33 Commonly Used Terms In Telecommunication Sector
INVESTOPAPER
We live in the era of technology. Mobile phone and internet have reached most of the population all over the world. Despite the use of phones and internet on the regular basis, we are still unaware of various commonly used terms. Here we have compiled 33 terms used in the telecommunication sector, that may be useful for you.
Commonly Used Telecommunication Terms
2G
2G networks are operated using global system for mobile (GSM) technology which offer services such as voice, text messaging and low speed data.
3G
A cellular technology based on wide band CDMA (WCDMA) delivering voice and faster data services.
4G/ LTE
4G or long-term evolution (LTE) technology offers even faster data transfer speed than 3G/ HSPA.
Access Network
An access network is the part of a telecommunications network which connects subscribers to their immediate service provider.
ADSL
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide.
Broadband
A high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies, which enables a large number of messages to be communicated simultaneously.
BTS
The base transceiver station (BTS), commonly referred to as a “cell phone tower”, is the networking component of a mobile communications system from which all signals are sent and received. BTS facilitates wireless communication between user equipment and a network. The network can be that of any of the wireless communication technologies like GSM, CDMA, wireless local loop, and WiMAX.
CDMA
This is a channel access method used by various radio communication technologies.
CPE
Customer-premises equipment (CPE) is any terminal and associated equipment located at a subscriber ’s premises and connected with a carrier ’s telecommunication channel at the demarcation point. Such equipment might include cable or satellite television set-top boxes, digital subscriber line (DSL) or other broadband Internet routers, telephone handsets or other customized hardware used by a particular telecommunications service provider.
CRBT
Caller Ring Back Tone
EVDO
Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) is a telecommunications standard for the wireless transmission of data through radio signals, typically for broadband Internet access. It is an evolution of the CDMA2000 standard that uses advanced multiplexing techniques including code division multiple access (CDMA) as well as time division multiplexing (TDM) to maximize throughput. It has been adopted by many mobile phone service providers around the world – particularly those previously employing CDMA networks.
FTTH
Operators deploy FTTH (Fiber To The Home) so as to bring high-speed networking, digital television and telephone service to residences using fiber optic cables.
GSM
Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is a digital mobile telephony system that is the most widely used digital wireless telephony technology.
Hotspot
A hotspot is a physical location that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) through the use of a router connected to a link to an Internet service provider. Hotspots typically use Wi-Fi technology.
HSPA+
An evolution of high speed access (HSPA) or third generatoin (3G) technology that enhnaces the existing 3G network with higher speeds for the end user.
Intelligent Network
Intelligent Network (IN) is a telephone network architecture in which the service logic for a call is located separately from the switching facilities, allowing services to be added or changed without having to redesign switching equipment.
ISP
An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet.
IVR
Interactive voice response (IVR) is a technology that allows a computer to interact with humans through the use of voice and DTMF tones input via keypad.
LAN
A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building, using network media.
Mobile Internet
Mobile Internet allows internet access anytime, anywhere through a browser or a native application using any portable or mobile device such as smartphone, tablet, laptop connected to a wireless network.
MPoS
Mobile point of sale (MPoS) is a smartphone, tablet or dedicated wireless device that performs the functions of a cash register or electronic point of sale terminal.
NGN
Next Generation Network (NGN) is a packet-based network able to provide Telecommunication Services to users and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent of the underlying transport-related technologies. It enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and services of their choice. It supports generalised mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.
Optical Fiber
Optical fiber refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light impulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. They are widely used for transmission of telecommunication signals over longer distances and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than wire cables. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with less loss and are also immune to electromagnetic interference.
PDSN
The Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) is a component of CDMA2000 mobile network through which users can access data at the rate of 153.6 kbps.
PSTN
The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the circuit-switched telephone network providing infrastructure and services for public telecommunication that is based on copper wires carrying analog voice data.
Smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile phone offering advanced capabilities including access to email and the internet.
Soft Switch
A Softswitch is a central device in a telephone network which connects calls from one phone line to another, entirely by means of software running on a computer system.
Tablet
A tablet is slate shaped, mobile or portable computing device equipped with a finger operated touchscreen or stylus.
VAS
A value-added service (VAS) is a popular telecommunications industry term for non-core services, or in other words, all services beyond standard voice calls, data and fax transmissions telcos deploy to promote their primary business. VAS add value to the standard service offering, spurring the subscriber to use their phone more and allowing the operator to drive up their ARPU.
Voice Mail
A centralized electronic communication system in which spoken messages are recorded or digitized for later playback to the intended recipient
VSAT
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) is an earthbound station used in satellite communications of data, voice and video signals.
Wi-Fi
A facility allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
WiMAX
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless communications standard designed to provide 30 to 40 Mbps data rates.
WLAN
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using a wireless distribution method (often spread-spectrum or OFDM radio) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building.
Suggested Readings:
