A

Adapter

An Adapter is a board level product that can operate standing alone. It does not need to be connected to another board.

API

Application Programming Interface
API is a language and message format used by an application program to communicate with the operating system or some other system or control program.

TechWeb

ATM

Asynchronous Transfer Mode
ATM is a network technology for both LANs and WANs that supports realtime voice and video as well as data. The topology uses switches that establish a logical circuit from end to end, which guarantees a quality of service (QoS) for that transmission. However, unlike telephone switches that dedicate circuits end to end, unused bandwidth in ATM's logical circuits can be appropriated whenever available.

TechWeb

C

C7

Common Channel Signaling System No. 7
SS7 (C7) is a global standard for telecommunications defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The standard defines the procedures and protocol by which network elements in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information over a digital signaling network to effect wireless (cellular) and wireline call setup, routing and control.

SS7 Tutorial

CompactPCI®

Compact Peripheral Component Interface
cPCI is a combination of the PCI bus contained on a Eurocard form factor. The Eurocard provides more rugged packaging and a more secure plug and socket for embedded systems than the standard PCI card used in desktop computers. It supports hot swapping and provides higher performance (32-bit, 33MHz) than the ISA bus in the PC/104 architecture. CompactPCI also provides modularity as Eurocard comes in several sizes.

TechWeb

cPSB

CompactPCI Packet Switching Backplane
cPSB is a proposed packet switching backplane (PICMG technical subcommittee 2.16)
The proposed compact Packet Switching Backplane is a redundant, switched 10/100/1000 Ethernet network within a CompactPCI chassis providing IP connectivity between all cPCI/cPSB slots using a "star" topology.

D

Dual International Mobile Subscriber Identity
DIMSI is an application that functions in our GSM Signaling Platform that provides IMSI translation capabilities.

E

E1

The European equivalent to the North American T1, except that E1 carries information at the rate of 2.048 million bits per second.

E1: 30 channels, 2.048 Mbps
E2: 120 channels, 8.448 Mbps
E3: 480 channels, 34.368 Mbps
E4: 1920 channels, 139.264 Mbps
E5: 7680 channels, 565.148 Mbps

Embedded System

Hardware and software which forms a component of some larger system and which is expected to function without human intervention. A typical embedded system consists of a single-board microcomputer with software in ROM, which starts running some special purpose application program as soon as it is turned on and will not stop until it is turned off (if ever).
An embedded system may include some kind of operating system but often it will be simple enough to be written as a single program. It will not usually have any of the normal peripherals such as a keyboard, monitor, serial connections, mass storage, etc. or any kind of user interface software unless these are required by the overall system of which it is a part. Often it must provide real-time response.

Dedicated Systems

F

Frame Relay

Frame Relay is a protocol standard for LAN internetworking which provides a fast and efficient method of transmitting information from a user device to LAN bridges and routers.

Protocols.com

G

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service
An enhancement to the GSM mobile communications system that supports data packets. GPRS enables continuous flows of IP data packets over the system for such applications as Web browsing and file transfer. GPRS differs from GSM's short messaging service (GSM-SMS) which is limited to messages of 160 bytes in length.

TechWeb

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications
GSM is a digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the predominant system in Europe, but is also used around the world. Developed in the 1980s, GSM was first deployed in seven European countries in 1992. Operating in the 900MHz and 1.8GHz bands in Europe and the 1.9GHz PCS band in the U.S., GSM defines the entire cellular system, not just the air interface (TDMA, CDMA, etc.). As of 2000, there were more than 250 million GSM users, which is more than half of the world's mobile phone population.

TechWeb

H

H.323

H.323 is an umbrella recommendation from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that sets standards for multimedia communications over Local Area Networks (LANs) that do not provide a guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS).

Copyright© 2001 Packetizer, Inc. All rights reserved.

HDLC

The High Level Data Link Control
The HDLC protocol was developed by ISO and is based primarily on the pioneering work done by IBM on SDLC.

