L-M

L2TP Access Concentrator (LAC)

For L2TP, the LAC is an aggregation node that instantiates tunnels.

L2TP Network Server (LNS)

For L2TP, the LNS terminates tunnels.

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

L2TP allows PPP sessions to be tunneled over IP and ATM networks.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

LDAP is a protocol that provides directory listings, such as a listing of e-mail addresses or contact information.

Link Configuration Protocol (LCP)

LCP is the link management part of PPP.

See also Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)

LLDP is a link layer protocol built on the 802.x series of protocols whereby devices can provide information about themselves to other devices on the same network segment.

Link Layer Discovery Protocol for Media Endpoint Devices (LLDP-MED)

LLDP-MED is an extension of LLDP that includes support for media-related information.

local area network (LAN)

A LAN is a network that operates over a small area.

location acquisition

Location acquisition is the retrieval of location information in an understood and consistent form by a location recipient.

location conveyance

Location conveyance is the provision of location information to a location recipient.

location determination

Location determination is the combining of a set of measured parameters, contextual data, and algorithms to calculate a position.

Location Generator (LG)

The source of location information; performs location determination.

location information server (LIS)

The LIS is responsible for determining the location of devices within an access network and making that information available.

location measurement

Location measurement (v) is the obtaining of specific key and transient parameters associated with a target device which will be useful in determining location. A location measurement (n) is the actual unit of data that relates to location.

Location Measurement Unit (LMU)

In 3GPP networks, an LMU provides location measurements to the network.

See also access location entity (ALE).

Location Recipient (LR)

A Location Recipient is a consumer of location information.

Location Server (LS)

A Location Server is a provider of location information. An LS is not necessarily the source or generator.

location services (LCS)

LCS (derived from LoCation Services) is a service that relies on location information and is used by 3GPP.

Management Information Base (MIB)

An MIB is a structured repository of information that is maintained by managed devices.

Master Street and Address Guide (MSAG)

The MSAG is a database of U.S. addresses.

Media Access Control (MAC)

MAC refers to the second OSI layer and applies to shared media protocols where access to a common media needs to be managed. A MAC address is the address used to uniquely identify a device at this layer. For 802.x protocols, this address has been standardized and is a 48-bit sequence that is managed by the IEEE.

Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)

In IMS, the MGCF performs call signaling conversion between SIP and ISUP.

meridian

A meridian is a line of equal longitude that runs in a north-south direction.

Mobile Identification Number (MIN)

The MIN is a unique identifier assigned to CDMA handsets.

mobile station (MS)

A mobile station in GSM is the term used to refer to the mobile telephone, or other GSM device.

See also User Equipment (UE).

Mobile Station International Subscriber Dial Number (MSISDN)

The MSISDN is a 15-digit E.164 number used for a mobile telephone. The MSISDN is the real "phone number" of a device.

Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

In cellular networks, the MSC is the external interface of the circuit-switched (voice) part of the RAN. The MSC manages signaling for voice.

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)

MIME provides metadata, in particular a file type, or MIME-type, for mail contents. MIME has become a standard for the transmission of files on the Internet and is used in HTTP, SIP, and other protocols as well as SMTP (e-mail).