Word Glossary
Antenna
A device that facilitates the transmission and reception of radio signals.
Bandwidth
Describes the transmission capacity of a medium in terms of a range of frequencies. A greater bandwidth indicates the ability to transmit a greater amount of data over a given period of time.
Broadband
Describes a communications medium capable of transmitting a relatively large amount of data over a given period of time. A communications channel of high bandwidth.
Coverage Area
The geographic area served by a wireless system. Same as: Service Area.
Cross-talk
A signal leak from one channel to another - often the cause of noise and distortion.
Duplex
As in ordinary telephone service, a characteristic of a communications system where simultaneous transmission and reception is possible.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
A US government agency responsible for regulating communications industries.
RF (Radio Frequency)
A radio signal.
RF Noise
Undesired radio signals that alter a radio communications signal causing extraneous sounds during transmission and/or reception.
RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
An undesired radio signal that interferes with a radio communications signal causing extraneous noise and/or signal dropouts.
Sensitivity
A measure of a receiver's ability to viably receive weak radio signals.
Service Area
The geographic area served by a wireless system. Same as: Coverage Area.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
A measure of the power of a signal versus noise. A lower ratio means there is more noise relative to signal.
Telecommunications Act of 1996
Federal legislation passed in 1996, intended to increase competition among wireless and wired-line carriers for the benefit of consumers.
Wi-Fi
A wireless data networking protocol generally used to connect PCs and laptops to a network. Also known as 802.11b and WLAN (Wireless LAN), it is the most common means of wireless networking and operates at 2.4 GHz.
Wireless Carrier
A company that provides wireless telecommunications services.(i.e. MapleNet Wireless, Inc. & MapleNet Broadband)
WLL (Wireless Local Loop)
A wireless system meant to bypass a local landline telephone system. A home or businesses phone system is connected to the public network by a wireless carrier instead of by the traditional local phone company.