The Terms you Need to Know
Glossary of electronics, telecommunications and IT for
smart card
3G (Third Generation)
Said of the broadband
communications systems that combine high-speed voice, data and
multimedia.
Intermediate technologies, commonly referred to as 2.5G include GPRS and EDGE See Broadband, UMTS, WCDMA.
3GPP
Group that aims to produce specifications for a 3G System based on GSM networks. See http://www.3gpp.com/
802.11b
a high-speed (11 Mbps) wireless networking
technology.
Also called Wireless Ethernet, AirPort or Wi-FI. See also WLAN
- A -
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
The plastic used to make molded (or injected) card
bodies for certain cards (See PVC ).
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
A secret-key algorithm that is expected to replace DES.
Algorithm
A mathematical routine used to perform computations
(often used for cryptography). See DES, RSA.
Analog
Information presented in the form of a continuously
varying signal. See Digital.
Anti-collision
(or collision avoidance) A feature commonly used in
contactless card systems to prevent conflicts between different signals
competing for attention at the same time. See Contactless.
APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit)
The basic command unit for a smart card. An APDU contains
either a command message or a response message, sent from the interface
device to the smart card or from the card to the device. See ISO 7816-3 for more information.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A definition of calling conventions by which an application
program accesses to other services such as the operating system, drivers,
databases, or middleware layers. See CryptoAPI, PKCS.
Applet
A compact program that can be downloaded quickly and
used by a remote computing device. Applets are not allowed to access certain
resources on the remote device. See Java, Java Card
ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)
A chip that has been customer designed.
ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
A device that can be placed in a public place allowing
cardholders to conduct basic banking operations including cash withdrawal.
ATR (Answer To Reset)
A message that is returned by a smart card when it
is powered up or when its reset pin is activated. The ATR indicates the
card type, communication protocol and other basic information. See Session.
Authentication
The process whereby a card, terminal or person proves
who they are. A fundamental part of many cryptography systems.
External Authentication.
The procedure used to authenticate the external world
(e.g., terminal) to the card.
Internal Authentication.
The procedure used to prove that the card is genuine
by means of an algorithm, a random value and a secret key.
The authentication process can be further distinguished between passive
authentication in which the same values are used each time (e.g., PIN)
and active authentication in which an algorithm and variable values are
used.
- B -
The amount of data that can be sent through a connection.
Usually measured in bps. A normal page of hypertext ranges from 6,000
to 20,000 bits (not counting graphics).
Baud
A unit of signaling speed. The speed in baud is the
number of discrete conditions or signal elements per second. It is now
largely obsolete and has been replaced by "bits per second" (Bps).
Biometrics
Identification and authentication techniques based
on the physical characteristics of a person such as fingerprints, hand
geometry, retina scan or voice print.
BIP (Bearer Independent Protocol)
Standardized protocol that lets a SIM card communicate directly with a remote server.
Bluetooth
A technology that allows an array of devices to communicate
over short-distance wireless connections. This technology applies to PCs
on a local area network as well as cell phones, personal digital assistants
and even wristwatches.
Bps (Bits-Per-Second)
Data transmission speed, the number of pieces of information
transmitted per second. See Baud.
Broadband
A term to describe a high-speed communications channel
(usually > 1.5 Megabytes per second). Broadband networks are required
to offer 3G services that combine voice, data and multimedia. See Bandwidth, ATM.
- C -
CA (Certification Authority)
The organization that issues certificates and takes
liability associated with the validity of the holder's identity. Often
financial and institutional organizations. See: Certificate, SSL, PKI.
CAP file (Converted Applet File)
The file produced when a Java class file is converted for loading into a Java Card.
CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering)
Generic term for tools and techniques that are said
to offer major productivity gains for analysts and programmers.
CCITT (Comité Consultatif International Télégraphique
et Téléphonique)
The French acronym that translates to the International
Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee. This international body
renamed itself ITU (International Telecommunications Union).
