HomePCN 101Glossary of Terms
PCN 101

Glossary of Terms

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  • 5G SA
  • A 5G Standalone Network has a 5G RAN with a 5G core.
  • 5G NSA
  • A 5G Non-Standalone Network has a 5G RAN with a 4G/LTE core. It is often seen as a steppingstone between a 4G/LTE and a 5G network.
  • 5G
  • 5G, or fifth generation, is the latest mobile network technology, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than previous generations.
  • Augmented Reality
  • Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as text, images, or 3D models, onto the real-world environment in real-time, creating an enhanced or augmented view of reality.
  • Authentication
  • Authentication refers to verifying the identity of a user or device attempting to access the network or its services. This ensures that only authorized entities can connect to the network and access sensitive data or resources.
  • CBRS
  • CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) is a band of spectrum from 3.55-3.7 GHz that the FCC has opened up for shared wireless broadband use in the United States. It enables the coexistence of licensed carriers, priority access licensees, and unlicensed users in the same spectrum through a dynamic spectrum-sharing framework and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS).
  • Cell
  • A cell refers to the geographic area covered by a single base station, antenna, or transmitter. It represents the fundamental unit of coverage and capacity in cellular networks, where mobile devices can establish and maintain wireless connections within the boundaries of that cell.
  • Cloud
  • The cloud is a global network of servers accessed via the internet, and it includes the application software and databases installed on those servers. The hardware and software are typically housed in a different location than the enterprise, shared among many users, and provided as a service. There are three basic types of cloud network: public, private, and hybrid.
  • End-Device
  • An end device initiates or receives communications across a private mobile network (PMN). There are thousands of end devices. Following are a few examples:
    • Computers & Printers
    • Smartphones & Barcode readers
    • Security cameras; Video cameras
    • Point-of-sale devices
    • Robots
    • Internet of things (IoT) devices
  • EPC Core
  • EPC Core, or Evolved Packet Core, is the core network architecture of 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) systems. It is responsible for managing mobile data, voice, and signaling traffic within the 4G network. The EPC Core is a crucial part of the LTE network because it facilitates communication between the user equipment (such as smartphones) and the broader IP network, enabling internet access and other services. The EPC Core is designed to support high data rates, low latency, and seamless mobility, making it the backbone of 4G LTE networks.
  • Industry 4.0
  • Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT in manufacturing, enabling more intelligent, automated, and data-driven production processes.
  • Infrastructure
  • Mobile network infrastructure consists of physical components like cell towers, cables, and core network equipment that enable communication by transmitting signals, carrying data traffic, and processing information.
  • Internet of Things (IOT)
  • The Internet of Things connects everyday objects to the mobile network, enabling them to send data and receive instructions, creating a network of smart devices for diverse applications.
  • Licensed Spectrum
  • Licensed spectrum is used for private networks because there is a licensing fee which gives the user the exclusive right to transmit data on their assigned frequency without interference.
  • Massive MIMO
  • Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) is a crucial technology for 5G networks that uses a large number of antennas (e.g., 64 or more) at the base station to increase capacity and improve spectral efficiency by allowing more simultaneous data transmission to multiple users. See MIMO.
  • Mobile Edge Computing (MEC)
  • Mobile Edge Computing moves processing power closer to where it's needed instead of relying on a distant server, resulting in faster speeds, less congestion, and potentially improved security and privacy.
  • mmWave
  • Millimeter Wave. Millimeter wave refers to a select portion of the wireless spectrum generally considered 24 GHz - 40 GHz. These higher-range frequencies offer ultra-fast speeds and high capacity for wireless networks but have shorter range and limited penetration, requiring denser infrastructure.
  • MNO
  • Mobile network operators (MNOs), also known as wireless carriers or cellular companies, are businesses that provide wireless voice and data services to mobile phone users. They own and maintain the infrastructure (cell towers, fiber optic cables) and spectrum licenses to operate these networks.
  • Network Slicing
  • Network slicing is a technique that allows a single physical mobile network to be partitioned into multiple virtual networks or slices, each customized to serve a specific use case or application with its performance, security, and quality of service requirements. It enables efficient sharing of network resources among different services on a shared infrastructure.
  • Non-Public Network
  • A non-public network (NPN) or private network is a mobile network deployed for the dedicated use of an enterprise, industry, or organization within a specific location or premises.
  • Open RAN
  • Open Radio Access Network refers to vendor-neutral hardware and software-defined technology standards for the cellular radio access network. It aims to create open interfaces and enable interoperability among different vendors' equipment in the RAN, avoiding proprietary implementation and vendor lock-in.
  • PCN
  • Private Cellular Network.
  • P5G
  • Private 5G Network
  • P5G Operator
  • A private 5G network operator is a business or organization that operates and manages a nonpublic mobile network for a specific purpose for an enterprise, government or educational organization. Private 5G networks are similar to public 5G networks, but they offer more control and can be customized to meet specific needs. They can be used in indoor or outdoor facilities, such as manufacturing plants, airports, and business parks, where high-speed, low-latency connectivity is important.
  • Radio Access Network
  • The Radio Access Network bridges the gap between devices like smartphones, computers, or remotely controlled machines and the core network.
  • Shared spectrum
  • Shared spectrum allows multiple users or services to utilize the same radio frequency band. This enables efficient use of limited spectrum resources.
  • SIM
  • A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is needed for cellular-connected devices to access a cellular network. The SIM holds information such as credentials or subscription that authenticates a user on the network. The different types include a physical SIM, an eSIM (embedded SIM), and an iSIM (integrated SIM) that is directly embedded on a device’s system-on-a-chip.
  • Small Cells
  • Small cells are low-powered base stations with a limited range compared to traditional cell towers. They're typically deployed in densely populated areas or indoors to improve network capacity and coverage.
  • Spectrum
  • Spectrum is radio waves that are used to transmit data. Radio waves are measured by wavelength and frequency with most communication networks operating between 300 MHz and 6 GHz frequency.
  • System Integrator
  • A system integrator (SI) understands your communications challenges and designs potential private mobile network (PMN) solutions. The SI team presents the answers to you and you choose the plan that best meets the needs of your enterprise. The SI then deploys the approved solution.
  • URLLC
  • Ultra-reliable low-latency Communication is a critical feature in 5G networks that enables exceptionally high reliability and minimal delays for mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.
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