Wireless Dictionary
More than
19,051 Terms and Definitions
| Cover | Description | ||||
 | Wireless Dictionary. Over 10,000 of the latest
Wireless Telecom Terms and Definitions along with + 400 diagrams and photographs!!! | ||||
| Format | Pages | Price | |||
| Book | 628 | $39.95 | |||
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Sample Definitions
3G Wireless-The third generation of technology of the mobile wireless industry. Third generation (3G) systems use wideband digital radio technology as compared to 2nd generation narrowband digital radio. For third generation cordless telephones, 3G wireless describes products that use multiple digital radio channels and new registration processes allowed some 3rd generation cordless phones to roam into other public places.
4G Wireless-4G is the fourth generation of wireless technology of the mobile wireless industry. Fourth generation (4G) systems use broadband packet data digital radio technology which can mix voice, data, and high-speed multimedia Internet services.
802.11 Access Point (AP)-A radio access point (wireless data base station) that is used to connect wireless data devices (stations) to a wired local area network (WLAN).
802.11 Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) Mode-A radio access technology used in a 802.11 specified wireless local area network (WLAN) system that uses a code to spread the data signal direct to a much wider bandwidth than the data signal requires. Because each bit of the signal is spread over a wide frequency band, several spread spectrum signals can exist in the same area at the same time with minimal interference.
802.11 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Mode-A radio access technology used in an 802.11 specified wireless local area network (WLAN) system that uses frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) shared access technology. FHSS uses a radio transmission process where a message or voice communications is sent on a radio channel that regularly changes frequency (hops) according to a predetermined code. The receiver of the message or voice information must also receive on the same frequencies using the same frequency hopping sequence.
802.16-802.16 is an IEEE working group that specifies broadband wireless communication systems.
Base Station Controller (BSC)-A base station controller is an automatic coordinator (controller) that permits one or more base transceiver stations (BTS) in a wireless network to communicate with a mobile switching center.
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)-The radio part of a wireless network (typically cellular or PCS) that includes the transmitters and receivers, antennas and tower that is used to communicate with mobile radios. A BTS is connected to a base station controller (BSC).
Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW)-Binary runtime environment for wireless is a mobile communication standard that was developed by Qualcomm to standardize runtime environments on different communication devices. The runtime environment of a device is the platform used to execute applications on a mobile device.
Bluetooth-Bluetooth is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) communication system standard that allows for wireless data connections to be dynamically added and removed between nearby devices.
CDMA Development Group (CDG)-The CDMA development group (CDG) is a consortium of companies that work together to help develop and promote the products and services for CDMA wireless systems.
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-Code division multiple access (CDMA) is the sharing of a radio channel by multiple users by share adding a unique code for each data signal that is being sent to and from each of the radio transceivers. These codes are used to spread the data signal to a bandwidth much wider than is necessary to transmit the data signal without the code.
Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000)-CDMA2000 is an evolved version of the IS-95 code division multiple access (CDMA) system that uses wider bandwidth radio channels and enhanced packet transmission protocols to provide for advanced high-speed data services. The CDMA2000 system uses multiples of the standard IS-95 radio channels. These multiples are 3,6,9 or 12 times the standard 1.25 MHz wide bandwidth. These wider bandwidths allow for user data transmission rates of more than 2 Mbps. The single 1.23 MHz channel version of the CDMA2000 system is called 1 channel RTT (1XRTT) and the three 1.23 MHz multichannel version of the CDMA system is called 3 channel RTT (3XRTT).
Enhanced 911 (E911)-A emergency telephone calling system that provides an emergency dispatcher with the address and number of the telephone when a user initiates a call for help. The E911 system has the capability of indicating the contact information for the local police, fire, and ambulance agencies that are within a customers calling area.
Enhanced Data Rates For GSM Evolution (EDGE)-Enhanced data rates for GSM evolution is a medium speed packet data communication system that is integrated with global system for mobile (GSM) radio system. The EDGE system modifies the GSM radio channel by adding new phase modulation and channel coding processes.
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)-A standard protocol developed the the IETF that allows for autentication on PPP and on data networks such as Ethernet.
Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (xHTML)-Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) Basic is a text based software communication standard that is used to allow the web software developer to define new (extensible) elements of a Internet web pages. xHTML was created by the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3) in 1996 to provide a common markup language for wireless devices and other small devices with limited memory. It is a widely supported open technology (i.e. non-proprietary technology) that is used for data exchange between any type of application that can understand XML. The combination of XML with Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) produces a web presentation language that is flexible (extensible) based on the needs of the application it is being used for.
Fixed Wireless-Fixed wireless is the use of wireless technology to provide voice, data, or video service to fixed locations. Fixed wireless services include wireless local loop (WLL), point-to-point microwave, wireless broadband, and free-space optical communication. Fixed wireless systems may replace or bypass wired telephone service, high-speed telephone communication links, and cable television systems.
Fixed Wireless-Fixed wireless is the use of wireless technology to provide voice, data, or video service to fixed locations. Fixed wireless services include wireless local loop (WLL), point-to-point microwave, wireless broadband, and free-space optical communication. Fixed wireless systems may replace or bypass wired telephone service, high-speed telephone communication links, and cable television systems.
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)-General packet radio service is a packet data communication system that uses the global system for mobile (GSM) radio system packet radio transmission. The GPRS system modifies the GSM channel allocation and time slot control processes to allow a maximum radio channel data transmission rate of 171.2 kbps..
Global Positioning System (GPS)-The global positioning system is a location determination network that uses satellites to act as reference points for the calculation of position information.
Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM)-Global system for mobile communication (GSM) is a wide area wireless communications system that uses digital radio transmission to provide voice, data, and multimedia communication services. A GSM system coordinates the communication between a mobile telephones (mobile stations), base stations (cell sites), and switching systems.
High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)-High speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) is a mobile packet data service that uses the wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system to provide downlink data transmission rates of 8-10 Mbps.
HomeRF-An industry working group that is assisting in the development of a local area RF communications that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. HomeRF systems allow consumer devices such as computers, printers and fax machines to communicate with each other with data transmission rates up to 10 Mbps.
International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI)-An international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI) is an electronic serial number that is contained in a GSM mobile radio. The IMEI is composed of 14 digits. 6 digits are used for the type approval code (TAC), 2 digits are used for the final assembly code (FAC), 6 digits are used for the serial number and 2 digits are used for the software version number.
Local Multichannel Distribution Service (LMDS)-Local multipoint distribution service is wireless broadband distribution system that operates in the 28 GHz to 31 GHz frequency band. In the United States, LMDS entered into the FCC auction process in 1997.
Long Term Evolutions (LTE)-Long term evolution is a set of projected improvements to the 3rd generation wireless systems. These improvements include 100 Mbps+ data transmission rates, increased system capacity and shorter transmission latency times.
Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP)-Mobile IP is a protocol that allows IP communication devices to use the same IP address as it moves between locations and even different types of networks (e.g. Cellular to Ethernet).
Mobile Video- Mobile video is the transferring of signals that carry moving picture information to mobile devices. Mobile video is commonly associated with supplying video signals to mobile telephones.
Multiple In Multiple Out (MIMO)-Multiple input multiple output is the combining or use of two or more radio or telecom transport channels for a communication channel. The ability to use and combine alternate transport links provides for higher data transmission rates (inverse multiplexing) and increased reliability (interference control).
Near Field Communication (NFC)-Near field communication is the transferring of information via wireless connections over very short distances (typically a few centimeters).
Optical Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-A process of transmitting several high speed communication channels through a single fiber through the use of separate wavelengths (optical frequencies) for each communication channel. OFDM is now commonly called wave division multiplexing (WDM). However, WDM usually refers to optical channels that have very small spacing between them and OFDM refers to multiple optical channels that can have any amount of wavelength spacing between them.
Personal Area Network (PAN)-A network concept in which all the devices in a person's life communicate and work together, sharing each other's information and services.
Personal Communication Services (PCS)-Refers to the emerging market of wireless communications that is personalized with services selected by the individual. The wireless PCS networks use radio signals as the access point to the network; the wireless network is then tied back into the public switched network for call routing to or from the wireless subscriber to the other party.
Many PCS carriers occupy the newer PCS frequencies auctioned by the government.
