N-P

National Emergency Network Association (NENA)

NENA is an organization that is responsible for the implementation, availability, and improvement of the 911 system in the U.S. and Canada.

Network Access Identifier (NAI)

An identifier commonly used to tie a user to a specific realm.

Network Access Server (NAS)

The Network Access Server aggregates layer 2 connections to an access network. The NAS performs access control functions.

Network Address Translation (NAT)

NAT is a means of providing Internet access to a group of hosts without using multiple IP addresses. A NAT device translates addresses from an internal range into a publicly routable IP address by modifying the TCP or UDP port on sessions.

Network Control Protocol (NCP)

See Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

Open Mobile Alliance (OMA)

OMA is a standards body that develops standards for cellular networks.

Open System Interconnection (OSI)

The OSI model was developed by ISO as a framework for network protocols. It is most useful as a reference model. The OSI model consists of seven layers: physical, link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.

Operations Support Systems (OSS)

OSS are used to assist in the management of systems that are made of a number of different components.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is an international organization formed of affluent member nations that develops social and economic policy.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM)

OFDM is a radio frequency modulation scheme that uses spread spectrum over a number of carriers that are designed to avoid cross-carrier interference.

Packet Control Function (PCF)

Analogous to the SGSN in 3GPP, the PCF manages data sessions within an EVDO network segment that consists of several ANs.

Packet Data Protocol (PDP)

In GPRS and UMTS, PDP is the protocol used between the SGSN and GGSN to transport data traffic.

Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN)

In EVDO, the PDSN provides IP network access and control functions, including the allocation of addresses and routing.

parallel

A parallel in geodesy is a line of equal latitude that runs east-west.

password authentication protocol (PAP)

PAP is an authentication protocol component of PPP.

See also challenge handshake authentication protocol (CHAP).

Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC)

PVCs are permanent, or semi-permanent, links that are configured in an ATM network. A PVC follows a fixed path through a network.

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

POTS is an acronym sometimes used to refer to a legacy telephony network (the public switched telephone network, or PSTN) to distinguish it from VoIP.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

PPP is a protocol that is used to establish a network link over a dedicated channel. It is widely used for Internet access. PPP is modular in design and can support different authentication protocols, such as PAP, CHAP, and EAP.

PPP over ATM (PPPoA)

PPPoA is a specific binding that allows PPP to be used for ATM links. PPPoA is used for DSL networks.

PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)

PPPoE is a specific binding that allows PPP to be used for Ethernet networks links. PPPoE is used for DSL networks.

Position Determination Entity (PDE)

In CDMA networks, the PDE is the node responsible for location determination.

Presence Information Data Format (PIDF)

The PIDF document is a generic container for presence information, defined by the IETF.

Presence Information Data Format - Location Object (PIDF-LO)

The PIDF-LO is a specific use of PIDF for the purposes of location information.

Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PABX)

A PABX is a privately owned telephone switch that is often used by organizations to consolidate their telephony services.

Privacy Checking Protocol (PCP)

PCP is an OMA protocol that enables the delegation of authorization decisions to a Privacy Profile Register.

Privacy Profile Register (PPR)

The PPR is a node in the 3GPP network architecture responsible for the evaluation of a user privacy policy.

presence

Presence is information about a person, in particular their "online" status and how they can be reached. Presence is currently expanding to include a range of additional information. A presence service provides a way for a user to make presence information about them available to others.

presentity

A presentity is the subject of presence information. A presentity identifier, which is codified as a URI, is used to identify the subject of presence information.

Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)

The PSAP is where an emergency call is terminated-in other words, where an operator answers a call.