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
A wireless communications technology that uses the
spread spectrum communication to provide increased bandwidth. CDMA offers
improved performance over the earlier TDMA technology. See also W-CDMA
Cellular Phone Network
See Mobile Phone Network.
Certificate
A file, digitally signed by a Certification Authority. There are many different types of certificates
(the most common being X 509 V3).
Checksum
(also called Hash) A count of the number of bits in
a transmission unit so that the recipient can make sure the correct number
of bits arrived and that the message is intact. See SHA-1, Cryptography.
Chromalin
A printer's proof manufactured by Dupont. Chromalin
proofs are the most common way of exchaning final artwork for printing
on smart cards.
Class File
The Java executable file produced when source code
has been compiled. A class file must be converted into a CAP file before it can be executed on a Java Card.
Client/server
An information system with a client device (usually
a PC or a terminal) and a central server that houses all or part of the
application.
CMS (Card Management System)
Tools and services used to deploy and manage smart
card-based applications. CMS is used primarily to manage the lifecycle
of cards and applications hosted by the cards.
Comp128-1
The proprietary algorithm that was initially used
by default in SIM cards. The GSM Association formally recommends against
using Comp128-1, as it has been proven unsecure.
Guarantee that a message will be legible to no-one
other than the intended recipient. Confidentiality is an essential role
of cryptography systems.
Contact Smart Card
A smart card that operates by physical contact between
the reader and the smart card's different contacts (in comparison to Contactlesssmart cards).
Contactless
A smart card with no visible module that communicates
by means of a radio frequency signal. There is no need of physical contact
between the card and a reader (in comparison to Contact smart cards ).
Coupler
An electronic system used to read the smart card.
It is the basis of a reader. Designed to be integrated in a machine (e.g.,
gaming machine, gas meter...).
CQL (Card Query Language)
A subset of Structured Query Language (SQ)L implemented
on a smart card.
CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check)
A popular method of ensuring transmissions have not
been garbled.
CryptoAPI (Cryptographic Application Programming
Interface)
A Microsoft API that offers system-level access to
common cryptographic functions.
Cryptography
The science of ensuring that messages are secure.
Cryptographic systems are based on the concepts of authentication,
integrity,
confidentiality and non-repudiation. See Public Key, Secret Key, DES, RSA).
CryptoKI
See PKCS#11.
- D -
DCS (Digital Cellular System)
For DCS 1800 See GSM 1800.
DES (Data Encryption Standard)
The most widely used secret key encryption algorithm
(orginally developed by IBM in 1977). A strengthened version of DES called
triple DES (or 3DES) is commonly used in bank cards. See Secret Key.
DF (Dedicated File)
Memory organization for microprocessor cards: A DF
is a logical entity that holds a number of elementary files (EF). In multi-purpose
cards each DF will normally correspond to a distinct application. See
MF, EF.
Digital
Said of systems whose information is represented in
binary form. Compare Analog.
Digital Printing
A relatively recent technology that lets you print
directly from a digital file. Digital printing is particulary well suited
for small production runs.
Digital Signature
(not to be confused with a digital certificate) An
electronic signature created using a public-key algorithm. A digital signature
can be used by the recipient to authenticate the identity of the sender
and to ensure the integrity of the message. See certificates, RSA.
DMZ (De-Militarized Zone)
A network added between a protected network and an
external network in order to provide an additional layer of security.
DNS (Domain Naming System)
The name lookup the Internet uses to convert from
alphabetic names such as www.gemplus.com to 32-bit binary IP addresses.
See TCP/IP, Domain Name.
Domain Name
The unique name that identifies an Internet site.
Domain Names always have 2 or more parts, separated by dots. The part
on the left is the most specific, and the part on the right is the most
general (e.g., http://www.gemplus.com/ ). See TCP/IP, DNS.
DRM (Digital Rights Management)
DRM systems allow the owners of copyrighted material
or of intellectual property (such as a music, video, or text file) to
specify just what users will be allowed to do with it.