Phase Locked Loop (PLL)-A circuit that compares the output of a voltage controlled oscillator with a reference signal and uses the resulting difference signal to adjust the oscillator so that it will be locked to the reference in both phase and frequency. Phase-lock loops are used in frequency synthesizers.
Piconet-A small network of Bluetooth communication devices (e.g. less than 8). Bluetooth is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) communication system standard that allows for wireless data connections to be dynamically added and removed between nearby devices. Multiple Piconets can be linked to each other to form Scatternets.
Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR)-Private land mobile radio systems are traditionally private systems that allow communication between a base and several mobile radios. PLMR systems can share a single frequency or use multiple frequencies. The PLMR industry in the United States is regulated by the FCC in part 90, Private Land Mobile Radio Services, includes various types of private radio services including police, taxi, fire and other types of two-way and dispatch services.
Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Code-(1- GSM) A unique code assigned to each GSM network operator. The code is made up of a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC).
Radio Frequency Identification Tag (RFID)-A device (usually a low cost device) that receives a radio signal and responds with a code that provides an identification of the tag. An RFID tag may be self powered (e.g. battery) or it may be a simple mixer circuit that does not require external power.
Roaming-Roaming is the capability to move from one carrier's system area to another carrier's service area and obtain service. While it is desirable to roam without loosing functionality of the phone or device, some communication systems offer advanced features (such as high speed data) that other systems may not have installed. This may limit the operation of advanced features.
Satellite- An object that revolves around another object of greater mass (such as the earth) and has a motion that is determined by the force of attraction (gravity) of the larger object. (2-communications) A space vehicle that orbits the earth which contains one or more radio transponders that receive and retransmit signals to and from the earth. (3-equipment) A piece of equipment or system that operates at a remote location from a central control system.
Scatternet-Multiple Piconets can be linked to each other to form Scatternets. Scatternets are the combination of multiple small networks to form larger networks. For the Bluetooth system, the use of Scatternets allow the master in one Piconet to operate as a slave in another Piconet. While this allows Bluetooth devices in one Piconet to communicate with devices in another Piconet (cross-Piconet communication), the use of Scatternets require synchronization (and sharing of data transmission Bandwidth) making them inefficient.
Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP)-A common industry specification that allows wireless communication between devices in the home. The first SWAP specification was created in 1998.
Short Message Service (SMS)-A messaging service that typically transfers small amounts of text (several hundred characters). Short messaging services can be broadcast without acknowledgement (e.g. traffic reports) or sent point-to-point (paging or email). Most digital cellular systems have SMS services. Short messaging for mobile telephones may include: numeric pages (dialed in by a caller), messages that are entered by a live operator via keyboard, an automatic message service that sends a predefined message when an event occurs (such as a fire alarm or system equipment failure), network operator announcements to customers, to and from other message capable devices in the system, from the Internet, advertisers or other information providers.
Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA)-Spatial division multiple access (SDMA) is a system access technology that allows a single transmitter location to provide multiple communication channels by dividing the radio coverage into focused radio beams that reuse the same frequency.
Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Code-(1- GSM) A unique code assigned to each GSM network operator. The code is made up of a mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC).
Text Messaging-See Short Message Service.
Third Generation (3G)- A term commonly used to describe the third generation of technology used in a specific application or industry. In cellular telecommunications, third generation systems used wideband digital radio technology as compared to 2nd generation narrowband digital radio. For third generation cordless telephones, products used multiple digital radio channels and new registration processes allowed some 3rd generation cordless phones to roam into other public places.
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)-Time division multiple access (TDMA) is a process of sharing a single radio channel by dividing the channel into time slots that are shared between simultaneous users of the radio channel. When a mobile radio communicates with a TDMA system, it is assigned a specific time position on the radio channel. By allowing several users to use different time positions (time slots) on a single radio channel, TDMA systems increase their ability to serve multiple users with a limited number of radio channels.
Transceiver-A transceiver is combination of a radio transmitter and receiver into one radio device or assembly. A portable cellular phone is a transceiver.
Transponder-(1-relay) A combination receiver and transmitter, frequently part of a communications satellite, that receives a signal from an uplink station and retransmits it to ground receiving stations. (2-response system) An electronic circuit that receives a signal from an interrogating station, such as a ground-based radar unit, and transmits an appropriate response.
