IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit number devoted to every mobile device, including smartphones, tablets, and other mobile communication devices. The IMEI number is used to identify and track mobile devices on a cellular network. Smart home devices, wearables, industrial sensors, and other connected hardware, often have built-in cellular connectivity to enable communication with the internet. These devices may have an IMEI assigned to them for identification and management purposes.
The 15 digits of an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) bear information about the device: Type Allocation Code (TAC): These are the first 8 digits that identify the device manufacturer. Final Assembly Code (FAC): The next 2 digits that show the device's final assembly point. Serial Number (SNR): The following 6 digits show the unique serial number of the device. Check Digit (CD): The last digit validates the IMEI's integrity and ensures accurate transmission and identification.
The process of finding the IMEI number for IoT devices can vary depending on the specific device and manufacturer. It is typically provided in the device documentation, on the packaging, or can be accessed through the device's settings or management interface.
Smart Home Devices: smart thermostats, smart door locks, security cameras, and smart lighting Industrial Sensors and Equipment: industrial sensors, machinery, tracking devices, and other connected equipment Vehicle Tracking Systems: OBD-II trackers, hardwired trackers, some GPS and Asset Trackers Wearables and Health Monitoring Devices: smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices Agricultural Monitoring Devices: soil sensors, weather stations, and irrigation systems
In contrast to the IMEI number, there is another identifier called IMEISV (International Mobile Equipment Identity - Software Version). This 16-digit code comprises the software/firmware version. It includes the following sections: a six-digit TAC code (Type Approval Code), a two-digit FAC code (Final Assembly Code) indicating the production location, a six-digit SNR code (Sequence Number) uniquely identifying each device, and a two-digit SVN code (Software Version Number) indicating the software version. The manufacturer protects the TAC, FAC, and SNR from unauthorized changes through marking. The IMEISV of a device can usually be found in the device's menu or on the label of the original packaging.
