Chapter 11

13. Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)

A 3G standard based on GSM.

12. Subscriber identity module (SIM)

A card that identifies a phone with a user and a number.

14. Visitor location register (VLR)

A database used by the MSC for roaming phones.

11. Personal unlocking code (PUK)

A number for unlocking a cell phone.

4. Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications

A standard developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Basically, GSM is the 2G network.

8. Long Term Evolution (LTE)

A standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile devices. This is what is commonly called 4G.

9. Mobile switching center (MSC)

A switching system for a cellular network.

3. 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).

2. Electronic Serial Number (ESN)

A unique identification number developed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to identify cell phones.

7. 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.

6. Integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)

A unique serial number that identifies each SIM. These numbers are engraved on the SIM during manufacturing.

10. Personal identification number (PIN)

An ID number for a cell phone user.

5. Home location register (HLR)

The database used by the MSC for subscriber data and service information.

1. Base transceiver station (BTS)

The part of the cell network responsible for communications between the mobile phone and the network switching system.