We've compiled a list of key words that we figure people might have questions
on. This is just a preliminary list of terms. If you run across cell phone
terminology that you think would benefit others, please
contact us.
E
|
Electromagnetic Energy |
Waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Also called electromagnetic radiation. |
Electromagnetic Field |
An area containing electromagnetic energy (electromagnetic radiation). |
Electromagnetic Radiation |
Waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. Also called electromagnetic energy. |
Electromagnetic Spectrum |
The collection of all electromagnetic energy arranged according to frequency and wavelength. |
Electronic Serial Number (ESN) |
The unique identification number embedded in a wireless phone by the manufacturer. Each time a call is placed, the ESN is automatically transmitted to the base station so the wireless carrier's mobile switching office can check the call's validity. The ESN cannot easily be altered in the field. The ESN differs from the mobile identification number, which is the wireless carrier's identifier for a phone in the network. MINs and ESNs can be electronically checked to help prevent fraud. |
Encryption |
The process of encoding a message such as a digital phone signal to prevent it from being read by unauthorized parties. |
Enhanced 911 (E911) |
911 service becomes E911 when automatic number identification and automatic location information from a wireless phone is provided to the 911 operator. Reimbursement, or cost recovery, is due to commercial providers of both recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with any services, operation, administration or maintenance of wireless E911 service. Costs include, but are not limited to, the costs of design, development, upgrades, equipment, software and other expenses associated with the implementation of wireless E911 service. |
Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) |
The final evolution of data communications within the GSM standard. Based on 8PSK modulation, EDGE provides 3G packet data throughput on GSM networks, and uses a new modulation scheme to enable data throughput speeds of up to 384kbit/s using existing GSM infrastructure. |
Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) |
Digital SMR networks that provide dispatch, voice, and messaging and data services. |
European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) |
A standards-setting body in Europe. Also the standards body responsible for GSM. |
F
|
F PCS Block |
The final PCS license that was auctioned by the FCC in January 1997. Each contains 10 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band and is based on BTA geographic partitions. The licenses were reserved for small businesses and entrepreneurs. |
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) |
The federal government agency located in Washington, D.C. responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States, including commercial and private wireless spectrum management. |
Fiber Optic |
Using fine, transparent lines for the transmission of data, digitally encoded into pulses of light. In terms of telephone conversations, a 1/2" copper cable can transmit about 25 conversations analog, whereas a 1/2" fiber optic line can transmit 193,536 conversations digitally. |
FireWire |
Originally developed by Apple, this is an increasingly popular and very fast external bus for transferring data between devices; also known as IEEE 1394 for the name of the standard it engendered. |
Flash Memory |
A component used for memory that can retain information without power. |
Foliage Attenuation |
Reductions in signal strength or quality due to signal absorption by trees or foliage obstructions in the signal's line-of-sight path. For example, 800 MHz systems are seldom deployed in forested areas. Pine needles -- nearly the same length as 800 MHz antennas -- can negatively affect signal reception in that band. |
Frame Relay |
Wideband, packet-based interface used to transmit bursts of data over a wide-area network. Seldom used for voice. |
Frequency |
The number of oscillations, or vibrations, of radio waves per unit of time, usually expressed in either cycles-per-second or Hertz (Hz). |
Frequency Modulation (FM) |
A signaling method that varies the carrier frequency in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal. |
Frequency Reuse |
The ability to use the same frequencies repeatedly across a cellular system, made possible by the basic design approach for cellular. Since each cell is designed to use radio frequencies only within its boundaries, the same frequencies can be reused in other cells not far away with little potential for interference. The reuse of frequencies is what enables a cellular system to handle a huge number of calls with a limited number of channels. |
G
|
Gateway |
Node that connect two different networks. |
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) |
Interface between the GPRS wireless data network and other networks such as the Internet or private networks. |
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) |
A GSM data transmission technique that does not set up a continuous channel from a portable terminal for the transmission and reception of data, but transmits and receives data in packets. GPRS is used to boost wireless data transmission over GSM networks. GPRS can achieve 171.2 kilobits per second (kbps), which is about three times as fast as the data transmission speeds possible over today's fixed telecommunications networks and ten times as fast as current GSM networks. Unlike existing digital wireless Net connections, no dial-up modem is necessary. |
Global Positioning System (GPS) |
A system of 24 satellites for identifying earth locations, launched by the U.S. By triangulation of signals from three of the satellites, a receiving unit can pinpoint its current location anywhere on earth to within a few meters. Lets those on the ground, on the water or in the air determines their position with extreme accuracy using GPS receivers. |
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) |
GSM is a digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the predominant system Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and in parts of America and Canada. First introduced in 1991, the GSM standard has been deployed at three different frequency bands: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. GSM 1900 is primarily deployed in North America. Named after its frequency band around 900 MHz, GSM-900 has provided the basis for several other networks using GSM technology. GSM uses narrowband TDMA which allows eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency. Along with CDMA and TDMA it represents the second generation of wireless networks. |
Globalstar |
Second major LEO-based global communications system; initially created for voice, it was launched in late 1999. |
GSM 1800 |
Also known as DCS 1800 or PCN, GSM 1800 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1800 MHz. It is used in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia. |
GSM 1900 |
Also known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts of Latin America and Africa. |
GSM 900 |
The world's most widely used digital network and now operating in over 100 countries around the world, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific. |
GSM Hosted SMS Teleservice (GHOST) |
A tunneling protocol that allows a GSM SMS to be embedded in a teleservice that can be transmitted over the air interface of a TDMA based network. |
