10 Base-T

100 Base-T
1000 Base-T
128QAM
16QAM
1G
1x
1xEVDO
1xEVDV
1XRTT
2G
2R
32QAM
3G
3GiA
3GPP
3GPP2
3GSP
3R
3WC
3x
3XRTT
64QAM
802.11

802.11a

802.11b
802.11c

0-9
Basic Ethernet at 10 Mbit/sec
Ethernet running at 100 Mbit/sec
Ethernet running at 1,000 Mbit/sec
QAM with 7 bits per symbol.
QAM with 4 bits per symbol.
First Generation. Refers to analog cellular systems
A cdma2000 notation that indicates that one carrier is being used. Compare
with 3x
See EvDO
See EVDV
cdma2000 operating mode at basic chip rate (1.2288 Mcps). The theoretical
top speed is 153 kbps
Second Generation. Refers to digital cellular and PCS wireless systems
oriented to voice and low speed data services
Receive, Reshape (an optical signal). See 3R
QAM with 5 bits per symbol.
Third Generation. Refers to the next generation of wireless systems - digital
with high speed data. Being standardized by 3GPP and 3GPP2
3G Internet Appliance
3rd Generation Partnership Project for W-CDMA (GSM)
3rd Generation Partnership Project for cdma2000
3G Service Provider
Reshaping, Retiming, Reamplifying (an optical signal). See 2R
Three Way Call
A cdma2000 notation that indicates that three carriers are being used.
Compare with 1x. Not widely implemented. Although this allows higher
maximum speeds, the average speed per user will not change significantly
cdma2000 operating mode at 3 times the basic chip rate of 1.2288 Mcps
QAM with 6 bits per symbol.
An IEEE committee that standardizes a wireless Ethernet replacement
technology in the ISM band. 802.11b is most commonly implemented and
runs at approximately 10 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band. 802.11a runs at 54
Mbps in the 5 GHz band. 802.11g provides 24 Mbps in the same band as
802.11b.
A WiFi WLAN variant that is higher speed (54 Mbps) than 802.11b.
Because it also operates in a different frequency band it has proven less
popular than 802.11g which offers higher speed in the same band as 802.11b
thus providing a simpler migration strategy. The range of this protocol is
also lower and the LOS requirements more stringent. See ADRC
IEEE Wireless LAN system providing throughput of about 11 Mbps but see
ADRC
An IEEE standard for network interoperability between WLAN protocols

802.11d
802.11e
802.11f
802.11g
802.11h
802.11i
802.11j
802.11k
802.11m
802.11n
802.11p
802.11r
802.11s
802.11t
802.11u
802.11v
802.11w
802.11y
802.15
802.16
802.3
8PSK
8QAM
911

A(2)
A-bis

An IEEE standard for operation of their WLAN protocols outside the normal
frequency bands (e.g. due to the unavailability of those bands in some
countries)
An IEEE standard for QoS in their WLAN protocols 802.11a, 802.11b,
802.11g and 802.11n
An IEEE standard for interconnection between wireless APs
A second generation version of WiFi providing 54 Mbps raw throughput
(typically a user data rate of about half that) in the same 2.4 GHz frequency
band as 802.11b. This gave it an advantage over 802.11a which had similar
performance but operated in a different frequency band.
An IEEE standard for spectrum and transmit power management for their
WLAN protocols
Enhanced security for IEEE WLAN protocols
An adaptation of 802.11 WLAN protocols to the Japanese 4.95 GHz
frequency band
A proposed IEEE standard for RRM
A group for editorial maintenance of IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards
A future IEEE WLAN protocol that promises raw data rates of 540 Mbps in
either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band and thus will likely eventually replace
802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. The protocol is scheduled for completion in
2009. See EWC
A proposed IEEE standard for ITS. Also known as WAVE
A proposed IEEE standard for handoff between APs
A proposed IEEE standard for mesh networking
A proposed test specification for IEEE WLAN standards
A proposed standard for authorization of users on IEEE WLANs
A proposed wireless network management standard for IEEE WLAN
protocols
A proposed standard for the protection of system management information
in IEEE WLAN protocols
A proposed standard for operation of IEEE WLAN protocols in the 3.65-3.7
GHz frequency band
See Bluetooth
IEEE WiMax radio interface.
IEEE standard for Ethernet
PSK with 8 states, allowing the coding of 8 bit combinations. It is used in
EDGE.
QAM with 3 bits per symbol.
The ES service code in many parts of the United States, Canada and a few
other countries.
A
An IP host address
Interface between BTS and BSC

A-GPS
A-interface
A-Key
A/D
A3
A5
A5/3
A8
AAA
AAL
ABNF
ABR
ABS
AC
ACC
ACCM
ACCOLC
ACCT
ACD
ACELP(1)
ACELP(2)
ACF
ACG
ACH
ACK
ACLR
ACM
ACP
ACRE
AD(1)
AD(2)
ADA
ADDS

Assisted GPS. Network provides information to mobile device to acquire

satellite signals and may assist with processing of received data
Interface between the MSC and BS
The primary CAVE authentication key, used to generate SSD
Analog/Digital. Usually used in the context of conversion from analog to
digital (or vice-versa)
GSM authentication algorithm
GSM data encryption algorithm
An encryption algorithm for GSM and EDGE
GSM voice encryption algorithm. Used to generate Kc
Authentication, Authorization and Accounting entity. See RADIUS and
Diameter
AAL Adaptation Layer
Augmented BNF. Defined in RFC 2234
Average bit rate
Alternate Billing Service
Authentication Centre. Stores information for authenticating mobiles, and
encrypting their voice and data transmissions
Analog Control Channel. See FSK
Asynchronous Control Character Map
Access Overload Class
CDMA Access Control by Call Type
Automatic Call Distributor. Distributes incoming calls to one of a number of
people equally able to handle them (e.g. for customer service)
Adaptive CELP
Algebraic CELP
Authentication Control Function
Automatic Code Gapping. A method of shedding load in
telecommunications systems
Access Channel
Acknowledgement signal
Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio. The ratio of the on-channel transmit
power to the power measured in one of the adjacent channels. An important
W-CDMA parameter.
SS7 ISUP Address Complete message. Response to IAM
Adjacent Channel Power
Authorization & Call Routing Equipment. Used for routing calls to cellular
phones with a cordless mode
Abbreviated Dialing
Architecture Document
Advertising Agent. Provides information to a MS on the services provided
by a 3G network
Application Data Delivery Service. See SMS

ADF(1)
Application DF.
Adjacent Channel
Interference from signals at slightly different frequencies
Interference
ADN
Abbreviated Dialing Numbers
ADPCM
Adaptive Differential PCM
Aggregate Data Rate Caveat. A warning that most wireless data rates are
aggregate, meaning that all users share the bandwidth, and often they are
raw rates higher than the actual user throughput could ever be even on an
ADRC
unloaded system. It is probably good to start by dividing the raw rate by a
factor of two to obtain the total user throughput rate and then further divide
by the average number of simultaneous users (not connected users, but the
number who are likely to be simultaneously transmitting)
ADS
Asynchronous Data Service
ADSL
Asymmetric DSL. Bit rates are higher from the network than from the client
AdSpec
IETF Advertisement Specification
AEG
Asian Expert Group. A WAP Working Group
AES
Audio Engineering Society
AF
Application Function.
Advanced Forward Link Trilateration. A geolocation technique that utilizes
AFLT
the mobile stations measured time of arrival of radio signals from the base
stations (and, possibly, other terrestrial measurements)
AFRCN
GSM Absolute radio frequency channel number
Audio FSK. Communication by changing frequencies in the audio band
AFSK
rather than RF. Used by MF, DTMF
GSM Access Grant Channel. The traffic channel assignment information is
AGCH
sent to the mobile on this channel.
AGPS
Network Assisted GPS. Land station assists mobile in acquiring its position
AGW
Access Gateway
AH(1)
Authentication Header
Answer Hold. Service that allows an incoming call to be placed on hold
AH(2)
without answering it first. Closely related to USCF
AHAG
TIA TR-45 ad hoc Authentication Group
AI
Air Interface
AICH
Acquisition Indicator Channel
AID(1)
ISO/IEC 7816 Application Identifier composed of RID and PIX.
AIN
Advanced Intelligent Network. Telcordia version of IN
Air Interface Synonym for Radio Interface.
AK
Anonymity Key. In AKA it is derived from RAND using f5.
Authentication and Key Agreement. New generation of security being
AKA
developed for 3GPP2 CDMA systems and 3GPP UMTS systems. Parts may
also be applied to GSM
Alert
A command to a mobile to notify the user of an incoming call or message
ALG(1)
Application Layer Gateway. A device within the internet that performs

ALI
AM
AMA
AMF
AMI
AMPS
AMR
AMR-WB
AMTA
AN
analog
analogue
Anchor MSC
ANI(1)
ANI(2)
ANI II
ANM
ANSI
ANSI-136
ANSI-41
ANT
AOA
AoC
AP(1)
AP(2)
APCO
APDU
API
APLMN
APM

special functions for a specific application layer protocol (e.g. instant

messaging, VoIP, email).
Automatic Location Information. A database that contains information about
the location of emergency callers
Amplitude Modulation. See FM
Automatic Message Accounting. See CDR
AKA Authentication Management Field. May indicate the algorithm and
key used by the current authentication system.
Alternate Mark Inversion
Advanced Mobile Phone Service. TIA analog cellular, and all standards that
retain compatibility with it (NAMPS, D-AMPS, CDMA). Standardized in
EIA/TIA-553
Adaptive MultiRate Voice Coder. Proposed for use in GSM and UMTS. Bit
rates vary between 12.2 and 4.75 kbps
AMR wide (audio) band Voice Coder chosen for UMTS. Developed by
Nokia and Voiceage. Has 9 different bitrates
American Mobile Telecommunications Association
Access Network
Transmission of information through a continuously variable signal.
Compare with digital
Alternate (British) spelling of analog
The first MSC involved in a wireless call
Automatic Number Identification. Provision of charge number during a call
to allow toll calls without operator intervention
Access Network Identifier
ANI Information Digits. Describes the type of phone being used to call (e.g.
residential line or payphone).
SS7 ISUP Answer Message
American National Standards Institute
ANSI version of the TDMA air interface standard. Replaces IS-136. Correct
name is TIA-136
See TIA/EIA-41
ADSL Network Termination
Angle of Arrival. A technique for locating a radio by estimating the angle of
signal arrival at multiple points. Compare with TOA
Advice of Charge
Application Part (of a protocol)
Access Point. An 802.11 BS
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
Application PDU
Application Programming Interface
Associated PLMN
Application Transport

APMN

Associated PMN
Access Point Name. In a GPRS network, the domain name referring to an
APN
external packet network
ARCH
Access Response Channel
Association of Radio Industries and Businesses. Responsible for
ARIB
standardization of telecommunications protocols in Japan
ARM
ARQ Response Mode
Authorized Receipt Point. The sole entity authorized to settle and exchange
ARP(1)
roamer charges and revenue for a carrier
IETF Address Resolution Protocol. Binds the physical (MAC) address of a
ARP(2)
device to an IP address on a local network (e.g. ethernet subnet).
ARPU
Average Revenue Per User/Unit
Automatic Repeat Request. A method of error correction where the receiver
ARQ
detects errors, and requests retransmission from the sender.
Internet Application Server. Handles applications for a range of addresses
AS
(e.g. a telephone switch)
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The most commonly
ASCII
used method for encoding text in 8 bit characters. See UNICODE for more
complex alphabets and the obsolete EBCDIC
ASE
Application Service Element
Application Specific Integrated Circuit. A computer chip that is customized
ASIC
for a special purpose application
Abstract Syntax Notation 1. A formal, textual, representation of a protocol
ASN.1
message set
ASP
AS Process
ASR
Automatic Speech Recognition
A class of GPS receiver that uses information from another source to make
positioning quicker. This is common in cellular phones, where the cellular
Assisted GPS(1)
BS transmits additional information to make the acquisition of satellites
quicker and may offload some of the calculations.
Data is transmitted only when needed. At least one bit is needed to indicate
Asynchronous
the start of transmission (known as a start bit). Compare with Synchronous
AT
Access Tandem. A switch that can be used to reach a variety of IXCs
Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture. A board and shelf
ATCA(1)
design for telecommunications and other ruggedized applications.
Developed by PICMG.
ATI
Access Terminal Identifier
Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions. Parent organization for
ATIS
the T1 standards committees and many telecom industry groups, such as
OBF
Asynchronous Transfer Mode. Transmits data as 53 byte units using a
ATM
connection-oriented protocol at speeds up to 2.488 Gbps
ATP
Access Transport Parameter (also Adenosine Tri-Phosphate :)
ATS
Abstract Test Suite

AuC

GSM term for AC

An OMT bit that turns mobile authentication on or off for all mobiles within
AUTH
a cell
AUTHBS
Authentication Response from the BS
Authentication Proving the identity of an individual or application (e.g. MS)
Authentication Improvements to network based authentication (TIA/EIA-41) defined in ISEnhancements 778
Authentication
See Quintet and Triplet
Vector
Authentication Response. The output of CAVE when RAND is used as a
AUTHR
global challenge
AUTHU
Authentication Response to Unique Challenge
AKA Network Authentication Token. Composed of SQN (concealed), AMF
AUTN
and MAC
AV
Authentication Vector
AVC
Analog Voice Channel
Attribute Value Pair. A method of encoding parameters that includes the
AVP
length of the data, the attribute (parameter) type (usually fixed length) and
the attribute value. cf TLV
AWGN
Additive White Gaussian Noise
AWI
Alert with Information; used to transmit data while alerting an MS
AWS
An FCC term for IMTS-2000
B
B-SMS
B/I
B8ZS
Baby Bell
Backhaul
badput
BAF
BAIC
BAOC
BARG
Barring
Baseband
BATS
BBIT

Broadcast SMS
Busy/Idle bit
Bipolar with 8 Zero Substitution. Replaces an all-0 octet by one containing
two BPV
see RBOC
Routing trunks from a cellsite to an MSC before routing to the PSTN.
A cute name for wasted bandwidth. Bandwidth = goodput(throughput) +
badput + unused bandwidth
Billing Automatic Message Accounting Format. The CDR/AMA format
used by most US wireline telecom carriers
Barring of All Incoming Calls
Barring of All Outgoing Calls
GSMA Billing, Accounting and Roaming Group
Refusal to allow certain types of calls
The signal(s) used to modulate the radio channel in the transmitter, and
which are recovered by the receiver by demodulating the received radio
channel.
Broadcast Air-interface Transport Service used by TIA/EIA-136
Best Breakfast In Town.

BCCH

Broadcast Control Channel

Binary Coded Decimal. Digits 0-9 are encoded as 4 bit numbers (nibble), so
BCD
two fit within a byte. See TBCD
BCE
Base Station Central Equipment. See BSC
Broadcast Channel. A channel transmitted by one (e.g. BS) and received by
BCH(1)
many (e.g. MS)
Bose, Chaudhuri, and Hocquengham error detection and correction
BCH(2)
methodology
BCH(3)
Basic Call Handling
BCM
Basic Call Manager. See WIN
BCMCS
Broadcast/Multicast Services for 3GPP2. Contrast with BMC
BCSM
Basic Call State Model. A n IN concept
BD
Billing Domain
BDN
Barred Dialing Number
A capability of a transport protocol (e.g. a maximum bitrate or message
Bearer capability latency). A Teleservice may be able to use any facility that can provide a
specified bearer capability.
BEG
Billing Expert Group. A WAP Working Group
Beidou(1)
A Chinese GNSS.
BER(1)
See Bit Error Rate
BER(2)
Basic Encoding Rules. See ASN.1
Breakout Gateway Control Function. Controls the assignment of resources
BGCF
to IMS sessions in a serving system. Connected to the S-CSCF, MGCF and
BGCF
BGP
Border Gateway Protocol of IETF RFC 1771. See EBGP.
Backward Indicator Bit. Indicates when a received MTP frame is out of
BIB
sequence. See FIB
BIC-Roam
Barring of Incoming Calls while Roaming
Bearer Independent Call Control. ISUP adapted for use over IP-based
BICC
transport. Compare with SIP
BID
A SID allocated for accounting purposes. BID's are allocated by Cibernet
Bearer Independent Protocol. A method for transferring SIM, USIM, ISIM
or CSIM configuration data over the high speed interface of a phone, e.g.
BIP(1)
GPRS or EvDO, instead of the previous, much slower, SMS method.
Defined in ETSI TS 102 223
BISDN
Broadband ISDN
bit
Fundamental unit of information, occupying two discrete states (e.g. 0 or 1)
Bit Error Rate The fraction of binary bits that are received with the wrong value.
BLA
SS7 ISUP Blocking acknowledgement. See BLO
BLOB
Block of Bits
Bluetooth
A cable-replacement radio protocol for short distance (5-100 meter)
networking at moderate speeds (1 Mbps raw bandwidth for version 1 and 3
Mbps for version 2). Developed by the Bluetooth Consortium and

standardized by IEEE 802.15.1

Busy Line Verification
Broadcast/Multicast Service Center
Broadcast Multicast Control. See 3GPP TS25.324. Contrast with BCMCS.
BS, MSC and Interworking function
Backus-Naur Form. A precursor to ASN.1 and other meta-language
Billed Number Screening
Bell Operating Company
Barring of Outgoing International Calls
BOIC except to HC
An IP Router that connects to routers in other networks using the EBGP
Border Router
protocol.
BP
Bit Position
bps
Bits per second. A measure of the speed of a transmission link
BPSK
Biphase Shift Keying
Bi-Polar Violation. Transmission of two one-bits in a PCM channel (e.g.
BPV
DS0) with the same polarity (e.g. both positive or both negative). May be
deliberately used to indicate all-zero octets. See B8ZS and HDB3
BR
Border Router. Connects a CN with peer networks
BREW
Binary Runtime for Wireless
BRI
Basic Rate Interface (64 kbps). See DS0
Short messages sent to multiple mobiles in multiple cells, requiring only one
Broadcast SMS
message per cell
BS
Base Station (includes BTS and BSC)
Base Station Controller. The 'brains' of a base station, controlling the radio
BSC
equipment in the BTS
BSF
Bootstrapping Function
BS Identity Code. Color code used by GSM systems to ensure that the
BSIC
source of a frequency transmission can be identified, in areas where multiple
cells transmitting on the same frequency can be received
BSMC
Base Station Manufacturer Code
Backward Sequence Number. The sequence number of the last correctly
BSN(1)
received MTP frame received. Contrast with FSN
BSN(2)
BCMCS Serving Node
BSS(1)
BS Subsystem
BSS(2)
Basic Service Set. An 802.11 network.
BSSMAP
GSM BSS MAP
BT
Burst Type
BTA
Basic Trading Area
BTS
Base Transceiver System (radio portion of BS)
BTTC
Broadcast SMS
BWIF
Broadband Wireless Internet Forum. A program of IEEE-ISTO
BXA
US DoC Bureau of Export Administration. Administers EAR
BLV
BM-SC
BMC
BMI
BNF
BNS
BOC
BOIC
BOIC-exHC

byte

An 8 bit unit of data storage. See octet

C
C-PDS
cdma2000 Packet Data Service
C/I
Carrier to Interference Ratio
C7
See CCS7
CA(1)
Certificate/Certification Authority
CA(2)
Collision Avoidance
CAC
Carrier Access Code. Identifies a long distance carrier. 101+CIC
US Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement law. Requires that
CALEA
telecommunications carriers provide for surveillance (aka wiretaps) at the
switch site
CAMA
Centralized Automatic Message Accounting
Customized Applications for Mobile Networks Enhanced Logic based on
CAMEL
CAP. IN capabilities for GSM. Compare with WIN
Candidate MSC An MSC being considered as the Target MSC of a handoff
CANID
Current ANI
CAP(1)
CAMEL AP
CAP(2)
Carrierless Amplitude and Phase modulation
CAP(3)
Competitive Access Provider
CAPCS
Cellular Auxiliary Personal Communications Service
CAR
Committed Access Rate. An IP method to achieve higher QoS
Customer Account Record Exchange. Sent from a LEC to an IXC to
CARE
establish a long distance account for a customer
The address that a Home Agent forwards packets to for handling by the
Care-of Address
Foreign Agent in MIP
US FBI ISP wiretapping box, including a processor and removable hard
Carnivore
drive to capture internet sessions (email, web access etc.).
CAS
Call Associated Signaling. See ISUP. Contrast with NCAS
CAT
Smart Card Application Toolkit
CATPT
CDMA UIM Card Application Toolkit Protocol Teleservice
China Academy of Telecommunication Research of MII. A government
CATR(1)
owned research institute that participates in the development of standards.
Formerly RITT.
CAVE
TIA Cellular Authentication and Voice Encryption Algorithm
CB
Cell Broadcast
CBC
CB Center
CBMI
CB Message Identifier
CBR
Constant Bit Rate
CBS
GSM/W-CDMA Cell Broadcast SMS
CC(1)
E.164 Country Code
CC(2)
GSM Call Control protocol
CC(3)
Content of Communications (for LAES)

