IAPPInter-Access Point Protocol. A protocol used between Access Points to enable roaming.

IAS (Interconnect Account Systems). When a call is made from a subscriber network to another network, the other network will bill the subscriber's network. IAS gathers and processes call data, both in and out of a network - creating Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable databases. Accounts can then be settled between each network at a later date. This system is implemented when there is a wholesale rating contract between the networks.

IAPP (Inter-Access Point Protocol). A protocol used between Access Points to enable roaming.

IBSS Independent Basic Service Set. A BSS that has no Access Points.

IDN (Integrated Digital Nework). A switched network that transmits voice using digital transmission techniques.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers). An international, professional standards body, based in the US. It produced the 802.11 family of standards.

IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). An international community of network operators and designers, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and its operation.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). A code that uniquely identifies the mobile terminal hardware. It is important in GSM for keeping a record of lost or stolen mobile telephones. A copy of each IMEI is stored in the EIR

IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). A unique number within the SIM card that identifies the subscriber to the system.

IMT-2000. An initiative undertaken by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to establish a global standard for third-generation wireless multimedia communications.

IMUX (Input Multiplexer). A multiplexer at the input of a satellite transponder.

Informations systems network. A network of all the communications systems within an organization.

Infrastructure equipment. The fixed transmitting and receiving equipment in a communications system. It normally consists of base transceiver stations (BTSs), base station controllers (BSCs), switches, computers, and all other equipment that sends and receives signals from mobile equipment and/or the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Interactive TV. A service that allows a TV remote control to access up-to-the-minute information, get program details, shop, etc., while watching TV.

Inter-exchange channel. A link between two or more telephone exchanges.

Intercept treatment. A function carried out by a telephone switching exchange that involves the redirection of a call signal (that cannot be connected to the desired destination) to a recording or an attendant.

Interface. A means of connection between two or more entities, for example, a graphic user interface (GUI) is the means of connection between a computer and a person.

Interference. Radiated energy such as EMI that interferes with radio signals, causing diminished reception quality.

Inter-frame Coding. A DVB /MPEG-2 digital compression mechanism that predicts the values of pixels based on previous frames - also known as Motion Compensation.

Intra-frame Coding. A DVB /MPEG-2 digital compression mechanism uses a mathematical Discrete Cosine Transform to eliminate spatial redundancy within frames - also known as Transform Coding.

IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder). A satellite receiver with a built-in decoder for unscrambling subscription channels. It is also known as a Set-Top Box.

IS: Interim Standard. A series of standards recommendations from ANSI.

Interim Standards. A set of protocols for cellular telephony in the United States. They include:

• IS-41 (Interim standard-41). The protocol for roaming within the United States. Determined by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
• IS-54 (Interim standard-54). A North American dual-mode (analog and digital) cellular standard. In the analog mode, IS-54 conforms to the AMPS standard.
• IS-95 (Interim standard-95). The CDMA standard for the U.S. digital cellular service.
• IS-136 (Interim standard-136). The TDMA standard.

 

Internal Handover. Handover between:

1. Channels within the same cell.
   
2. Cells that are under the control of a single BSC.
   

 

Internet telephony. The use of the Internet rather than the traditional telephone company infrastructure to exchange telephone information.

IP (Internet Protocol). A method (protocol) used to send data from one computer to another on the Internet. Each computer (known as a host) on the Internet has an address that uniquely identifies it. The data is sent in packets, which contain the sender's Internet address and the receiver's address.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). A digital network which today is found integrated with the PSTN network and can carry voice and data.

IS-95. IS-95 defines the radio link or air interface between the mobile station (MS) and base station (BS) in cdmaOne networks.

IS-97. IS-97 defines the functionality of the base station (BS) in cdmaOne networks.

IS-98. IS-98 defines the functionality of the mobile station (MS) in cdmaOne networks. For example, speech encoding and power control.

ISO (International Standards Organization). The ISO is a voluntary organization composed and financed by the national standards organizations of its member countries. ISO standards cover every conceivable item possible not just telecommunications.

Isotropic Antenna: A theoretical antenna that radiates equally in all directions and has zero gain by definition. An antenna is a passive device and so cannot amplify a signal. However, it can shape the signal to be stronger in one direction, leading to gain, which is often quoted relative to an isotropic.

ITU (International Telecommunications Union). The ITU is an agency of the United Nations and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of telecommunication.

ITU-R: International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunication Bureau. The ITU-R is a part of the ITU that regulates the assignment of radio frequencies throughout the world and it also acts as a consultative committee for the development of radiocomunications standards.