Telecommunications Glossary
25 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in Telecommunications.
Showing 25 of 25 terms
The maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position, corresponding to signal strength.
The gradual loss of signal strength as it travels through a transmission medium.
The range of frequencies a channel can transmit, or the maximum data throughput of a communication link.
A fixed transceiver that serves as the hub for a wireless network cell, connecting mobile devices to the core network.
A high-frequency electromagnetic wave that is modulated to carry information signals.
The theoretical maximum rate of reliable data transmission over a communication channel, as defined by Shannon's theorem.
A device or software that encodes or decodes a data stream, compressing data for efficient transmission.
A logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of signal power levels in telecommunications.
A communication mode allowing two-way transmission. Full duplex is simultaneous; half duplex alternates directions.
Technology using thin glass or plastic strands to transmit data as pulses of light over long distances with minimal loss.
The number of complete wave cycles per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
The process of transferring an active call or data session from one cell to another as a mobile user moves.
Variation in packet arrival times, causing inconsistent delays that degrade real-time communications like voice and video.
The time delay between the transmission and reception of a signal or data packet.
Multiple Input Multiple Output technology using multiple antennas to increase data throughput and reliability.
The process of varying properties of a carrier signal to encode transmitted information.
Combining multiple signals for simultaneous transmission over a single communication channel.
The arrangement of nodes and connections in a communication network (star, ring, mesh, bus).
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing, a scheme splitting signals across many orthogonal sub-carriers for robust broadband transmission.
A set of rules governing the format and transmission of data between communicating devices.
A device that receives a weakened signal and retransmits it at higher power to extend coverage distance.
The assignment of specific frequency bands to various communication services by regulatory bodies.
The process of directing data through a network. Major types are circuit switching and packet switching.
The actual rate of successful data delivery over a communication channel, often lower than bandwidth.
The physical distance between successive peaks of an electromagnetic wave, inversely related to frequency.