Dual Slot
Said of a smart card reader than can accommodate two
cards simultaneously (often one for the end-user and one to identify an
authorized professional).
- E -
Digital money, typically in the form of downloadable
"digital coins" that can be stored in a bank account, on a PC or on a
smart card.
e-Commerce (Electronic Commerce)
Business that is conducted (up to and including payment)
electronically (usually over the Internet).
e-Mail (Electronic Mail)
Messages, usually text, sent from one person to another
over a LAN or over the Internet.
e-Purse
see e-wallet.
e-Wallet
A small portable device that contains electronic money.
e-wallets are generally used for low-dollar transactions.
EAC (External Authentication Cryptogram)
Signature computed by an external entity (typically
a terminal / host for a smart card).
ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem)
A public-key system that uses a mathematical approach
called the elliptic curve problem.
EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment)
A high-speed (up to 384 Kbps) 2.5G wireless telecommunications
technology. Edge offers higher exchange rates than GSM, but lower rates than UMTS. See GPRS.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only
Memory)
Special non-volatile memory whose contents can be
erased and new data can be reloaded electrically. In smart cards EEPROM
is typically used for application data and for certain filtered
functions.
See RAM, Flash Memory, FRAM.
EF (Elementary File)
Memory organization for microprocessor cards: The
smallest logical entity that can be secured in the operating system. File
containing data. (See DF and MF).
The operation that consists in placing the module
in the cavity of the card body.
EMV (Europay - Mastercard - Visa)
Set of specifications defining the main structures
for an international debit/credit smart card.
Encryption
A cryptographic procedure whereby a legible message
is encrypted and made illegible to all but the holder of the appropriate
cryptographic key. See Cryptography, Key.
ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)
The E.U. organization in charge of defining European
telecommunications standards. The most well known European telecom standard
is GSM. See ITU, GSM.
- F -
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Documents that list and answer the most common questions
on a particular subject.
Filtered
Said of data or functions that are loaded into the
memory of a smart card. Masked data and functions, by comparison, are hardwired into
the card's chip.
Firewall
An application or a dedicated computer that protects
the resources of one network from users on other networks. See VPN.
Firewire
A communication protocol proposed by Apple and standardized
as IEEE 1394; similar to USB. Data rate up to 400 Mbps.
Firmware
Low-level software that is similar to hardware features.
This software operates by exchanging commands directly with an external
device or with a specific software loaded in the product.
Flash Memory
A non-volatile memory device that can be reprogrammed
more quickly than EEPROM. See Non-Volatile, FRAM.
Footprint
(also Memory Footprint) The amount of space taken
up by the operating system, an application or data in the memory of a
smart card.
FRAM (Ferroelectric RAM)
(also called Fe-RAM) A non-volatile memory technology
(i.e., it does not lose its data if the power is shut off). FRAM can read
data thousands of times faster at far lower voltage than other non-volatile
memory devices.
- G -
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
A packet-based 2.5G (in comparison to 3G) telecommunication
technology. GPRS supports exchange rates up to 114
Kbps, allowing wireless Internet and other multimedia services. See Broadband, UMTS, EDGE.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
A European standard for digital cellular telephones
that has now been widely adopted throughout the world. Under the ETSI standard, GSM telephones contain a SIM smart card that identifies the individual subscriber.
GSM 1800 (also DCS 1800 or PCN) network working at1800 MHz. Used notably
in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia.
GSM 1900 (PCS 1900) network working a frequency of 1900 MHz. Used notably
in the US and Canada.
GSM 900 (also GSM) Used in over 100 countries, particularly in Europe
and Asia Pacific.
See ETSI, ITU.
- H -
Hardwired
Said of electronic circuits that perform fixed logical
operations, rather than a stored program. See Masked, Filtered.
Hash
See SHA-1, Checksum.
