Acronyms
AI | Artificial Intelligence |
C-RAN | Centralized RAN with a monolithic Baseband Unit (serving several cell sites) |
Cloud RAN | virtualized C-RAN or vRAN running on standard IT-Server Platforms |
CSP | Communication (Network) Service Provider |
DAS | Distributed Antenna Sysem (typically in-building or indoor environments) |
DFK | Deutscher Berufsverband für Fach- und Führungskräfte (www.dfk.eu) |
D-RAN | Distributed RAN, traditional all-in-one basestation deployment model |
DTC | Design-To-Cost |
E2E | End-To-End (e2e) |
FTTx | Fiber-To-The-x: x representing the last mile fiber deployment depth (Home, Curb, Antenna etc) |
ICT | Information and Communications Technology (IuK) |
IEEE | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
IoT | Internet of Things |
ISP | Internet Service Provider |
IT | Information Technology |
ITG | Informationstechnische Gesellschaft (www.vde.com/de/itg) |
LAN | Local Area Network |
M&A | Mergers and Acquisitions |
MAN | Metropolitan Area Network |
MTC | Machine Type Communications |
NEP | Network Equipment Provider |
ng | Next Generation |
NTN | Non-Terrestrial Networks |
O-RAN | Open RAN (Industry) Alliance (www.o-ran.org) |
PAN | Personal Area Network |
PoC | Proof-of-Concept |
PON | Passive Optical Network |
R&D | Research and Development |
RAN | Radio Access Network (2G/ GSM, 3G, 4G/ LTE, 5G, 6G) |
SDN | Software-Defined Networking |
SME | Small Medium Enterprise |
TCO | Total Cost of Ownership |
TEM | Telecommunication Equipment Manufacturer |
TR | Transport (Network) |
URLLC | Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (5/ 6G services) |
VDE | Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. (www.vde.com/en) |
vRAN | virtualized, disaggregated and/or decomposed C-RAN, often referred to as Cloud RAN |
WAN | Wide Area Network |
WLAN | Wireless Local Area Network |
WDM | Wavelength Division Multiplexing (used in photonic networks) |
x-haul | generic term for RAN TR domains, with x representing the [back, mid, or front] haul segments and interfaces |