CCA

Common Cryptographic Algorithm

CDMA Card Application Toolkit. Specifies communications between a
CCAT
CDMA R-UIM and the ME.
CCB
US FCC Common Carrier Bureau
CCBS
Call Completion to Busy Subscriber
CCCH
GSM Common Control Channels PCH, RACH, AGCH
CCF(1)
Call Control Function (IN term)
CCF(2)
Charging Collection Function (3GPP)
CCH
Control Channel
International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee. Precursor
CCITT
to ITU. See ITU-T and ITU-R
CCNR
Call Completion on No Reply. See CFNA
CCP
Compression Control Protocol
CCPD
Common Channel Packet Data
CCPN
Call Completion to a Ported Number. See LNP
Cash Cost Per User. The cost of operating a telecom business on a per-user
CCPU(1)
basis. It does not include capital costs.
CCR(1)
SS7 ISUP Continuity check request
CCR(2)
Class Conformance Requirement
CCS
Common Channel Signaling
CCS7
ITU-T version of SS7
CCSA
China Communications Standards Association. Successor to CWTS.
CCSC
Cellular Carrier Specific Code (e.g. #123)
CCSH
CDMA Code Combining Soft Handoff
CCSS
Call Completion Service Setup
CCT
Circuit
CCV
Credit Card Validation
CCW
Cancel Call Waiting
CD
Collision Detection
Character Data, such as a quoted text string. Used in XML and derivative
CDATA
protocols such as WML
CDCP
Call Detail Collection Point. See TIA/EIA-124
CDG
CDMA Development Group
CDGP
Call Detail Generation Point
Call Detail Information Source. An MSC or other entity that produces
CDIS
proprietary CDRs
Code Division Multiple Access. Implemented in AMPS-compatible systems
CDMA
by IS-95. Also see W-CDMA
CDMA-PAMR A CDMA-based PAMR system.
Trade name for CDMA air interface standards aimed at 3G requirements,
cdma2000
including IS-2000. It operates in 1.25 MHz carriers at 1.2288 Mcps. There is
some debate about whether the "CDMA" should be upper or lower case :)
cdmaOne
Trade name for first generations of CDMA air interface standards, including

CdPA
CDPD
CdPN
CDR
CDRP
CDVCC
CEASA
CEG
cell
cellular
CELP
CENELEC
CEP
CEPT

CEWS
CF
CFB
CFNA
CFNRc
CFNRy
CFU
CG
CGB
CGBA
CGI(1)
CGI(2)
CGL
CGLP
CgPN
CGSA

TIA/EIA-95. Operates in pairs of 1.25 MHz channels

Called Party Address
Cellular Digital Packet Data. A protocol that uses 30 khz AMPS channels to
transmit packets of data. Standardized in TIA/EIA/IS-732
Called Party Number. The DN of the party receiving a call
Charging Data Record or Call Detail Record
Call Detail Rating Point
Coded Digital Verification Color Code
Cellular Emergency Alert Systems Association. Promotes the use of
emergency alerts over cell phones.
Carrier Expert Group. A WAP Working Group
The coverage area of a single radio cellsite or sector in a cellular or PCS
system
A radio concept that allows the multiplication of capacity by using many
low-power cell to cover an area, reusing frequencies as much as possible
Code Excited Linear Prediction
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Cell Equipment Processor
Conference des administrations Europeannes des Postes et
Telecommunications
Cell Work Station. Software running here supports termination of the LAPD
links to the BTS. A minimal OA&M application is included to support
maintenance of the A-bis interface processes and to route OA&M messages
to/from the BTS. Call Handling software derives directly from the CEP and
PPP of the BCE.
Collection function. LEA that collects J-STD-025 data
Call Forwarding when subscribing telephone is busy
Call forward on no-answer (and, usually, also on no page response). See
CFNRc and CFNRy
Call forward when mobile not reachable. See CFNA
Call forward when mobile is not answered. See CFNA
Call Forwarding Unconditional (i.e. every incoming call will be forwarded)
Charging Gateway
SS7 ISUP Circuit group blocking
SS7 ISUP CGB acknowledgement
Common Gateway Interface
GSM Cell Global Identification. Composed of LAI + CI
Calling Geodetic Location. The position of a mobile phone, as transmitted
through various signaling protocols. See GAD
SS7 ISUP Calling Geodetic Location Parameter (i.e. Latitude and
Longitude)
Calling Party Number. The DN of the party initiating a call
Cellular Geographic Serving Area. MSA or RSA

CGU
CGUA
CGVoP

SS7 ISUP Circuit group unblocking

SS7 ISUP CGU acknowledgement
Carrier Grade Voice over Packet. See VoIP
PPP Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol. Use of RADIUS to
CHAP
authenticate a terminal without sending security data in the clear. Compare
with PAP
cHTML
Compact HTML. Use by iMode. See also WML and XHTML
The rate at which subscribers leave one wireless carrier to go to another. A
Churn
major expense for carriers
CI
GSM Cell Identity. A 16 bit number identifying a cell within an LAI
Cellular Intercarrier Billing Exchange Record. Format used for exchange of
CIBER
wireless billing records. Maintained by Cibernet Corp
A subsidiary of Mach Corporation, originally formed by the CTIA to
Cibernet
facilitate billing aspects of roaming such as net settlement and exchange of
CIBER billing records.
CIC
Carrier Identification Code. See CAC
Classless Inter-Domain Routing. A method of allocating IPv4 addresses that
is not Classful but allows a 32-bit IPv4 address to be broken on any bit
CIDR(1)
boundary. This is still not as flexible as assigning addresses as arbitrary
ranges of numbers but simplifies analysis by allowing bit-masking. See
Wikipedia.
Ciphertext
Encrypted data. Compare with Plaintext
CIR(1)
Synonym for C/I
CIR(2)
Committed Information Rate. Bandwidth associated with a frame relay PVC
Data transmitted over a dedicated (although usually virtual) channel. The
Circuit-switched
destinatioin address is implicitly defined by the (virtual) circuit that is
data
selected
CISC
CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee
Commission InterAmericanna de Telecommunications Association. A Latin
CITEL
American telecommunications association
Cipher Key. In AKA, it is derived from RAND using f3 and applied to
CK
traffic using f8
CKSN
CK Sequence Number
Custom Local Area Signaling Services. A package of features offered by
CLASS
wireline carriers
A central point for the gathering and redistribution of records, such as billing
Clearinghouse
records
Competitive LEC. A new entrant in a market previously limited to one
CLEC
carrier. Some wireless carriers may qualify for this designation
CLI
Calling Line Identity. See CgPN
CLIP
Calling Line Identification Presentation. See CNIP
CLIR
Calling Line Identification Restriction. See CNIR
Common Language Location Identifier. An ASCII identifier of a telephone
CLLI
switch or calling area.

CLNP
CLNS
CM
CMAC
CMC
CMEA
CMIP
CMRS
CMSP
CMT
CMWN
CN
CNA
CNAME
CNAP
CNAR
CNDB
CNIP
CNIR
CO
Co-channel
Interference
COA

Connectionless Network Protocol

Connectionless Network Service
GSM Connection Management
Control Mobile Attenuation Code
Cellular Mobile Carrier. A generic term used to classify carrier class cellular
systems
Cellular MEA. Based on CAVE
Common Management Information Protocol
Commercial Mobile Radio Service
Indian GSM licence. Replaced by UASL.
Cellular messaging teleservice. A service based on SMS that is similar to
that provided by alphanumeric pagers
Cancel Message Waiting Notification
Core Network. Protocols for this include GSM MAP and ANSI-41
Canadian Number Administrator. Administers telecom numbering resources
in Canada, under the oversight of the CRTC.
Canonical Name. A basic Domain name that may be pointed to by multiple
aliases
Calling NAme Presentation. A terminating party feature. Overridden by
CNAR
Calling NAme Restriction. An originating party feature
Calling Name Database
Calling Number Identification Presentation. A terminating party feature.
Overridden by CNIR
Calling Number Identification Restriction. An originating party feature
Central Office
Interference from other signals using the same radio channel

Care-Of Address
IETF Constrained Application Protocol. A fairly efficient method for
CoAP(1)
encapsulation of binary data, designed for M2M applications, defined in an
internet draft. It assumes that every device has an IP address.
codec
Voice coder and decoder. See vocoder and Voice Coder
COFDM
Code OFDMA
COFETEL
Comision Federal de Telecomunicaciones de Mexico
COLP
Connected Line Identification Presentation. See COLR, CNIP
COLR
Connected Line Identification Restriction. See CNIR, COLP
COMET
IETF SIP Preconditions Met message
Confidentiality Keeping information private (e.g. by encryption)
CONS
Connection-Oriented Network Service
A cellular or PCS channel that broadcasts information about a cell to
Control Channel
mobiles that are not currently in a call
CORBA
Common Object Request Broker Architecture

CORD
CoS

COTP(1)

COUNT
COWS
CPDE
CPE
CPG
CPGA
CPL
CPN
CPP
CQM(1)
CQM(2)
CR
CR-LDP
CRC
CRDB
CRL
CRM(1)
CRM(2)
CRTC
CRTP

Cryptosync

Cellular Operations Record Distribution

Class of Service. Method of managing traffic by grouping similar types (e.g.
voice, video, email)
Connection-Oriented Transport Protocol. Specified by ISO 8073. An
alternative to TCP that is packet-based rather than stream-based, meaning
that the transport protocol, rather than the application protocol, keeps
packets of data separate. Despite this, most systems use TCP with the ITOT
protocol on top if necessary. Port 102 is reserved for use by this protocol.
Call History Count. An internal mobile counter that can be used to detect the
presence of clones
Common Work Station. Software running in the Common Work Station
element supports termination of the SS7 links to the MSC as well as the
X.25 links to the OMC (including the OSI stack) and any PSDN services.
The majority of the OA&M software is found here.
Centralized PDE
Customer Premises Equipment. A standard telephone is an example of
telecommunications equipment that is usually located at the customers site.
SS7 ISUP Call ProGress Message
Cost per Gross Addition. The cost to a carrier of adding one subscriber
IETF Call Processing Language. An XML-based language for describing
internet telecommunications services.
See CgPN
Calling Party Pays. The calling party pays for calls to mobile, not the mobile
receiving the call. cf TPP
Channel Quality Measurement
Core Quality of Service Manager. Obsolete. See PDF
Change Request. A description of a problem in a standard (error, limitation,
ambiguity or restriction) and a description of how it should be fixed
Constraint-based Routing LDP. See MPLS
Cyclic Redundancy Code (or check). Included in many digital protocols to
check for errors in transmitted messages
Coordinate Routing DataBase. Proposed for E911 systems to convert a
location into routing information
Certificate Revocation List
Customer Resource Management
Channel Request Message
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Compressed Real-Time Transport Protocol. Provides compression (and
decompression) of RTP, UDP and IP headers.
Externally-provided synchronizing information for cryptoalgorithms
(ciphers) that allows an encryptor at one end to uniquely encrypt each block
of content into ciphertext, and yet allows a decryptor at the other end to
properly decrypt the ciphertext to yield the original plaintext. Cryptosync
often takes the form of the output of a binary counter

CS(1)
CS(2)
CS-1
CS-2
CS-ACELP
CSA
CSC
CSCF
CSCN

CSD

CSFP
CSI
CSIM(1)
CSMA
CSMA/CA
CSMA/CD
CSRC
CSS
CSU
CT
CTCP
CTIA
CUG
CW
CWTA
CWTS

D Digit
D-AMPS
D-H

IN Capability Set
Circuit switched. Contrast with PS
IN CS 1
IN Capability Set 2
Conjugate Structure ACELP
Canadian Standards Association
Customer Service Center
Call Session Control Function. Controls the assignment of resources from
the home system. See I-CSCF, P-CSCF and S-CSCF
Canadian Steering Committee on Numbering. A working group of the CRTC
CISC
Circuit switched data. Data travels between two devices using a fixed
amount of bandwidth allocated for the duration of the data call. Compare
with Packet data that uses shared bandwidth to service multiple users.
Packet data can be more efficient (except when the overhead of identifying
and routing packets is greater than the savings) but the performance is less
predictable.
Coded Superframe Phase
CAMEL Subscription Information
cdma2000 Application on UICC. Defined in 3GPP2 TSG-C specification
C.S0065.
Carrier Sense Multiple Access
See CSMA/CD
CSMA with CD (also known as CA). Ethernet devices use this to minimize
collisions by checking the line before sending
Contributing Source
Cascading Style Sheets. See HTML
Channel Service Unit. Unit that interfaces between the telephone company
and a private network
Call Transfer
Compressed TCP. Provides compression (and decompression) of TCP and
IP headers.
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
Closed User Group. Calls are restricted to within the group
Calling Waiting
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
Chinese Wireless Telecommunications Standards. Replaced by CCSA
D
The fourth digit of an NANP phone number. Currently restricted to the
values 2-9 to allow 7 digit dialing
Digital AMPS (IS-54 and IS-136 TDMA)
Diffie-Hellman

D/L
DACS
DAP
DataTAC
dB

Downlink (e.g. from base station to mobile). Compare with U/L.

See DCS
X.500 Directory Access protocol
Data TAC. A Motorola wireless data system. Formerly known as Ardis.
Decibel. 10 times the logarithm of the value in base 10
Decibels relative to isotropic radiator. A measurement of the gain of an
dBi
antenna.
dBm
Decibels referenced to one milliwatt
Digital Color Code. A number assigned to a control channel used to limit
DCC
erroneous accesses
Digital Control Channel. The control channel used by IS-136 and TIA/EIADCCH
136 D-AMPS systems
DCE
Data Communications Equipment (i.e. a computer)
DCF
DRM Content Format
DCH
Dedicated Channel
DCN
Data Communications Network
DCS(1)
Data Coding Scheme
DCS(2)
Digital Cross-Connect System
DCS(3)
European PCS frequencies in the 1800 MHz range.
DDM
Data Description Method
DEA
US Drug Enforcement Agency
DECT
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony
Data Encryption Standard. A commonly used encryption method, usually
DES
used with 56 bit keys. See AES, TDES.
DF(1)
UIM Dedicated File. Compare with EF and MF
DF(2)
Delivery Function (for LAES)
Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation. Dynamic assignment of radio
DFCA
channels to optimize capacity. Proposed for GSM, but not yet implemented.
DFP
Distributed Functional Plane NRM
Dynamic Host Control Protocol. Allows automatic assignment of IP
DHCP
addresses on a network
Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange. A method of securely exchange encryption
DHKE
keys over an insecure interface
An IETF AAA protocol designed to be twice as good as RADIUS. Unlike
Diameter
its predecessor it supports MIP and uses SCTP (or TCP) instead of UDP for
more reliable transport. It uses IPSEC and TLS instead of a shared secret.
DID
Direct Inward Dialing. Directs all calls to a block of numbers to a PBX
Diffie-Hellman A secure key exchange mechanism
Differentiated Services. Different QoS for different types of traffic (e.g.
Diffserv
voice, video, email). See IETF RFCs 2474 and 2475
Transmission of information through a signal that can take on only certain
digital
discrete values (e.g. bits with values 0 or 1). Compare with analog
Disconnection The end of a call. Not to be confused with Termination of a call or the

DL
DLC
DLCI
DLP
DMAC
DMH
DMO
DMT

DMU

DN(1)
DN(2)
DNIC
DNIS
DNS
DOA
DoC
DOI
DOJ
Domain
Donor Switch
Downlink
DP
DPC(1)
DPC(2)
DPCCH
DPCH
DPDCH
DPSK
DQPSK

Release of a trunk
Downlink. Radio link from network down to terminal. Compare with UL
Digital Loop Carrier. A single digital facility (e.g. T1 or T3) carrying
multiple lines to a business or other large customer
Data Link Connection/Circuit Identifier
Discrete Logarithm Problem. Used in some cryptography systems
Digital Mobile Attenuation Code
Data Message Handler. An informal name for the TIA IS-124 standard
Direct Mode Operation. Group calling capabilities, e.g. PTT, of a PAMR
system. Compare with TMO.
Discrete Multi-Tone line code being proposed for VDSL. Compare with
QAM/CAP
Dynamic MIP Key Update. A secure and efficient mechanism for
distributing and updating Mobile IP (MIP) cryptographic keys in cdma2000
networks (including High Rate Packet Data which is often referred to as
1xEV-DO). Because the Dynamic Mobile IP Key Update (DMU) procedure
occurs at the IP layer directly between the MIP MN and RADIUS or
Diameter AAA Server, it may be used to securely bootstrap the MN-AAA
key (and other cryptographic keys) in MIP networks using any RAN
technology.
Directory Number. The number dialed to terminate a call to a phone
Domain Name (e.g. cnp-wireless.com).
Data network identification code
Dialed Number Identification Service. Identifies the called (not calling)
number. Only useful when multiple numbers terminate at the same location
(e.g. a regular phone number, 1-800 and 1-900 number). Contrast with
CNIP
Internet Domain Name Service/System. See RFC 1035
Dead On Arrival
US Department of Commerce
Domain of Interpretation
US Department of Justice
A portion of the internet (e.g. cnp-wireless.com)
The switch from which a number has been ported. See LNP
Path from base station to terminal
WIN/CAMEL Detection Point
Destination Point Code for an SS7 message
Downlink Power Control
Dedicated Physical Control Channel
Dedicated Physical Channel
Dedicated Physical Data Channel
Differential PSK
Differential Quadrature PSK

DRAC
DRM
DRNC
DRNS
DS
DS-CDMA
DS0
DS1
DS1C
DS2
DS3
DSA
DSCH
DSF
DSI
DSL
DSLAM
DSMA
DSP
DSR(1)
DSR(2)
DSS-1
DSU(1)
DTC
DTCH
DTD
DTE
DTM
DTMF
DTN
DTX

Dynamic Resource Allocation Control

Digital Rights Management
Drift RNC
Drift RNS
Direct Spread. See CDMA
Direct Sequence CDMA
Digital Signal Level 0. A 64 kbps digital link used to carry a single voice
conversation or signaling traffic for multiple calls/trunks. In ANSI
networks, 8 kbps is usually reserved for in-band signaling (on-hook/offhook etc.), reducing the bandwidth to 56 kbps
Digital Signal Level 1. A 1.544 Mbps signaling link carrying 24 DS0
channels
Digital Signal Level 1C. A 3.152 Mbps signaling link carrying 48 DS0
channels
Digital Service, Level 2. 6.312 Mbps. Carries 96 DS0 channels (4 DS1
channels)
Digital Service, Level 3. 44.736 Mbps. Carries 672 DS0 channels (28 DS1
channels)
Digital Signature Algorithm
Downlink Shared Channel
Dispersion Shifted Fiber
Digital Speech Interpolation
Digital Subscriber Line. See SHDSL, ADSL, SDSL, VDSL
DSL Access Multiplexer
Digital Sense Multiple Access. Access to a shared resource is controlled by
sensing a digital signal before attempting an access. Used by CDPD
Digital Signal Processing/Processor
Distributed Speech Recognition
Direct Signal Reporting
Digital Subscriber Signaling System No. 1
Digital Service Unit. Interface between the terminal equipment (DTE) and
the service provider's facilities
Digital Traffic Channel
Dedicated Traffic Channel
Document Type Definition. An XML grammar specification
Data Terminal Equipment
Dual Transfer Mode. Simultaneous voice and data connections with GSM
and EDGE, bringing some 3G services to a 2G system (without the wide
pipe though!)
Dual Tone Multifrequency. Tone signaling used by phones
Deflected-To Number
Discontinuous Transmission. A mobile only transmits when the user is
talking. This saves battery life, but can introduce some choppiness into

Dual-band
Dual-mode
DUP
DVCC
DWDM

conversations
A mobile that can support two different frequency ranges. Compare with
Dual-mode
A mobile that can support two different technologies. Compare with Dualband
SS7 Data User Part
Digital Verification Color Code
Dense Wave Division Multiplexing
E