Protocols.com

Hot-Swap

To pull out a component from a system and plug in a new one while the power is still on and the unit is still operating. Redundant systems can be designed to swap drives, circuit boards, power supplies, virtually anything that is duplexed within the computer.

TechWeb

I

IP

Internet Protocol
The IP part of the TCP/IP communications protocol. IP implements the network layer (Layer3) of the protocol, which contains a network address and is used to route a message to a different network or subnetwork. IP accepts "packets" from the Layer4 transport protocol (TCP or UDP), adds its own header to it and delivers a "datagram" to the Layer2 data link protocol. It may also break the packet into fragments to support the maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the network.

TechWeb

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network
ISDN is a system of digital phone connections which has been available for over a decade. This system allows data to be transmitted simultaneously across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity.

http://www.ralphb.net/ISDN/intro.html

Internet Signaling Transport Protocol
ISTP is a protocol that provides a signaling interconnection service between the PacketCable network control elements (Call Management Server and Media Gateway Controller) and the PSTN SS7 Signaling network through the SS7 Signaling Gateway.

http://www.packetcable.com/downloads/specs/PKT-SP-ISTP-I02-011221.pdf

ISUP

Integrated Services Digital Network user part
ISUP is a layer of the SS7 protocol; ISUP messages are connection-oriented messages used to set up and tear down telephone calls; ISUP defines a handshaking protocol that initiates the phone call, reserves a path for the voice or data between the originating and destination devices, and ultimately releases the call; note that despite the name of this part of the SS7 stack, ISUP messages are not limited to ISDN calls.

SS7 Tutorial

J

J1

The Japanese version of the T Carrier system of North America.

J1: 24 channels, 1.544 Mbps
J2: 96 channels, 6.312 Mbps
J3: 480 channels, 32.064 Mbps
J4: 1440 channels, 97.728 Mbps
J5: 5760 channels, 400.352 Mbps

Newton's Telecom Dictionary

K

kb

Kilobit. One thousand bits.

KB

Kilobyte. One thousand bytes. A byte is composed of eight bits.

L

LAPD

Link Access Protocol - Channel D
LAPD is a Layer2 protocol which is defined in CCITT Q.920/921. LAPD works in the Asynchronous Balanced Mode (ABM). This mode is totally balanced (i.e., no master/slave relationship).

Protocols.com

M

MTP2 Peer-to-Peer Adaptation Layer
Like M2UA, M2PA is a sigtran protocol for transporting SS7 MTP Level 2 user part signaling messages (i.e. MTP Level 3) over IP using the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). Unlike M2UA, M2PA is used to support full MTP Level 3 message handling and network management between any two SS7 nodes communicating over an IP network. IP signaling points function as traditional SS7 nodes using the IP network instead of the SS7 network. Each switched circuit or IP signaling point has an SS7 point code. The M2PA protocol layer provides the same set of services as MTP Level 2 provides to MTP Level 3.
 

MTP2 User Adaptation Layer
M2UA is a protocol defined by the IETF sigtran Working Group for transporting SS7 MTP Level 2 user (i.e. MTP Level 3) signaling messages over IP using the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). The M2UA protocol layer provides the equivalent set of services to its users as MTP Level 2 provides to MTP Level 3.

MTP3-User Adaptation Layer
M3UA is a protocol for supporting the transport of any SS7 MTP3-User signaling (e.g., ISUP and SCCP messages) over IP using the services of the Stream Control Transmission Protocol. This protocol would be used between a Signaling Gateway (SG) and a Media Gateway Controller (MGC) or IP-resident Database.
 

Mb

Megabit. One million bits.

MB

Megabyte. One million bytes. A byte is composed of eight bits.

MEGACO

Media Gateway Control
MEGACO is an IP telephony protocol that is a combination of the MGCP and IPDC protocols. It is simpler than H.323.

