Telecom is full of technical terms that often sound similar but have different meanings. Understanding these distinctions helps in better network planning, troubleshooting, and optimization. Here are 15 more commonly confused terms:
VoLTE vs. VoNR – VoLTE (Voice over LTE) enables voice calls over LTE, while VoNR (Voice over New Radio) supports voice calls over 5G.
NR SA vs. NR NSA – NR SA (Standalone) runs entirely on 5G, while NR NSA (Non-Standalone) relies on LTE for core network functions.
SCell vs. PCell – PCell (Primary Cell) is the main serving cell, while SCell (Secondary Cell) is used in carrier aggregation for additional bandwidth.
PDCCH vs. PDSCH – PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) carries control information, while PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) carries actual user data.
UCI vs. PUCCH – UCI (Uplink Control Information) is feedback from UE to the network, while PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) is the channel carrying this information.
RACH vs. PRACH – RACH (Random Access Channel) is a process used for initial access, while PRACH (Physical RACH) is the physical resource used for this process.
TAC vs. TAU – TAC (Tracking Area Code) defines a group of cells, while TAU (Tracking Area Update) is the process where UE updates its location with the network.
RSRP vs. RSSI – RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) measures the power of reference signals, while RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures total received power, including noise.
DRX vs. DTX – DRX (Discontinuous Reception) allows UE to save power by sleeping between signals, while DTX (Discontinuous Transmission) reduces unnecessary uplink transmissions.
O-RAN vs. C-RAN – O-RAN (Open RAN) promotes vendor-neutral network architecture, while C-RAN (Centralized RAN) centralizes baseband processing for efficiency.
MAC vs. RLC – MAC (Medium Access Control) schedules and prioritizes data, while RLC (Radio Link Control) handles error correction and retransmissions.
EPC vs. 5GC – EPC (Evolved Packet Core) is the LTE core network, while 5GC (5G Core) is the advanced core network designed for 5G.
S-GW vs. P-GW – S-GW (Serving Gateway) routes user traffic within the LTE network, while P-GW (PDN Gateway) connects users to external networks.
MEC vs. Cloud Computing – MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) processes data closer to the user for low latency, while cloud computing processes data in centralized data centers.
PDCP vs. RLC – PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) compresses and encrypts data, while RLC (Radio Link Control) ensures reliable data transfer.
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