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Wireless Dictionary
More than 11,051 Terms and Definitions
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| Cover | Description |
 | Wireless Dictionary. Over 10,000 of the latest
Wireless Telecom Terms and Definitions along with
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400 diagrams and photographs!!! |
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Lawrence Harte - Editor
Industry leader and expert Lawrence Harte ensured this dictionary is unbiased
and includes the latest information related the Wireless Telecom industry.
Wireless Telecom Contributing Experts
Althos recruited 12 wireless voice, data, and video experts, each with specific
knowledge of wireless telecom technologies and business practices. This team,
together with input from over 1,025 other online contributors gathered, added,
and edited what are now the latest Wireless, telecom, and data
network terms and acronyms in use today.
Jeff Hines
- Wireless Market
Analysis
Avi
Ofrane - Wireless Billing
William
Routt - Wireless Programming WML
Eric Benisek
- Intellectual Property
Bud
Bates - Wireless Technology
Ben
Levitan - Satellite and Mobile Radio
Bryan
Strange - Wireless Systems
Rik
Rasmussen - Private Land Mobile Radio
Steve
Kellogg - Wireless Marketing
Carlton
Peyton - Sales and Distribution
Robert
Kim - Wireless Data Applications
Scott
Schober - Wireless Testing
Industry Overviews
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. Each Bluetooth wireless network can contain up to 8 active devices and is called a Piconet. Piconets can be linked to form Scatternets. Information about Bluetooth technology and wireless data can be found at
www.Bluetooth.com.
The system control for Bluetooth requires one device to operate as the coordinating device (a master) and all the other devices are slaves. This is very similar to the structure of a universal serial bus (USB) system that is commonly used in personal computers and devices such as digital cameras. However, unlike USB connections, most Bluetooth devices can operate as either a master (coordinator) or slave and Bluetooth devices can reverse their roles if necessary.
This diagram shows the basic radio transmission process used in the Bluetooth system. This diagram shows that the frequency range of the Bluetooth system ranges from 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz and that the basic radio transmission packet time slot is 625 usec. It also shows that one device in a Bluetooth piconet is the master (controller) and other devices are slaves to the master. Each radio packet contains a local area piconet ID, device ID, and logical channel identifier. This diagram also shows that the hopping sequence is normally determined by the master's Bluetooth device address. However, when a device is not under control of the master, it does not know what hopping sequence to use to it listens for inquiries on a standard hopping sequence and then listens for pages using its own Bluetooth device address.
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Wireless Access Protocol (WAP)
Wireless access protocol (WAP) is an industry specification that allows advanced messaging and information services to be delivered to wireless devices independent of which wireless technology they use.
A WAP server is a computer that can receive, process, and respond to an end user's (client's) request for information or information processing.
This figure shows how pull notification works with a WAP server. This example shows a WAP push proxy gateway that receives email messages that are addressed to the WAP client. The push proxy gateway stores these messages until it receives a request from the WAP client for the delivery of messages. The WAP client will then download (pull) the messages from the push proxy gateway so the messages can be displayed on the users phone.
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Wireless LAN (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. While adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments, wireless LANs are especially suited to indoor locations such as office buildings, manufacturing floors, hospitals and universities.
This figure shows the frequency band and radio channel size that is used in the 802.11b system. This example shows that the basic radio channel in the 802.11b system is 25 MHz wide and that the center frequency of the radio channel can be assigned to different points (channels) in the 83 MHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) unlicensed frequency band. This example shows that there can be up to 3 non-interfering (non-overlapping) 802.11b radio channels operating in the same ISM frequency band.
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Satellite Systems
Satellite systems provide a unique way to connect communications networks using space vehicle(s) in orbit over the Earth.
Satellites simply act as transport for communications much like cables, fiber optics or microwave systems that are the path between two communicators.
Similar to cables that provide long distance communications, a satellite acts like a repeater to assure that the signal, video or voice communications that
it is transporting remains as near to the original as possible. Repeaters in satellites take the weak signal it receives and restores it before passing back
to the recipient.
Satellites are unique for communications for many reasons. The start up costs for satellite communications is very high, however the
benefits are extremely good. For example, if a satellite is placed in orbit over the earth, it is capable of providing a communication connection between
any two points within it’s view by simply having a transmitter and receiver at each of the two points (in the form of a satellite dish). The view of a typical
satellite in orbit over the earth is 1/3 of the planet. As well, the multiple connections can be established. Depending on the capability of the satellite,
thousands of paired connections can be established at one time between two points. The advantage of this over established point-to-point cable connections
is a significant benefit of a satellite.
