Glossary

Locations that require the support of hundreds or even thousands of wireless clients in a given area e.g. sports stadiums, concert halls and auditoriums. Such sites represent the most challenging environments for the technical performance of RAN elements and systems.

Telecoms infrastructure is the physical medium through which all Internet traffic flows. This includes telephone wires, cables (including submarine cables), satellites, microwaves, and mobile technology such as fifth generation (5G) mobile networks.

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes physical objects, that are embedded with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies, and that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks.

Internet Protocol. Technology standard that defines how data traverses the internet.

Just like Wi-Fi, only it uses light.

The LoRaWAN specification is a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated ‘things’ to the internet in regional, national or global networks.

Massive machine type communication (mMTC) also known as massive machine communication (MMC) or massive Machine communication is a type of communication between machines over wired or wireless networks where data generation, information exchange and actuation take place with minimal or no intervention from humans.

Millimetre wave (also millimetre band) is the band of spectrum between 30 GigaHertz (GHz) and 300 GHz. Also known as Extremely High Frequency (EHF), it can be used for high-speed wireless broadband communications. Millimetre wave is an undeveloped band of spectrum that can be used in a broad range of products and services like high speed, point-to-point Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) and broadband access.

Edge computing is a distributed information technology architecture in which data is processed at the periphery of the network, as close to the originating source as possible.

MNOs provide wireless communication services to people and businesses including voice calls, text messaging, and data transfer. They build and maintain the infrastructure necessary for mobile connectivity, such as cell towers, base stations and switching centres. The key functions of MNOs are to manage network infrastructure, invest in expanding their networks to improve coverage and capacity, and allocate resources like bandwidth to ensure performance and to avoid network congestion.

There are four MNOs in the UK known as the ‘big four’, these are Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. There are many other mobile phone providers that are called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Instead of owning their own mobile infrastructure, they rent space from the big four’s coverage.

Used to indicate any kind of delay that happens in data communication over a network.

The process and activities of monitoring, managing and maintaining network performance to ensure maximum availability and minimum disruption of telecom services. Includes managing functions such as network inventory management, managing provisioning issues, network availability, and fault management.

Neutral hosts allow public long-term evolution (LTE) subscribers to connect and strengthen their signal from a private network cell.

In the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) network, the 5G NR works in tandem with the 4G radio access network (E-UTRAN) and they are both connected to the 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC). NSA networks will not enable the full benefits of 5G due to their use of 4G infrastructure. Most public 5G networks today provided by the mobile network operators are non-standalone.

Any network that involves space or airborne elements, including satellite communication networks, high-altitude platform systems (HAPS), and air-to-ground networks.

A private network is any connection within a specified network wherein restrictions are established to promote a secured environment. This type of network can be configured to meet the specific needs of a customer – usually a business or perhaps a local authority – and devices outside the network cannot access it. They also typically are provided with clear service level guarantees.

SIM stands for Smart card Inside a Mobile phone. These have been around since the days of 2G. The SIM card contains a series of important information such as the IMSI, security credentials, and a list of forbidden mobile networks to which the device it is inserted must not try to connect.

Spectrum is the term used to define radio waves from low to high frequencies. In a 5G context Spectrum refers more specifically to 2.1 GHz frequency which enables long-range data transfer at high speed. 3.6 GHz is used for populated areas.

A Standalone network is one in which the radio and the core network belong to the same generation of technology. 2G, 3G and 4G networks exist only as Standalone networks. 5G networks can exist as a Standalone (SA) or Non-Standalone (NSA) network. In 5G SA, the 5G New Radio (NR) connects directly to the 5G Core (5GC); these networks can harness the full power of 5G.

The process of bringing together components and different systems into one information system to ensure they seamlessly function as one coordinated whole. This may include designing or building a customised architecture or application, integrating it with new or existing hardware, packaged and custom software, and communications.

A set of features that provide low latency (high refresh rate) and ultra-high reliability for mission-critical applications such as industrial internet, smart grids, remote surgery and intelligent transportation systems.

A UE is a piece of end-user hardware such as a smartphone or modem that can connect to the cellular network.