Chapter 11-765
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
A 3G standard based on GSM
Subscriber identity module (SIM)
A card that identifies a phone with a user and a number
Visitor location register (VLR)
A database used by the MSC used for roaming phones
Personal unlocking code (PUK)
A number for unlocking a cell phone
Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications
A standard developed by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI). Basically, GSM is the 2G network
Long Term Evolution (LTE)
A standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile devices. This is what is commonly called 4G
Mobile switching center (MSC)
A switching system for a cellular network
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)
A technology that does not fit neatly into the 2G/3G/4G spectrum. It is technically considered pre-3G but was an improvement on GSM (2G)
Electronic Serial Number (ESN)
A unique identification number developed by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to identify cell phones
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number
A unique number identifying GSM, LTE, and other types of phones. The first 8 bits of the ESN identify the manufacturer, and the subsequent 24 bits uniquely identify the phone
Integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)
A unique serial number that identifies each SIM. These numbers are engraved on teh SIM during manufacturing
Personal identification number (PIN)
An ID number for a cell phone user
Home location register (HLR)
The database used by the MSC for subscriber data and service information
Base transceiver station (BTS)
The part of the cell network responsible for communications between the mobile phone and the network switching system