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.
U
|
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) |
The goal of UMTS is to enable networks that offer true global roaming and can support a wide range of voice, data and multimedia services. A new-generation technology for rapidly moving data and multimedia over wireless devices. The European implementation of the 3G wireless phone system, UMTS provides service in the 2GHz band and offers global roaming and personalized features; designed as an evolutionary system for GSM network operators, multimedia data rates offered by UMTS are: vehicular - 144 kbit/s; pedestrian 384 kbit/s; in-building 2Mb/s. |
Universal Wireless Communications Consortium (UWCC) |
An industry group supporting TDMA and WIN technology. |
Uplink |
The portion of a telecommunications path from the ground to the satellite, also referred to as the forward link. |
UWC-136 |
A third-generation wireless standard proposal based on TDMA technology that was developed by the Universal Wireless Communications Consortium and is one of the 3G candidates submitted to the International Telecommunication Union by the United States. UWC-136 represents an evolutionary path for both the old analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) and the second-generation TIA/EIA-136 technologies, which were designed specifically for compatibility with AMPS. UWC-136 radio transmission technology proposes a low-cost incremental, evolutionary deployment path for both AMPS and TIA/EIA operators. The technology is tolerant of the frequency band in which it is deployed: 500 MHz to 2.5 GHz. |
V
|
Visitor Location Register (VLR) |
A network database that holds information about roaming wireless customers. |
Voice Activation |
A convenient safety feature that allows a subscriber to dial a phone by voice instead of physically punching in the numbers. |
Voice Recognition |
The capability for cellular phones, PCs and other communications devices to be activated or controlled by voice commands. |
W
|
Wavelength |
The distance covered by one cycle of a wave. |
Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) |
A 3G mobile services platform, based on modern, layered network-protocol structure, similar to the protocol structure used in GSM networks. WCDMA has been designed for high-speed data services and more particularly, internet-based packet-data offering up to 2Mbps in stationary or office environments, and up to 384Kbps in wide area or mobile environments. The third generation radio standard that will offer voice, data, motion-video and other multimedia capabilities, and increases data transmission rates in GSM systems by using CDMA instead of TDMA. WCDMA has become the Direct Sequence (DS) mode in the ITU's 3G specification, which includes the 1X Multi-Carrier mode (1X MC) and 3X Multi-Carrier mode (3X MC). 1X MC (formerly known as cdma2000) and 3X MC comprise the 3G upgrade path for carriers already using CDMA (cdmaOne). |
Wideband Packet CDMA (WPCDMA) |
A technical proposal from Golden Bridge Technology that wraps WCDMA and cdma2000 into one standard. |
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) |
An open standard for communication between handsets and the Internet. WAP is a wireless communications environment for delivering web data to wireless terminals with minimal screen display. An initiative started by Unwired Planet, Motorola, Nokia and Ericsson to develop a standard for wireless content delivery on the next generation of mobile communicators. WAP strips all but graphics for display on small screens, such as mobile phones. A mini-browser is an integral part of WAP enabled phones. WAP enabled phones first appeared in Europe at the end of 1999. |
Wireless Communications Services (WCS) |
The variety of services available using frequencies in the 2.3 GHz band for general fixed wireless use. |
Wireless Instant Messaging (WIM) |
Bridges the gap between wired and wireless networks. WIM seamlessly allows a desktop user to instantly send a message to a handset. |
Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN) |
The architecture needed to match the capabilities of the wireline intelligent network. In addition to transparent roaming, selective call screening, short message service and pre-paid billing are features that a WIN can provide. |
Wireless Markup Language/Script (WML/WMLScript) |
The languages used to create WAP pages. WML is similar to the way HTML is used to create web pages and WMLScript is based on JavaScript. Both are adapted and optimized for a wireless environment (compression to save bandwidth). |
Wireless Telephone Base Station |
The combination of antennas and electronic equipment used to receive and transmit wireless telephone signals. Sometimes called a base station. |
Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) |
The security layer of the WAP which provides privacy, data integrity and authentication for WAP services. WTLS, designed specifically for the wireless environment, is needed for the client and server to be authenticated in order for wireless transactions to remain secure and also because the connection needs to be encrypted. For example, a user making a transaction with a bank over a wireless device needs to know that the connection is secure and private and not subject to a security breach during transfer. WTLS is needed because mobile networks do not provide complete end-to-end security. |
Wireline |
Traditional telephone technology that relies upon wires. Also called land line. |