E-GGSN
E-Mail(1)
E-OTD
E-SMR
E.118
E.164
E.212
E.214
E1
E911
EA(1)
EA(2)
EACC
EAP
EAP-TLS
EAP-TTLS
EAR
EAS
Eb
EBCDIC

Enhanced GGSN
Electronic Mail
Enhanced Observed Time Difference. A positioning technology based on
software within wireless phones combined with their existing signal
measurement capabilities. Compare with the purely network-based AOA,
TOA and TDOA
Enhanced SMR. See iDEN
The ITU-T recommendation for ICCID.
ITU-T dialing plan standard. Numbers are composed of CC+NSN (NDC +
NDC)
ITU-T mobile identification number standard
ITU-T standard that allows an E.212 IMSI number to be mapped onto an
E.164 number to allow routing through SS7 networks. Unfortunately, this
mapping does not work in North America
A digital link carry 32 DS0 channels, with two used for signaling purposes.
Used mostly outside North America. Compare with T1
Enhanced 9-1-1 service. Provides the identity and the approximate location
of the calling phone
Economic Area. A geographical area used by the US FCC to license the
AWS A band.
Equal Access
Emergency Area Congestion Control
IETF Extensible Authentication Protocol, RFC 4017
EAP Transport Layer Security. Public key encryption for WiFi.
EAP Tunneled Transport Layer Security. Provides mutual authentication of
WiFi network and client through the use of network-side certificates.
Export Administration Regulations. Replace ITAR for control of export of
encryption technologies
Emergency Alert System. A US government system that transmits audio or
text information about emergencies (mostly weather) to radio and TV
stations. There has been some talk about extending this to wireless phones
via broadcast SMS
Energy of an information bit
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. IBM's byte code for

EBGP
EBNF
EBS
EC
ECC
ECDLP
ECMA
ECSA
ECT
EDAC
EDGE

EDI
EDR
EDS
EESN
EF
EFI
EFR
EGNOS(1)
EGPRS-136
EHFC
eHRPD(1)
EIA
EIA/TIA-553
EIR
EIRP
ELCA

letters, numbers and special characters. Not as good as ASCII because, for
example, letters are not all in a single group, making software more
awkward
External BGP. BGP between routers in two different networks.
Extended BNF. Used to define XML, for example.
Emergency Broadcast System. See EAS
Exchange Carrier
Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem. See ECC
European Computer Manufacturer's Association
Exchange Carrier's Standards Association. Renamed ATIS several years ago
Explicit Call Transfer
CDMA Error Detection and Correction coding. See FEC
Enhanced Data-rates for GSM (or Global) Evolution. Uses 8PSK
modulation to increase data rates within the 200 kHz RF bandwidth to a
theoretical limit of 384 kbps (474 kbps raw), although per-user rates will be
significantly lower because few if any phones can use all 8 available
timeslots. A higher speed successor to GPRS. See ADRC
Electronic Data Interchange. Used to transfer business-level data between
companies (e.g. invoices, purchase orders). Nowadays, more attention is on
XML for this purpose
Efficient Data Representation. Assigns one record to represent a block of
1,000 pooled numbers
Enhanced Dialed Service(s)
Expanded ESN. An idea for a 56-bit identifier to replace ESN that never
took off. See MEID and EUIMID.
UIM Elementary File. Compare with DF and MF
External Functionality Interface
Enhanced Full Rate. The standard GSM Voice Coder operating at 12.2 kbps
European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System. A WAAS to augment
GPS and GLONASS in Europe.
GPRS adapted for use in TIA/EIA-136 networks
Extended Hyperframe Counter
Evolved HRPD. An HRPD system using the 3GPP EPC and providing an
evolutionary path to cdma2000 operators.
Electronics Industry Alliance
Analog AMPS cellular standard. Formerly IS-3
Equipment Identity Register. Stores information about wireless terminals as
opposed to subscriptions. Compare with HLR
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power
Extended Local Calling Area. Allows toll-free calls to numbers outside the
normal toll-free zone, by arrangement with the terminating (usually
wireless) carrier

EMA
EMC
EMF

Electronic Messaging Association.

Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Electro-Magnetic Field or Electro-Motive Force (Voltage)
Exchange Message Interface. A LEC billing record format. Compare with
EMI
EMR. Contrast with BAF and CIBER
eMLPP
Enhanced MLPP. A GSM method for implementing PS
Exchange Message Record. A LEC billing record format. Compare with
EMR
EMI. Contrast with BAF and CIBER
Enhanced Messaging Service. SMS extended to include simple graphics,
EMS
audio and enhanced text (e.g. fonts). A precursor to MMS
EMTEL
Emergency Telecommunications for ETSI
EN
European Norm (Standard).
Telephone Number Mapping to an internet address. A method of converting
a phone number into a domain name defined by IETF RFC 2916. Take the
enum
full number (including country code), reverse it, put a dot between each pair
of adjacent digits, append '.e164.arpa' and, there you have it! This format is
easier for DNS systems to handle.
EO
End Office
EOM
End Of Message
EOTD
See E-OTD
EP SCP
ETSI Project Smart Card Platform
EPC(1)
Evolved Packet Core. Core network for LTE.
Enhanced Privacy and Encryption. A North American TDMA architecture
EPE
that secures voice, messages, and data through encryption
Information on GPS satellite orbits, used to make the acquisition of
Ephemeris(1)
satellites more efficient.
Measure of traffic load. Calculated as rate at which calls arrive divided by
Erlang
the rate at which they are completed
A traffic model used to engineer resource groups when blockage is low, and
Erlang B
the average holding time is known
Erlang C
A traffic model commonly used for provisioning data circuits
European Radio Messaging System. An ETSI paging system established in
ERMES
the 1990s. All European countries are supposed to provide spectrum for it.
ERP
Effective Radiated Power
ERROR RESULT Message sent to unsuccessfully end TCAP transaction
ES
Emergency Service(s), such as 911
Enhanced Subscriber Authentication. A long term replacement to the TIA
ESA
CAVE algorithm
ESC
Emergency Services Call
ESF
Extended Superframe Format. DS1 format that is used for most T1 links
ESIF
ATIS Emergency Services Interconnect Forum
Emergency Services Message Entity. Entity that receives E911 messages
ESME(1)
from an MSC (e.g. ALI or S/R)

ESME(2)
ESMR
ESN(1)
ESN(2)
ESNE
ESNX
ESP(1)
ESP(2)
ESP(3)
ESRD
ESRK
ESZ
ETACS
Ethernet
ETR
ETS
ETSI
EUI-48(1)
EUI-64(2)
EUIMID
EV-DO(1)

EvDO

EVDV

External SME. Used by SMPP to exchange short messages between

incompatible technologies
Enhanced SMR. Allows cellular service as well as traditional SMR
services
Electronic Serial Number. 32 bit identifier of an AMPS, CDMA or TDMA
mobile. May eventually be replaced by MEID.
Emergency Service Number
Emergency Services Network Entity. Entity that is connected to an E911
trunk from an MSC (e.g. S/R or PSAP)
See EESN
Emergency Service Provider
Enhanced Subscriber Privacy. Stronger TIA voice encryption algorithms
than those originally provided with CAVE
IETF Encapsulating Security Payload, RFC 2406
Emergency Service Routing Digits. An NANP number that routes a call to a
PSAP and identifies the cellsite or sector that the call originated from
Emergency Service Routing Key. A temporary phone number that routes an
emergency call to the correct PSAP and allows access to information in the
ALI
Emergency Services Zone. A geographical region served by a single
emergency call answering service.
Extended TACS
A LAN protocol using collision detection to resolve access contention
(CSMA/CD). Available in 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1Gbps variants.
Standardized as IEEE 802.3.
ETSI Technical Report
European Telecommunication Standard
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
48 bit IEEE MAC Address. Replaced by EUI-64.
64 bit IEEE MAC Address. Replaces EUI-48.
Expanded UIMID. A larger identifier for a cdma2000 UIM. There are two
variants, the Short Form (SF_EUIMID) which is based on MEID and the
Long Form (LF_EUIMID) based on ICCIDESN(1) a pUIMID is
calculated.
See EvDO
1x cdma2000 Evolution for High Speed Data Only. See HRPD and EVDV.
A high speed CDMA data system. It does not support voice, except as VoIP.
Revision 0 promised 2.4 Mbps download, 153 kbps upload on a 1.25 MHz
carrier. Revision A was 3.1 Mbps down, 1.8 up. Revision B was 14.7 Mbps
download and 4.9 Mbps upload in a 5 MHz carrier and Revision C promises
100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload in a 20 MHz carrier. See LTE and
ADRC
CDMA 1x Evolution - Voice and High Speed Data services. Although it is
more flexible, it is so far less popular than EvDO

EVM
EVRC
EWC
EWG
F-BCCH
F-SCH
f1
f2
f3
f4
f5
f8
f9
FA
FAC(1)
FAC(2)
FACCH
FACH
FAQ
Fast Fading
FBI
FC
FCC
FCCH
FCI
FCS
FDCCH
FDD
FDDI

Error Vector Magnitude. The difference between the received coordinates of

a symbol (defined by phase and amplitude) and the intended position (e.g.
what was transmitted). This is a measure of error in digital modulation
systems such as QAM.
Enhanced Variable Rate Voice Coder. An IS-95 voice coder for use on
CDMA systems
Enhanced Wireless Consortium. An association to promote the development
of the IEEE 802.11n WLAN protocol
GSMA Environmental Working Group
F
Fast Broadcast Control Channel
Forward SCH (from BS)
AKA message authentication function used to compute MAC
AKA Message authentication function used to compute RES and XRES
AKA Key generating function used to compute CK. Compare with f8.
AKA Key generating function used to compute IK. Compare with f9
AKA Key generating function used to compute AK. It may simply generate
0 if concealment of SQN is not required.
AKA Ciphering Function. May be Kasumi. Uses CK, which is derived from
RAND using f3
AKA Integrity Protection Function. May be Kasumi. Compare with f4
Foreign Agent
FA Challenge
Final Assembly Code. The 2 digit IMEI ME manufacturer identity
Fast Associated Control Channel
GSM term for FACCH
Frequently Asked Questions
Fade duration short relative to channel frame length
US Federal Bureau of Investigation
Feature Code. An asterisk followed by digits indicating the invocation of a
feature (e.g. *73 may be used to disable call forwarding). Feature codes
should be sent to the HLR for interpretation. There is no standardization of
feature codes
US Federal Communications Commission
GSM Frequency Correction Channel; downlink only, correction of MS
frequencies, transmission of frequency standard to MS etc.
Forward Call Indicator. Used to indicate whether a number portability query
has occurred for this call (to prevent looping)
Frame Check Sequence. A checksum for a transmitted frame
Forward DCCH
Frequency Division Duplex
Fiber Distributed Data Interface

FDM
FDMA
FDN
FDTC
FE
FE-NTS
FEC(1)
FEC(2)
FER
FEXT
FF
FFPC
ffs
FFT
FHMA
FHSS
FIB
FIFO
FIPS
FISU
FLEX
FM(1)
FM(2)
FOCC
Foreign Agent
FPLMTS
FQDN
FR
FRAD
FSK
FSN(1)

Frequency Division Multiplex. See FDMA

Frequency Division Multiple Access. Compare with TDMA and CDMA
Fixed Dialing Number
Forward DTC
Functional Entity. A logical element of a network. Not necessarily realized
as a physically distinct device
Feature Enhanced NTS
Forward Error Correction
Forwarding Equivalence Class. An identity for packets that all get routed
via MPLS in the same way
Frame Error Rate. The number of frames in error divided by the total. These
frames are usually discarded, in which case this can be called the Frame
Erasure Rate
Far End CrossTalk
GSMA Fraud Forum
CDMA Fast Forward Power Control
For Further Study
Fast Fourier Transform
Frequency Hopping Multiple Access
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum.
Forward Indicator Bit. Indicates the start of a retransmission cycle in MTP.
See BIB
First in, first out. A queuing methodology similar to lining up for a bank
teller. Compare with LIFO
US Federal Information Processing Standards
Fill-In Signal Unit. The keep-alive message for SS7 MTP
A Motorola one-way paging protocol that runs at 1600, 3200 or 6400 bps.
Compare with POCSAG
Frequency Modulation
Follow-Me
Forward Control Channel. Used to send signaling messages from a base
station to one or multiple mobiles
IP node that receives packets from a Home Agent for delivery to a Mobile
Node currently in its service area
Future Public Land Mobile Telecommunications Systems. Now IMT-2000
Fully Qualified DN. A domain name with enough information (including
server name, if necessary, to determine a unique IP address). For example, if
'domain.com' had two servers, 'alpha' and 'beta', 'alpha.domain.com' would
be fully-qualified, but 'domain.com' would not.
Full Rate (e.g. for a voice coder). Compare with HR
FR Access Device
Frequency Shift Keying
Forward Sequence Number. The sequence number of an MTP frame being

FSN(2)
FTAM
FTI
FTN(1)
FTN(2)
FTP
FTTC
FTTH
FVC
FWA
FWI

transmitted. Contrast with BSN

Frame Sequence Number
File Transfer, Access and Management
Fractional T1. A customer may lease a portion of a full T1
Forward-To Number
FEC to NHLFE Map
Internet File Transfer Protocol
Fiber to the curb
Fiber to the home
Forward analog voice channel, transmitted by an MS
Fixed Wireless Access. See WLL
Flash with Information; used to transmit data from an MS during a call

G
The ITU-T standard for PCM encoding telephone audio on an 64 kbps
channel. Because it operates at an8 kHz sampling rate (8 bits per sample) it
G.711
can only encode frequencies between 0 and 4 kHz. There are two encoding
variants. mu-law and A-law. A-law is used for international circuits and
represents smaller signals with greater fidelity.
G3FAX
Group III Facsimile service
A sub-group of GGRF investigating roaming between GSM and CDMA
G95
systems based on TIA/EIA-95 and cdma2000
Geographic Area Description. GSM 101.109 and 3GPP 23.032 defines this.
GAD
Related to CGL in ATIS T1.628
GAIT
GSM/TIA/EIA-41 Interoperability Trial
A European positioning system based on 30 satellites and ground stations.
Devices can position themselves based on accurate (atomic clock) time
GALILEO
transmitted from the satellites and their knowledge of the satellite's
positions. Similar to the US GPS
SS7 ISUP Generic Address Parameter. Used in number portability to carry
GAP
the LRN
Gateway MSC An MSC designed to receive wireless calls from the PSTN
Gaussian Noise Noise with constant power spectral density across the radio channel.
Generic Bootstrapping Architecture. Uses key material located in an HLR,
HSS or AAA to bootstrap a key for other purposes, e.g. mobile application
GBA
security A security association is established by the BSF with both the UE
and NAF allowing secure communication between the UE and the NAF,
without the NAF having any root key material.
Gbps
Giga-bps. A data speed of billions of bits per second. See Mbps and kbps
GCC
Group Call Control
GCCS
Generic Call Control service for Parlay/OSA
GCF
GSM Global Certification Forum
GCR
Group Call Register
GDOP(1)
DOPTDOPPDOPHDOPVDOP).

GDP

ISUP Generic Digits Parameter

Global Emergency Call Origination. Allows a phone to make an emergency
GECO
call in an area where the emergency digits are different than at home.
GEO
Geostationary Orbit (for a satellite)
GERAN
3GPP TSG for GSM/EDGE RAN
GETS
US Government Emergency Telecommunications Service
GFSK
Gaussian FSK
GSM Global Roaming Forum within the GSM Association. Composed of
GGRF
GAIT, G95 and groups considering interworking with iDEN and TETRA
Gateway GSN. Connects to other packet data networks (e.g. internet). See
GGSN
SGSN
GHA
Global Hexadecimal Address. See MEID.
GSM Hosted Short Message Teleservice. Allows TIA/EIA-136 messages to
GHOST
be delivered to a GSM MS
GHRC(1)
CDG Global Handset Requirements for cdma2000
GHz
One thousand million Hz. A measure of radio frequency
Graphics Interface Format. A common graphics format suitable for
GIF
computer-drawn graphics with few colors (up to 256). It supports simple
animation. JPEG, PNG or TIFF are more suitable for photographs.
Giga
Prefix to indicate one billion (e.g. Giga-bit). Abbreviated G. See Gbps
GII
Global Information Infrastructure
Geographic Information System. A system that combines mapping
GIS
information with domain-specific information that can be queried by
computers.
GSM Inter-Working Unit. An interface to various networks for data
GIWU
communications
Method of authentication using the same random number (RAND) for every
Global challenge
mobile in a cellsite or sector
GLONASS(1) Russian satellite-based location system. Compatible with GPS
GMLC
3GPP/OMA Gateway MLC
GMM
GPRS Mobility Management Protocol
GMSC
See MSC-G
GMSK
Gaussian MSK
Greenwich Mean Time. The reference point for time zones around the
GMT
world.
Global Navigation Satellite System. A generic name for a satellite based
GNSS
positioning system. Currently, only GPS and GLONASS qualify but in
future, other systems such as GALILEO and Beidou may be added.
Interface between the GGSN and PDF that allows the application of policy
Go
(network rules) to bearer usage.
goodput
See throughput and badput
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service. A GSM-based packet data protocol using up
to all 8 of the time slots in a GSM channel. It supports data rates up to 115

GTT(2)
GUG
GUI
GUID(1)
GUP
GUTS
GVNS
GW

kbps, although 10-40 kbps is more likely in practice. Most terminals do not
support usage of more than 1-3 timeslots. The difference with HSCSD is
that the bandwidth can be shared amongst many users, making it more
flexible, but also more susceptible to speed degradation due to overloading.
See ADRC
Global Positioning System. A system for determining location based on
comparing signals from several US military satellites. Compare with AOA,
TOA
Telecordia Generic Requirements document
Generic Routing Encapsulation. See RFC 1701
GPRS Roaming Exchange. Provides interconnection, routing, DNS,
security and QoS functions
Global Service Logic
Global System for Mobile Communications
A GSM-based PAMR system developed by European railways.
GSM Association
GSM SCF for CAMEL
GSM SRF for CAMEL
GPRS support node. See SGSN, GGSN.
General Switched Telephone Network. Synonym for PSTN
Global Title. A non-native SS7 address based on E.164 DNs, E.212 IMSI,
etc.
GT Address
SS7 SCCP GT Address Indicator
GPRS Tunneling Protocol
Global Title Translation. A method of routing in SS7 networks based on an
GTs and not Point Code
Global Text Telephony
GVNS User Group
Graphical User Interface
Synonym for UUID.
Generic User Profile
General UDP Transport Service
Global Virtual Network Service
Gateway

H.245(1)
H.248
H.323
HA
HAAA
HAC

H
A protocol used to control H.323 teleconferencing sessions.
ITU-T protocol to control the MGW
ITU-T recommendation for teleconferencing. See OpenH323
MIP Home Agent
Home AAA
HA Challenge

GPS
GR
GRE
GRI
GSL
GSM
GSM-R
GSMA
gsmSCF
gsmSRF
GSN
GSTN
GT
GTA
GTAI
GTP
GTT(1)

