WBBSE Madhyamik Telecom (Vocational) key terms

The exchange of information over a distance using electrical, radio, optical or other electromagnetic means. It includes voice calls, text messages, video and data sent between people or machines.

A device or circuit that converts information such as voice or data into a signal suitable for sending through a channel. It may amplify, modulate and feed the signal to an antenna or cable.

A device that picks up a signal from a channel and turns it back into usable information, such as sound, video or data. It usually filters, amplifies and demodulates the incoming signal.

The range of frequencies a channel can carry, or the maximum data rate it can support. Wider bandwidth generally allows more information to be sent in the same time.

The process of changing a carrier wave's amplitude, frequency or phase to carry information. It lets low-frequency signals travel efficiently through radio, cable or optical media.

The process of connecting a caller or data path to the correct destination within a network. Switches set up, maintain and release connections so many users can share network resources.

A switching method that reserves a dedicated path between two users for the whole call. Resources stay occupied even during silence, which suits continuous voice but wastes capacity for bursty data.

A method that splits data into small packets, each addressed and sent independently, then reassembled at the destination. It shares network links efficiently and is the basis of the internet.

A thin glass or plastic strand that carries data as pulses of light. It offers very high bandwidth, low loss and immunity to electrical interference, and is widely used in telecom backbones.

The complete bouncing back of light inside a fibre core when it strikes the boundary with the cladding at an angle greater than the critical angle. This effect keeps light guided along the fibre.

The technique of combining several signals onto one transmission link so they can travel together. Common forms are frequency division, time division and wavelength division multiplexing.

A mobile network that divides an area into small zones called cells, each served by a base station. Frequencies are reused across cells, allowing many subscribers to be covered with limited radio spectrum.

The process in which an active mobile call or data session is transferred from one base station or cell to another as the user moves, without dropping the connection.

Global System for Mobile Communications, a second-generation digital cellular standard. It introduced SIM cards, digital voice, SMS and international roaming, and still supports basic voice and text services.

The radio equipment and antennas at a cell site that communicate with mobile handsets and connect them to the mobile network. It handles transmission, reception and radio resource control.

The practice of using the same radio frequencies in different cells that are far enough apart to avoid interference. It increases the capacity of a cellular network with limited spectrum.

A worldwide network of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet Protocol to exchange data. It supports services such as the web, email, messaging and video streaming.

A unique number assigned to a device or interface on an IP network so data can be routed to it. IPv4 addresses are 32-bit; IPv6 addresses are 128-bit.

Internet Service Provider, a company that supplies internet access to homes and businesses. It also handles billing, customer support and connections to the wider internet backbone.

A high-capacity internet connection that can carry several services at once at higher speeds than older dial-up. It may use fibre, cable, DSL or wireless technology.

A device that forwards data packets between different networks and chooses the best path for them. Home routers also link a local network to the internet.

Domain Name System, the internet service that translates easy-to-remember names like example.com into IP addresses. It works like a phone book for networked devices.

Optical Network Terminal, the device at a customer's premises that receives light signals from a fibre network and converts them into electrical signals for phones, TV or internet.

A method of joining two optical fibres permanently by melting their ends with an electric arc. It gives a low-loss, strong joint and is used in outside plant and cable repairs.

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, a test instrument that sends light pulses into a fibre and measures reflections. It locates breaks, splices and connectors and reports loss along the link.

The process of pressing a connector onto a cable end so the metal contacts grip the conductor firmly. It is used for copper Ethernet and telephone cables with RJ45 or RJ11 plugs.

Connecting exposed metal parts of equipment to the ground so fault current flows safely away. It protects people from electric shock and helps reduce interference and lightning damage.

Service Level Agreement, a written promise between a service provider and a customer about quality, such as uptime, response time and repair time. It defines remedies if targets are missed.

Customer Relationship Management, the practices and software a company uses to record customer details, complaints and interactions. It helps staff give consistent service and track issues until they are resolved.

Mobile Number Portability, a facility that lets a subscriber change mobile operator while keeping the same phone number. It encourages competition and gives customers more choice.

Know Your Customer, the process of verifying a customer's identity and address before giving a telecom connection. It helps prevent fraud and is required by regulations.

Personal Protective Equipment, items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, safety shoes and harnesses worn to reduce injury risk. Telecom workers use it for electrical, height and optical-fibre hazards.

Any work where a person could fall and be injured, such as on towers, ladders or rooftops. It requires fall protection, trained staff and careful planning.

Energy given off by radio antennas and equipment as electromagnetic waves. At high levels it can heat body tissue, so workers must keep safe distances from active antennas.

Discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as old phones, routers, batteries and cables. It needs proper collection and recycling because it contains both valuable metals and harmful substances.

The basic skills and attitudes that help a person get and keep a job, such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, problem solving and willingness to learn.

The activity of starting and running a business, taking financial risks in the hope of profit. Entrepreneurs identify customer needs and organise money, people and resources to meet them.

A short written summary of a person's education, skills and work experience, used when applying for a job. It should be clear, accurate and matched to the role.

Working cooperatively with others towards a shared goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues. In telecom operations it helps crews finish installations and repairs safely and on time.