Wirefly Learn » Glossary

Glossary: 0 – B

admin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:05:47 +0000

0-B – C-G – H-N – O-R – S-Z

802.11 – A set of standards for wireless networking, also known as Wi-Fi.

1G – First generation of wireless technology that employs analog technology.

2G – Second generation of wireless technology that employs digital technology.

3G – Third generation of wireless technology, offering higher data access speeds.

4G – Fourth generation of wireless technology designed to support data intensive mobile applications such as interactive TV.

Accelerometer – A hardware component of a mobile device that measures tilt and motion. Often used to rotate a device’s screen by detecting whether a device is being held upright or sideways. Also employed as a method of controlling some games or applications.

Access Fee – A fee paid by mobile subscribers for the right to connect to the local phone network.

Activation – The process of making a phone or device active on a cellular network by connecting a device with a specific account and phone number. Usually only applies to devices operating on a CDMA network (GSM devices use a SIM card).

Airplane Mode – A manually activated feature on some cellular devices that temporarily disables the wireless radio components of the device while on board an aircraft to prevent interference with communication and navigation systems.

Airtime – Actual time spent talking on a mobile device in a billing period. Billing is usually based on minutes used in a billing period, or a specific number of minutes are allotted per period, with a per-minute charge for each minute of airtime used over the allotted amount.

Analog – The transmitting technology used in earlier cellular networks. Often synonymous with 1G. Replaced by 2G digital technologies.

Analog Roaming – Many modern mobile devices are capable of operating on an on analog network if a 2G or 3G digital network is unavailable.

Antenna – Any component of a wireless device that is designed to transmit or receive wireless signals. Antennas can be many different sizes and shapes, and some may be external or built internally into a device.

Bandwidth – Refers to the capacity of a cellular network or cellular line to receive and transmit data in a given period. Usually measured in bits per second.

Bluetooth – A short-range wireless communication technology that enables connectivity between mobile devices and accessories. Enables phone-to-phone data transmission, Bluetooth headset connectivity, mobile phone to computer synchronization, and any number of other applications.

Broadband – Used to describe high-speed data transmission where bandwidth can be shared simultaneously by multiple devices or subscribers.

Browser – Software on a mobile device that enables access in some capacity to web sites on the internet. Mobile browsers vary dramatically in the way they can display web pages. Some browser allow for web pages to be displayed as they would appear on a desktop computer, while other only allow access to a limited “mobile” version of a web page.

Bundling – The grouping of various wireless or wired telecommunications services or products together for a predetermined, usually reduced rate. Often used by telecom and wireless companies to attract new customers or entice subscribers to use more of the company’s services. An example is the bundling of TV, internet, and wireless cellular service.

Glossary: C – G

admin — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:35:56 +0000

0-B – C-G – H-N – O-R – S-Z

Call Barring – A feature that allows a wireless subscriber to block outgoing and incoming calls to and from a specific number or group of numbers.

Call Forwarding – A feature that allows a wireless subscriber to automatically forward incoming call to another number. A wireless subscriber can, for example, forward incoming calls to a landline or another wireless phone.

Call Holding – A feature allowing a wireless user to put a call on hold while they make or receive another call.

Call Transfer – Enables a call to be transferred to another number.

Call Waiting – A feature that allows a wireless subscriber to be alerted to and answer a call even if they are already on another call.

Caller ID – A feature that displays the name and/or number of a caller.

Carrier – A term used to refer to the companies that operate wireless networks and sell use of those networks. The four biggest carriers in the United States are Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.

Coverage Area – The geographic area in which a carrier’s wireless services are purported to operate. Coverage areas may be limited to specific services. For example, a specific geographical region may provide reliable 2G digital services but not high-speed 3G services.

Digital Zoom – The zoom effect on some device’s cameras that give the appearance of traditional optical zoom, but uses software to modify the field of view. Effectively cropping the image in the device’s viewfinder.

Dual-Band – Refers to any device that is able to operate using two different frequency bands. Allows mobile devices to connect to wireless networks employing varying frequencies, often enabling a phone to operate in different areas or countries.