TIA/EIA-41 HandoffMeasurementRequest INVOKE message. Being

replaced by HANDMREQ2
TIA/EIA-41 HandoffMeasurementRequest2 INVOKE message. Used by
HANDMREQ2 the Serving MSC to determine the signal strength being received by a
neighboring Candidate MSC. Replaces HANDMREQ2
The process of a MS changing from one frequency in one cell or sector to a
Handoff
different frequency in a neighboring cell or sector
HARQ
Hybrid ARQ
HC
Home Country
HCM
Handset Configuration Management. See IOTA
HDB3
High Density Bipoloar Order 3 Encoding
HDLC
High Level Data Link Control
HDML
Handheld Markup Language
High Data Rate. High speed data-only version of CDMA, standardized as
HDR
EvDO. Now called HRPD
HDSL
High bit rate DSL. Symmetric DSL used for corporate networking
HE
Home Environment
Hertz
A unit of frequency. See MHz, GHz, kHz
HF
Hyperframe
HFC(1)
HF Counter
HFC(2)
Hybrid Fiber-Coax
HG
Header Generator
HI
Handover Interface
HINFO
Host Information
HIPPI
High-Performance Parallel Interface
HLPI
Higher Layer Protocol Identifier
HLR
Home Location Register
HMAC
Hashed MAC
Home Network Identifier. The MCC and MNC prefix of a group of IMSI
HNI
codes.
An IP address permanently assigned to a device that is supported by Mobile
Home Address
IP. Messages routed to this address will arrive at the HA.
IP node that receives packets at a Mobile Nodes static address and forwards
Home Agent
them to a Foreign Agent for delivery at its current (care-of) address
Home MSC
The MSC to which the PSTN routes based on an MDN
Promoters of the SWAP protocol for in-home wireless networking. This
HomeRF
protocol was abandoned in 2003.
HPC
High Probability of Completion
HPLMN
Home PLMN
HPS
Home PS
HR
Half Rate (e.g. for a voice coder). Compare with FR
HRFWG
HomeRF WG. Note that this protocol was abandoned in 2003
HRL
Header Reduction Lower
HANDMREQ

cdma2000 High Rate Packet Data (formerly EvDO and HDR). It combines
TDM on the forward link to provide from 38kbps to 2.5Mbps data rates.
The reverse link supports speeds from 9.6kbps to 154kbps
HRU
Header Reduction Upper
HSDPA DSCH. A high speed channel for transmitting data to a W-CDMA
HS-DSCH
mobile.
HS-PDSCCH HSDPA DL control channel
HS-PDSCH
HSDPA DL physical channel
High Speed Circuit Switched Data. GSM enhanced to allow the concurrent
use of up to four timeslots, providing a theoretical maximum 57.6 kbps data
HSCSD
rates, although maximum rates of 28.8kbps to 43.2kbps are more realistic in
practice. The main difference with GPRS is that the timeslots are assigned
exclusively to one mobile for the duration of a data call.
3GPP High Speed Downlink Packet Access. Provides higher data rates
down from the network to the mobile at about 1.5 Mbps in a 5 MHz
HSDPA
carrier. Uplink speeds will be the same as EDGE 384 kbps. See HSUPA
and HSPA Evolution. See ADRC
HSG
Header Stripping and Generation
HRPD Serving Gateway. Provides converged mobility management
HSGW(1)
between eHRPD and LTE networks.
An evolution of HSDPA and HSUPA that is promising downlink speeds of
HSPA Evolution
28 Mbps, uplink speeds of 11.5 Mbps in a 5 MHz carrier. See ADRC
HSS
3GPP Home Subscriber Server. Similar to AAA
High Speed Serial Interface. A serial interface that can be used for very
HSSI
short distances (up to 50 feet), supporting speeds up to 52 Mbps
3GPP High Speed Uplink Packet Access. Complements HSDPA by
providing higher throughput on the W-CDMA link for uploading (MS to
HSUPA
network). Rates for initial systems will be about 1 Mbps but eventually 5.76
Mbps is promised. The RTT is estimated as under 50 ms. See HSPA
Evolution and ADRC
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol . See RFC 2068
https
Secure HTTP
Hyperband
Handoff between two different frequency bands (e.g. 800 MHz cellular and
Handoff
1800 MHz PCS)
Hz
Cycles per second. A measure of radio frequency
HRPD

I-CSCF
I-SCM
I-WLAN
IA5
IAM

I
Interrogating CSCF. Main contact point for IMS connections to a carrier's
subscribers
Interrogating SCM
WLAN Interworking with a 3GPP cellular network.
International Alphabet 5. Basically the ASCII character set
SS7 ISUP Initial Address Message. Used to initiate a call

IANA
IAP
IAPP
IBC
IC(1)
IC(2)
ICANN

ICCID

ICE(1)
ICMP
ICO
ICS
IDB
iDEN
IDL
IDSL
IE
IEC(1)
IEC(2)
IEC(3)
IEEE
IEEE 802.15.1
IEEE 802.15.4
IEEE-ISTO
IESG
IETF
IF
IFAST

Internet Assigned Number Authority. Mostly superseded by ICANN

Intercept Access Point. A point within the telecommunications network that
provides voice or data for CALEA interception to a DF
Inter-Access Point Protocol. An IEEE protocol to allow the secure transfer
of MS context from one AP to another. It is based on IEEE 802.11f.
Iterated Block Ciphers
see IXC
Integrated Circuit
The Internet Corporation for Assignment Names and Numbers. Performs
top level resource assignment tasks for the internet, e.g. for domain names
and IP addresses.
An identifier for a SIM or UIMLuhn checksum. The number always starts
with the digits 89 (indicating a Telecommunications card) followed by a
1-3 digit E.164 Country Code and 1-4 digit Issuer Identification Number.
These first digits, which cannot number more than 7, are followed by the
Individual Account Identification Number which is most likely to be 11
digits long. Administered according to ITU-T Recommendation E.118
Interactive Connectivity Establishment. A Methodology for NAT Traversal
for SIP.
Internet Control Message Protocol. Method for reporting errors and
performing loopback testing on the internet
Intermediate Circular Orbit
Implementation Conformance Statement
ITS Data Bus (SAE J2366)
Integrated Digital Enhanced Network. Motorolas proprietary system for ESMR, used by Nextel and others. Based on GSM
Interface Description Language
ISDN Digital Subscriber Line. Just a fancy name for ISDN
Information Element
See IXC
Internet Engineering Consortium
International ElectrotechnIcal Commission and the identity of standards
produced by this organization.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
The IEEE Standard for Bluetooth
The IEEEStandard for ZigBee
IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization
Internet Engineering Steering Group. Group that oversees the activities of
IETF
Internet Engineering Task Force. Standards setting body for the Internet
Information Flow
International Forum on AMPS Standards Technology. Allocates IRM and
SID codes

IFFT
IGP
IGS(1)
IIF
IK
IKE
ILEC
ILM
IM(1)
IM(2)
IM-MGW
IMAP4
IMC
IMD
IMEI
IMEISV
IMGI
IMM
iMode
IMRN
IMS
IMSI
IMSI_M
IMSI_O
IMSI_O_S
IMSI_T
IMT-2000

Inverse FFT
Interior Gateway Protocol. See MPLS
International GNSS Services. A voluntary federation of more than 200
worldwide agencies that pool resources and permanent GPS and GLONASS
station data to generate higher precision data and products. It is likely that
the new GNSS, GALILEO, will be included in the future.
Interworking and Interoperability Function
Integrity Key. Protects (via encryption) the contents of signaling messages.
In AKA it is derived from RAND using f4. It is applied to messages using
f9
Internet Key Exchange Protocol
Incumbent LEC. The former monopoly local telephone carrier. cf CLEC
Incoming Label Map. See MPLS
IP Multimedia. A network using IP to transport voice, signaling, text, video
etc.
Instant Messaging
IM Media Gateway Function
Internet Message Access Protocol. IETF RFC 2060
Internet Mail Consortium
Inter-Modulation Distortion. The interaction of two or more signals,
producing an unwanted additional signal
56 bit GSM International Mobile Equipment Identity. Composed of TAC +
FAC + SNR + spare digit. A check digit is also included, but not always
transmitted. See also IMEISV and MEID
IMEI with Software Version Number. Composed of TAC + FAC + SNR +
SVN
Inernational Mobile Group Identity
See IM
Japanese (NTT DoCoMo) wireless internet access system. See cHTML
IP Multimedia Routing Number
IP Multimedia Subsystem. An All-IP wireless system, where data, voice and
signaling are all carried as IP packets.
International Mobile Subscriber Identity. Formerly called International
Mobile Station Identity. Based on the ITU-T E.212 numbering plan.
Composed of MCC MNC and MSIN. The only subscription identifier used
by GSM and the future subscription identifier for CDMA.
cdma2000 MIN-based IMSI.
Operational value of IMSI used by a cdma2000 MS. Either IMSI_M or
IMSI_T
The last 10 digits of IMSI_O. Used for compatibility with older CDMA
systems that relied on the 10 digit MIN.
True IMSI used by cdma2000. Compare with IMSI_M. See IMSI_O
International Mobile Telecommunications for the year 2000 (or thereabouts)

The ITU 3G initiative. It does not define specific protocols, but just the
performance goals for them, such as bandwidth. Specifications are being
developed by 3GPP and 3GPP2.
IMUI
International Mobile User Identity
IN
Intelligent Network. Wireless equivalents are WIN and CAMEL
INAP
IN AP. The IN messaging protocol
INC
Industry Numbering Committee (for the NANP)
IRM Network Identifier. The first four digits that uniquely identifies a
INI
carrier HLR
INM
Integrated Network Management
INN
Internal Network Number
Intertial Navigation System. A device that calculates position based on
estimating its own movement relative to a starting position at a known
INS(1)
location. Can be quite accurate in the short term, but gets continually less
accurate until reset at a known location again.
Preventing information (e.g. a data transmission) from being manipulated.
Integrity
This can be accomplished by putting a MAC on each message.
Interface
A connection between two network elements. Compare with Protocol
Mixing of bits upon transmission according to a simple pattern (e.g.
organizing bits in a matrix by columns and transmitting by rows) to
Interleaving
somewhat randomize the output and protect from burst of noise on the RF
channel
RF interference within a channel generated as one or more intermodulation
Intermodulation products within the receiver itself, typically as the result of the presence of
Interference
very strong signals in adjacent bands. Contrast with Systemic Interference
and Non-systemic Interference
Intserv
Integrated Services
INVOKE
Message sent to initiate an TCAP transaction
Inter-Operability Standard. A version of the TIA/EIA-634 A-interface that
IOS
enhances inter-vendor compatibility
IOT
Inter-Operator Tariff
IOTA
IP-based Over-the-Air configuration management
IP(1)
Intelligent Peripheral
IP(2)
Internet Protocol
IP-M
IP Multicast
IPCP
PPP IP Control Protocol
Internet Protocol Detail Record. An internet oriented record for carrying
IPDR
charging details for services. Compare with CIBER, BAF, TAP, EMI
IP Header Compression. Provides compression (and decompression) of
IPHC
TCP, UDP and IP headers.
IPLMN
Interrogating PLMN
IPoA
IP over ATM
IPR
Intellectual Property Rights (e.g. patents). See DRM.
IMTS-2000

IPSEC
IPv4
IPv6
IPv6CP
IR(1)
IR(2)
IR(3)
IRA
IRDB
IREG
IRG
IRI
IRM
IRP
IRS
IS
IS-124
IS-136
IS-2000
IS-41
IS-41-C
IS-54
IS-634
IS-637
IS-683
IS-756
IS-801
IS-91
IS-93
IS-95
ISAKMP
ISC
ISDN
ISDN-UP
ISI
ISIM

IP Security. Compare with SSL (for TCP). See IETF RFC 2401. Also
spelled IPSec
IP Protocol Version 4. The version currently in use in the internet, using 32
bit addressing. See also IPv6.
IP Protocol Version 6. The version that is supposed to provide significantly
larger and more powerful addressing, and eventually replace IPv4. Dont
hold your breath
IPv6 Control Protocol
Intelligent Roaming
Infra-Red
Initialization and Refresh Packet. RFC 3095
International Reference Alphabet
IR Database. A database that can be loaded into a phone over the radio
interface that prioritizes systems that may be detected by a phone based on
carrier agreements
GSMA International Roaming Experts Group.
IFAST International Roaming Guide
Intercept (i.e. LAES) Related Information
International Roaming MIN. A mobile subscription identifier beginning
with the digit 0 or 1 to avoid conflict with NANP MINs
Integration Reference Point
Internet Reachability Service
TIA Interim Standard
Wireless call detail and billing record format for online transfer
Second generation TDMA air interface standard
cdma2000 air interface standard. A successor to TIA/EIA-95-B
Wireless intersystems operation standard. Now called TIA/EIA-41
IS-41 Revision C (Intersystem Operations Standard)
First generation TDMA Radio Interface standard
See TIA/EIA-634
CDMA short message service standard
see TIA/EIA-683
A TIA standard for WNP
TIA/EIA interim standard for CDMA MS-assisted position determination
Most advanced analog air interface standard (including NAMPS)
Wireless-PSTN interface standard
cdmaOne CDMA air interface standard
Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol
International Switching Centre
Integrated Services Digital Network. PSTN utilizing SS7 interfaces
See ISUP
Inter-Symbol Interference
IMS SIM

ISIS
ISM
ISMA
ISO
ISO-8859-1
isotropic
ISP
ISUP
ITAR
ITN
ITOT(1)
ITS(1)
ITS(2)
ITU
ITU-R
ITU-T
Iu
IUA
Iub
Iur
IV
IVR
IVRU
IWF
IXC
J-STDJ-STD-025
J-STD-034

Intermediate System - Intermediate System IP routing algorithm.

Industrial, Scientific, Medical frequency band (2.45-2.5 GHz). Available
around the world for unlicensed applications, generally using low power
and short distances
Interference Sense Multiple Access
International Organization for Standardization
The most common 8-bit character set used for web pages. An
ISO/IECstandard. Also see UNICODE
Radiating equally in all three dimensions (as opposed to directional, with
energy being focussed more in some directions than other).
Internet Service Provider
ISDN User Part. SS7 signaling between switches. Standardized in ANSI
T1.113 and ITU-T Q.760-769
US International Traffic in Arms Regulations. These rules used to govern
export of encryption technology in the US and, to some extent, in Canada.
Replaced by EAR
Individual Telephone Number Pooling. Phone numbers can be assigned to
carriers one at a time, instead of in blocks of 1,000 or 10,000
ISO Transport Service on top of TCP. Emulates the services of ISO
protocols such as COTP but with TCP as the actual transport protocol. See
RFC 2126.
Intelligent Transportation System (Smart Highways)
IP Transport Subsystem
International Telecommunications Union
ITU - Radio Communications Division
ITU - Telecommunications Division
Interface between an RNC and CN (MSC, SGSN or CBC). Support for this
within GSM has been suggested, but is unlikely. See also Iub, Iur.
ISDN Q.921 User Adaptation Layer
A 3GPP interface between an RNC and a Node B. See Iu, Iur.
A 3GPP interface between two RNCs. This is a logical interface, and the
RNCs may not be connected by point-to-point physical links. See Iu, Iub.
Initialization Vector. A 24-bit session-specific key for WEP
Interactive Voice Response
IVR Unit
Inter-working Function. Used for wireless data interworking between digital
mode data and analog (e.g. modems)
Inter-eXchange Carrier. A carrier licensed to provide long distance services
J
Joint ATIS-T1/TIA standard
LAES standard jointly produced by ATIS T1 and TIA TR-45
Wireless E911 Phase I standard (cellsite and mobile identification, callback
capabilities). See J-STD-036

J-STD-036
J2EE
J2ME
JAIN
Java
JCP
JDC
JFIF
JIP
JPEG
JSR
JSR 177
JTACS
JTC

Kasumi
kbps
Kc
KDF
KG
kHz
Ki
kilo
KSG
KSI
KSS
L1(1)
L1(2)
L2
L2TP

Wireless E911 Phase II standard (position of caller within 125m/400ft). See

J-STD-034
Java 2 Enterprise Edition
Java 2 Micro Edition
Java APIs for Intelligent Networks
A C-like programming language that is compiled into a virtual machine
language providing efficiency close to that of languages compiled into
native machine code while providing portability of the compiled program.
Each computer system that wants to run Java has to provide a virtual
machine
Java Community Process
Japanese Digital Cellular
JPEG File Interchange Format
ISUP Jurisdiction Information Parameter
Joint Photographic Experts Group. Not usually used to refer to the group,
but a graphics format created for them that is suitable for digital
photographs and similar images. It supports 24 bit color as well as variable
levels of compression and quality. It should be referred to as JFIF, but isn't.
cf GIF, PNG, TIFF
Java Specification Request
JSR for Security and Trust services API for J2ME
Japanese TACS
Joint Technical Committee (e.g. with members of more than one SDO)
K
A block cipher used by AKA for the A5/3, f8 and f9 algorithms. See the
wikipedia entry for more details
kilo-bps. A data speed of billions of bits per second. See Mbps and Gbps
GSM cipher key. Used for voice encryption
Key Derivation Function
Key Generator
kilo-Hertz. Thousands of cycles per second. See MHz and GHz
GSM subscriber authentication key
Prefix to indicate one thousand (e.g. kilo-bit). Abbreviated k. See kbps
Keystream Generators
Key Set Identifier
Key Stream Segment
L
Layer 1
A GPS transmission frequency at 1575 MHz
Layer 2
L2 Tunnel Protocol. Defined in RFC 2661. Successor to PPTP. IP packets
are wrapped in a layer containing another set of IP addresses and possibly

L3
LAC(1)
LAC(2)
LAES
LAI
LAK
LAN
LAP
LAPB
LAPD
LATA
LB
LBA
LBC
LBS
LCP
LCS
LCSM
LDAP
LDP
LDT
LEA
Leakage
LEAP
LEC
LEMF
LEO
LER
LERG
LFB
LIDB
LIF

also control messages. The detailed format varies depending on whether the
transport protocol is IP, UDP or another PSN type.
Layer 3
Link Access Control
Location Area Code. 16 bit number identifiying a location area (i.e. group
of base stations) within a GSM PLMN
Lawfully Authorized Electronic Surveillance. See CALEA, J-STD-025,
surveillance
GSM Location Area Identity. Composed of MCC + MNC + LAC
Local Authentication Key
Local Area Network. Compare with WAN, MAN.
Link Access Protocol
Link Access Protocol, Balanced
Link Access Protocol for the ISDN D Channel
Local Access and Transport Area. US local telephone service area
Letter Ballot
Location Based Application
Last Batch Count. Exchanged by CIBER billing clearinghouses to ensure
they do not get out of sequence with each other.
Location Based Services
Link Control Protocol. A subset of PPP that is used to negotiate and
establish link capabilities, including authentication
Location Services. This usually implies positioning of an MS for
commercial services, not emergency services
LCS Manager
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. See IETF RFC 3377. Compare with
X.500 DAP
Label Distribution Protocol. See MPLS
Location Determination Technology
Law Enforcement Agency
Inability to bill for a service
Lighweight EAP. A Cisco proprietary version.
Local Exchange Carrier (wireline carrier for local calls). Also see ILEC and
CLEC
Law Enforcement Monitoring Facility (for LAES)
Low Earth Orbit
Label Edge Router. See MPLS
Local Exchange Routing Guide. Includes a list of valid number blocks in
the NANP
Lookahead For Busy
Line Information DataBase. Used for validating collect calls, 3rd party
calls, etc.
Location Interoperability Forum within OMA

LIFO
LIR
LLA-RHOC
LMDS
LMM
LMR
LMSD
LMSI
LMU
LND
LNP
LNPWG
LORAN(1)
LOS
LPC
LPDE
LPDU
LRF
LRN
LSB
LSMS
LSP
LSPI
LSR
LSSU
LT
LTE

Last in, first out. A queuing methodology similar to stacking dishes and
using the dish on the top of the stack. Compare with FIFO
Location Identification Restriction. Prevents the location of a mobile phone
from being revealed (with legal exceptions for E911, etc.)
Link Layer Assisted ROHC
Local Multipoint Distribution Service. Uses the 27.5-31.3 GHz frequency
band to serve mulitple points within a radius of 3-5km. Most carriers in this
space have abandoned it or gone bankrupt. See MMDS.
Localized Mobility Management to improve local handover performance in
Mobile IP
Land Mobile Radio
Legacy MS Domain. Refers to existing SS7-based telecommunications
systems, when accessed from an All-IP system. See MMD
Local Mobile Station Identity. See TMSI
GSM Location Measurement Unit
Last Number Dialed
Local Number Portability. Allows consumers to keep a phone number
(MDN) when changing carriers within the same geographical region
Local Number Portability Working Group of NANC
Long Range Aid to Navigation. A land based navigation system based on
the difference in time between signals received from several transmitters at
known locations.
Line of Sight. A direct path through the air from transmitter to receiver.
Always desirable for wireless communications, although not always
necessary (e.g. for cellular/PCS)
Linear Predictive Coding
Local PDE
Link Protocol Data Unit. A frame
Location Registration Function. See WIN
Location Routing Number. A routing number that identifies the terminating
switch for a Ported DN
Least Significant Bit or Byte. Compare with MSB
Local Service Management System. Telephone carrier interface that
downloads information from the NPAC into one or more NPDBs
Label Switched Path. See MPLS
Proposed SS7 ISUP Local Service Provider Identification
Label Switching Router. See MPLS
Link Status Signal Unit. The link status message for SS7 MTP
Line Termination
A GSM competitor to EvDO Revision C promising similar 4G data rates.
See ADRC, E-UTRA and eUTRAN. Initial systems showed real rates on a
presumably lightly loaded system of 12 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps
upstream. In February, 2011, Andrew Seybold found average download
speeds of about 15 Mbps and upload of about 4 Mbps in a Verizon system

LUDT

using 10 MHz in each direction.

