Technology / Cell Phones Glossary

Microwaves: A subset of radio waves that have frequencies ranging from around 300 million waves per second (300 MHz) to three billion waves per second (3 GHz).

Middleware: The mix-and-match communications software that acts as a universal translator between diverse radio frequency technologies and protocols. Middleware resides on a remote client and a communic . . . View Full Definition

Mobile Identification Number (MIN): Uniquely identifies a mobile unit within a wireless carrier's network. The MIN often can be dialed from other wireless or wireline networks. The number differs from the electronic serial num . . . View Full Definition

Mobile Satellite Service: Powerful communications transmission service provided by satellites. A single satellite can provide coverage to the whole United States.

Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO): The central switch that controls the entire operation of a cellular system. It is a sophisticated computer that monitors all cellular calls, tracks the location of all cellular-equipped vehi . . . View Full Definition

Modem Pools: Racks of modems used to deliver reliable cellular data communications.

Multipath Propagation: Signal distortion when a signal is reflected from nearby surfaces on its way to a receiver.

Multiplexing: When multiple phone calls are carried in the same frequency band at the same time. In wireless, major multiplexing methods include TDMA and CDMA.

Mutual Compensation: The concept that carriers must pay when they terminate traffic on the networks of carriers with which they are interconnected.

Mutually Exclusive Applications: Two or more applications for the same spectrum use rights.

Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS): Combines cellular voice processing with digital signaling, increasing the capacity of AMPS systems and adding functionality.

Narrowband PCS: The next generation of paging networks, including two-way, acknowledgment and wireless answering machine paging.

National Emergency Numbering Association (NENA): NENA's mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): The federal government's executive branch advisory committee for telecommunications.

Network: Any system that was designed to provide one or more access paths for communication between users at different geographic locations. Communication networks may be designed for voice, text, da . . . View Full Definition

Nickel Cadmium Battery (NiCd): A rechargeable battery that typically lasts for 700 charge and discharge cycles. If not completely discharged before recharging, the NiCd battery can suffer from memory effect that may reduc . . . View Full Definition

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH): A rechargeable battery that is capable of holding more power that a NiCd battery and suffers much less from memory effect. It is also typically more expensive than a NiCd battery.

Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT): An older analog cellular protocol used in Europe and elsewhere.

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