- I -
IC (Integrated circuit)
A set of electronic circuits implemented on a piece
of semiconductor material. Common ICs include microprocessors and memory
chips. Synonym: Chip
IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
A body responsible for recommending protocols and
procedures to be used on the Internet. The IETF and the W3C are the main standards organizations for the Internet. See
also IPsec.
Initialization
First stage of the card issuing process. The goal
of this process is to load all the data common to one application into
the smart card's EEPROM. See personalization.
Integrity
Guarantee that a data (or code) has not been modified
in transit. Integrity is an essential role of cryptography systems.
Interoperability
The ability of products manufactured by different
companies to operate correctly with one another.
IP (Internet Protocol)
See TCP/IP.
IP address
A unique number assigned by an Internet authority
that identifies a computer on the Internet. The number consists of four
groups of numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods (dots). For
example, 172.16.6.129 is an IP address.
IPsec (IP Security)
A body of the IETF that is developing a secure standard for the Internet Proctocol.
ISO (International Standards Organization)
The main international standards organization. ISO
works to ensure that chip makers, software developers and smart card companies
comply with the same specifications. Standards for the smart card industry
include:
ISO/IEC 7816-1:1998 Physical Characteristics of IC cards.
ISO/IEC 7816-2:1999 Position of Module and Contacts on IC cards.
ISO/IEC 7816-3:1997 Exchange protocol with IC cards (i.e., communication
between readers and cards).
ISO/IEC 7816-4:1995 Command set for microprocessor cards.
ISO/IEC 7816-5:1994 Numbering system and registration procedure for application
identifiers.
ISO/IEC 7816-6:1996 Inter-industry data elements.
ISO/IEC 7816-7:1999 Inter-industry commands for Structured Card Query
Language (SCQL).
ISO/IEC DIS 7816-8 Security related inter-industry commands.
ISO/IEC DIS 7816-9 Additional inter-industry commands and security attributes.
ISO/IEC DIS 7816-10 Electronic signals and answer to reset for synchronous
cards.
ISO 14443 Proximity cards (contactless).
ITSEC (Information Technology Security Evaluation
Certification)
A set of criteria adopted by Europe and Australia
used to evaluate the security of software and computer components.
ITU (International Telecommunications Union)
Successor to CCITT. The international agency in charge
of telecommunications coordination. See ETSI, CCITT.
- J -
J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition)
A version of Java designed for heavy-duty servers
with strong support for integration of back-end systems. See also Virtual Machine, J2SE, J2ME and JVM.
J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition)
An implementation of the Java operating system for
resource restricted devices such as mobile handsets or PDAs. Next generation
handsets running J2ME should be able to interact with smart cards running
Java Card. See also Virtual Machine, J2SE, J2EE, JVM, and KVM.
J2SE (Java 2 Standard Edition)
A version of Java(tm) 2 designed primarily for individual
desktops computers. See also Virtual Machine, J2EE, J2ME and JVM.
Java
A network-oriented programming language invented by
Sun Microsystems. Java was specifically designed so that programs could
be safely downloaded to remote devices (e.g., Web pages, smart cards,
etc.).
Java Card
A set of specifications for running a subset of Java
on a smart card. The Gemplus products that implement this standard include
GemXpresso and GemXplore 'Xpresso. See Java, Open System.
JCF (Java Card Forum)
An industry association devoted to the advancement
of the Java Card specifications to serve the markets for Java card.
JCRE (Java Card Runtime Environment)
The Java Card run-time environment that manages operations such
as applet loading and initializing. It also keeps track of the current
state of the card. See JVM
JDK (Java Development Kit)
A software development kit (SDK) that is used to produce
Java programs. See Java.
Jini
A distributed computing framework introduced by Sun
Microsystems. Jini is an extension of the Java application environment.
See Java Card, Java.
JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
An essential element of the Java programming language.