Dual-Mode – Refers to a device that is able to connect to a wireless network using digital or analog technology. Also refers to a device that supports both 2G and 3G wireless technologies.

EMS – See ‘Picture Messaging.’

Encryption – The process used to prevent a third-party from deciphering wireless data or voice transmissions. There are varying levels of encryption that in turn allow for varying levels of data security.

Enhanced 911 (E-911) – A feature of newer wireless devices that allows a 911 operator to determine the physical location of a 911 caller.

Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) – An enhancement for GPRS and GSM wireless networks that triples data transmission rates.

Exchange – Microsoft Exchange Server is a server used by many companies and organizations to provide access to messaging and collaborative software. Some mobile devices allow for synchronization with an Exchange server, providing mobile access to email, calendaring, contacts and other data.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – The United States government agency tasked with regulating interstate and international communications.

Flash Memory – A rewritable memory storage solution that is capable of retaining data without a power supply.

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) – The component of a GSM network that provides high-speed packet data service, supplying the means for the transmission of non-voice data communications.

Gigabite – A unit of information equal to 1000 megabytes.

Global Positioning System (GPS) – A navigation tool that employs a network of satellites to pinpoint a user’s physical location.

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) – The world’s most prevalent standard for digital cellular communications.

Glossary: H – N

trichards — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:43:09 +0000

0-B – C-G – H-N – O-R – S-Z

Hands-free – Refers to the ability to talk without holding a phone to one’s ear. Both Bluetooth and wired headsets allow for hands-free operation.

Hot Spot – A physical location where access to Wi-Fi is available.

Internet Message Access Protocal (IMAP) – A protocol used by email clients to communicate with email servers. Email messages on stored on the messaging server rather than the mobile device or computer.

Infrared (IR) – Can be used to wirelessly connect a mobile phone to any number of devices. Most often used to exchange contacts between mobile phones.

Instant Messaging – A service that enables users to chat through typed text over the internet. Software found on many mobile devices allows subscribers to communicate using Instant Messaging through any number of popular servers, including AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, ICQ, and Google Talk. Separate fees are usually associated with mobile Instant Messaging.

Key Guard – See ‘Key Lock.’

Key Lock – A feature found on most mobile devices that key be activated to prevent accidental key presses while a device is in a pocket or purse, for example.

Kilobyte – A unit of information equal to 1000 bytes.

Land Line – Refers to traditional, non-wireless, telephone communication.

Local Number Portability (LNP) – Refers to the ability to transfer a mobile number between carriers. A phone number associated with an AT&T account, for example, can be switched to Verizon if the subscriber decides to switch carriers.

Locked Device – Usually refers to a state where a wireless carrier has made a phone such that it is ‘locked’ to that carrier, and cannot be used with another carrier’s wireless services. It may be possible to unlock a locked device. Also see ‘Unlocked Device.’

Megabyte – A unit of information equal to 1000 kilobytes.

Megapixel – A unit of resolution in digital cameras. One megapixel is the equivalent of one million pixels. A higher number of megapixels is associated with higher quality images.

Memory Card – A chip of varying sizes that can be used as storage in many mobile devices. Often used to store pictures, music, and video for use on a mobile device.

Mobile Identification Number (MIN) – The unique ten digit phone number that is associated with a specific wireless account and device.

Mobile Virtual network operator (MVNO) – Any company that sells wireless services but doesn’t own its own wireless infrastructure or licensed frequency allocation. MVNOs lease extra wireless capacity from a wireless carrier and resell services under their own branding.

Number Portability – See ‘Local Number Portability (LNP).’

Glossary: O – R

trichards — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:42:03 +0000

0-B – C-G – H-N – O-R – S-Z

Off-peak – Times when a carrier offers discounted airtime rates or free minutes, usually weekends and after normal business hours.

Operating System – The base software that controls the operation of a mobile device and runs other applications. Windows Mobile, Google Android, BlackBerry, and Palm are examples of operating systems.

Pay-as-you-go – Wireless service that is prepaid with no contracts or ongoing usage bills.

PC Card – A device about the size of a thick credit card. Devices enabling wireless internet access are often PC Cards.