Long UDT. Supports messages up to 3 kilobytes in length

M
Machine To Machine. Communications between unattended machines.
Most electronic communications is between machines but in many cases,
such as a cellphone or PC, this is usually only because a person is using the
M2M
device. An example of an M2M scenario is when a heat or alarm sensor
communicates with a central computer, perhaps with the central computer
providing feedback to other devices to shut off a malfunctioning machine,
turn on fans or other automated control
M2PA
SS7 MTP2 Peer-to-Peer User Adaptation Layer
M2UA
SS7 MTP2 User Adaptation Layer
SS7 MTP3 User Adaptation Layer. Resides above SCTP and below SCCP
M3UA
in an IP telecom signaling protocol stack.
Management ATM Adaptation Layer. Maps management requests from
MAAL
system management to SAAL. See ATIS T1.652
Major Account Billing Exchange Logistical Record. Defined by Cibernet to
MABEL
facilitate centralized billing for large account customers
MAC(1)
Medium Access Control
Message Authentication Code. In AKA, a value derived from SQN, RAND
MAC(2)
and AMF using f1 that shows that the sender was in possession of certain
secret information (i.e. is authentic).
MAC Address. Originally 48 bit EUI-48 but now expanded to the 64-bit
MAC Address(1) EUI-64. Uniquely identifies a device that will be accessing the internet
through any interface such as Ethernet, WiFi or cellular.
Mobile Assisted Channel Allocation. Mobile determines the best alternate
MACA
cellsite to originate a call in, when no channels are available in the current
site
MAH
Mobile Access Hunting. Termination to one of a group of mobiles
Mobile Assisted Handoff. Mobile measures signal strength at neighoring
MAHO
base stations to determine which to handoff to
MAN
Metropolitan Area Network. Compare with LAN, WAN
Mobile ad hoc Network. A collection of wireless nodes that can dynamically
MANET
form a network without any fixed network infrastructure.
Mobile AP. Protocol that interconnects wireless telephone systems. See
MAP
GSM and TIA/EIA-41
MIN Block Identifier. The first 6 digits (usually) of a North American MIN,
MBI
when assigned separately from the MDN. The first digit is always 2-9
(inclusive). Digits 0 and 1 are reserved for IRM codes.
MBMS
UTRA Multimedia Broadcast and Multimedia Service
Mbps
Mega-bps. A data speed of millions of bits per second. See Gbps and kbps
MC(1)
Short Message Center
MC(2)
Multi-carrier

MCC
MCFTP
MCI
MCID
MCL
Mcps
MCSE
MD-IS
MD5
MDN
MDS
ME
MEA
Mega
MEGACO
MEI
MEID
MEMS
MESA
mesh
meta-language
MExE
MF(1)
MF(2)
MG
MGC
MGCF
MGCP
MGW
MHz
MIB
MIH
MIHF

E.212 Mobile Country Code. First 3 digits of IMSI

Multi-Channel Flow Treatment Protocol
Malicious Call Identification
See MCI
Minimum Coupling Loss. The minimum loss required between a transmitter
and a nearby receiver to avoid adversely affecting receiver performance.
Million Chips-per-second. See CDMA and W-CDMA
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Mobile Data - Intermediate System. A CDPD term
Message Digest 5. A secure hashing algorithm. See SHA-1
Mobile DN
Multi-Point Distribution System.
Mobile Equipment. Synonym for UE. Contrast with MS
Message Encryption Algorithm
Prefix to indicate one million (e.g. Mega-bit). Abbreviated M. See Mbps
Media Gateway Control - IETF Working Group
Mobility Event Indicator
A 56 bit Mobile Equipment Identity for CDMA and TDMA MS. Similar to
the GSM IMEI, but allowing hexadecimal digits, and with a simplified
structure (2 digit region code, 6 digit manufacturer code, 6 digit serial
number). ESN and MEID are assigned by the TIA in their role as GHA.
Micro-Eletronic Mechanical System
Mobility for Emergency Service Applications. A joint ETSI/TIA project to
increase the interoperability of emergency service communications.
A form of networking where access to a server can be accomplished by
routing through other clients that are physically closer
A language that can be used to define other languages. See ASN.1 and BNF
3GPP TSG-T Mobile Execution Environment
Multi-frequency tone signaling. Used for trunk signaling
UIM Master File. Compare with EF and DF
Media Gateway
MG Controller
MG Control Function
MG Control Protocol. A VoIP call control standard. Also see older protocol
SGCP
Media Gateway. Interface between packet environment of the CN and
circuit environment of PSTN
Million Hz. A measure of radio frequency
Management Information (Data)Bases
Media Independent Handover. An IEEE 802.11 term indicating handover
between 802.11, 802.3 or 802.16 and another radio interface.
MIH Function. A cross-layer entity, defined by IEEE 802.21, that provides
mobility support through SAPs offering Event, Information and Command

MIME
MIMO
MIN
MIN1
MIN2
minimization
MIP
MIPS
MISP
MLC
MLP
MLPP
MLTS
MM(1)
MM(2)
MM1
MM2
MM3
MM4
MM5
MM6
MM7
MM8
MMD
MMDS
MMI
MML

services.
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
Multiple Input, Multiple Output antennas. This increases throughput and
reduces bit error rates compared to traditional antenna systems which
transmit and receive through a single antenna.
Mobile Identification Number. 10 digit identifier of a mobile subscription.
IRM for cdma2000, TDMA, AMPS. A MIN intended for use outside North
America is usually an IRM assigned by IFAST
The last 7 digits of a MIN encoded in a wierd, but compact, 24 bit binary
format
The first 3 digits of a MIN encoded in a very wierd, but compact, 10 bit
binary format
Removal of information that has been collected, but that is outside the scope
of a court order. See LAES
Mobile IP. IETF RFC 2002
Million Instructions per Second. Measurement of processor speed
Mobile Internet Service Provider
OMA/3GPP Mobile Location Center
Mobile Location Protocol. An XML-based protocol developed by the OMA
LIF group.
Multi-Level Precedence and Pre-emption
Multi-line Telephone System
Mobility Management
Multimedia Message
MMS interface between UA and MMS Relay/Server
MMS interface between MMS Relay and MMS Server
MMS interface between MMS Relay/Server and External Servers for fax,
email etc.
MMS interface between two MMS Relay/Servers
MMS interface between MMS Relay/Server and HLR
MMS interface between MMS Relay/Server and user databases
MMS interface between MMS Relay/Server and VAS applications
MMS interface between MMS Relay/Server and billing systems
Multi-Media Domain. An IP-based signaling system supporting voice,
video, graphics, sound and application data, such as email in an integrated
fashion. Contrast with LMSD. See IMS
Multi-channel Multi-Point Distribution Service. Uses the 2.1-2.7 GHz
frequency band. The success of this technology has been about as poor as its
cousin, LMDS.
Man-Machine Interface
Man-Machine Language. A human-readable language devised for
communications between a human and a computer. Examples of formal
languages in telecommunications are ITU-T Z.300 and the related TL1.

MMS
MMSE
MMSNA
MMTA
MN
MN-FA
MNC
MNIC
MNID
MNO
MNP
MO
Mobile IP
Mobile Node
Mobility
Mobitex
MOS
MoU(1)
MoU(2)
MPC
MPC-MLQ(1)
MPCAP
MPCI
MPEG
MPLS

These languages are textual and most humans are unlikely to want to use
them directly, so they are more likely to take the place of a human-readable
(i.e. ASCII character) protocol, with a GUI for the human to view and
control the interactions with the computer more effectively and pleasantly.
MM Service (e.g. text, audio, graphics)
Multimedia Messaging Service Environment
MMS Network Architecture
MultiMedia Telecommunications Association. A subsidiary of TIA
Mobile Node. An internet term for a mobile device capable of IP
communications. See Mobile IP
MN Foreign Authentication. An extension to MIP that provides stronger
authentication. See IETF RFC 3012
E.212 Mobile Network Code (identifies an individual carrier, or a portion of
a carrier network). Part of IMSI
Mobile Network Identification Code
MN Identification
Mobile Network Operator. A carrier.
Mobile Number Portability. See LNP, WNP
Mobile Originated/Originating
A set of protocols that allows a MN to roam on the internet. Not widely
implemented.
An IP network node that has both a static address and a care-of address
associated with it. IP packets can be routed to it via a Home Agent (at its
static address) and a Foreign Agent (at its care-of address)
The capability of a device to initiate or receive services in many different
systems, and to maintain session while travelling between systems.
An Ericsson Wireless Data protocol, once known as RAM Mobile Data in
the US.
Mean Opinion Score. A method of measuring quality (e.g. of wireless voice
transmission) by asking people to rank their opinion on a numeric scale, and
then averaging the results. Sophisticated, huh!
GSM Memorandum of Understanding. The guidelines under which GSM
systems are implemented
Minutes of Use. A common measure of the usage of a group of subscribers
Mobile Positioning Center. Interfaces between MSC, PDE, CRDB and
ESME
Multipulse LPC with Maximum Likelihood Quantization audio codec used
in G.723.1. Operates at a bit rate of 6.3 kbps
Mobility Positioning Capabilities
Mobile PCI
Motion Pictures Experts Group. Not usually used to refer to a group but a
format for audio/video compression (and, obviously, decompression)
Multi Protocol Label Switching. An IP protocol (RFC 3031) designed to
provide preferred treatment to priority traffic to achieve a higher QoS.

MPS
MRF
MRFC
MRFP
MRP
MS(1)
ms(2)
MS-SME
MSA
MSAG
MSB
MSC
MSC-G
MSC-H
MSC-O
MSC-S
MSC-V
MSCIN
msec
MSEIA
MSID
MSIN
MSISDN
MSK
MSO
MSP
MSRN
MSS(1)
MSS(3)
MSU
MT
MTA(1)

Every packet labeled with the same FEC gets the same treatment
Minimum Performance Standards/Specification.
Media Resource Function. Provides conference bridges, announcements,
tones and so forth to IP-based telephony networks. See MRFC and MRFP
MRF Controller
MRF Processor. Provides tones, recordings, conference bridges etc.
Market Representation Partner. A participant in the 3GPP or 3GPP2 process
that represents the marketing of technology in a region, such as 3G
Americas for 3GPP or CDG for 3GPP2.
Mobile Station (wireless phone)
Milliseconds. Thousandths of a second. Also msec
SME embedded in MS
Metropolitan Statistical Area. CGSA for urban cellular systems. Also used
for licensing the FCC AWS D band.
Master Street Address Guide. A database of street names and house number
ranges that define ESZ and their associated ESNs to enable proper routing
of 911 calls. See E911.
Most Significant Bit or Byte. Compare with LSB
Mobile Switching Centre
See Gateway MSC
See Home MSC
See Originating MSC
Serving MSC
Visited MSC. The MSC which a mobile is currently registered in
MSC Identification Number
Milliseconds. See ms
MS Emergency Information Assistance
Mobile Station Identifier. A MIN or an IMSI. See IMSI_O
Mobile Subscriber Identity Number. Unique number assigned to a
subscriber as part of IMSI
MS ISDN number. Same as MDN
Minimum Shift Keying. FSK where peak-to-peak FM deviation is half the
data rate
CDMA Markov Service Option
Multiple Subscriber Profile
Mobile Station Roaming Number. The GSM equivalent of the ANSI-41
TLDN
Mobile Satellite System/Service
Multimedia Streaming Service
Message Signal Unit. The payload message for SS7 MTP
Mobile Terminated/Termination/Terminal. The UE is composed of the MT
and SIM/USIM and possibly other peripherals
Major Trading Area

MTA(2)
MTE
MTP
MTP2
MTP3
MTSO
MTTR
MTU
Multipath
MUX
MVNE
MVNO
mW
MWIF
MWN
MWNE
MX
N-1 Switch
N-AMPS
NAA
NACK
NAF
NAI
NAM
NAMPS
NANC
NANP
NANPA
NAPTR

Mail Transfer Agent

Months to Exhaust. The time at which a numbering resource (e.g. area code)
is expected to be fully utilized
Message Transfer Part (SS7 transport layer)
MTP Layer 2
MTP Layer 3
Older term for MSC
Mean Time to Restore (after failure)
Message Transfer Unit
A radio link between the transmitter and receiver comprised of multiple
paths which include intermediate reflections from various surfaces, usually
due to non-line of sight communication paths
Multiplexer
Mobile Virtual Network Enabler. Provides infrastructure and services such
as billing, subscriber management and operations support to MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operator. A company that markets cellular service
but contracts with facilities-based cellular carriers to actually provide the
coverage
milli-Watt
Mobile WIreless Internet Forum. Promotes the use of a single All-IP
network for future wireless systems (e.g. convergence of 3GPP and 3GPP2
protocols)
Message Waiting Notification (e.g. stutter dial tone or an indication on a
wireless phone's display)
Managed Wireless Network Entity. A piece of equipment that provides
OA&M data
Mail Exchange (internet mail server)
N
The switch responsible for LNP queries
See NAMPS
Network Access Application
Negative ACK
Network Application Function of GBA.
Network Access Identifier. This is an email-like address format used to
identify a AAA or a device with an interface to one.
Number Assignment Module. A portion of a mobile phone that stores a
single user profile, including MIN and IMSI, but not ESN
Narrowband AMPS
North American Numbering Council. The organization responsible for
overseeing the distribution of telephone numbers in the NANP
North American Numbering Plan
North American Numbering Plan Administrator (or Area)
Number Authority Pointer. See IETF RFC 2915.

NAS(1)

Network Access Servers

Non-Access Stratum. Protocols between the UE and the core network that
NAS(2)
are transparent to the RAN (e.g. SMS)
Network Address Translation. Maps an internal set of IP addresses to an
NAT
external set (perhaps assigned dynamically by DHCP)
NAT-PMP(1) NAT Port Mapping Protocol
NBAP
Node B Application Part
NCAS
Non-Call Associated Signaling. Compare with CAS
NCG
Network Capability Gateway. Obsolete. See OSA-SCS
NCGW
Synonym for NCG. Obsolete. See OSA-SCS
National Communication System. Responsible for US Government
NCS
communications, including WPS and GETS
NDC
E.164 National Destination Code
NDS
Network Domain Security
NE
Network Entity
NEBS
Network Equipment Building Systems
Electrical interface for communications between maritime electronic
NEMA-0183(1)
devices. This includes some GPS data.
Increase in new revenue-generating subscribers over a time period (usually
Net Additions
a quarter year)
NFCC
Network Firewall Configuration and Control
NFS
Number Field Sieve. Used in cryptography
Next Generation Network. ITU-T term for future wireless systems with
NGN
even higher speed data capabilities.
NHLFE
Next Hop Label Forwarding Entry. See MPLS
NHP
No-Header Packet. See RFC 3242
NI(1)
Network Identity
NI(2)
Number Incomplete
nibble
Four bit
Network Identification. A number that uniquely identifies a portion of a
NID
wireless carriers total system. Used by TIA/EIA-95 (CDMA) systems
NIDS
Network-Initiated Data Session
NIIF
Network Interconnection Interoperability Forum
NIST
US National Insitute of Standards and Technology
NL
Neighbour List
NMR
Network Measurement Results
NMSI
National Mobile Subscription Identity. MNC + MSIN
Nordic Mobile Telephone. An analog cellular system available either in the
NMT
450 MHz or 900 MHz bands
Logical node in the 3GPP RNS responsible for radio transmission/reception
Node B
in one or more cells to and from the UE. Terminates the Iub interface
towards the RNC.
Non-repudiation Ensuring that a communication cannot be disavowed later

RF interference within a channel used in a wireless system that emanates

from a transmitter that is not part of the same system, and that may have
Non-systemic
undefined channel characteristics. This is of greatest concern for systems
Interference
operating in unlicensed bands, such as ISM. Compare with Systemic
Interference
nonce
A number that is used only once. Often used in cryptography
NP
Number Portability
NPA
NANP Numbering Plan Area (i.e. area code)
NPAC
NP Administration Center. Often used to refer to the NPAC SMS
Number Portability Database. A list of ported numbers and associated LRNs
NPDB
used for LNP routing
NPDE
Network PDE
NPDU
Network Protocol Data Unit. A packet
NPI
Numbering Plan Identifier
NPM
Non-Public Mode Service
NPRM
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NRM
Network Reference Model (e.g. TIA/EIA/TSB-100)
NRN
Network Routing Number
NRTL
Nationally Recognized Test Lab
NRZ
Non-RZ
Authoritative Name Server for a Domain. Converts between a domain name
NS
(e.g. cnp-wireless.com) and an IP address and related information
NS/EP
US National Security and Emergency Preparedness. See WPS
US National Security Agency. Keeps a tight grip on exports of US
NSA
encryption technology
NSDPB&S
Non-signaling Data Protocol for Billing and Settlement. subset of IS-124
NSDPF
Non-signaling Data Protocol for Fraud. A subset of IS-124
NSDU
Network Service Data Unit
National Security and Emergency Preparedness. People who are eligible for
NSEP
PAS/PACA
National Significant Number. All of an E.164 number apart from the CC,
NSN
i.e. NDC + SN
NSS
Network and Switching Subsystem
NSTAC
US National Security Telecommunications Advisory Council
NT
Network Termination
U.S. Dept. of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information
NTIA
Administration
NTS
Number Translation Service
Sharing a block of numbers between carriers. In the NANP this means that a
Number Pooling block of 10,000 numbers is shared (currently in multiples of 1,000) by
several carriers. Pooling is implemented using LNP
Number Porting See LNP or WNP
NVSE
Normal Vendor Specific Extension

NXX

Digits 4-6 of a NANP directory number. N can be any digit 2-8, while X can
be any digit 0-9
O

O-BCSM
O/E
O&M
OA&M
OAA
OAM&P
OATS
OBF
OC-1
OC-12
OC-18
OC-192
OC-24
OC-3
OC-36
OC-48
OC-768
OC-9
OC-96
OCDM
OCH
OCN
OCS
OCSP
octet
ODB
OEC(1)
OET
OFA
OFDM
OFDMA
OG
OHG
OLA

Originating BCSM
Odd/Even
Operations and Maintenance
Operations, Administration and Maintenance
Over-the-Air Activation. See OTA
Operations, Administration, Maintenance and Provisioning
Over-the-Air Activation Teleservice. See TIA/EIA-136
Ordering and Billing Forum of ATIS
SONET service at 51.84 Mbps. Equivalent to one DS3 (672 DS0)
SONET service at 622.08 Mbps. Equivalent to 12 DS3 or 8,064 DS0
SONET service at 933.12 Mbps. Equivalent to 18 DS3 or 12,096 DS0
SONET service at 9.95328 Gbps. Equivalent to 192 DS3 or 129,024 DS0
SONET service at 1.24416 Gbps. Equivalent to 24 DS3 or 16,128 DS0
SONET service at 155.52 Mbps. Equivalent to 3 DS3 or 2,016 DS0
SONET service at 1.86624 Gbps. Equivalent to 36 DS3 or 24,192 DS0
SONET service at 2.48832 Gbps. Equivalent to 48 DS3 or 32,256 DS0
SONET service at 38.813 Gbps. Equivalent to 768 DS3
SONET service at 466.56 Mbps. Equivalent to 9 DS3 or 6,048 DS0
SONET service at 4.97664 Gbps. Equivalent to 96 DS3 or 64,512 DS0
Optical Code Division Multiplexing
Optical Channel
Operating Company Number. US identifier for a telecom carrier
Online Charging System. Used for real-time charging (e.g. prepaid).
Online Certificate Status Protocol. An IETF protocol
A snooty standards term for byte
Operator Determined Barring
DHS Office of Emergency Communications. Supports and promotes the
ability of emergency responders and government officials to continue to
communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other
man-made disasters, and works towards interoperable and operable
emergency communications nationwide.
US FCC Office of Engineering & Technology
Optical Fiber Gateway
See OFDMA
Orthogonal FDMA
Optical Gateway
Operators Harmonization Group. A group of wireless carriers that wants to
make CDMA systems work on both ANSI-41 and GSM networks
Optical Line Amplifier

