Here’s a glossary of common terms from the world of mobile communications that will go a long way in simplifying mobile technology for you.

Do you still require more information or have a query about a term that is not featured here? Please email us at customerservice@nawras.om  and we will help you out ASAP.

1G
In mobile telephony, first-generation systems were analog, circuit-switched. Voice links were poor, handoff unreliable, capacity low, and security non-existent. 1G systems are  now not under active development – indeed, in some areas 1G spectrum is being auctioned for 2G and 3G use.

2G
In mobile telephony, second-generation protocols use digital encoding and include GSM, D-AMPS (TDMA) and CDMA. 2G networks are in current use around the world. These protocols support high bit rate voice and limited data communications. They offer auxiliary services such as data, fax and SMS. Most 2G protocols offer different levels of encryption.

2.5G
In mobile telephony, 2.5G protocols extend 2G systems to provide additional features such as packet-switched connection (GPRS) and enhanced data rates (HSCSD, EDGE).

3G
In mobile telephony, third-generation protocols support much higher data rates, measured in Mbps, intended for applications other than voice. 3G networks trials started in Japan in 2001. 3G will support bandwidth-hungry applications such as full-motion video, video-conferencing and full Internet access. Visit www.3gpp.org.

HSDPA 3.5G
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is a 3G (third generation) mobile telephony communications protocol in the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) family, which allows networks based on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to have higher data transfer speeds and capacity. Current HSDPA deployments support down-link speeds of 1, 1.8, 3.6, 7.2 and 14.4 Mbit/s.

4G
Proposed standard available by 2009 which will have full TV equivalent capability and data downloads at more than 500Mbits per second.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is the name given to a radio technology making transmission of signals over short distances between telephones, computers and other devices, like household appliances, without the use of wires.

Broadband
Broadband refers to communications medium that uses wide-bandwidth channels for sending and receiving large amounts of data, video or voice information.

EMS
A messaging system that is more feature-rich than SMS.

EDGE
EDGE stands for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution. EDGE provides up to three times the data capacity of GPRS. Using EDGE, operators can handle three times more subscribers than GPRS; triple their data rate per subscriber, or add extra capacity to their voice communications. EDGE uses the same TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) frame structure, logic channel and 200kHz carrier bandwidth as today's GSM networks, which allows it to be overlaid directly onto an existing GSM network. EDGE allows the delivery of advanced mobile services such as the downloading of video and music clips, full multimedia messaging, high-speed colour Internet access and email on the move. Nawras is the ONLY licensed provider of EDGE service in the Sultanate.

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