Glossary

An alphabetical list of technical terms and abbreviations that may be unfamiliar to some readers.

5G Core

The core is the backbone of the mobile network. In 5G networks it is known as 5G Core (5GC). In some of the early literature, before 5GC name was finalised, it was known as Next-Generation Core Network (NGCN).

5G Network Slicing

The ability to deliver multiple network occurrences in software over one shared infrastructure, improving flexibility and agility. For instance, an organisation could buy a network slice from one of the mobile network operators.

5G Pioneer Bands

Frequency bands at 700MHz, 3.5GHz, and 6GHz that are designated for 5G use (in the UK).

6G

The sixth generation of cellular technology. 6G is not yet a functioning technology but 6G networks will be able to use higher frequencies than 5G networks and are anticipated to provide substantially higher capacity and much lower latency.

Advanced Wireless Connectivity

Advanced wireless connectivity refers to cutting-edge technologies and systems that go beyond traditional wireless communication methods. It is a broad term that includes 5G technology, satellite, and long-range communication technologies such as Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN). Advanced wireless connectivity is the foundation for industries, jobs, skills, and services of the future, enabling seamless communication across devices and networks.

Antenna

An antenna is a transducer (a device that converts energy from one form to another) that converts a guided wave into a radiated wave and vice versa. The guided wave is generally in the coaxial RF cable while the radiated wave is characterised by the antenna’s radiation pattern.

Antenna Pattern

The radiation pattern or the antenna pattern describes how the antenna radiates or receives energy to/from space. In practice, the radiation would happen in 3D but to make it easier, a 2D representation is used. There are two 2D patterns, azimuth plane pattern and elevation plane pattern.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is a constellation of many different technologies working together to enable machines to sense, comprehend, act, and learn with human-like levels of intelligence.

Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality

Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities. 5G Networks will facilitate greater use of this through expanded network bandwidth. Virtual Reality is one step further seemingly taking the viewer into a different world or environment in an immersive way.

Backhaul

The base station is connected to the core network using backhaul. Typically, fibre or microwave links are used for backhaul but many other technologies including satellite communications and laser links could be used for backhaul as well.

Cell Site

A cell site or cell tower is a cellular-enabled mobile device site where antennae and electronic communications equipment are placed — typically on a radio mast, tower, or other raised structure — to create a cell in a cellular network.

Cloud

IT parlance, a data centre where applications are hosted.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a method for delivering information technology (IT) services in which resources are retrieved from the Internet through web-based tools and applications, as opposed to a direct connection to a server.

Cloud Infrastructure

the components needed for cloud computing, including hardware, abstracted resources, storage and network resources.

Common Public Radio Interface

Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) is the most commonly used digital protocol for fronthaul, used for serial high-speed data transfer between BBU and RRU.

Components and Semiconductors

As a network’s speed increases so does the need for better components and semiconductors in order to keep up with the new demands. These components are the microchips, processors and materials used in transporting signals.

Core Network

The Core Network (CN) provides services to the end users and allows them to connect to the outside world for a voice call, data session, video streaming, gaming session any service they are allowed to use.

Devices and Sensors

These are the next step in the data or signal journey again being developed to handle the new loads required by faster and increased data signals.

Digital Infrastructure

The underlying technology and systems that enable communication, data exchange, and online services. These include things like fibre-optic cables, cell towers, and data centres that allow your devices to connect to the internet and share information.

DSIT

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is a central government department responsible for delivering improvements to fixed and mobile communications infrastructure.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband

Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) is, in simple terms, an extension of services first enabled by 4G networks that allow for a high data rate across a wide coverage area. eMBB is providing the greater capacity necessary to support peak data rates both for large crowds and for end users who are on the move.

Fronthaul

Fronthaul is the connection in the RAN infrastructure between BBU and RRU. Due to the requirements of high data rates, dark fibre is most often used for fronthaul connectivity.

Fibre

A network of fibre optic cables that can deliver high-speed broadband over greater distance than standard copper cables.

Fixed Wireless Access

Fixed wireless access (FWA) is the process of providing wireless broadband using radio links between two fixed points. In other words, fixed wireless is an alternate method of providing wireless internet access to homes or businesses while eliminating the need for physical connections (phone lines, cable, or fibre)

Frequency Bands

The numbered bands used in spectrum regulator phraseology to define an upper and lower frequency range.

High Density Demand (HDD) Environments

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.

Infrastructure

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.

IoT

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.

IP

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

LiFi

Just like Wi-Fi, only it uses light.

LoRaWAN

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 Communications

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.

mmWave/ mmWave Band Technologies

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.

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC)

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.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

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.

Network Latencies

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

Network Operations

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 Host

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

Non-Standalone Network

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.

Non-Terrestrial Network

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

Private 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 card

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

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.

Standalone Network

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.

System Integration

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.

Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC)

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.

User Equipment (UE)

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

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