TechWeb

Module

A module is a board that cannot operate standing alone. It must be connected to another board.

MGCP

Media Gateway Controller Protocol
MGCP is a device control protocol, where a slave (gateway (MG)) is controlled by a master (media gateway controller (MGC), call agent).

Columbia University - Dept of Computer Science

MTP

Message Transfer Part
MTP is part of SS7 protocol stack. It is divided into three levels. See below.

SS7 Tutorial

MTP-1

MTP Level 1 is equivalent to the OSI Physical Layer. MTP Level 1 defines the physical, electrical, and functional characteristics of the digital signaling link. Physical interfaces defined include E-1 (2048 kb/s; 32 64 kb/s channels), DS-1 (1544 kb/s; 24 64kb/s channels), V.35 (64 kb/s), DS-0 (64 kb/s), and DS-0A (56 kb/s).

SS7 Tutorial

MTP-2

MTP Level 2 ensures accurate end-to-end transmission of a message across a signaling link. Level 2 implements flow control, message sequence validation, and error checking. When an error occurs on a signaling link, the message (or set of messages) is retransmitted. MTP Level 2 is equivalent to the OSI Data Link Layer.

MTP-3

MTP Level 3 provides message routing between signaling points in the SS7 network. MTP Level 3 reroutes traffic away from failed links and signaling points and controls traffic when congestion occurs. MTP Level 3 is equivalent to the OSI Network Layer.

P

PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect
A peripheral bus commonly used in PCs, Macintoshes and workstations. PCI provides a high-speed data path between the CPU and peripheral devices (video, disk, network, etc.).
PCI provides "plug and play" capability, automatically configuring the PCI cards at startup.
PCI allows IRQs to be shared, which helps to solve the problem of limited IRQs available on a PC.
PCI runs at 33MHz, supports 32- and 64-bit data paths and bus mastering. PCI Version 2.1 calls for 66MHz, which doubles the throughput.

TechWeb

PCs

Personal Communications Services
PCs refers to wireless services that emerged after the US Government auctioned commercial licenses in 1994 and 1995. This radio spectrum in the 1.8-2GHz range is typically used for digital cellular transmission that competes with analog and digital services in the 800Mhz and 900MHz bands.

TechWeb

PMC

PCI Mezzanine Card
PMC is a PCI-based mezzanine card that is widely adapted to VMEbus, CompactPCI and PCI cards. Small and compact (74mm x 149mm) and providing 32 or 64-bit data paths, PMC cards enable a large variety of PCI products to be retrofitted to other bus environments. PMC cards use 64-pin connectors.

TechWeb

S

SBus

Originally a proprietary bus from Sun, the Sbus has been released into the public domain. The IEEE standardized a 64-bit version in 1993.

TechWeb

SCCP

Signaling Connection Control Part
SCCP provides connectionless and connection-oriented network services above MTP Level 3.

Service Control Point
A node in an SS7 telephone network that provides an interface to databases, which may reside within the SCP computer or in other computers. The SCP may also be combined with the SS7 node that routes messages, called a "signal transfer point" (STP).

TechWeb

SCSI

Small Computer System Interface
Pronounced "scuzzy." SCSI is a hardware interface that allows for the connection of up to seven or 15 peripheral devices to a single expansion board that plugs into the computer called a "SCSI host adapter" or "SCSI controller." SCSI peripherals are daisy chained together, and all devices have a second port that is used to connect the next device in line. Single SCSI boards are also available with two controllers and support up to 30 peripherals.

TechWeb

SCTP

Stream Control Transmission Protocol
SCTP is a reliable transport protocol operating on top of a connectionless packet network such as IP.

IETF

SDP

Session Description Protocol
SDP is used by SIP to describe media capabilities of call participants and to negotiate the common media set media for a call.

Columbia University - Dept of Computer Science

SDH

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
SDH is the European version of SONET.