OLC

Overload Control
Originating Line Indicator. ISUP parameter that identifies the class of phone
OLI
(e.g. residential, payphone, hotel/motel)
OLNS
Originating Line Number Screening (using LIDB)
OLT
Optical Line Termination
OMA
Open Mobile Alliance
OMC
Operations and Maintenance Center
OMNCS
Office of the Manager, NCS
Overhead Message Train (messages transmitted from base station on the
OMT
analog Control Channel)
ON
Optical Network
OPC
Originating Point Code. Where an SS7 message came from
OPDU
Operation PDU
OpenH323
A project to create an open source implementation of H.323
OPSP
Origination Participation Service Provider
OPTS
Over-the-Air Programming Teleservice. See TIA/EIA-136
The first MSC involved in a mobile terminated call. Either a Gateway MSC
Originating MSC
or the Home MSC
Origination
The process of starting a call, usually initiated by dialing digits
ORREQ
TIA/EIA-41 OriginationRequest transaction
3GPP Open Service Access. Enables third parties to use network
OSA
functionality through an open standardized interface (OSA API)
OSA-AS
OSA Application Server
OSA-SCS
OSA Control Server
OSF
Operations Systems Function
OSI
French synonym for ISO
OSPF
Open Shortest Path First IP routing algorithm.
OSS(1)
Operations Support Subsystem
OSS(2)
Operator Services Switch
OTA
Over-the-Air programming. Uploads internal mobile tables or software.
Over-The-Air Activation Function. A specialized MC for performing
OTAF
OTASP and OTAPA
OTAPA
Over-The-Air Parameter Administration. A network initiated form of OTA
OTASP
Over-the-Air Service Provisioning. A mobile-initiated form of OTA
OTDOA
Observed TDOA
The process of dialing a phone number during an established call, when the
overdial
original number dialed was to access some kind of gateway system. See
Roamer Port
One Way Function. A function that is much easier to perform than to invert
OWF
(i.e. back-calculate). This concept is the foundation of much of modern
cryptography
OXC
Optical Cross Connect

P-CSCF
P-P
P-SCM
P-TMSI
PABX
PAC
PACA
Packet data
PACS
PAD
Page
PAMR
PAN
PANID
PAP
Parlay/OSA
PAS
PBCCH
PBX
PC
PCAP
PCCCH
PCF
PCG
PCH
PCI
PCIA
PCM

P
Proxy CSCF. First contact point for a terminal within the IMS
PDSN to PDSN interface used to support fast handoff (tunneling of packets
from old serving system to new serving system).
Proxy SCM
Packet TMSI
See PBX
PPTP Access Concentrator. Concentrates PPP traffic on a dial access
platform. See PNS
Priority Access and Channel Assignment. Channels are assigned to mobiles
attempting to originate a call in order of priority, rather than first-come,
first-served. See PAS
Data transmitted from multiple users in individually address discrete
packets. Compare with CSD
Personal Access Communications System
Packet Assembly/Disassembly
The process of telling an MS to prepare for an incoming call
Public Access Mobile Radio. A wide-area form of PMR that provides
group-oriented communications (such as PTT) to the public, rather than
being run for a single organization. See SMR.
Personal Area Network. A network that connects personal devices, such as
computer, keyboard, mouse, phone and monitor. Also known as Piconet
Previous ANI
Password Authentication Protocol. A simple authentication protocol that
sends security information in the clear. Compare with CHAP
Open Service Access/Architecture. An API that enables operator and 3rd
party applications to make use of network functionality through a set of
open, standardised interfaces. Implementations are JAIN SPA, OMG-IDL
and WSDL
Priority Access Service. See PACA
GPRS Packet Broadcast CCH
Private Branch Exchange. A privately owned switch providing wired and
possibly also wireless service for an office, factory, campus, etc.
Personal Computer
UTRAN Positioning Calculation Application Part
GPRS Packet Control Channel
Packet Control Function. Obsolete. See PDF
3GPP Project Coordination Group
Paging Channel
Protocol Capability Indicator
Personal Communications Industry Association. Rival trade association to
CTIA
Pulse Code Modulation. The encoding scheme for digital voice in a circuit-

PCMCIA
PCN
PCS
PCS1900
PCSC
PD
PDA
PDC
PDC-P
PDCP
PDD
PDE
PDF
PDG
PDH
PDLP
PDN
PDP
PDREG
PDSN
PDU
PEAP
pen register
Penetration
PER(1)
PER(2)
pESN
Peta
PH
PHB
PHP(1)
PHS
PI
PIC(1)

switched telephone network.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
Personal Communications Network. See PCS
Personal Communications System. See DCS, PCS1900
North American PCS frequencies, 1850-1990 MHz. See DCS
Personal Communications Switching Center. See MSC
Packet data
Personal Digital Assistant
Pacific Digital Cellular. A Japanese cellular standard based on GSM
operating in the 800 MHz and 1500 MHz frequency bands.
PDC Packet network used
UTRA Packet Data Convergence Protocol
Post-Dial Delay. The delay between dialing and having the call cut through
to the party at the other end
Position Determining Entity
Policy Decision Function
PD Gateway. Similar to PDSN.
Plesiochhronous Digital Hierarchy
PD link protocol
Public Data Network or Packet Data Network
PD Protocol
Power-Down Registration
Packet Data Serving Node. Not to be confused with PSDN
Protocol Data Unit
Protected EAP. A more secure version of LEAP developed by Microsoft and
Cisco.
A form of surveillance where dialed digits and time of call are collected
The percentage of the population of a service area (POP) that have acquired
a certain service
Packed Encoding Rules. Avoids the TLV overhead of BER and TCAP
Packet Error Rate. The fraction of packets that have one or more errors.
Compare with BER.
Pseudo ESN. Formed from the 8-bit prefix 0x80 followed by the 24 least
significant bits of the SHA-1 extract of the MEID. See also tESN and
pUIMID.
Prefix to indicate one thousand trillion (e.g. Peta-bit). Abbreviated P
Packet Handler
Per-Hop Behaviour
PHP Hypertext Preprocessor. Yes, this is a recursive acronym.
Personal Handyphone Service. A real success until people found that it was
not true cellular service
Polling Indicator
Preferred Inter-exchange Carrier Code. Identifies the long distance carrier

PIC(2)
Piconet
PIN
PINT
PISN
PIX(1)
PKC
PKCS
PKE
PKI
PL
Plaintext
PLCM
PLMN
PM(1)
PM(2)
PMN
PMR
PN(1)
PN(2)

PN Sequence

PNA
PNG
PNP
PNS
PoC

for a subscriber. Generally national in scope

Point in Call. An IN, WIN, CAMEL term
See PAN
Personal Identification Number. Used to restrict access to personal services
or capabilities
PSTN and Internet Interworking - IETF WG. See RFC 2848
Private Integrated Services Network. Composed of inter-connected PBXs.
Proprietary application Identifier eXtension. See AID and RID.
Public Key Cryptography. Also known as Asymmetric Key Cryptography
PKC System
Public Key Encryption
Public Key Infrastructure
Physical Layer
Unencrypted data. Compare with Ciphertext
Used for encoding cdma2000 conversations on the reverse traffic channel.
Originally based on the ESN of an MS it now can be assigned by the BS or
calculated from the IMSI or MEID.
Public Land Mobile Network. A cellular, PCS or 3G wireless network
Privacy Mode
Personal Mobility
Public Mobile Network. Synonym for PLMN
Professional/Private Mobile Radio. A radio system established to service a
single organization or group of related organizations. They usually provide
special group communications capabilities, such as PTT. See SMR. Contrast
with PAMR
Pseudo-Noise. Orthogonal code used to separate CDMA transmissions
Project number
A defined repetitive sequence of binary bits, typically quite long. PN
sequences are often used to test digital communications systems because
they are composed of typical data patterns (as opposed to, say, alternating 1s
and 0s) but are nonetheless defined bit-by-bit, so that the correctness of
received bits can be determined at the receiver. PN sequences are also used
extensively in the channel structure of many wireless technologies such as
CDMA.
Presence Network Agent
Portable Network Graphics. A web graphics format using lossless
compression (and decompression) and 48 bit color (unlike JPEG). Its
proponents believe that it will also replace GIF and TIFF.
Private Numbering Plan
PPTP Network Server. See PAC
Push/Press-to-Talk over Cellular. Refers to systems running over standard
cellular systems that emulate the push-to-talk system of iDen and similar
systems. See PTT.

POCSAG
POI
Point Code
Pooling
POP(1)
POP(2)
POP3
Port-in
Port-out
Portable Block
Portal
Ported DN
POS(2)
POS (1)
POTS
PPDN
PPDR
PPDU
PPP(1)
PPP(2)
PPTP
PQoS
PRACK
PRAMP
PRBS
PRC(1)
PRC(2)
PRC(3)

A paging protocol that runs at 512 or 2400 bps. Compare with FLEX,
ReFLEX.
Point of Interconnect
A numeric SS7 address. 24 bits in the NANP, 16 bits in Japan, and 14 bits in
most other countries
The ability to share a block of 10,000 NANP phone numbers between
carriers. See ITN and Thousands block pooling
Population of a service area. Licenses are often valued based on this
Point of Presence. A place where a carrier provides connectivity to its
network
Post Office Protocol Version 3. IETF RFC 1939
The porting of a number from the perspective of the new service provider.
See LNP and WNP
The porting of a number from the perspective of the old service provider.
See LNP and WNP
A block of 10,000 NANP directory numbers that contains at least one
Ported DN
A fancy name for a web page that provides a single point of entry for a suite
of web services
A DN that has been ported from one carrier to another. See LNP and WNP
Packet over SDH
Personal Operating Space. A space about a person or object about 10 meters
in radius that envelopes the person. See WPAN
Plain Old Telephone Service (incoming and outgoing calls, but no fancy
features)
Public PDN
Public Protection and Disaster Relief
Presentation PDU
Point-to-Point Protocol. IETF RFC 1661. Provides a reliable link to the
internet over a single-user facility (e.g. phone line) that can carry several
network protocols simultaneously. See PPP, PAP, CHAP
Peripheral Pre-Processor
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol. Allows PPP to be tunneled through an IP
network. Uses an enhanced GRE mechanism for flowcontrol and congestion
control. Defined in RFC 2637. May be replaced by L2TP
Position QoS. The desired/required/measured quality of position measuring
accuracy and delay
IETF SIP Provisional Acknowledgement message
Power Ramp
Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence
Premium Rate Charging
Primary Reference Clock
Peoples Republic of China

Wireless services paid for in advance, as opposed to monthly billing.

Prepaid wireless Technical challenges limit the services available, such as roaming and
international calling
PRI
Primary Rate Interface (1.544 Mbps). See T1, DS1
Private long code Used for encrypting TIA/EIA-95 conversations. Based on secret key
mask
information
CDMA Preferred Roaming List. A database within an MS that prioritizes
PRL
the systems that the mobile might encounter while roaming.
PRN
Provide Roaming Number
A specification of the messages used to communicate over one or more
Protocol
Interface
PS(1)
Packet Switch(ed)
PS(2)
Priority Service. See WPS, PACA
PS(3)
Positioning Server.
PSAP
Public Service Answering Point. The place where 9-1-1 calls are answered
Public Safety Communications Research. A joint project between
PSCR(1)
NIST/OLES and NTIA/ITS within the US Department of Commerce.
PSD
Power Spectral Density
PSDC
WAG Persistent Storage Drafting Committee. A WAP Working Group
PSDN
Packet/Public Switched Data Network. Not be be confused with PDSN
A GPS ground station that transmits a signal similar to a satellite that might
Pseudolite(1)
not be visible to all GPS devices.
PSI
PCF Session ID
Private SID. Used to identify a virtual private wireless system (e.g. wireless
PSID
PBX)
Phase Shift Keying. Information bits are identified by changes in phase of
the carrier. Usually, the signal is split into two parts. I is unchanged, and Q
PSK(1)
is phase shifted by 90 degrees. Phase can be controlled by the amount of
each path that is remixed upon output
PSK(2)
Pre-Shared Key.
PSMM
Pilot Signal Strength Message. Used for CDMA triangulation
PSN
Packet Switched Network
PSPDN
Packet Switched PDN
PSS
3GPP Packet Streaming Service.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network. The 'phone system'.
PSVT
Packet-Switched Video Telephony
PTM
Point-to-Multipoint (Broadcast)
Precision Timing Protocol. Synchronizes clocks in data communications
PTP
networks such as IP, achieving accuracy, in local networks, of better than a
microsecond. Defined in IEEE 1588.
PTT
Push To Talk. Pressing a button on a phone initiates communications with a
pre-defined group of other users. The system will usually give one radio the
ability to transmit, and the remainder can only listen until the button is

released or the phone exceeds the maximum time limit on the right to talk.
Public long code
See PLCM.
mask
GSM Personal Unblocking Code. A code provided by a carrier to regain
access to a SIM that has become locked due to multiple entries of an invalid
PUC(1)
PIN. If this code is entered incorrectly 10 times, the SIM will become
permanently inoperable and must be replaced.
Pseudo UIMID formed from the 8 bit prefix 0x80 and the least significant
pUIMID
24-bit SHA-1 extract of the EUIMID.
PUK(1)
GSM Personal Unblocking Key. See PUC.
PUREG
Power-Up Registration
PV
Protocol Version
PVC
Permanent VC
PVI
PV Indicator
PZID
Packet Zone ID

QAM
QAM/CAP
QCELP
QoE
QoR
QoS
QPSK
QSIG
Quintet

R and R
R-APDU
R-P
R-SCH
R-SGW
R-UIM
RA

Q
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. A method of encoding a digital symbol
in an analog symbol using combinations of phase and amplitude that are
modulated at right angles to the main carrier. See 8QAM, 16QAM,
32QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM
QAM/CAP
Qualcomm Code Excited Linear Prediction
Quality of Experience. The subscriber's perception of their quality of
service.
Query on Release. A method for implementing LNP
Quality of Service. A list of measurable attributes such as bandwidth, delay
and jitter that should be met for a specific communications service
Quadrature PSK used in CDMA. Phase can be in one of four states
ISDN based signaling inter-PBX protocol.
A group of 5 security data elements used in AKA. Composed of RAND,
expected user response (XRES), Cipher Key (CK), Integrity Key (IK) and
network authentication token (AUTN)
R
Revise and Resubmit. The usual treatment for a contribution to a standards
committee
Response APDU
Interface between a PDSN and a PCF that uses a GRE tunnel to carry user
data and signaling messages.
Reverse SCH (from MS)
Roaming SGW. Interface between SS7 SCCP and MTP to IP protocols
Removable UIM
Registration Authority

RAB

Radio Access Bearer

Routing Area Code. An 8 bit number identifying a routing area with a
RAC
location aarea
RACF
Radio Access Control Function. An IN term
Random Access Channel. Mobiles compete to access this shared Control
RACH
Channel
Electro-magnetic radiation having a frequency in the range used for
Radio Frequency telecommunications, greater than that of the highest audio-frequency and
less than that of the shortest infra-red waves.
Radio Interface The interface between an MS and a BS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. An internet user authentication
RADIUS
system. See IETF RFC 2138, 2139 and AAA
RAI
GSM Routing Area Identification. Composed of LAI + RAC
A receiver technique which uses several baseband correlators to
individually process several signal multipath components. The correlator
RAKE
outputs are combined to achieve improved communications reliability and
performance
RAN
Radio Access Network
RANAP
UTRAN RAN Application Part
RAND
Random number used for authentication purposes
Random number used for base station challenge authentication operation.
RANDBS
See CAVE
RAND Confirmation. A portion of RAND used to try to confirm the value
RANDC
that was used by an MS during a Global challenge
RANDSSD
Random number used for CAVE SSD Update operation
RANDU
The random number used for a Unique Challenge
RAO
Revenue Accounting Office
RASC
Radio Access System Controller. An IN term
Radio Access Technology. Used to distinguish between GPRS and UMTS in
RAT
3GPP networks.
The location of a phone for billing purposes. Long distance charges are
calculated based on the distance between two rate centers (often the switch
Rate Center
location). Rate centers and competition combine to cause very inefficient
number assignment, because every carrier operating in a rate center must be
assigned at least 10,000 numbers. But, see Pooling
RATI
Random ATI. Compare with UATI
Regional BOC. One of 7 local exchange companies formed from the
RBOC
breakup of AT&T: NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Southwestern Bell,
Pacific Bell, US West and Ameritech
RCF
Radio Control Function. An IN term
RD
Requirements Document
RDCCH
Reverse DCCH
RDF
Resource Description Format
RDTC
Reverse DTC

Roamer Database Verification (IS-847). Ability of HLR to query VLR

database to determine whether information needed to support roamers is
correct
Regional EA Grouping. A geographical area (encompassing several EAs)
REAG
used to license the AWS B, C and E bands.
RECC
Reverse Analog Control Channel
Recipient Switch The switch to which a number has been ported. See LNP
RED
Random Early Detection
Reed-Solomon A type of FEC
A two-way paging protocol related to FLEX. Operates at speeds up to 9600
ReFLEX
bps inbound and 6400 bps outbound (25 kHz channel) or 25600 bps (50
kHz channel)
Registration
The process where an MS informs a system of its presence
Rel(1)
Abbreviation for release of a specification (e.g. GSM Rel 5)
REL(2)
SS7 ISUP circuit Release message
Release
Returning a trunk, transceiver or other telephony resource to the idle list
Authentication response. A value calculated from at least a secret key and a
RES
random number, that can be used to infer that the respondent is in
possession of the secret key, without revealing it.
Representational State Transfer. A style of communications design that uses
REST(1)
existing capabilities of protocols (such as HTTP) to accomplish relatively
simple machine-to-machine communications. Contrast with SOAP.
RETURN
Message sent to successfully end TCAP transaction
RESULT
Recommendations on the Procedures for Evaluation of Radio Transmission
REVAL
Technologies for FPLMTS
Dialing up all landline phones within a geographical area to deliver a
Reverse 911
recorded message, e.g. about a weather emergency. This is usually a
voluntary service
Revertive dialing Calling your own phone number. Often used to access a voice mail system
RF
Radio Frequency
IETF Request for Comments. Internet standard (well, not officially, but in
RFC
practice many internet standards are still just RFCs)
RFI(1)
Request For Information
RFI(2)
Radio Frequency Interference
Radio Frequency Identification. A small chip that is designed to allow the
RFID
identification and tracking of an object (e.g.manufactured item, airline bag).
RFP
Request for Proposal
RFU
Reserved for Future Use
RIH
Rate Input Handler. Puts a price on usage (e.g. a phone call)
Encryption algorithm chosen for AES (replacement for DES). Means 'Rhine
Rijndael
Valley' in Flemish. Pronounced 'Rain Doll' (while clearing your throat)
RIL3
GSM Radio Interface Layer 3
RDV

RIP
RLC
RLEC
RLH
RLP(1)
RLP(2)
RN
RNC
RNS
RNTI
ROA
Roamer
Roamer Port
ROER
ROHC
ROIV
RORJ
RORS
ROSE
Router
RPC(1)
RPC(2)
RR(1)
RR(2)
RRC
RRM
RRP
RRQ
RS
RSA(1)
RSA(2)
RSID
RSN
RSS

Routing Information Protocol. Compare with OSPF

Radio Link Control
Rural LEC
Rate Load Handler. Loads rated transactions into the billing system and
monitors the usage limits (e.g. for prepaid, fraud analysis)
Radio link protocol
OMA/3GPP Roaming Location Protocol between SUPL Location Platforms
(SLP).
Radio Network
Radio Network Controller
Radio Network Subsystem
Radio Network Temporary Identity. See TMSI
Registered Operating Agency
A mobile that is present in a system (MSC-V) that is not its home system
A phone number that allows Termination to a Roamer via the MSC-V
Remote Operation Error. See ROSE
RObust Header Compression (and, if youre lucky, decompression). RFC
3095. Provides compression of IP, UDP, RTP and ESP headers using WLSB. In future, compression of TCP, SIP and other header types is also
planned. It is more robust than CRTP
Remote Operation Invoke. See RORJ
Remote Operation Reject. See ROIV
Remote Operation Result
Remote Operations Service Element. A message packaging protocol
An IP packet switch. Compare with STP
Radio Port Controller. An IN term
Remote Procedure Call. A method of exchanging data between applications
running on different machines. Compare with SOAP
Radio Resource
Resource Record. Basic storage element for DNS
RR Control
RR Management
MIP Registration Reply
MIP Registration Reply Request
Reed-Solomon error correction code
Rural Statistical Area. CGSA for rural cellular systems. Also used for
licensing the FCC AWS D band.
Rivest, Shamir and Adleman PKE algorithm. Also the name of a
corporation based on commercialization of this algorithm
Residential SID. Used to identify a virtual residential wireless system
Robust Security Network. The long-term security enhancement for WiFi
that replaces both WPA and WEP.
Received Signal Strength. A measure of the strength of a radio signal

