Do you know your fixed wireless from your mobile broadband, your ODU from your IDU? What does NR stand for in 5G NR? And what are they up to in 3GPP?
| Term | Description |
| 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project | Consortium consisting of a number of standard organizations within mobile communications. Is behind the standards for 5G networks. As of April 2021, the latest version is 3GPP Release 16. 3GPP in Wikipedia |
| 5G NR New Radio | 5G NR is a radio access technology (RAT) for the 5G network that is used for both fixed wireless and mobile broadband. The first version of the specification for 5G NR came in 2017. 5G NR in Wikipedia |
| 5G NSA Non-standalone | When 5G radio is used in combination with a 4G core network (EPC), this is called non-standalone. Sometimes referred to as the “first-generation 5G network”. One of two deployment scenarios defined by 3GPP. |
| 5G Ready | When a service or product is referred to as “5G ready”, this usually means that 5G is supported, but that 4G will be delivered until 5G is available in the network. |
| 5G SA Standalone | When both radio and core network are based on 5G architecture, this is called 5G standalone. One of two deployment scenarios defined by 3GPP. |
| EPC Evolved Packet Core | Core architecture for 4G/LTE networks. |
| FWA Fixed Wireless Access | Fixed Wireless Access is internet access delivered wirelessly to a fixed point–that is, to a specific address, without the use of fiber or cable. FWA has been available for a long time- older technologies include, for example, WiMAX, LTE and 4G–but has greatly increased in demand and popularity with 5G NR, which opens up new possibilities. |
| Geo-locking | Enforcing an address lock / geo-lock is common when delivering fixed wireless access. The subscription is linked to a limited number of base stations and the equipment therefore cannot be moved and used at another address. Both Telenor and Telia require an address lock when delivering fixed wireless broadband in their networks. |
| ICCID Integrated Circuit Card Identifier | Integrated circuit card ID is used as a serial number for SIM cards and is both stored on the card and printed on the outside of the card. A complete ICCID must have 19 or 20 characters. ICCID in Wikipedia |
| IDU Indoor Unit | Indoor unit, an access point for indoor placement. Indoor antennas for fixed wireless access will usually give poorer reception than outdoor antennas, because the signals are attenuated by building materials. An indoor unit can therefore be combined with an outdoor antenna. The outdoor antenna is a requirement from both Telenor and Telia, who own the Norwegian 5G networks. Exceptions can be made where there are strict restrictions for modifications to a facade, such as for listed buildings. |
| IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity | The IMEI code is a unique identifier for mobile equipment/mobile devices. It is linked to the physical device and not to the subscriber. |
| IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity | IMSI is a code that identifies the subscriber associated with a mobile device. |
| Mobile Broadband | Mobile broadband is internet access over 4G or 5G delivered to a mobile/portable access point that can be used anywhere within the provider’s coverage area. |
| ODU Outdoor Unit | Outdoor unit, an access point for fixed installation outdoors. Outdoor antennas provide the best reception for fixed wireless broadband, because signal attenuation from building materials is avoided. A mounted outdoor unit and/or antenna is a requirement from both Telenor and Telia, who own the Norwegian 5G networks. Exceptions can be made where there are strict facade restrictions, such as for listed buildings. |
| RAT Radio Access Technology | Radio access technology is the physical connection layer for radio-based communication networks. A single device can support one or more such technologies. Examples of radio access technologies are 5G NR, wifi, and Bluetooth. |
See also our glossary of Wireless words and terms .
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