SGCP

Simple Gateway Control Protocol
SGCP is a protocol used with SGCI for controlling Voice over IP Gateways from external call control elements.

http://www.argreenhouse.com/

SIP

Session Initiation Protocol
SIP is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification and instant messaging.

Columbia University - Dept of Computer Science

Short Message Peer-to-peer Protocol
SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entities such as Short Message Service Centres. It is often used to allow third parties (e.g. content suppliers like news organisations) to submit messages, often in bulk.

Wikipedia

Short Message Service
A text message service that enables short messages of generally no more than 140-160 characters in length to be sent and transmitted from a cellphone. SMS was introduced in the GSM system and later supported by all other digital-based mobile communications systems. Unlike paging, but similar to e-mail, short messages are stored and forwarded at SMS centers, which means you can retrieve your messages later if you are not immediately available to receive them. SMS messages travel to the cellphone over the system's control channel, which is separate and apart from the voice channel.

TechWeb

SS7

Common Channel Signaling System No. 7
SS7 is a global standard for telecommunications defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The standard defines the procedures and protocol by which network elements in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information over a digital signaling network to effect wireless (cellular) and wireline call setup, routing and control.

Service Switching Point
The local exchange node in an SS7 telephone network. The SSP can be part of the voice switch or in a separate computer connected to it. The SSP creates SS7 signaling messages that are sent to a "service control point" (SCP) to query databases for subscriber service and routing information.

TechWeb

Signal Transfer Point
A node in the SS7 telephone network that routes messages between exchanges and between exchanges and databases that hold subscriber and routing information.

TechWeb

SCCP User Adaptation Layer
The SUA is a protocol for the transport of any SS7 SCCP user Signaling (e.g. TCAP, RANAP or RNSAP messages) over IP Between two signaling endpoints.

SS7 SCCP-User Adaptation Layer (SUA)
Conformance Test plan (Internet Draft)

T

T1

A 1.544 Mbps point-to-point dedicated, digital circuit provided by the telephone companies (North American). See E1 and J1 for European and Japanese counterparts.

T1 (DS1): 24 channels, 1.544 Mbps
T2 (DS2): 96 channels, 6.312 Mbps
T3 (DS3): 672 channels, 44.736 Mbps
T4 (DS4): 4032 channels, 274.176 Mbps

Newton's Telecom Dictionary

TCAP

Transaction Capability Application Part
TCAP messages are used to support non circuit-related, connectionless information exchange. Among other things, TCAP messages are used to send queries to databases (such as toll-free [freephone] databases) and to return the database response.

U

Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
USSD is a means of transmitting information or instructions over a GSM network. USSD has some similarities with SMS since both use the GSM network's signaling path. Unlike SMS, USSD is not a store and forward service and is session-oriented such that when a user accesses a USSD service, a session is established and the radio connection stays open until the user, application, or time out releases it. This has more in common with Data than SMS. USSD text messages can be up to 182 characters in length.

mobileUSSD.com

V

VME

Versa Module Eurocard bus
VME is a 32-bit bus developed by Motorola, Signetics, Mostek and Thomson CSF. It is widely used in industrial, commercial and military applications with over 300 manufacturers of VMEbus products worldwide. VME64 is an expanded version that provides 64-bit data transfer and addressing.

TechWeb

W

Wireless Application Protocol
WAP is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to easily access and interact with information and services instantly.

W@P Forum

X

X.25

X.25 is the CCITT's recommendation for the interface between a DTE and DCE over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Generally, X.25 covers layers 1 to 3 of the ISO communication model, but the term is used here to refer specifically to packet layer 3. X.25 is carried within the Information Field of LAPB frames.

Protocols.com

Wire speed

The bandwidth of a particular transmission or networking system. For an example, the wire speed of 10BaseT Ethernet is 10 Mbps. When data is said to run at wire speed or at "wire rate," it implies there is little or no software overhead associated with the transmission and that the data travels at the maximum speed of the hardware.

TechWeb