The JVM is an abstract computing machine with its own instruction set
and memory. A JVM is included in each release of Java (J2ME, J2SE and J2EE). See JCRE
- K -
Key
A value that is used with a cryptographic algorithm
to encrypt (or sign data). The longer the key, the more secure the encryption.
See Public Key, Secret Key, Cryptography.
KVM (K Virtual Machine)
A Java VM (Virtual Machine) suited for mobile devices.
As its name suggests, the VM is measured in tens of KB. See also Virtual Machine, J2ME.
- L -
LAN (Local Area Network)
A geographically limited network (generally within
a building or small group of buildings) that is managed and owned by a
single company. See VPN.
Lifecyle
The time between the issuance of a smart card and
its cancellation or expiration.
Linux
An Open Source operating system that is derived from
UNIX.
- M -
Mapping
(also called memory map) A functional representation
of the different blocks in the memory of a chip.
Said of data or functions that are permanently loaded
into the chip on the smart card. See Filtered, Hardwired.
A smart card containing a memory chip with read /
write capability and in some cases hardwired security functions (some
people do not consider memory cards as smart cards).
MF (Master File)
Memory organization for microprocessor cards: This
file is unique and obligatory. It has its own security attributes and
may contain DFs and/or EFs.
MIDlet (Mobile Information Device [App]let)
An applet designed to run on
a mobile device under the MID profile of J2ME.
MMC (Multimedia Card)
A standard for very small (24 x 32 x 1.4 mm) memory
units that can be used in portable devices (e.g., PDAs, mobile phones,
etc.). They can store up to 64 MB of data. See http://www.mmca.org/ for more information.
Mobile Phone Network
Wireless telephone system where each geographic area
is covered by a base station..
Module
(also called micromodule) The unit formed of a chip
and a contact plate, with fine connecting wires that is encapsulated in
a drop of epoxy resin. The module is embedded in a cavity in the card
body.
Multi-application
Said of a smart card that can accommodate more than
one application while maintaining separate security conditions.
MultOS
A smart card open operating system developed by MAOSCO,
notably for financial transactions. See Open System
- N -
Non-Repudiation
Guarantee that a sender cannot falsely deny having
sent a message. Non-repudiation is an essential role of cryptography systems.
Non-Volatile Memory
Said of memory chips that do not lose their contents
when the power is switched off. See Volatile, EEPROM, Flash Memory, FRAM.
- O -
OCF (OpenCard Framework)
The framework that provides programmers with an interface
for the development of smart card applications in Java.
Off-Line
A transaction during which no direct connection is
made to a central computer facility. See On-Line.
On-Line
A transaction during which a direct connection is
made to a central computer facility (usually via the public telephone
network or computer networks). See Off-Line.
Open System
A system that uses industry standard development approaches.
Open systems allow issuers to call upon multiple suppliers for a given
product. See Java Card, and MultOS.
OS (Operating System)
A smart card OS ensures secure access to data as
well as file management functions, much like the operating systems on
a personal computer. See also Open system.
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
A model that was proposed by the ISO for communications.
OSI uses a modular approach, dividing different functions into distinct
layers.
OTA (Over the Air)
Transmission using microwave channels. This acronym
is used in the world of wireless telecommunications.
- P -
Padding
One or more bits appended to a message in order to
ensure that it contains the required number of bits or bytes.
PC Card
Standard architecture-independent extension device.
These cards are typically used in laptop computers (formerly called PCMCIA).
PCC (Proof-carrying code)
Mobile code (e.g., an applet) that contains the proof
that the code complies with a given security policy. See also verifier, Java Card.
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association)
(see PC Card).
PCN (Personal Communications Network)
A variant of the GSM wireless phone standard (sometimes called DCS 1800 or GSM
1800).
PCS (Personal Communications Services)
A variant of the GSM wireless phone standard (sometimes
called GSM 1900). See GSM.
Peer-to-peer
Said of an information system when the participants
are both "users" and "service providers."
Personalization
Process during which a smart card is modified to contain
the information for one person.
