5G and Fixed Wireless Access - a glossary

Do you know the difference between ODU and IDU? Fixed Wireless Access and mobile broadband? The meaning of the NR part in 5G NR? Or what they're up to at 3GPP?
TermDescription
3GPP
3rd Generation Partnership Project
A consortium made up of a range of standards bodies within the field of mobile communication. Responsible for 5G network standards.
Per 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 5G that is used to provide both fixed wireless and mobile broadband. The first version of the 5G NR specification dates was made public in 2017.
5G NR in Wikipedia
5G NSA
Non-standalone
When you combine 5G New Radio with a 4G core (EPC), this is called a non-standalone deployment. It is also sometimes referred to as a "first generation 5G network".
One of two deployment scenarios defined by 3GPP.
5G ReadyWhen a product or service is referred to as "5G ready", this usually means that 5G is supported, but not yet available, and 4G will be delivered in the meantime.
5G SA
Standalone
When both radio and core are based on 5G architecture, the deployment is referred to as 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 or simply "fixed wireless" is internet access delivered wirelessly to a fixed point/specific address, without the use of fiber or cables.
FWA has been around for a long time -- older technologies include for example WiMAX, LTE and 4G -- but demand and popularity have increased significantly with the advent of 5G NR, which opens up new possibilities.
Geo-lockingGeo-locking is a common practice when delivering fixed wireless access. The subscription is tied to a limited number of base stations, preventing the equipment from being transported and used at a different address.
Both Telenor and Telia require geo-locking for the delivery of FWA in their networks.
ICCID
Integrated Circuit Card Identifier
Integrated Circuit Card ID is used as a serial number for SIM cards. It is both stored on the card and printed on top of it. A complete ICCID should have 19 or 20 characters.
ICCID in Wikipedia
IDU
Indoor Unit
Indoor Unit, an access point for indoor placement.
Indoor antennas will usually provide a weaker signal reception than outdoors, as the signals will attenuate because of building materials. You can therefore combine indoor units with outdoor antennas.
Outdoor antennas are required by both Telenor and Telia, who own the Norwegian 5G networks. Exceptions may be made due to building restrictions, primarily for listed buildings.
IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identity
The IMEI code is a unique identifier for mobile equipment/devices. The code is tied to the physical device, not the subscriber.
IMSI
International Mobile Subscriber Identity
The IMSI code identifies the subscriber tied to a mobile device.
Mobile BroadbandMobile broadband is internet access delivered over 4G or 5G to a mobile/portable access point that may be used anywhere within the provider's service area.
ODU
Outdoor Unit
Outdoor Unit, an access point for fixed installation outdoors.
An outdoor antenna provides the best reception for fixed wireless access, as you avoid signal attenuation from building materials.
An outdoors, fixed unit and/or antenna is required by both Telenor and Telia, who own the Norwegian 5G networks. Exceptions may be made due to building restrictions, primarily for listed buildings.
RAT
Radio Access Technology
Radio Access Technology is the physical connection layer for radio based communication networks. One radio device may support one or more such technologies.
Examples or radio technologies are 5G NR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

You may also want to take a look at our Glossary of wifi terms and acronyms.

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