RSSI
RSVD
RSVP
RTCP
RTF
RTP(1)
RTP(2)
RTSP
RTT(1)
RTT(2)
RTT(3)
RVC
RX
RXP
RZ

Received Signal Strength Indication. Used to determine when a Handoff

should be attempted
Reserved
IETF Resource Reservation Protocol. RFC 2205. A control protocol for
assigning bandwidth to packets based on their desired QoS
RTP Control Protocol.
Radio Terminal Function. An IN term
ISUP Release to Pivot Capability. Allows a call connected to one switch to
be redirected to another by dropping back to an earlier switch to optimize
trunking
IETF Real Time Protocol. Used by SIP, among other protocols
Real Time Streaming Protocol
Radio Transmission Technology candidate for IMT-2000
Round trip time. The time for a message to get from origin to destination
and back again. For communications based on the exchange of many small
messages this is more important than the actual bandwidth.
Abbreviation for 1XRTT
Reverse analog Voice Channel
Abbreviation for receive or receiver
A protocol that bridges ReFLEX networks together. Based on XML, HTTP
and TCP/IP. See WCTP
Return to Zero
S

S-BCCH
S-CSCF
S-SCM
S/N
S/R
SA
SA1
SA2
SA3
SA4
SA5
SAAL
SABM
SACCH
SACH
SAFER
SAIC

SMS BCCH
Serving CSCF. Handles IMS session states
Serving SCM
Signal to noise ratio
Emergency services selective router
Security Association
3GPP TSG SA Working Group 1 for Service Specifications.
3GPP TSG SA Working Group 2 for Architecture Specifications.
3GPP TSG SA Working Group 3 for Security Specifications.
3GPP TSG SA Working Group 4 for Codec Specifications.
3GPP TSG SA Working Group 5 for Telecom Management.
Signaling ATM Adapatation Layer. Equivalent of MTP layer 2 for ATM
networks used to carry SS7 traffic. Includes SSCF, SSCOP and MAAL
Set Asynchronous Balanced Mode
Slow Associated Control Channel. A control channel that is transmitted at a
low bit rate in parallel with digitized voice.
GSM term for SACCH
Safe And Fast Encryption Routine. Based on IBC
Single Antenna Interference Cancellation

SAMPS
SAP
SAPI
SAR(1)
SAR(2)
SAR(3)
SASL
SAT(1)
SAT(2)
SC
SCADA(1)
SCC(1)
SCC(2)
SCCP
SCE
SCEG
SCEMA
SCF
SCH(1)
SCH(2)
SCID
SCM(1)
SCM(2)
SCP
SCPT
SCR
SCTP
SCVP
SDB

ANSI-136 System Assisted Mobile Positioning through Satellite. TDMA,

MS-assisted location determination, using GPS
Service Access Point. Identifies a particular user service, sending and
receiving a specific class of data.
SAP Identifier. Assigned by IANA.
Segmentation and Reassembly
Successive Approximation Converter. Type of analog-to-digital converter
Specific Absortion Rate. Amount of RF energy absorbed (e.g. for RF/health
studies)
Simple Authentication and Security Layer. IETF RFC 2222
Supervisory Audio Tone. One of three tones around 6 kHz that are
transmitted from a base station to an MS by analog cellular (EIA/TIA-553)
SIM Application Toolkit
Steering Committee
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
SAT Color Code. A slight variation in frequency to limit false SAT detection
Service Control Code. A 1, 2 or 3 digit code followed by an asterisk (*)
used for controlling switch capabilities during a call (e.g. 777*). Compare
with FC
Signaling Connection Control Part. SS7 enhanced routing and identification
layer
Service Creation Environment for the Intelligent Network (IN, WIN)
Smart Card Expert Group. A WAP Working Group
Secure Cellular Encryption Module Algorithm
Service Control Function. Most important part of an SCP
CDMA Supplemental Channel. Used for transmitting higher speed data
GSM Synchronisation Channel; downlink only frame synchronisation and
identification of base station.
Subchannel Identity
Station Class Mark. Identifies the power class and transmission mode of an
AMPS terminal
3GPP2 Session Control Manager. Manages multimedia sessions. Obsolete.
See CSCF
Service Control Point. An SS7 network element used to control call
processing (e.g. by providing database or intelligent network services)
CDMA Service Category Programming Teleservice
Static Conformance Requirements
Stream Control Transmission Protocol specified in IETF RFC 2960. Similar
to TCP, it differs in supporting multiple independent streams of packets
which prevents a failure in one stream backing up packets in all streams.
Simple Certificate Validation Protocol. Allows a simple device to send a
certificate to a server for validation. An IETF draft
Short Data Burst

SDCA
SDCC
SDCCH
SDCH
SDF
SDFU
SDH
SDL
SDL(2)
SDO

Indian Short Distance Charging Area

Supplementary DCC
GSM Standalone Dedicated Control Channel.
See SDCCH
Service Data Function (IN term)
Sub-rate Digital Facility Unit
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
Specification Description Language
System Design Language
Standards Development Organization. The TIA and ATIS are SDO's
IETF Session Description Protocol that describes multimedia sessions for
SDP
the purposes of session announcement, invitation, and other forms of
multimedia session initiation. See SIP
Software-Defined Radio. A radio that can operate in different modes (e.g.
SDR(1)
frequency bands, modulation schemes) based on the software that is
currently loaded and active in the device.
Special Drawing RIghts. A virtual currency used for exchange of billing
SDR(2)
information between carriers.
SDSL
Symmetric DSL. Bit rates are the same in both directions
Selection and Distribution Unit. Part of a base station that contains the voice
SDU(1)
coders
SDU(2)
Service Data Unit
The process of breaking a long protocol message into pieces that are no
segmentation longer than the maximum allowed by lower protocol layers. Oh, and
reassembling them later!
The ability to receive a radio signal very near to the thermal noise level. The
Sensitivity
more sensitive the receiver, the lower the required incident radio signal
required for acceptable reception.
SerG
GSMA Services Group
Serving MSC The MSC currently serving an MS
SUPL Enabled Terminal. Supports the location procedures of SUPL,
SET
interacting with the network over the user plane bearer.
Settlement
The process of exchanging revenue between telecommunications carriers
SF
Superframe
Short Form EUIMID. Based on the MEID format and allocated from the
SF_EUIMID(1) same numbering space. However, the SF_EUIMID of an R-UIM will never
be the same as the MEID of the phone that it is inserted into.
SFI
Short File Identifier in a UIM or SIM
SG(1)
ITU Study Group
Signaling Gateway. Converts an internet protocol to another protocol, e.g.
SG(2)
SS7
SG(3)
GSMA Security Group
SGCP
Simple Gateway Control Protocol. A VoIP call control standard. Also see

SGML
SGSN
SGW

SHA-1

SHDSL
SID
SIF
SIG
Signaling
SIM(1)
SIM(2)
SIMPLE
SIN
SINAD
SIP
SIP-AS
SIP-T
SKey
SLA
SLC
SLEE
SLF
Slow Fading
SLP(1)
SLP(2)
SLS
SM
SM-MT
SM-SC
Smart Card
SMCK

MGCP
Standardized Generalized Markup Language. The father of XML
Serving GSN
Signaling Gateway
Secure Hash Algorithm. Produces a condensed representation ('hash') of a
string of bits (e.g. protocol message). Because it is computationally
infeasible to determine the original text knowing the digest it is useful in
authentication algorithms. Because it is also infeasible to find two strings
that produce the same digest, it is also useful in digital signing algorithms.
See MD5.
Single-pair high speed DSL
System Identifier. A 15 bit identifier of an AMPS wireless license or system
Signalling Information Field. The payload of an SS7 MTP message
Special Interest Group
Messages used to control calls, assign resources, maintain and monitor
telecommunications systems
GSM Subscriber Identification Module (Smart Card). Compare with UIM
Service Interaction Manager. A WIN concept
SIP for IM and Presence Leveraging
Specification Information Node
Signal + Noise + Distortion
Session Initiation Protocol. An IETF IP protocol for VoIP (packetized voice)
call processing. See SDP.
SIP Application Server
Variant of SIP that encapsulates ISUP signaling to provide support for
circuit-switched communications
Session Key
Service Level Agreement. A carrier agrees to provide a certain level of
service (e.g. availability, bit rate, voice quality) and provide significant
discounts if the levels are not met
SUPL Location Center. Coordinates the operations of SUPL in the network.
Service Level Execution Environment
3GPP Subscription Locator Function
Fade duration long relative to channel frame length
Service Logic Program
SUPL Location Platform. Consists of an SLC and an SPC.
Signaling Link Selection
Session Management
Mobile Terminated Short Message
Short Message Service Center (see MC)
See UIM, SIM
OTA Secure Mode Ciphering Key. Allows for the encryption of
provisioning data that is going to be transmitted over a radio interface

SMDPP
SMDS
SME(1)
SME(2)
SMG
SMIL
SMLC
SMPP
SMR
SMS(1)
SMS(2)
SMS-C
SMSCB
SMSCH
SMSEG
SMTP
SMV
SN(1)
SN(2)
SND
SNDCP
SNMP
SNR(1)
SNR(2)
SNS(1)
SOA
SOAP
SOC
SOHO
SoLSA
SONET
SoR
SP(1)
SP(2)

TIA/EIA-41 SMS Delivery Point-to-Point message

Switched Multimegabit Data Service
Short Message Entity (SMS terminal)
Signaling Message Encryption
Subject Matter Group
Synchronised Multimedia Integration Language
Serving MLC
Short Message Peer-to-Peer Protocol. Promoted by the SMPP Forum
Specialized Mobile Radio. A form of private mobile radio that allows one
talker and multiple listeners in a group (e.g. taxi company)
Short Message Service
Service Management System. Communicates number portability (LNP) and
pooling information between carriers.
GSM SMS Center. See MC
See Broadcast SMS
SMS Point-to-Point Channel
WAP SMS Expert Group
Simple Mail Transmission Protocol defined in IETF RFC 2821
CDMA Selectable Mode Voice Coder
Service Node. A combination of SCP and IP functionality
E.164 Subscriber Number
See SINAD
Sub-Network Dependant Convergence Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol. Network management protocol
usually used with TCP/IP networks, and others
See S/N
Serial number. The unique 6 digit number assigned to a GSM phone within
an IMEI
Social Networking Services
Service Order Activation. For LNP, this represents an interface between a
carrier and the NPAC SMS
Simple Object Access Protocol. XML based language for exchanging data
between internet applications on different machines. Bypasses firewalls by
being disguised as XML/HTML. Compare with CORBA and RPC. Contrast
with REST.
System Operator Code. Used in IS-136 TDMA digital systems to identify
the wireless carrier
Small Office/Home Office
Support of Localized Service Area
Synchronous Optical Network
Statement of Requirements.
Signaling Point. An SS7 network node: SCP, SSP or STP
ANSI standards proposal number

SPA
SPASM
SPC
SPDU
SPI
SPINA
SPINI
SPL
SPMC
Spool
SPS
SPS
SQM
SQN
SRC
SRD
SRES
SRF
SRNC
SRNS
SS
SS7
SSCF
SSCOP
SSD
SSD-A
SSD-B
SSF
SSID
SSL
SSN

JAIN Service Provider APIs

Subscriber Parameter Administration Security Mechanism
SS7 Signaling Point Code. Also PC
Session PDU
Service Provider Identification
Subscriber PIN Access
Subscriber PIN Intercept
Service Programming Lock. A method of preventing a mobile from
changing from the service the subscriber has contracted with
Signaling Point Management Cluster
Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line. Writing a print or other file to
a special area of memory or disk so that it can be printed (or otherwise
processed) while other computer operations are ongoing.
Serving PS
Serving PS
Subscription Quality of Service Manager
Sequence number (used for authentication/encryption). Its use can prevent
replay attacks, where the same information is transmitted by a fraudulent
device as by the legitimate device.
WAP Specification Requirements Committee
CTIA Standards Requirement Document
Expected response to authentication challenge for GSM authentication.
Compare with AUTHR
Service Resource Function. Most important part of an IP
Serving RNC
Serving RNS
Supplementary/Supplemental Service
Signaling System Number 7 (common channel telecommunications packet
switching)
Service-Specific Coordination Function. Maps between SAAL and higher
layer protocols (e.g. SS7 MTP Layer 3). This includes responsibility for link
changeover and flow control See ATIS T1.645
Service Specific Connection-Oriented Protocol. Part of SAAL that provides
reliable point-to-point communications with sequencing, retransmission on
error, flow control, keep-alive, connection control. See ATIS T1.637.
Shared Secret Data. A secondary key used in most CAVE operations
Portion of SSD used for Authentication
Portion of SSD used for voice, data and signaling encryption
Service Switching Function. An IN term for a switch
Service Set Identifier. An identifier of an 802.11 network.
Secure Socket Layer. Secures TCP connections (e.g. for m-commerce)
Sub-system number. Along with PC, identifies an SS7 network application
or a virtual SS7 network entity

SSO
SSP
ST
Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
STK
STM
STP
STU-III
SUA
SUPL
surveillance
SV
SVC
SVLTE(1)
SVN
SVP
SWAP
SWG
SYNC
Synchronous
SyncML
Systemic
Interference

Single Sign On. Having one set of authentication data to access many
services.
Service Switching Point (e.g. MSC). An SS7 SP that contains switching and
signaling functions.
End of pulsing signal. An MF tone
The portion of a standard that describes the external behavior of a standard
or capability
The portion of a standard that describes the flow of messages through a
network to implement Stage I behavior
The portion of a standard that completely describes a protocol, to the level
of bit encoding of messages and parameters, based on Stage II message
flows
SIM Toolkit
Synchronous transport mode
SS7 signaling transfer point (i.e. packet switch). An SS7 SP that provides
routing services. Compare with Router
Secure Telephone Unit - III. US government telephone encryption system
SCCP User Adaptation Layer. Replaces SCCP and M3UA. Resides above
SCTP and below the application in an IP telecom signaling protocol stack.
OMA Secure User-Plane Location architecture for LCS with intelligent, IPenabled mobile devices.
Lawfully (hopefully) authorized monitoring of communications
See SVN
Switched Virtual (data) Circuit
Simultaneous Voice and LTE. The ME has an LTE radio for data and a
CDMA radio for voice. See CSFB and VoLTE.
GSM Software Version Number. A 2 digit code identifying a line of
mobiles. See IMEISV
Switched Virtual Path
Shared Wireless Access Protocol. Being defined by HRFWG. Operates in
the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Abandoned in 2003.
3GPP Sub-Working Group
Synchronization
Data that is transmitted as a regular, precisely clocked, stream of bits. A
pattern of bits is used as a filler for times when there is no data to transmit.
Compare with Asynchronous
A standard for synchronizing mobile devices.
RF interference within a channel used in a wireless system that emanates
from other elements of the system itself, and thus has predictable
characteristics. For example, transmissions on the same channel form other
base stations (intended for other mobiles). Contrast with Non-systemic
Interference and Intermodulation Interference
T

T-BCSM
T-SGW
T1(1)
T1(2)
T1A1
T1E1
T1M1
T1P1
T1S1
T1X1
T3
TA(1)
TA(2)
TAC(1)
TAC(2)
TACS
TADIG
Tandem
TAP(1)
TAP(2)
TAPS
TAR
Target MSC

Terminating BCSM
Trunk SGW
Group of standards committees related mostly to wireline standards, such as
SS7, but also North American GSM standards
A digital link carrying 24 DS0 channels. Used mostly within North
America. Compare with E1
Renamed the ATIS Network Performance, Reliability and Quality of
Service Committee in 2004.
Renamed the ATIS Network Interface, Power, and Protection Committee in
2004.
OA&M standards committee for North American wireline networks.
Renamed as the ATIS Telecom Management and Operations Committee in
2004.
Personal Communications (i.e. US GSM) standards committee for North
America. Renamed the ATIS Wireless Technologies and Systems
Committee in 2004.
SS7 standards committee for North America. Split into the ATIS Packet
Technologies and Systems Committee and the Protocol Interworking
Committee in 2004.
Renamed the ATIS Optical Transport and Synchronization Committee in
2004.
Physical device carrying one DS3 service
Terminal Adaptor
Timing Advance. An adjustment in the time of cellular transmission based
on the distance of a terminal from a base station. This can be used to
estimate the distance of a terminal and determine its approximate location.
Total Access Communications. A name used by Motorola in several
products, such as TACS, DataTAC
Type Approval Code. 6 digit part of IMEI that is assigned by a central
authority (e.g. national telecom regulatory body)
TAC System. Basically AMPS in the 900 MHz frequency band
GSMA Technology and Documentation Interoperability Group.
Any switch that is used to receive and route traffic (e.g. phone calls), but
neither originates nor terminates them
Transfer Account Procedure. A billing record format used mainly by GSM
carriers
Telocator (now PCIA) Alphanumeric Protocol for paging, now also used for
SMS.
TETRA Adcanced Packet Service. A European data system based on GPRS
and EDGE designed to work with TETRA. Ideal data performance is 600
kbps with frequency hopping and 466 kbps without. Defined by ETSI TS
101.962.
Temporary Alternative Routing
The destination MSC for an inter-system handoff

TAS(1)
TAU(1)
TBCD
TCAP
TCB
TCC
TCG
TCH
TCP
TCP/IP
TD-CDMA
TDD(1)
TDD(2)
TDES
TDM
TDMA
TDOA
TDP
TDS-CDMA
TDSO
TE
TEG
Teleservice
Tera
Termination
tESN
TETRA
TFO
TFT
TG

Telephony Application Server

Tracking Update. The equivalent of RAU for LTE.
Telephony BCD. Digit 0 is encoded as 10, as on a rotary dial phone
Transaction Capabilities Application Part. Message packaging standard used
by TIA/EIA-41, LNP, 800 and other SS7-based applications. Defined in
ANSI T1.114
Telecommunication Certification Body. A national authority for the
certification of radio devices.
Telephony Country Code
Trusted Computing Group
Traffic Channel. Often classified as full rate(FR) or half rate (HR)
Transmission Control Protocol. A protocol that provides for reliable delivery
of messages over the internet. See UDP and IP
TCP used over IP
TDD mode of operation for UTRA
Telephone Device for the Deaf. See TTY
Time Division/Domain Duplex. See TDMA
Triple DES. An encryption algorithm with a strength of about 112 bits. See
AES, DES.
Time Division Multiplexing. See also TDMA
Time Division/Domain Multiple Access. Modulation technique used by DAMPS and GSM
Time Difference of Arrival. See TOA and OTDOA
Trigger Detection Point. See IN
Time Division Synchronization CDMA. Chinese 3G radio access proposal
CDMA Test Data Service Option
Data Terminal Equipment. A personal computer, for example
WAP Telematics Expert Group
A telecommunications service provided between two telecommunications
terminals (e.g. a call between two phones or a short message between two
wireless devices). Contrast with Bearer capability
Prefix to indicate one trillion (e.g. Tera-bit). Abbreviated T
The process of reaching the destination of a call. Not to be confused with
Disconnection
A unique ESN for a phone. See pESN, UIMID, pUIMID
Terrestrial Trunked Radio. A European PAMR system using 25 kHz
channels.
Tandem (or Transcoder) Free Operation. Elimination of the Voice Coder
from a digital mobile-to-mobile call (assuming that both mobiles are
capable of using the same type)
Traffic Flow Template. Used to determine the QoS that applies to a specific
packet.
Task Group of ITU-R