Graphical personalization modifies the visual aspect of the card (holder's
name, photograph)
Electrical personalization modifies the information in the card's chip.
PIN (Personal Identification Number)
The number or code that a cardholder must type in
to confirm that he or she is the genuine cardholder.
PKCS (Public-Key Cryptography Standards)
RSA Encryption Standard
PKCS #3: Diffie-Hellman Key-Agreement Standard
PKCS #5: Password-Based Cryptography Standard
PKCS #6: Extended-Certificate Syntax Standard
PKCS #7: Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard
Informal inter-vendor standards developed in 1991 under the impetus of
RSA. More information at: http://www.rsasecurity.com/rsalabs/pkcs/
PKCS #8: Private-Key Information Syntax Standard
PKCS #9: Selected Attribute Types
PKCS #10: Certification Request Syntax Standard
PKCS #11: Cryptographic Token Interface Standard
PKCS #12: Personal Information Exchange Syntax Standard
PKCS #13: Elliptic Curve Cryptography Standard
PKCS #15: Cryptographic Token Information Format Standard.
PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)
The software and/or hardware components necessary
to manage and enable the effective use of public key encryption technology,
particularly on a large scale. See Public Key, Cryptography.
Plug-In Card
Compact format for SIM cards.
POS Terminal (Point Of Sale Terminal)
POS terminals (in comparison to central terminal)
are handheld or desktop devices that can conduct transactions with smart
or mag-stripe cards.
Pre-Paid Card
A card permitting the holder to buy goods or services
usually of a particular type up to the pre-paid value. Some pre-paid cards
are reloadable, others are not.
Protocol
1. On the Internet, see TCP/IP 2. A set of rules and procedures governing interchange
of information between a smart card and a reader. The ISO defines several protocols, including T=0, T=1 and T=14.
Public Key
A cryptographic system that uses two different keys
(public and private) for encrypting and signing data. The most well-know
public key algorithm is RSA. See Digital Signature, Secret Key, Certification Authority.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
A type of plastic used to product of laminated card
bodies for certain types of smart cards, notably those that require embossing,
signature panels or overlays (See ABS).
- R -
RAD (Rapid Application Development)
An approach that relies on small teams using joint
application development and iterative-prototyping techniques to construct
interactive systems within several months.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A volatile memory that is used as a scratchpad by the
microprocessor in a smart card.
RMI (Remote Method Invocation)
An addition to Java Card (after version 2.1). Java
Card RMI lets developers access resources on both the terminal and the
card withot having to manage low-level APDU commands.
Roaming
An arrangement whereby a mobile handset is be recognized
by networks other than that of the issuer (notably for subscribers traveling
abroad). See GSM.
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)
The most widely used public key encryption algorithm,
named after its creators. See Cryptography, Public Key.
- S -
SAM (Security Access Module)
A dedicated microprocessor unit that conducts active
authentication with a memory or microprocessor card.
Scratch Card
A card that is produced with special ink that can
be scratched away to reveal a number or message.
SDK (Software Development Kit)
A set of development utilities for writing software
applications, usually associated with specific environments.
Secret Key
A cryptographic system that uses a single key for
encrypting and signing data. See Public Key, DES.
Session
Period of time between two card resets, or between
power up and a power down. See ATR.
SET (Secure Electronic Transaction)
A multi-party protocol to secure online communications.
Sensitive card information is protected from misuse throughout the transaction.
SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1)
A hash algorithm developed by the National Institute
of Standards and Technology and the National Security Agency. See Certificate, Digital Signature.
Signed Applets
An applet that incorporates a digital signature to
prove that it came from a particular trusted author. See also PKI, Java Card
SIM (Subscriber Identification Module)
A smart card for GSM systems holding the subscriber's
ID number, security information and memory for a personal directory of
numbers thus allowing him to call from any GSM device. See also USIM, UIM.
