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Question

Difficulty: MediumMobile Device Wireless and Network Connectivity

A network technician is cataloging newly purchased corporate smartphones into an asset management database. The technician must record the unique 15-digit identifier that permanently distinguishes the physical mobile handset itself on cellular networks, allowing carriers to blacklist the hardware if stolen regardless of which SIM card is installed. Which identifier should the technician record?

  1. IMEIAnswer
  2. B
    IMSI
  3. C
    APIPA
  4. D
    POP3

Answer

The technician should record the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code unique to every physical mobile device handset. Cellular network carriers use the IMEI to identify valid devices and block stolen hardware from accessing cellular networks globally, regardless of which SIM card is inserted.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary requirement from the scenario.
The scenario requires identifying the physical mobile handset's unique hardware serial number used by cellular carriers for tracking and hardware blacklisting.
Tracking hardware independently of subscriber identity requires a physical device identifier rather than a SIM identifier.
2
Differentiate cellular identification numbers.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) uniquely identifies the physical phone hardware, whereas IMSI identifies the subscriber and SIM card account.
If a phone is stolen, the carrier blocks the IMEI so the handset cannot register on cellular networks even if a new SIM card is inserted.

Key Concept

Cellular Network Hardware Identifiers (IMEI vs. IMSI)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Mobile Device Wireless and Network Connectivity

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