Glossary (0 – 9)
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1G (First Generation Wireless) a term used to describe the first generation of wireless technology (analog cell phones). The systems were designed only to carry voice technology.
1xRTT the name for the first phase in CDMA’s evolution to third-generation (3G) technology. 1xRTT networks allow for increased network capacity (more users; fewer dropped calls), better battery life, and increased data speeds (up to 144Kbps). According to Qualcomm, the developers of the technology, 1x stands for a single radio channel, while RTT stands for radio transmission technology.
2G (also known as (PCS) Personal Communications Services) a term used to describe the second generation of wireless technology (digital cell phones). 2G technology converts voice to digital data for transmission over the air and then back to voice. 2G is the current wireless service available in North America.
2.5G second-and-a-half generation wireless technology. Most carriers will move to this wireless technology before making the upgrade to 3G. A 2.5G network with GPRS or 1xRTT will change existing wireless networks to a packet-switched service that will increase data transmission speeds.
3-Way Calling allows you to conduct a conference call between three parties. (network and subscription dependent feature – not available in all areas)
3G (Third Generation Wireless) a term used to describe the next generation of wireless technology which will provide users with high speed data transmissions (up to 2Mbps) and the ability to roam globally. Known as IMT 2000 by the ITU and implemented in Europe as UMTS and cdma2000 in North America.
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) a cooperation of standards organizations (ARIB, CWTS, ETSI, T1, TTA and TTC) throughout the world that is developing the technical specifications for third generation wireless technology.
4G (Fourth Generation Wireless) communications systems that are characterized by high-speed data rates at 20+ Mbps, suitable for high-resolution movies and television. Initial deployments are anticipated in 2006-2010.
802.11 refers to a family of specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). There are currently four specifications in the family: 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.
802.11a refers to a new wireless local area network technology that operates in the 5 gigahertz spectrum. 802.11a is able to transmit data at speeds up to 54 Mbps and helps eliminate interference from devices operating at 2.4 gigahertz, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens.
802.11b often called Wi-Fi, is the most widely used wireless local area network technology. 802.11b technology operates in the 2.4 GHz range offering data speeds up to 11 megabits per second. A user with a Wi-Fi product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client hardware that is built to the Wi-Fi standard.
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