Ultra Wide Band (UWB)-Ultra wideband is a method of transmission that transmits information over a much wider bandwidth (perhaps several GHz) than is required to transmit the information signal. Because the UWB signal energy is distributed over a very wide frequency range, the interference it causes to other signals operating within the UWB frequency band is extremely small. This may allow the simultaneous operation of UWB transmitters and other existing communication systems with almost undetectable interference.
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)-A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that offers personal telecommunications services that uses the combination of wireless and fixed systems to provide seamless telecommunications services to its users. It is expected that UMTS will allow on-demand transmission capacities of up to 2 Mb/s in some of its radio locations. It should be compatible with broadband ISDN services.
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA)-A worldwide standard for the 3rd generation wireless communications system developed by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP).
Uplink-(1- Satellite) The earth-to-satellite microwave link and related components such as earth station transmitting equipment. The satellite contains an uplink receiver. Various uplink components in the earth station are involved with the processing and transmission of the signal to the satellite. (2- cellular systems) The radio link between the mobile station and the base station.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)-A Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) consists of a small, dish-shaped antenna and associated electronics which allow satellite access to a geosynchronous, communications satellite. A VSAT system is an entire network which includes the central hub, the remote sites, and the network software to run the system. VSAT utilizes geosynchronous satellites located 22,500 miles above the equator, as the communication backbone. The satellite connects the VSAT locations to the central hub facility which routes messages to the appropriate destination.
Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)-Wideband code division multiple access is a 3rd generation mobile communication system that uses code division multiple access (CDMA) technology over a wide frequency band to provide high-speed multimedia and efficient voice services. The WCDMA infrastructure is compatible with GSM mobile radio communication system. WCDMA provides for high-speed data and voice communication services. Installing or upgrading to
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)-Wi-Fi protected access is an encryption (privacy) process that is used in the 802.11 Wireless LAN system to prevent unauthorized receivers of information to be able to decode and use transmitted information. The WPA encryption uses an encryption key that changes for each communication session. WPA is an enhancement to the wired equivalent privacy (WEP) fixed key system that was used in the original 802.11 WLAN systems.
WiMax-A name for the 802.16A wide area broadband wireless industry standard.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)-An encryption (privacy) process that is used in the 802.11 Wireless LAN system to prevent unauthorized receivers of information to be able to decode and use transmitted information. The WEP encryption can use a 64 or 128-bit encryption key.
Wireless Access Point (WAP)-A wireless access point contains radio transceivers that convert digital information to and from radio signals that can be exchanged with other wireless communication devices. The most basic forms of wireless access points simply for wireless connections. A wireless access point that includes the ability of DHCP and network address translation (NAT) is typically called a wireless gateway.
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-WAP is a collection of protocols and standards that enable communication and information applications to run efficiently on mobile devices. WAP is to wireless devices what hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is to Web browsers.
Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA)-An industry trade group that was established to help standardize and ensure interoperability of wireless 802.11 devices.
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)-Another name for the 802.11 wireless LAN system.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)-A wireless local area network (WLAN) allows computers and workstations to communicate with each other using radio propagation as the transmission medium. The wireless LAN can be connected to an existing wired LAN as an extension, or can form the basis of a new network.
Wireless Local Loop (WLL)-Wireless local loop (WLL) is the providing of local telephone service via radio transmission. Wireless local loop systems often use a radio conversion device located at the home or business to allow the use of standard telephones. Although WLL systems may provide for traditional dialtone service, WLL systems commonly provide for multiple types of services such as telephone service, Internet access, and video programming.
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)- WiMAX is a wireless communications standards-based technology that is used in Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint wireless networks. WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard and the name WiMAX is a marketing term coined by the WiMAX Forum.
Zigbee-Zigbee is a wireless technology that is used for short range network monitoring and control applications. The industry standard for Zigbee is IEEE 802.15.4 and information on Zigbee can be found at www.Zigbee.org.
ZigBee was designed for the hostile RF environments that routinely exist in mainstream commercial and industrial applications. Utilizing DSSS with features including collision avoidance, receiver energy detection, link quality indication, clear channel assessment, acknowledgement, security, support for guaranteed time slots and packet freshness; ZigBee-compliant networks offer OEMs and vendors a highly reliable, standards-based solution.