PC Sync – The process of connecting a mobile device to a computer to sync data including but not limited to calendars, contacts, applications and music.

Peak – Times when wireless network usage is heaviest and full usage rates usually apply. Usually close to standard business hours.

Picture ID – The picture associated with a specific contact. Will usually be displayed while in-call with the contact.

Picture Messaging (EMS) – The ability to send or receive short messages from a mobile device that include images, video and/or audio.

Personal Identification Number (PIN) – A numerical code, usually composed of 4 digits, that acts as security code to gain access to accounts or services such as voicemail.

Polyphonic Ringtone – A ringtone in which more than one musical note is played simultaneously. Used to indicate an incoming call or other event such as a new text message.

Predictive Text Entry – A feature that allows for the entry of text by pressing only one numerical key that is associated with multiple letters. A device equipped with predictive text entry will automatically determine the word a user is typing based on possible letter combinations.

Prepaid – See ‘Pay-as-you-go.’

Push-to-talk – A verbal communication service that works like a “walkie talkie,” allowing a user to radio another user or group of users when holding down a transmit button.

QWERTY – Refers to the contemporary layout of full-size keyboards.

Refurbished – Refers to a mobile device that was previously used (or at minimum removed from its factory-sealed box) that is inspected, tested and restored by the factory or an authorized service center to be fully functional.

Resolution – Refers to the number of pixels in a device’s display. The better the resolution, the higher quality the image.

Ringer ID – A ringtone that is assigned to a specific individual or group, and will only sound when the individual or a member of the predetermined group is calling.

Ringtone – A sound used to indicate an incoming call or other event such as a new text message .

Roaming – Refers to using a mobile device outside its home calling area. A most modern wireless plans include nationwide roaming, domestic roaming charges are, for the most part, a thing of the past.

Glossary: S – Z

trichards — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:40:57 +0000

0-B – C-G – H-N – O-R – S-Z

Service Charge – The fixed amount a wireless customer agrees to pay each month for wireless service.

Service Plan – The monthly plan selected by a wireless subscriber that usually includes an allotted number of minutes, and may include other services such as text messaging.

Short Messaging Service (SMS) – The ability to send and receive short alphanumeric text messages on a mobile device.

SIM Card – A small, usually rectangular chip that is associated with a wireless subscriber’s account and phone number. Inserted into a device to associate it with a subscriber, and allow for incoming and outgoing calls, as well as data access.

Sleep Mode – The mode a device automatically enters to conserve battery life after a specified period of inactivity. In most cases, pressing any button on a device’s keypad will “wake” the device.

Smartphone – A term used to refer to any device that offers advanced abilities to handle data beyond just voice. Smartphones often have a keyboard or large touch screen, and usually provide access to email and other data.

Standby Time – The amount of time a mobile device can remain in an on and active state where it is able to receive calls before the device must be recharged.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) – See ‘SIM Card.’

Sync – See ‘PC Sync.’

T9 – See ‘Predictive Text Entry.’

Talk Time – The amount of time a mobile device can be talked on before it must be recharged.

Text Messaging – See ‘Short Messaging Service (SMS).’

Third Generation (3G) – See ’3G.’

Unlocked Device – Usually refers to a device that is capable of operating on any compatible wireless network. Also see ‘Locked Device.’

Usage charge – A fee additional to monthly service charges that accounts for usage overages or the use of services not subscribed to. Minutes used beyond a monthly allotment, for example, will be assessed usage charges.

Voice Activation & Voice Calling The ability to make a phone call or activate a particular feature or application by speaking a name or command.

Voice Memo – The ability to record a short voice message that can be played back at any time. Often used to record a reminder or grocery list, for example.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – A data transmission technology that allows standard voice calls to be transmitted over the internet or other-packet based network.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) – A set of standards that enables mobile devices to access and display web pages or other online resources.

Wi-Fi – Refers to a wireless local area network. The technology used to access a network, notably the internet, wirelessly if in range of a wireless router.

Windows Mobile – An operating system developed by Microsoft specifically for mobile devices.

Wireline – See ‘Landline.’

World Phone – Usually refers to a mobile device that supports four bands or frequencies. Able to connect to varying wireless networks around the world.