Common Cellular Phone Provider Terminology – SolveForce Fiber Internet, Cloud Computing & Telecommunications

2G: The second generation of cellular network technology includes GSM and CDMA.
3G: The third generation of cellular network technology provides faster data speeds than 2G networks.
4G: The fourth generation of cellular network technology provides faster data speeds than 3G networks.
5G CA (5G Carrier Aggregation): A technique that allows a 5G device to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously, increasing the capacity and speed of a 5G network.
5G mmWave (5G millimeter Wave): A version of 5G that uses high-frequency bands such as 28GHz and 39GHz for increased bandwidth but with a limited coverage area.
5G NR (5G New Radio): A new radio interface for 5G networks that allows for higher data rates and more efficient use of spectrum.
5G NR-beamforming (5G New Radio-Beamforming): A version of 5G that uses beamforming technology to focus the wireless signal in a specific direction, which can increase the range and reliability of the signal.
5G NR-C-V2X (5G New Radio-Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and other devices, such as traffic lights, using cellular technology, which can increase the safety and efficiency of transportation.
5G NR-D2D (5G New Radio-Device to Device): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between devices without going through a cellular base station, which can increase efficiency and reduce the load on the network.
5G NR-DNS (5G New Radio-Dynamic spectrum sharing): A version of 5G that allows for dynamic sharing of spectrum resources between 5G and other technologies, such as WiFi and 4G, to improve the spectrum efficiency and increase the capacity of the network.
5G NR-edge computing (5G New Radio-Edge computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, which can reduce latency and increase the responsiveness of applications.
5G NR-eMBB (5G New Radio-Enhanced Mobile Broadband): A version of 5G that is optimized for providing high-speed mobile internet access and multimedia services, with a focus on high throughput and low latency.
5G NR-EN-DC (5G New Radio-E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity): A version of 5G that allows a device to connect to both a 5G and 4G network simultaneously, which can increase the capacity and coverage of the network.
5G NR-Energy efficiency (5G New Radio-Energy efficiency): A version of 5G that aims to reduce the energy consumption of the network and devices, by using techniques such as power saving modes, sleep modes, and adaptive modulation.
5G NR-FWA (5G New Radio-Fixed Wireless Access): A version of 5G that is used to provide high-speed wireless internet access to homes and businesses, as an alternative to wired connections such as cable and DSL.
5G NR-Interworking (5G New Radio-Interworking): A version of 5G that allows for seamless interworking and integration with other technologies such as WiFi, 4G, and satellite, to provide a better user experience and support a wide range of services and use cases.
5G NR-IoT (5G New Radio-Internet of Things): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting a large number of low-power IoT devices, which can increase the efficiency and scalability of IoT applications.
5G NR-LAA (5G New Radio-Licensed Assisted Access): A version of 5G that combines licensed and unlicensed spectrum to provide increased capacity and coverage.
5G NR-LTE-NR Interworking (5G New Radio-LTE-New Radio Interworking): A version of 5G that allows for seamless interworking and integration between 5G NR and 4G LTE networks, to provide a better user experience and support a wide range of services and use cases.
5G NR-LWA (5G New Radio-LTE-WiFi Aggregation): A version of 5G that combines LTE and WiFi to provide increased capacity and coverage.
5G NR-MEC (5G New Radio-Mobile Edge Computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, particularly at the base station or in the vehicle, which can reduce latency and increase the responsiveness of applications.
5G NR-MEC (5G New Radio-Multi-access Edge Computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, with support for multiple access technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite, which can reduce latency and increase the responsiveness of applications.
5G NR-MIMO (5G New Radio-Multiple Input Multiple Output): A version of 5G that uses MIMO technology to improve communication performance, such as increased capacity and speed.
5G NR-mMTC (5G New Radio-massive Machine-Type Communications): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting a massive number of machine-type devices, such as sensors and actuators, with low data rate, low power consumption and low-cost requirements.
5G NR-mmWave (5G New Radio-millimeter Wave): A version of 5G that uses high frequency bands such as 28GHz and 39GHz for increased bandwidth, but with a limited coverage area.
5G NR-MOB (5G New Radio-Mobility Management): A version of 5G that allows for efficient management of user mobility across different cells and networks, to provide seamless and uninterrupted service.
5G NR-Mobility (5G New Radio-Mobility management): A version of 5G that allows for the efficient management of user mobility across different cells and networks, to provide seamless and uninterrupted service.
5G NR-multi-access edge computing (5G New Radio-multi-access edge computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, with support for multiple access technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite.
5G NR-NBIoT (5G New Radio-Narrowband IoT): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting a large number of low-power IoT devices using a narrowband technology, which provides low data rate, low power consumption and low-cost requirements.
