mobile telephony TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

2G

In mobile telephony, second-generation protocols use digital encoding and include GSM, D-AMPS (TDMA) and CDMA. 2G networks are in current use around the world. These protocols support high bit rate voice and limited data communications. They offer auxiliary services such as data, fax and SMS. Most 2G protocols offer different levels of encryption and are within the 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1710-1785 MHz or 1805-1880 MHz bands. 

3G

In mobile telephony, third-generation protocols support much higher data rates, measured in Mbps, intended for applications other than voice. 3G supports bandwidth-hungry applications such as full-motion video, video-conferencing and full Internet access. 3G networks must be able to transmit wireless data at 144 kilobits per second at mobile user speeds, 384 KBPS at pedestrian user speeds and 2 megabits per second in fixed locations.

A2DP Profile

Advanced Audio Distribution profile is a specification for how two Bluetooth devices can transmit and receive high-quality audio streams. A2DP allows for the transfer of a uni-directional 2-channel stereo audio stream, like music from a mobile phone, to a headset.

ActiveSync

The synchronization program developed by Microsoft for Windows Mobile and other Windows CE-based devices.

Android

An operating system designed for handheld devices. Android is an open source project and is supported and developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). Google and HTC are members of the OHA, Google was the first company to start work on the Android and HTC designed and manufactured the first Android phone.

Beam

Information can be transferred and exchanged between mobile devices by means of an infrared beam. Other technologies such as Bluetooth use the term “beam” to mean exchange information.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that facilitates data transfer between devices (for example mobile phone and a wireless headset). Typically the maximum distance between the bluetooth devices is limited to around 10 meters. 

Digital Certificate

An encrypted code issued to two or more parties by a certification authority, and used to verify these parties’ identities through the exchange of their public keys.

Digital Compass

The Digital Compass can detect which direction your device is pointing in. This information can then be used alongside mapping software to help you navigate in unknown locations.

Digital Signature

A digital signature provides verification to the recipient that the file came from the person who sent it, and it has not been altered since it was signed.

Direct Push Technology

Direct Push technology (push e-mail feature), developed by Microsoft, enables you to receive new e-mails on your device as soon as they arrive in your Inbox on the Exchange Server. Items such as contacts, calendar and tasks are also immediately updated onto your device when these items have been changed or new entries have been added on the Exchange Server.

Domain Name

A domain name is a unique name that identifies a server on the Internet or on a local network. For example, your company’s email server may have the domain name “mail.your-company.com”. 

Dual-band

Dual-band refers to a device’s capability to communicate over 2 frequency bands. 

EDGE

Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution is a radio interface technology that enhances Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks with the capacity to rival third-generation (3G) cellular networks.   EDGE networks are often referred to as 2.  75G networks. 

Encryption

The process of systematically encoding a bit stream before transmission so that an unauthorized party cannot decipher it. 

G-sensor

The G-sensor detects the position and motion of your device. This helps orient the display to either vertical or horizontal view based on how you are holding your device. The G-sensor can also be used in games as a type of controlling action and other applications which require motion as an input. 

GPRS

General Packet Radio Systems is a data service for mobile devices. It is available for use with devices that comply with the GSM standard.

GPS

Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system that consists of three segments - the satellite constellation, ground control network, and user equipment. People use GPS on their mobile devices for navigation software applications. 

GSM

Short for Global System for Mobile communications, it is the most widely used mobile phone platform in the world. 

HSDPA

High-Speed Downlink Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the download bandwidth utilization of 3G networks. Networks that utilize the HSDPA technology are often referred to as 3.5G due to the greatly improved download speeds. 

HSPA

High-Speed Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the speed at which you can send and receive information on your mobile device. HSPA technology is utilized on 3G networks. 

HSUPA

High-Speed Uplink Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the upload bandwidth utilization of 3G networks. Networks that utilize the HSUPA along with HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology are often referred to as 3.5G due to the greatly improved speeds. 

HVGA

Half-size Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 480x320 pixels.

IP

Internet Protocol is a communication protocol using packet-switching technique to transmit data over the Internet. 

IMAP4

Internet Message Access Protocol is an e-mail message retrieval protocol. It enables efficient operation such as downloading only essential data by first retrieving the e-mail header prior to actual e-mail download. 

MicroSD

A standard for removable flash memory card used in cell phones and other handheld devices. MicroSD cards are 15mm x 11mm x 1mm or about the size of a fingernail. 

MMS

Multimedia Message Service is a method of transmitting messages that contain graphics, video clips, sound files, and text over wireless networks. 

Podcast

A podcast is a type of Internet publication for Audio or Video media. Podcasts are typically released in episodes. If you subscribe to a certain podcast, then you will receive new audio or video episodes as soon as they are published. 

POP3

Post Office Protocol version 3 is an e-mail from a remote server over an Internet connection. 

Quad-band

Quad-band refers to a devices’s capability to communicate over 4 frequency bands. 

RDS

A communication protocol which standardizes certain types of information sent via FM radio broadcasts. 

RSS

Really Simple Syndication refers to a web protocol used to distribute frequently updated information, for example a web blog, audio or video broadcast, or news headlines. Internet users can subscribe to RSS feeds so that they can get up to date information on their mobile device or home computer. 

SIM

Subscriber Identity Module is a small, programmable smart card containing a cellular service subscriber’s identity key. The SIM contains codes to identify a subscriber to a digital mobile service and the details of the special services the subscriber has elected to use. The SIM may be fixed within the phone, or removable (enabling users to swap phones without changing their subscriptions). The SIM is the key to security on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks. 

SMS

Short Message Service, also referred to as “text messaging”, is a way for mobile devices to send and receive short text messages. 

Streaming

Streaming refers to digital audio or video transmissions via the Internet. The sound and image data are sent as a data stream to the subscriber, hence the term “streaming”. The key advantage of streaming is that users can view or listen to the media as it is received without waiting for the download to complete. 

Synchronisation

Synchronization refers to the updating of a single set of data in two locations. Changes to information are copied back and forth so that both locations, for example your phone and your desktop computer, have identical information. 

TouchFLO

A technology developed by HTC which allows you to interact with and control your device simply by using finger gestures. 

TouchFLO 3D

A technology developed by HTC which adds 3D visuals to the functionality of interacting and controlling your device by using finger gestures. 

Tri-band

Tri-band refers to a device’s capability to communicate over 3 frequency bands. 

UMTS

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a cell phone network platform. It is one of the 3G technologies. 

USIM

Universal Subscriber Identity Module is an enhancement of the subscriber identity module (SIM) card used in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks. The USIM is designed to be used in third-generation (3G) networks. It is inserted into a 3G-compliant mobile phone to provide network authentication and additional functions. 

VGA

Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 640x480 pixels.

WCDMA

Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is a protocol for transmitting data in a 3G cellular network. 

Wi-Fi

Short for ‘wireless fidelity’ is a term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use

specificationsconformingtoIEEE802.11technologies.Manyairports, hotels, and other services offer public access to Wi-Fi networks so people can log onto the Internet and receive emails on the move. These locations are known as hotspots. 

Windows Mobile

An operating system, along with some basic applications, created by Microsoft for mobile phones and other handheld devices. Mobile handsets use two varieties of the Windows Mobile platform:

• Windows Mobile Professional is used on cell phones that have a touch sensitives creen

• Windows Mobile Standard is used on cell phones that do not have a touch sensitive screen.

WVGA

Wide Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 480x800 pixels.