Radio frequency noise associated with thermal activity. At a typical

temperature of 300 degrees Kelvin (26.84 degrees Celsius), thermal noise is
-174 dBm per hertz, or 114 dBm in a 1 MHz channel.
The ability to share a block of 10,000 NANP phone numbers in groups of
Thousands block
1,000 between carriers. Individual phone numbers within the block can then
pooling
be ported (using LNP) to other carriers
The actual traffic supported, as opposed to the raw bandwidth. Bandwidth
that does not result in throughput may be due to packets containing errors,
throughput
retransmissions, errorneous routing and many other causes. See goodput
and badput
Telecommunications Industry Association. A trade association that, among
TIA
other things, defines standards for cellular and PCS, specifically AMPS,
NAMPS, CDMA and TDMA
ANSI version of the TDMA air interface standard. Replaces IS-136 and
TIA-136
TIA/EIA-136
TIA/EIA
A prefix for a standard produced by the TIA in association with the EIA
Wireless call detail and billing record format for online transfer. Replaces
TIA/EIA-124
IS-124
ANSI version of the TDMA air interface standard. Replaces IS-136.
TIA/EIA-136
Replaced by TIA-136
TIA/EIA-41
Wireless intersystem operations standard. Previously called IS-41
TIA/EIA-41-D Intersystem Operations Standard. Replaces IS-41
TIA/EIA-634 A-interface standard between BS and MSC
TIA/EIA-683 OTASP for CDMA
TIA/EIA-93
Wireless-PSTN interface standard. Replaces IS-93
TIA/EIA-95
CDMA air interface standard
TIA/EIA-95-B Third generation CDMACDMA air interface standard. Replaces IS-95
Tagged Image File Format. Supports up to 24 bit color. Files tend to be
TIFF
large, but high quality. Perhaps because of the file size, it is not supported
by many browsers. cf GIF, JPEG, PNG
TIPHON
Telecommunications and Internet Protocol Harmonization over Networks
Telecoms and Internet Converged Services and Protocols for Advanced
TISPAN(1)
Networks. See etsi.org/tispan
A surveillance that is authorized to collect content (e.g. voice
Title III
communications. Contrast with pen register and trap and trace
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol. A modification to WEP that increases
TKIP
security by frequently changing keys.
Telcordia (formerly Bellcore) MML language for telecommunications
TL1
network monitoring.
Temporary Local Directory Number. A number used for routing calls from
TLDN
the Home MSC to MSC-V in ANSI-41. Compare with MSRN
TLLI
Temporary Link Level Identity
TLS
Transport Layer Security
TLV
Tag, Length Value. Encoding of parameters by including an identifier (tag),
Thermal Noise

length (of value) and the actual parameter contents (value). Used by BER
and TCAP, for example. cf AVP
TIA committee for standardization of Terrestrial Mobile Multimedia
TM3
Multicast. Created in 2005. Also known as TR-47
Telecommunications Management Network. A network management
TMN
protocol, used to logically define managed objects
Trunked Mode Operation. A cellular-like mode of operation of a PAMR
TMO
system. Compare with DMO.
Temporary mobile station identity. Used as a shorter, more private, mobile
TMSI
identifier. Identifies the system that assigned it, and not directly the MS
TMUI
GSM term for TMSI
TNRN
Terminating Network Routing Number
Time of Arrival. A technique for location a radio by comparing the time of
TOA
signal arrival at multiple points. Compare with AOA
TON
Type of Number
TOS
Type Of Service
TPDU
Transport PDU
TPKT(1)
An early version of ITOT.
Terminating Party Pays. The mobile pays for airtime, whether it is making
TPP
or receiving a call. cf CPP
TR(1)
3GPP Technical Report. These are informative, as opposed to TS
TR(2)
TIA Technical Review standards committee prefix
TIA Standards Committee responsible for AMPS-based cellular and PCS
TR-45
standards, including TDMA and CDMA digital
TR-45.1
TIA analog cellular standards subcommittee
TR-45.2
TIA Standards Subcommittee responsible for intersystem protocols
TR-45.3
TIA TDMA digital cellular/PCS standards subcommittee
TR-45.4
TIA BS/MSC "A" interface standards subcommittee
TR-45.5
TIA CDMA digital cellular/PCS standards subcommittee
TR-45.6
TIA CDPD standards subcommittee
TR-45.7
TIA OA&M cellular standards subcommittee. Now defunct.
TR-47
See TM3
A portion of a radio channel used to transmit one direction of a digital voice
Traffic Channel
conversation. Compare with Voice Channel
A device that converts a communication signal from one system to another,
Transcoder(1)
e.g. analog to digital or air interface digital to PCM.
Conversion from one voice (or other media format) coder to another.
Transcoding
Multiple transcoding operations can seriously reduce the end-to-end quality.
Data that is, to lower protocol layers, simply a sequenced collection of bits.
Transparent
Good protocol design tries to make all protocol layers transparent to all
others, although often violations of this principal are necessary
Collection of the identity of a part originating a call for surveillance
trap and trace
purposes

TRAU
TrFO
Triplet
TS
TSAR
TSB
TSG
TSG CN
TSG GERAN
TSG N
TSG RAN
TSG S
TSG SA
TSG-A
TSG-C
TSG-N
TSG-P
TSG-T
TSG-X
TSI
TT
TTA
TTC(1)
TTC(2)
TTCN

TTY
Tunnel
Tunneling

Transcoding Rate and Adaptation Unit

Transcoding Free Operation. Establishment of a call without a transcoder.
A group of 3 security data elements used in GSM authentication. Composed
of network challenge random number (RAND), expected user response
(SRES) and Cipher Key (CK)
3GPP Technical Specification. Normative, as opposed to TR
Teleservice segmentation and reassembly for TIA/EIA-136
TIA Telecommunications Systems Bulletin. Often used as an addendum or
erratum to a published interim standard
Technical Specification Group. Part of the 3GPP and 3GPP2 processes
3GPP TSG for CN standardization
3GPP TSG for GSM standardization
3GPP2 TSG for inter-system network protocols. Replaced by TSG-X.
3GPP TSG for W-CDMA standardization
3GPP2 TSG for service and system aspects (requirements, architecture,
Stage 1 descriptions etc.).
3GPP TSG for defining services and architecture of W-CDMA 3G systems
3GPP2 TSG for the IOS
3GPP2 TSG for the cdma2000 radio interface
3GPP2 TSG for network procotols. Replaced by TSG-X
3GPP2 TSG for packet data protocols. Replaced by TSG-X
3GPP TSG for terminal and UIM standardization
3GPP2 TSG for the core network. Formed by the merger of TSG-N and
TSG-P
Time Slot Interchange
Translation Type. Defines the type of routing address used by GTT (e.g.
E.164 directory number, E.212 IMSI etc.).
Telecommunications Technology Association. Standardizes wireless
network protocols in Korea
Telecommunication Technology Committee. Telecommunications
standardization in Japan
Terminating Toll Center
Tree and Tabular Combined Notation. ISO/International Electrotechnical
Commission IEC 646-3 is a notation for the specification of tests for
communication systems. A TTCNspecified test suite is a collection of
various test cases together with all of the declarations and components
needed.
A device used by the deaf or hearing-impaired to communicate text
messages over telephone systems. It runs at 45.45 bps. See TDD
An extra protocol addressing layer used to carry data where the inner
addressing layer will not take it. Often used in IP, e.g. as part of Mobile IP
or VPN
Sending data transparently through a foreign network. Usually implies the

TUP
TWG
TX
U/L
UA(1)
UA(2)
UAProf
UASL
UATI

UCP
UDH
UDP
UDR
UDT
UDTS
UE
UEA
UGID
UHDM
UHF
UIA
UICC
UID
UIM
UIMID
UL
ULDCH
Um

use of a larger than optimal number of protocol layers

Telephone User Part. Forerunner protocol to SS7 ISUP
GSMA Terminal Working Group
Abbrevation for transmission or transmitter
U
Uplink (e.g. from mobile to base station). Compare with D/L.
User Agent. An application operating on behalf of a user device (e.g. phone
or computer). See MM1.
GSM Unnumbered Acknowledge
WAP UA Profiles Drafting Committee. Or a reference to the profiles that
they generate.
Indian Unified Access Services Licence. Replaces CMSP. This allows both
GSM and CDMA carriers, as well as other technologies, to be implemented.
Unicast ATI. A 128 bit address for a HRPD device. A 32 bit short version is
available for transmission.. The AAA returns the IMSI or MIN to the
serving network. Compare with RATI
Universal Computer Protocol. Part of ERMES is an ETSI paging system .
The most commonly used operations are: 01 - Call Input Operation; 03 Call Input With Supplementary Services Operation; Operation 30 - SMS
Message Transfer Operation; and Operation 51 - Submit Short Message
Operation.
Universal Data Header
User Datagram Protocol. An internet protocol providing basic services only.
Compare with TCP
RADIUS Usage Data Record. Captures accounting data for packet data
sessions.
SS7 MTP unit data message. Carries a payload of about 250 octet
UDT service message. Used to send error responses to UDT messages
User Equipment (e.g. phone and all peripherals such as USIM)
UMTS Encryption Algorithm. May be null (no encryption) or Kasumi
User Group Identification
CDMA Universal Handoff Direction Message
Ultra-High Frequency. 300-3000 MHz (used in the US and Canada as
television channels 14-83)
UMTS Integrity Algorithm. One possibility is Kasumi
UMTS IC Card
User Interactive Dialog
User Identification Module (Smart Card). See SIM
UIMESN(1) assigned to a UIM that supports CDMA operation. See tESN.
Uplink. Radio link in the direction 'up' to network. Compare with DL
3GPP Enhanced Uplink DCH
Radio interface between MS and BSS/BSC

UML

ETSI Universal Modelling Language

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (a 3G initiative). See
UMTS
www.umts-forum.org. It operates in 5 MHz channels at 3.84 Mcps with 200
kHz between channels.
UNI
User-Network Interface
A text encoding method that, by using more than 8 bits, can code special
UNICODE
characters for many languages. Standardized as ISO 10646. Compare with
ASCII, EBCDIC and ISO-8859-1
A method of encryption using a unique random number (RANDU) as a
Unique Challenge
challenge
Uplink
Path from terminal to base-station
UPR
CTIA User Performance Requirements document. Now know as SRD
UPT
Universal Personal Communications
Uniform Resource Identifier. A superset of URL and URN. If an object is on
URI
the internet and does not have one of these it really doesn't exist.
Uniform Resource Locator. Form of internet address usable by a browser.
Of the format "<scheme>:<scheme-specific-part>". http, ftp and mailto are
examples of schemes. The remainder of the URL is defined by the scheme,
URL
with some restrictions on the characters that can be used. Illegal ASCII
characters can be included with the %XX notation, where XX is the two
digit hexadecimal value of the character.
URN
Uniform Resource Name
USAT
USIM Application Toolkit
User Selected Call Forwarding. Allows an incoming call to be diverted
USCF
before it is answered, either to a preset number, or to a number specified at
the time of diversion. Closely related to AH
User Services Identity Module or Universal Subscription Identity Module.
USIM
SIM for UMTS. See UIM
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. The ability to initiate a message
exchange transaction (with a format defined by the application) from an MS
to an MSC, VLR or HLR or from the network to the MS. This is used by
USSD
prepaid systems, for micropayment transactions or in requests to initiate
services (controlled by a digit string included with the USSD message). It
may also be used for news, sports and weather updates. Supported by GSM
and cdma2000 cellular systems.
Ut
The 3GPP interface between the UE and AS.
UTC
Universal Coordinated Time (don't ask)
UTM
Universal Transverse Mercator.
UTRA
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access.
UTRAN
Universal Terrestrial RAN. The BS, BTS etc. for W-CDMA/UMTS
UU-SIGNAL User to User Signaling
UUID(1)
Universally Unique Identifier. A 128 bit identifier based on the 48-bit MAC
address or, if one is not available, generated randomly from a separate
numbering space. The identifier also contains time information using a

UWB
UWC
UWC/136
UWCC

V and V
VA
VAAA
VAD
VAR
VAS
VASP
VC
VCI
VDSL
VDSL Alliance
VGC
VGCS
VHE
VHF
VLAN
VLR
VMAC
VMS
VMSC
vocoder
VOFDM
Voice Channel

clock that does not roll over until 3400 AD. Defined in IETF RFC 4122
A radio technology that uses short very high speed bursts of data over short
distances. It is controversial because some claim that it can share spectrum
with other users, and others claim that it will cause unacceptable
interference.
Universal Wireless Consortium. Promotes D-AMPS technologies around
the world
TDMA digital cellular/PCS based on the IS-136 or TIA/EIA-136 standards
Universal Wireless Communications Consortium. Proponent of TDMA
digital systems based on UWC/136. Disbanded at the end of 2001.
V
Verification and Validation. A committee review of a standard before formal
ballot
Validation Authority
Visited AAA
Voice Activity Detection. A system that not only detects the absence of
voice, and prevents transmission of unecessary digitized voice during this
time
Value-added Reseller
Value Added Service
VAS Provider. A company that provides a service (e.g. web content) without
being the carrier.
Virtual Circuit
VC identifier
Very high speed DSL, providing about 58 Mbit/sec in both directions.
Available as asymetric (see ADSL) or symmetric (see SDSL). See VDSL
Alliance
Promoters of VDSL
Voice Group Call
Voice Group Call Service
Virtual Home Environment
Very High Frequency. 30-300 MHz (used in the US and Canada as
television channels 2-13)
Virtual LAN. A subset of a LAN where files and services not available to a
user are hidden.
Visitor Location Register
Voice Mobile Attenuation Code
Voice Message System
See MSC-V
Voice Coder or codec
Vector OFDMA
A radio channel used to transmit one direction of an analog voice
conversation. Compare with Traffic Channel

Voice Coder
VoIP
VoLTE(1)
VP(1)
VP(2)
VPI
VPIM
VPLMN
VPM
VPN
VSA
VSELP

W-CDMA
W-LSB
W3C
WADGPS(1)
WAE
WAG(1)
WAG(2)
Walsh codes
WAN
WAP
WAP W3C
WAR
WARC
WASP
WASU
WATM
WATS
WAVE
WBMP
WCDMA

Converts an analog voice signal into a digitally coded representation, and

vice-versa. Wireless voice coders often also compress the voice into a bit
rate from 8kbps to 13 kbps. Also called codec or vocoder
Voice over IP
Voice over LTE. Voice is handled as VoIP on an LTE data connection.
Voice Privacy (i.e. encryption)
Virtual Path
VP Identifier
Voice Profile for Internet Mail
Visited PLMN
Voice Privacy Mask
Virtual Private Network
RADIUS Vendor Specific Attribute. A field used to transmit data for a
particular accounting application (e.g. cdma2000 packet data).
Vector Sum Excited Linear Prediction
W
Physical layer of the FDD mode of operation of UTRA. A European
version of CDMA and the 3G evolutionary step planned for GSM. Operates
in pairs of 5 MHz channels at 3.84 Mcps
Window-Based LSB encoding for IP header compression (and
decompression). Part of ROHC
World Wide Web Consortium
Wide Area Differential GPS. Provides signal correction information from a
number of ground reference stations.
Wireless Application Environment. See WAP
Wireless Applications Group
WLAN Access Gateway
A group of 2N vectors or words which contain 2N binary elements which
with themselves and their logical inverses form a mutually orthogonal set.
Wide Area Network. Compare with LAN, MAN
Wireless Application Protocol. A new protocol that is supposed to provide
more efficient internet access from wireless phone. See also WML
WAP - W3C Coordination Committee
WLAN Access Router. Manages traffic into and out of a wireless LAN.
World Administrative Radio Convention
Wireless Application Service Provider
Wireless Access Subscriber Unit
Wireless ATM
Wide Area Telephone Service
See 802.11p
Wireless Bit MaP. A WAP graphic format
See W-CDMA

WCMP
WCTP
WDM
WDP
WEMT
WEP
WFQ
WG
WGS-84
WI
WID
WIF
WiFi
WIG
WIM
WiMax
WIMS
WIN
WIN Phase I
WIN Phase II
WIN Phase III
WIP
WIPP
WLA
WLAN
WLL
WML
WMLSc
WNE

Wireless Control Message Protocol. Protocol for reporting errors and

performing loopback testing in WAP. Based on ICMP
Wireless Communications Transfer Protocol. An interface between internet
applications and messaging service providers (e.g. paging carriers).
Developed by wctp.org. See RXP
Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing
Wireless Datagram Protocol. See WAP
CDMA Wireless Enhanced Messageing Teleservice
Wired Equivalent Privacy. First security system for 802.11 WLAN. Has
known security weaknesses in the algorithm and the use of fixed keys. WEP
derives a 64 bit RC4 key from a 40 bit AP-specific key and a 24-bit IV that
is unique to the session. Compare with WPA
Weighted Fair Queuing
Working Group
World Geodetic System 1984
Work Item
3GPP WI Description.
Wireless Interconnect Forum (managed by Telcordia)
IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN system
WAP Interoperability Group
WAP Identity Module
IEEE OFDM radio interface. In February, 2011, Andrew Seybold found
average download speeds of about 6 Mbps and upload of about 2 Mbps in a
Clear network system using 10 MHz of spectrum.
Wireless Multimedia Message Service
Wireless Intelligent Network. Protocol with similar goals as IN, AIN and
CAMEL
Supports voice controlled services, incoming call screening and
CNAP/CNAR
Supports billing-related services, including Prepaid and Freephone (i.e. 1800, including airtime)
Supports location-based services, such as location sensitive billing and
intelligent directory assistance
WIN Implementation of PAS
Wireless Internet Protocol Partnership
Optical Wavelength Adapter
Wireless LAN, of which the most popular is WiFi
Wireless Local Loop. See FWA
Wireless Markup Language. An HTML-like page description and scripting
language, that is an essential part of WAP. Compare with cHTML and
XHTML
WML Script
Wireless Network Entity

WNO
WNP
WNP Phase I

Wireless Network Operator. A carrier

Wireless Number Portability. LNP for wireless phones
The ability for a switch to route to a ported number in another switch
The ability for a switch to allow numbers to be ported in or out of its
WNP Phase II
number range
The ability to support services such as short message service in a number
WNP Phase III
portability environment
WP
Working Party
WiFi Protected Access. An enhanced version of WEP that does not rely on a
WPA
static, shared key.
Wireless Personal Area Network. Standards are being defined by IEEE
WPAN
802.15
WPG
WAP WIreless Protocols Group
WPS
Wireless Priority Service. See PACA, PS, NS/EP
Wr
Interface between Proxy AAA and WLAN access network.
WRE
Wireless Residential Extension - home base station
Ws
Interface between Proxy AAA and Home system AAA.
WSDL
Web Service Description Language
WSI
Wireless Service Indication
WSP
Wireless Session Protocol. See WAP
WTA
Wireless Telephony Applications
WTAI
WTA Interface
WTB
US FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
WTLS
Wireless Transport Layer Security. See WAP
WTP
Wireless Transaction Protocol. See WAP
WWAN
Wireless WAN
www
World-Wide Web
Wx
Interface between AAA and HSS
World Zone 1. An obsolete telephone numbering term for countries
WZ1
identified by country code 1 ( USA, Canada and some Caribbean nations)
X.25
X.500
xDSL
XHTML
XMAC
XML
XOR

X
An ITU/CCITT defined general purpose packet switching protocol
The ISO directory protocol. See DAP, LDAP, DNS
Refers to all the DSL variants
Extensible HTML. A version of HTML defined by XML and designed to be
extensible. This may also be the evolutionary path for cHTML and WML
Expected MAC
Extensible Markup Language. A meta-language that can be used to define
languages like HTML and WML
Exclusive OR. A boolean operation, often used in cryptography. The
exclusive-or of two bits is 1 if they have the same value and 0 if they have
different values. This operation has the nice property that no information is

XRES
XUDT

lost. For example, (A xor B) xor B = A and (A xor B) xor A = B. Try that on
any other boolean operation!
Expected response to authentication challenge. For AKA it is derived from
RAND using f2. Compare with AUTHR
Extended UDT. Supports message segmentation
Y

Z.300
ZBTSI

ZCS

ZigBee

ZRP

Z
An ITU-T series of specifications related to MML
Zero Byte Time Slot Interchange (TSI). Bits 2 through 193 of each DS1
frame are scrambled to minimize the possibility of an all-zero octet. If all
zero octets are still found, a group of all-ones is substituted. Due to its
complexity this method is not often used.
Zero Code Suppression. The seventh bit of an all-0 octet is replaced by a 1bit. Only applicable to voice because there is no way to remove this one bit
error.
A 'cable replacement' radio technology. Somewhat a competitor to
Bluetooth although it is designed more for M2M applications (home,
business and inustrial automation). It claims to be cheaper and use less
power. It uses unlicensed bands at 2.4 GHz, 915 MHz (US) or 868 MHz
(Europe). Data speeds are 20250 kbps depending on the frequency band
used. The communications range is from 10 to 75 meters. Developed by the
ZigBee Alliance and standardized as IEEE 802.15.4
Zone Routing Protocol. An internet routing protocol that focuses on routing
updates within a zone.