5G NR-Nomadic (5G New Radio-Nomadic service): A version of 5G that allows for the provision of mobile services to users and devices that are not always connected to a fixed location and move frequently.
5G NR-NR-beamforming (5G New Radio-Beamforming): A version of 5G that uses beamforming technology to focus the wireless signal in a specific direction, which can increase the range and reliability of the signal.
5G NR-NR-C-V2X (5G New Radio-Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and other devices, such as traffic lights, using cellular technology, which can increase the safety and efficiency of transportation.
5G NR-NR-D2D (5G New Radio-Device to Device): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between devices without going through a cellular base station, which can increase the efficiency and reduce the load on the network.
5G NR-NR-DNS (5G New Radio-Dynamic spectrum sharing): A version of 5G that allows for dynamic sharing of spectrum resources between 5G and other technologies such as WiFi and 4G, to improve the spectrum efficiency and increase the capacity of the network.
5G NR-NR-edge computing (5G New Radio-Edge computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, which can reduce latency and increase the responsiveness of applications.
5G NR-NR-Energy efficiency (5G New Radio-Energy efficiency): A version of 5G that aims to reduce the energy consumption of the network and devices, by using techniques such as power saving modes, sleep modes, and adaptive modulation.
5G NR-NR-FWA (5G New Radio-Fixed Wireless Access): A version of 5G that is used to provide high-speed wireless internet access to homes and businesses, as an alternative to wired connections such as cable and DSL.
5G NR-NR-Interworking (5G New Radio-Interworking): A version of 5G that allows for seamless interworking and integration with other technologies such as WiFi, 4G, and satellite, to provide a better user experience and support a wide range of services and use cases.
5G NR-NR-IoT (5G New Radio-Internet of Things): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting a large number of low-power IoT devices, which can increase the efficiency and scalability of IoT applications.
5G NR-NR-LAA (5G New Radio-Licensed Assisted Access): A version of 5G that combines licensed and unlicensed spectrum to provide increased capacity and coverage.
5G NR-NR-LWA (5G New Radio-LTE-WiFi Aggregation): A version of 5G that combines LTE and WiFi to provide increased capacity and coverage.
5G NR-NR-MIMO (5G New Radio-Multiple Input Multiple Output): A version of 5G that uses MIMO technology to improve communication performance, such as increased capacity and speed.
5G NR-NR-mMTC (5G New Radio-massive Machine-Type Communications): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting a massive number of machine-type devices, such as sensors and actuators, with low data rate, low power consumption and low-cost requirements.
5G NR-NR-Mobility (5G New Radio-Mobility management): A version of 5G
5G NR-NR-Mobility (5G New Radio-Mobility management): A version of 5G that allows for efficient management of user mobility across different cells and networks to provide seamless and uninterrupted service.
5G NR-NR-multi-access edge computing (5G New Radio-multi-access edge computing): A version of 5G that allows for processing and storage of data closer to the edge of the network, with support for multiple access technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite.
5G NR-NR-Nomadic (5G New Radio-Nomadic service): A version of 5G that allows for the provision of mobile services to users and devices that are not always connected to a fixed location and move frequently.
5G NR-NR-Open RAN (5G New Radio-Open RAN): A version of 5G that uses open interfaces and open-source software to allow for the use of multiple vendors and technologies in the network can increase innovation and competition in the market.
5G NR-NR-private network (5G New Radio-private network): A version of 5G that allows for the creation of private networks that are separate from the public 5G network and can be used by organizations for specific purposes, such as industrial automation or public safety.
5G NR-NR-Security (5G New Radio-Security): A version of 5G that provides enhanced security features such as end-to-end encryption, identity management, and network slicing security to protect the network and user’s data from unauthorized access and attacks.
5G NR-NR-Slicing (5G New Radio-Network slicing): A version of 5G that allows for creating multiple virtual networks on top of a physical network, each with different characteristics and priorities, in order to support different types of services and use cases.
5G NR-NR-U (5G New Radio-Unlicensed): A version of 5G that uses unlicensed spectrum, such as the 5GHz band commonly used by WiFi, to provide additional capacity and coverage.
5G NR-NR-UAV (5G New Radio-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, with low latency and high-reliability requirements.
5G NR-NR-uRLLC (5G New Radio-Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications): A version of 5G that provides ultra-reliable low latency communications for mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and smart grid control.
5G NR-NR-V2X (5G New Radio-Vehicle to Everything): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and other devices, such as traffic lights, which can increase the safety and efficiency of transportation.
5G NR-Open RAN (5G New Radio-Open R
5G NR-Open RAN (5G New Radio-Open RAN): A version of 5G that uses open interfaces and open-source software to allow for the use of multiple vendors and technologies in the network, which can increase the innovation and competition in the market.
