enhancements, and security improvements.
PII
Personally Identifiable Information: Data that can be used to identify, contact, or locate an individual, requiring special handling and protection in tracking systems.
REST
Representational State Transfer: An architectural style for designing networked applications, commonly used for building APIs that enable interaction with location tracking services and devices.
RFID
Radio-Frequency Identification: A comprehensive guide to the wireless technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.
RTLS
Real-Time Location System: A comprehensive guide to technologies that automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real time, typically within a building or confined area.
SDK
Software Development Kit: A collection of software tools, libraries, and documentation that enables developers to create applications that interact with location tracking platforms and devices.
TAP
Tracker API Protocol: A standardized set of communication methods and data formats that enable consistent interaction with location tracking devices across different platforms and applications.
TDI
Tracker Data Integration: Methods and technologies for connecting location tracking data with other business systems and applications to create unified workflows and insights.
TIP
Tracker Integration Platform: A specialized middleware system that connects location tracking devices and services with enterprise applications, enabling seamless data flow and unified tracking management.
TMP
Tracker Management Protocol: A set of standardized commands and procedures for remotely configuring, controlling, and managing location tracking devices across different platforms.
TPM
Tracker Privacy Mode: Enhanced privacy settings for location tracking devices that limit data collection, sharing, and visibility to protect user privacy.
UTD
Unwanted Tracker Detection: The technology that identifies unknown tracking devices moving with a person, providing alerts to prevent unauthorized tracking.
UWB
Ultra-Wideband: A comprehensive guide to the short-range radio technology that enables precise indoor positioning and is used in Apple AirTags for directional finding capabilities.
WSN
Wireless Sensor Network: A distributed network of autonomous sensors that monitor physical or environmental conditions and cooperatively pass their data through the network to a central location.