A satellite in space is limited by its design as to how many signals it can receive and retransmit based on the number of “transponders” it
holds. However, one of the biggest communications advantages of a satellite is that the number of communication devices on the ground that can receive the
signal and use it is not limited. This makes satellites an ideal system for broadcast uses. Even a small satellite with only a few transponders can provide
a significant service. Satellite radio systems are simple. A signal is transmitted to a satellite and the satellite, acting as a simple repeater
re-transmits the signal. If listeners on the earth have a receiver, there is no limit to the number of customers that can receive the signal. For more than 30
years, satellites have been providing voice and data communication service around the globe; however, the cost for equipment and services has been very
high.
In 1997, the high cost of satellite equipment and services began to reduce dramatically. New high capacity satellites and digital
technology allow for lower cost service and advanced messaging services. Early satellites used analog transmission. After the development of digital satellites, which offer more capacity, several
more satellites were put into orbit, followed by the next-generation of low orbiting satellites. These new developments are
rapidly bringing the cost of equipment down by over 75%.
This diagram shows the different types of satellite communication systems. The GEO satellite system is primarily used for television broadcast services, as their satellites appear stationary above the Earth. MEO and LEO systems are used for mobile communications as they are located much closer to the Earth. However, these satellites continuously move relative to the surface of the Earth.
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Quick Start- Some
of the most popular terms and definitions:
1xRTT-The first phase of cdma2000 technology designed to double voice capacity and support data transmission speeds up to 144 Kbps, or 10 times the data transmission speed that was available in IS-95 CDMA system. 1xRTT is compatible with today's IS-95A and IS-95B cdmaONE.
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.
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. Each Bluetooth wireless network can contain up to 8 active devices and is called a Piconet. Piconets can be linked to form Scatternets. Information about Bluetooth technology and wireless data can be found at www.Bluetooth.com.
Bluetooth was named after Harald Blatand, King of Denmark. King Blatand was head of Denmark from 940 to 985 A.D and he is known for uniting the Danes and Norwegians. It seems appropriate to name the wireless technology that unifies communication between diverse sets of devices after King Blatand.
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 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 Global Evolution (EDGE)-Enhanced data 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. EDGE uses several 8 level phase shift keying (8PSK) to increase the radio channel data transmission rate to 604.8 kbps (474 kbps user rate).
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.
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 for the dynamic assignment of time slots to individual users. GPRS provides a maximum radio channel data transmission rate of 171.2 kbps.
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. Each GSM radio channel is 200 kHz wide channels that are further divided into frames that hold 8 time slots. GSM was originally named Groupe Special Mobile. The GSM system includes mobile telephones (mobile stations), radio towers (base stations), and interconnecting 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.
LMDS uses approximately 1.3 GHz wide spectrum band at around 28 GHz. This provides a typical data rate for each LMDS channel of 1 Gbps. Because of the extremely high frequencies used, the transmitter must be located within 3 to 5 miles of the receiver. The limitation of short distance is that LMDS signals from one antenna will not interfere with other antennas placed 10 or more miles apart. This allows the radio bandwidth to be reused (frequency reused) in a cellular like fashion.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
Text Messaging-See Short Message Service.
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 WCDMA technology allows mobile service providers to offer their customers wireless broadband (high-speed Internet) services and to operate their systems more efficiently (more customers per cell site radio tower).
The WCDMA system is composed of mobile devices (wireless telephones and data communication devices called user equipment - UE), radio towers (cell sites called Node Bs), and an interconnection system (switches and data routers). The WCDMA system uses two types of radio channels; frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). The FDD radio channels are primarily used for wide area voice (audio) channels and data services. The TDD channels are typically used for systems that do not have the availability of dual frequency bands.
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 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. While adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments, wireless LANs are especially suited to indoor locations such as office buildings, manufacturing floors, hospitals and universities.
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.
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.
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Wireless Books |
| 1. | Introduction
Wireless Systems - Technology Basics, Market Growth, Systems, and
Services |
| 2. | Introduction
to Satellite Systems
Technology Basics, Market Growth,
Systems, and Services |
| 3. | Introduction
to 802.11 Wireless Lan (WLAN) - Technology, Installation, Setup, and
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| 4. | Introduction
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| 5. | Introduction
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| 6. | Introduction
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| 7. | Wireless Markup Language
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| 8. | Introduction
to Bluetooth- Technology, Market, Operation, Profiles, and Services |
| 9. | Introduction
to Private Land Mobile Radio - Dispatch, LTR, APCO, MPT1327, iDEN,
& TETRA |
| 10. | Wireless
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and Satellite |
| 11. | Introduction
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