5G NR-private network (5G New Radio-private network): A version of 5G that allows for the creation of private networks that are separate from the public 5G network and can be used by organizations for specific purposes, such as industrial automation or public safety.
5G NR-Security (5G New Radio-Security): A version of 5G that provides enhanced security features such as end-to-end encryption, identity management, and network slicing security to protect the network and user’s data from unauthorized access and attacks.
5G NR-Slicing (5G New Radio-Network slicing): A version of 5G that allows for the creation of multiple virtual networks on top of a physical network, each with different characteristics and priorities, in order to support different types of services and use cases.
5G NR-SON (5G New Radio-Self-Organizing Network): A version of 5G that allows for the network to automatically configure and optimize itself based on the current conditions and requirements, which can increase the efficiency and reliability of the network.
5G NR-Sub-6GHz: A version of 5G that uses lower frequency bands such as 600MHz and 2.5GHz for increased coverage area but with lower bandwidth.
5G NR-U (5G New Radio-Unlicensed): A version of 5G that uses unlicensed spectrum, such as the 5GHz band commonly used by WiFi, to provide additional capacity and coverage.
5G NR-UAV (5G New Radio-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): A version of 5G that is optimized for connecting and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, with low latency and high-reliability requirements.
5G NR-uRLLC (5G New Radio-Ultra-Reliable Low
5G NR-uRLLC (5G New Radio-Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications): A version of 5G that provides ultra-reliable low latency communications for mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and intelligent grid control.
5G NR-V2N (5G New Radio-Vehicle-to-network): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and the network, such as traffic management and autonomous driving.
5G NR-V2V (5G New Radio-Vehicle-to-Vehicle): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles, such as for traffic management and autonomous driving.
5G NR-V2X (5G New Radio-Vehicle to Everything): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and other devices, such as traffic lights, which can increase the safety and efficiency of transportation.
5G NR-V2X (5G New Radio-Vehicle-to-everything): A version of 5G that allows for direct communication between vehicles and other devices, such as traffic lights, infrastructure, and other vehicles, which can increase the safety and efficiency of transportation.
5G NSA (5G Non-Standalone): A version of 5G that relies on existing 4G networks and uses a new radio interface while still maintaining the 4G core network architecture.
5G SA (5G Standalone): A version of 5G that does not rely on existing 4G networks and uses a new core network architecture.
5G Sub-6GHz: A version of 5G that uses lower frequency bands such as 600MHz and 2.5GHz for increased coverage area but with lower bandwidth.
5G: The fifth generation of cellular network technology, offering faster speeds and lower latency than previous generations.
Activation fee: A carrier may charge a one-time fee for activating a new device or plan.
APN: Access Point Name, a network configuration setting that allows a device to connect to a carrier’s network and access the internet.
Auto-renewal: A feature that automatically renews a subscriber’s plan at the end of the billing cycle.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given period of time.
Beamforming: A technique that uses multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to focus the wireless signal in a specific direction, increasing the signal’s range and reliability.
Billing cycle: The period of time for which a carrier bills a subscriber, usually monthly.
Bring your own device (BYOD): A program offered by some carriers that allows subscribers to use their own device on the carrier’s network rather than purchasing a new device from the carrier.
Bullet Point List All Cellular Phone Provider Terminology and Related Definitions.
Capacity: The number of users that a carrier’s network can support in a given area.
Carrier aggregation: A technique that allows a device to use multiple frequency bands at the same time, which can increase the capacity and speed of a network.
Carrier: A company that provides cellular service, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access, a standard for mobile communication that is used by some carriers in North America.
Cellular signal strength: The strength of a device’s signal from a carrier’s network, measured in decibels (dB).
Contract: A legal agreement between a subscriber and a carrier that outlines the terms and conditions of a plan.
Coverage: The geographic area where a carrier’s network is available.
C-RAN (Cloud-RAN): A network architecture that uses cloud computing to centralize the management and processing of radio signals, which can increase the capacity and flexibility of the network.
CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback): A technique that allows a device to fall back to a 2G or 3G network when a 4G or 5G network is unavailable in order to make and receive voice calls.
Data usage: The amount of data consumed by a device when accessing the internet, streaming videos or music, or using certain apps.
DDoS: Distributed Denial of Service, an attempt to make a server or network unavailable by overwhelming it with traffic from multiple sources.
Device financing: A program offered by some carriers that allow subscribers to purchase a device through the carrier and pay for it over time, typically with a monthly fee added to their bill.
Device installment plan: A program offered by some carriers that allows a subscriber to purchase a device in multiple payments over a specific period, with the device being owned after the final payment.
Device subsidy: A reduction in the price of a device offered by a carrier in exchange for signing a contract to use their service for a certain period of time.
