Term
| AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) |
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Definition
| An analog cellular radio standard that serves as the foundation for the U.S. cellular industry. AMPS represents the first generation of wireless networks. |
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Term
| BSC (Base Station Controller) |
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Definition
| The part of the wireless system's infrastructure that controls one or multiple cell sites' radio signals, thus reducing the load on the switch. Performs radio signal management functions for base transceiver stations, managing functions such as frequency assignment and handoff. |
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Term
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Definition
| The central radio transmitter/receiver that maintains communications with mobile radiotelephone sets within a given range (typically a cell site). |
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Term
| BTS (Base Transceiver Station) |
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Definition
| The name for the antenna and radio equipment necessary to provide wireless service in an area. Also called a base station or cell site. |
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Term
| DCS (Digital Cellular System) |
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Definition
| A global system for mobile communications-based PCS network used outside of the U.S. |
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Term
| DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) |
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Definition
| Signal to the phone company that you generate when you press an ordinary telephone's touch keys. In the United States and perhaps elsewhere, it's known as "Touchtone" phone (formerly a registered trademark of AT&T). |
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Term
| GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) |
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Definition
| Also known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts of Latin America and Africa. |
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Term
| HLR (Home Location Register) |
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Definition
| A database residing in a local wireless network that contains service profiles and checks the identity of a local subscriber. |
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Term
| PCS (Personal Communications Services) |
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Definition
| A second-generation digital voice, messaging and data cell phone system in the 2GHz range. PCS is supported mostly by GSM. PCS systems use a different radio frequency (1.9 GHz band) than cellular phones and generally use all digital technology for transmission and reception. |
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Term
| PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) |
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Definition
| The Japanese cellular standard. |
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Term
| TACS (Total Access Communication System) |
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Definition
| European analog cellular. |
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Term
| TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) |
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Definition
| A method of digital wireless communications transmission allowing a large number of users to access a single radio-frequency channel without interference. Each user is given a unique time slot within each channel. SMS Mobile Originate has now gone live on several TDMA networks around the world including Telecom New Zealand, Midwest Wireless USA, Algar Telecom Brazil and Cellcom Israel. Other TDMA network operators such as AT&T Wireless in the U.S. have launched SMS nationally. |
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