The Jargon Buster Directory is your central resource for locating
an explanation to typical terms found for within all industries , professions
and governments.
Use our directory to locate and decipher jargon that you would like an
explanation for.
Keeping our directory up to date and to include all the spheres where jargon
is used is a never ending task for us. We have started with what we can locate
but but it is a vast subject and can be very niche specific.
Are you in a profession or industry that uses jargon that is NOT included
here? Then why not send us your own jargon buster text and we will include
it within our database. to say thank you we will provide you with a return
link back to your web site.
Mobile masts - they have their own jargon? Well yes it appears so. Mobile
mast jargon is very introvert and only really relevant to suppliers or
installers on mobile masts.
Many of the terms for mobile mast jargon appear standard but
their implementation or who they are used may not be that simple.
Mobile mast jargon is fairly new and still evolving.
Mobile mast jargon.
2G 2G, the second generation or GSM, is the technology currently used in
the operation of mobile phones.
3G
3G, or third generation, is the generic term used for the next generation
of mobile communications systems. The new systems will enhance the services
available today and offer multimedia and internet access and the ability
to view video footage. The third generation technology used in the UK is
called UMTS. These services operate at 2100 MHz. (2.1GHz).
Aerial/Antenna A device which transmits and receives radio waves. There are
different designs in operation.
Analogue First mobile phone technology which was phased out in the UK in
2001 with the introduction of second generation technology.
Cabin A structure which protects transmitters and receivers from damage.
They can be in the form of large cabins or smaller cabinets.
Cell A geographic area of coverage that a radio base stations covers.
Dish Antenna Dish antenna transmit and receive highly focussed radio waves
in one direction.
Electromagnetic Waves/Fields Electromagnetic waves are emitted by many natural
and man-made sources and play a very important part in our lives. Electromagnetic
waves are used to transmit and receive signals from mobiles phones and their
base stations. The type of electromagnetic waves mobile phones use is called
radio frequency (RF) waves/fields.
Feeder cable The co-axial cable which connects an antenna to a base station
transmitter or receiver.
Frequency Frequency is the number of times per second at which an electromagnetic
wave oscillates. It determines the wave's properties and usage. Frequencies
are measured in hertz (Hz). 1 Hz is one oscillation per second, 1 kHz a thousand,
1 MHz is a million and 1GHz is a thousand million. Frequencies between 30
kHz and 300 GHz are widely used for telecommunication, including broadcast
radio and television, and comprise the radio frequency band. Mobile telephone
systems currently operate at 900MHz and 1800MHz.
GSM GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications or Groupe Speciale Mobile
is the international, pan-European operating standard for the current generation
of digital cellular mobile communications. It enables mobile phones to be
used across national boundaries. GSM systems are operated by O2 and Vodafone
at 900 and 1800 MHz, and by T-Mobile and Orange at 1800MHz.
HPA The Health Protection Agency is an independent body that protects the
health and well-being of everyone in England and Wales. The Agency plays
a critical role in protecting people from infectious diseases and in preventing
harm when hazards involving chemicals, poisons or radiation occur. It also
prepares for new and emerging threats, such as a bio-terrorist attack or
virulent new strain of disease.
ICNIRP The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP) is an independent scientific body which has produced an international
set of guidelines for public exposure to radio frequency waves. These guidelines
were recommended in the Stewart Report and adopted by the Government, replacing
the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) guidelines. The mobile
network operators have accepted these guidelines and work within them.
Macrocell A macrocell provides the largest area of coverage within a mobile
network. The antennas for macrocells can be mounted on ground-based masts,
rooftops or other existing structures. They must be positioned at a height
that is not obstructed by terrain or buildings. Macrocells provide radio
coverage over varying distances depending on the frequency used, the number
of calls made and the physical terrain. Macrocell base stations have a typical
power output in tens of watts.
Mast A ground-based structure that supports antennas at a height where they
can satisfactorily send and receive radio waves. A typical mast is 15m high,
and of steel lattice or tubular steel construction. New slimmer versions
of masts are now available which can be painted to blend in with their
surroundings, disguised as trees or used in conjunction with street lighting
and CCTV cameras. Masts themselves play no part in the transmission of the
radio waves.
Maximum Ground Level Emission Maximum Ground Level Emission or the beam of
highest intensity usually occurs between 50m and 200m from an antenna. The
ground level emission within this area is the highest circling a base station.
It is usually many thousands of times lower than international public exposure
guidelines. Emission levels reduce rapidly as the distance increases from
the antenna. The highest emissions levels are directly in front of the antenna,
15m or more off the ground.
Microcell Microcells provide additional coverage and capacity where there
are high numbers of users within urban and suburban macrocells. The antennas
for microcells are mounted at street level, typically on the external walls
of existing structures, lamp-posts and other street furniture. Microcell
antennas are smaller than macrocell antennas and when mounted on existing
structures can often be disguised as building features. Microcells provide
radio coverage over distances, typically between 300m and 1000m and have
lower output powers compared to macrocells, usually a few watts. NRPB The
National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)', now part of the Health Protection
Agency (HPA), has two main functions: to advance knowledge about the protection
of mankind from radiation hazards and to provide information and advice to
persons in the UK with responsibilities relating to protection from radiation
hazards.
Picocell A picocell provides more localised coverage than a microcell. These
are normally found inside buildings where coverage is poor or where there
are a high number of users such as airport terminals, train stations or shopping
centres. Radio Base Station A radio base station is a macrocell, microcell
or picocell site and consists of transmitters and receivers in a cabin or
cabinet connected to antennas by feeder cable.
Second Generation See 2G
Sectored Antenna Antenna which transmits or receives higher signal levels
in a horizontal direction. The antenna is split into several sectors (typically
3 or 6) to provide 360 degree coverage.
Stub Mast A roof-mounted mast structure which supports multiple antennas
at a height where it can satisfactorily send and receive radio waves. A stub
mast is typically 4m - 6m high and of steel lattice construction. Stub masts
themselves play no part in the transmission of radio waves.
Third Generation See 3G
Transmitter Electronic equipment that generates radio frequency electromagnetic
energy and is connected to an antenna via a feeder cable.
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is part of the
international vision of a global family of third generation mobile communication
systems. The UK refers to this as 3G.
Wavelength Wavelength is the distance in metres between any two 'similar'
points on a radio wave. This portion of the wave is referred to as one complete
cycle. The lower the frequency of a wave the longer the wavelength.