Distributed antenna system (DAS): A system of multiple antennas that are connected to a central hub, which is used to increase the coverage and capacity of a network in a specific area, such as a building or a stadium.
Dual-SIM: A feature that allows a device to have two SIM cards, which can access different carriers’ networks or separate personal and work numbers.
e911: An enhanced version of 911 emergency services that allows a device’s location to be accurately determined in case of emergency.
Early termination fee: A fee that a subscriber may be charged if they cancel their plan before the end of the contract period.
eSIM profile: A virtual SIM card that allows a device to switch between different carriers without the need to physically swap SIM cards.
eSIM provisioning: The process of installing an eSIM profile on a device and activating it on a carrier’s network.
eSIM: A virtual SIM card that allows a device to switch between different carriers without needing to swap SIM cards physically.
Family plan: A cellular plan that allows multiple people to share a pool of minutes, texts, and data.
GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications, a standard for mobile communication that is used by a large number of carriers worldwide.
HD Voice: A technology that provides improved voice quality by using a more comprehensive frequency range and advanced codecs.
Hotspot: A feature that allows a device to share its internet connection with other devices.
IMS: IP Multimedia Subsystem, a technology that allows for the integration of various communication services, such as voice, video, and text, over an IP network.
International calling: Making phone calls to other countries while using a cellular network.
International data roaming: Using data services outside the carrier’s service area and the subscriber’s home country.
International roaming: Using a cellular network while outside of the carrier’s service area and the subscriber’s home country.
LTE: Long-Term Evolution, a standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile phones and data terminals.
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): A technology that uses multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to improve communication performance, such as increased capacity and speed.
MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service, a service that allows the sending of text messages that include multimedia content such as images, videos, and audio.
Multi-IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): A feature that allows a device to have multiple IMSIs, which can be used to access different carriers’ networks or to separate personal and work numbers.
MVNO: A mobile virtual network operator, a company that resells cellular service from one or more major carriers.
Network congestion: A condition where the demand for a carrier’s network resources exceeds the available capacity, resulting in slower speeds and dropped calls.
Network Frequency: The frequency bands that a carrier’s network uses to provide cellular service. Different frequencies can have different coverage and capacity.
Network prioritization: A practice where a carrier prioritizes certain types of traffic, such as voice calls, over others, such as streaming video.
Network slicing: A technique that allows a carrier to create multiple virtual networks on top of a physical network, each with different characteristics and priorities.
Network: The infrastructure that a carrier uses to provide cellular services, such as GSM, CDMA, and LTE.
NFV (Network Functions Virtualization): A technique that allows network functions, such as routers and firewalls, to be implemented in software and run on standard servers, which can increase the scalability and flexibility of the network.
Overages: Additional charges incurred when a plan’s limits are exceeded.
Plan: A package of services a carrier offers, including a certain amount of minutes, texts, and data.
Postpaid: A type of plan in which a subscriber is billed after they use the service.
Prepaid: A type of plan in which a subscriber pays for service in advance.
QoS (Quality of Service): A set of techniques that are used to manage network resources and ensure that different types of traffic receive the appropriate level of service.
question or need further clarification on any of the terms listed, feel free to ask. It’s important to note that the list is not exhaustive and as technology advances, new terms and definitions may arise.
RCS messaging: A messaging protocol that allows for advanced features such as group chats, high-resolution photo sharing, and read receipts.
RCS: Rich Communication Services, a messaging protocol that allows for advanced features such as group chats, high-resolution photo sharing, and read receipts.
Rich call: A feature that includes multimedia content such as images and videos in a voice call.
Roaming: Using a cellular network outside the carrier’s service area.
Ron Legarski Cellular: Cell Phone Provider Specialist at SolveForce.com
SDN (Software-Defined Networking): A technique that allows the control and management of a network to be implemented in software, which can increase the scalability and flexibility of the network.
SIM card: A small chip that stores a subscriber’s account information and allows a device to connect to a specific carrier’s network.
SIM locking: A practice used by some carriers to prevent a device from being used on other networks.
Small cell: A low-power cellular base station that is used to increase the capacity and coverage of a network, particularly in urban areas or indoor spaces.
SMS: Short Message Service, a service that allows sending text messages limited to 160 characters.
Tethering: A feature that allows a device to share its internet connection with other devices via a USB cable or WiFi hotspot.
Upgrade eligibility: The status of a subscriber’s contract or device financing plan determines when they are eligible to upgrade to a new device.
VoIP (Voice over IP): A technology that allows for voice calls to be made over an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.
VoLTE: Voice over Long-Term Evolution, a technology that allows for voice calls to be made over an LTE network.
VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi): A technology that allows for voice calls to be made over a WiFi connection instead of a cellular network.
WiFi calling: A feature that allows a device to make and receive voice calls over a WiFi connection instead of a cellular network.