SIM Toolkit
A data management application for SIM cards, part
of which is resident in the SIM card. See GSM.
Smart Card
Also called IC card, chip card or memory card (for
certain types). A card formed of a plastic body with a chip (or module) embedded in a special cavity.
SMS (Short Message Service)
A GSM service that sends and receives messages of up to 160 characters
to and from a mobile phone.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A protocol designed by Netscape Communications to
enable encrypted, authenticated communications across the Internet (e.g.,
sites beginning with https://). See: Certificate, Cryptography.
Standards
Specifications that are widely accepted by companies
and institutions. Standards normally define the physical, electrical or
logical characteristics of a device. See ISO, ETSI, ITU, PKCS, 3GPP, JCF, IETF, W3C, IPsec.
STK (SIM Toolkit)
An API that allows secure loading of applets into a SIM.
Symmetric-key
See secret key.
System modeling
Mathematically-based techniques for the specification,
development and verification of information systems (e.g., software and
hardware).
- T -
T1 TC T2 T3 T4
A digital carrier system introduced in the 1960s.
T-series speeds include:
T1: 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps)
T1C: 3.152 Mbps
T2: 6.312 Mbps
T3: 44.746 Mbps
T4: 274.176 Mbps.
See Bandwidth.
TCP IP (Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol)
The protocol used on the Internet to transfer packets.
This protocol can also be used on a LAN (to implement an Intranet). See
IP.
TCPA (Trusted Computer Platform Alliance)
An initiative led by Intel to build a computing platform
with built-in security functions, notably for DRM and
copyright enforcement.
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
A second-generation technology for digital transmission
of radio signals. It is the underlying technology for GSM digital cellular
networks. See CDMA, GSM.
Terminal
Any device that can communicate with a smart card
(e.g., reader, coupler…). Certain terminals can operate in standalone
mode, while others must be connected to a central information system to
access an application. See POS Terminal.
- U -
UIM (User Identity Module)
(also R-UIM for "removable" UIM) An identity module
for standards other than GSM (notably for CDMA). See also SIM.
UML (Unified Modeling Language)
A language used for modeling object-oriented systems.
UML is particularly well suited for projects in C++ and Java.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)
A third-generation (3G) system to offer broadband
communication over mobile communications networks. See WCDMA, 3G.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A standard Input/Output bus that supports very high
transmission rates. Up to 120 devices can be daisychained to a USB port.
See also Firewire.
USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module)
See UIM.
- V -
Verifier (or bytecode verifier)
An application that processes incoming code (e.g.,
applets) and ensures that it complies with security policy. See also Java Card, PCC.
Virtual Machine
A standalone operating environment that acts a a separate
device (applets in a Java virtual machine have no access to the host operating
system). See also J2SE, J2EE, JVM, and KVM.
Volatile Memory
A memory device (e.g., RAM ) that does not retain stored information when power is switched
off. See Non-volatile.
VOP (Visa Open Platform)
A comprehensive system architecture allowing fast
development of globally interoperable smart card systems. ("Open Platform"
is a variant of this architecture that is not restricted to the banking
industry).
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A system to deliver corporate information over a
shared public infrastructure. The remote user session is handled through
a firewall using encrypted communications.
- W -
W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access)
A 3G technology for wireless systems based on CDMA technology. See Broadband, UMTS, CDMA, GPRS, TDMA.
W3C (World Wide Web Coalition)
The organization that proposes common protocols for
the Web.
WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
Protocol used to view a Web page on the display of
a mobile phone (visit http://www.wapforum.org/ for more information).
See WIM.
WIM (WAP Identity Module)
A SIM card that is specifically developed for the
Internet. See WAP.
WLAN (Wireless LAN)
Any wireless LAN technology. The most widespread
WLAN technology is 802.11b.
WML (Wireless Markup Language)
A subset of HTML for use on wireless devices. See
WAP.
- X -
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A specialized markup language that can be used to
define many different document types, each of which uses its own element
type names.
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