- GSM
- Global System for Mobile Communications, a standard developed to describe the protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
- GPRS
- General Packet Radio Service, a packet-oriented mobile data standard on the 2G and 3G cellular communication network's global system for mobile communications (GSM).
- ARFCN
- Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number, a unique number used to identify a pair of radio carriers used for transmission and reception in GSM networks.
- BTS
- Base Transceiver Station, a piece of equipment that facilitates wireless communication between user equipment and a network.
- BSC
- Base Station Controller, a high-capacity switch that provides functions such as handover, cell configuration data, and control of radio frequency (RF) power levels in base transceiver stations.
- MSC
- Mobile Switching Center, the primary service delivery node for GSM/CDMA, responsible for routing voice calls and SMS as well as other services.
- HLR
- Home Location Register, a central database that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorized to use the GSM core network.
- VLR
- Visitor Location Register, a database of the temporary information about subscribers who have roamed into the particular area which it serves.
- IMSI
- International Mobile Subscriber Identity, a unique number associated with all GSM and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network mobile phone users.
- TMSI
- Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, a temporary identification number that is sent instead of the IMSI to ensure a high level of security in GSM networks.