Bluetooth:
Open technology specification for short-range radio links between mobile PCs, smart phones, and other portable devices. Promises discreet information exchange and synchronization between disparate information devices.

CDMA (code division multiple access; aka IS-95):
Spread spectrum air interface technology used in some digital cellular, personal communications services, and other wireless networks.

CDPD(cellular digital packet data; aka Wireless IP):
Packet data protocol standard for sending wireless data.

CTIA(Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association):
Trade group that represents cellular, PCS, and enhanced specialized mobile radio carriers.

EPOC:
A next-generation operating system (not a micro browser) specifically designed for cellular phones and other handheld devices. It is currently being developed by Symbian, a consortium that includes Psion, Ericsson, Panasonic, Motorola, and Nokia.

ESN(electronic serial number):
Unique identification number embedded in a wireless phone by the manufacturer to prevent fraud. ESN differs from the mobile identification number, which is the wireless carrier's identifier for a phone in the network.

Fixed wireless data:
Wireless services to a fixed location through larger antennas than are seen in mobile or portable setups. The fastest data throughputs--up to T-1 speed-are available over fixed wireless networks.

FULL USER MOBILITY:
Wireless classification under which users can access data while on the move, such as in a car.

Gateway:
A ground-based link to a mobile satellite service network.

GEOS(geo-stationary Earth orbit systems):
Communications system with satellites in geosynchronous orbits 22,300 miles above the Earth.

GMPCS(global mobile personal communications services):
Future mobile satellite systems that will provide global wireless phone service.

GPRS(general packet radio service):
An enhancement of the GSM core network that introduces packet data transmission. It makes very efficient use of available radio spectrum, and users get more access bandwidth than over a standard connection.

GPS(global positioning system):
Series of 24 geosynchronous satellites that continually transmit their position. GPS is used in personal tracking, navigation, and automatic vehicle location technologies.

GSM (global system for mobile communication):
Digital cellular or PCS standard used throughout the world and the primary standard in Europe and Southeast Asia.

HDML(handheld device markup language):
Derived from hypertext markup language, this programming language allows Internet access from wireless devices such as handheld personal computers and smart phones.

iDEN(integrated digital enhanced network):
Motorola enhanced mobile radio network technology that integrates two-way radio, telephone, text messaging and data transmission into a single network.

ITU-2000(aka IMT-2000):
Term that refers to the new third generation global standard for mobile telecommunications. Coined by the International Telecommunication Union.

LEC(local exchange carrier):
Authorized carrier that has been commissioned to provide local voice-level telecommunications services within a predetermined area.

LEO(low Earth orbit):
Mobile communications satellite between 700 and 2,000 kilometers above the Earth.

LMDS(local multipoint distribution service):
Broadband radio service that enables two-way transmission of voice, high-speed data, and video (wireless cable TV).

LNP(local number portability):
Subscribers' ability to switch local or wireless carriers and still retain the same phone number, as is possible now with long-distance carriers. Wireless carriers will not be required to offer LNP until March 2000.

Microbrowser:
Modified Web browser that allows users to get Internet data on a handheld wireless device - where getting good data, not good graphics, counts the most.

Narrowband PCS:
Next generation of paging networks, enabling two-way acknowledgment and "wireless answering machine" paging.

NIMBY (not in my back yard):
The sentiment of citizens opposing the nearby placement of undesirable facilities such as antenna towers or waste dumps.

PAN (personal area network):
Experimental IBM technology that allows information devices to discreetly communicate and synchronize with one another when in close proximity using the human body as an antenna.

PCS (personal communication system):
Federal Communications Commission classification for digital wireless communication systems based on the same principles of cellular systems, but usually operating in a different frequency range and with smaller cell sizes than cellular systems.

Portable wireless data:
Classification of networks that access the Internet by using a laptop or palmtop computer and a small wireless modem.

SMS (short message service):
Electronic messages on a wireless network, such as those used in two-way paging.

SS7 (Signaling System 7):
International high-speed signaling backbone for the public-switched telephone network.

TDMA (time division multiple access):
Digital air interface technology used in cellular, PCS, and EMSR networks.

TM-UWB(time-modulated ultra-wide band):
New wireless technology that greatly broadens bandwidth. Developed by Time Domain, TM-UWB uses short, coded pulses transmitting over a wide range of frequencies, making it useful for a wide range of applications from networking to through-the-wall radar and secure communications.

WAP (wireless application protocol):
Open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices to easily access and interact with Web information and services instantly.

WAP Forum:
A consortium that developed the WAP standard. Includes Phone.com, Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia.

WDF (Wireless Data Forum):
Industry group dedicated to promoting wireless data.

WIN (wireless intelligent network):
Wireless switched network that allows carriers to provide enhanced and customized services for mobile phones.

Wireless LAN(local area network):
LAN that uses wireless transmissions such as radio or infrared-instead of phone lines or fiber-optic-to connect data devices.

WML (wireless markup language):
The programming language designed by the WAP Forum for formatting Web content to be viewed on handheld devices.

XML (extensible markup language):
An uberprogramming-language that might someday replace both HTML and WML. Designed to be viewed on any kind of device.