Glossary

Adapter	A device that adds network functionality to a PC.
ATA	Analog Telephone Adapter
Bandwidth	The transmission capacity of a given device or network.
Bridge	A device that connects two different kinds of local networks, such as a wireless network to a wired Ethernet.
Broadband	An always-on and fast Internet connection.
Browser	An application program that provides a way to view and interact with all the information on the World Wide Web.
DID	Direct Inward Dialing
DSL	Digital Subscriber Line
Encryption	The manipulation of data to prevent accurate interpretation by anyone except those for whom it was intended.
Ethernet	An IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium.
Gateway	A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.
IEEE	The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – An independent institute that develops networking.
Infrastructure	Currently installed computing and networking equipment.
IP	Internet Protocol – used to send data over a network.
ISP	Internet Service Provider – provides access to the Internet.
LAN	Local Area Network
Network	A series of computers or devices connected for the data sharing, storage, and/or transmission between users.
Packet	A unit of data transmitted over a network.
PBX	Private Branch Exchange
Port	The connection point on a computer/networking used for plugging in a cable or adapter.
PSTN	Public Switched Telephone Network
Router	A networking device that connects multiple networks together, such as a local network and the Internet.
Server	Any computer in a network whose function is to provide user access to files, printing, communications, etc.
SIP	Session Initiation Protocol
SOC	Smart Operator Console
SPC	Smart Personal Console
Upgrade	To replace existing software or hardware with a newer version.
UPS	Uninterruptible Power Supply
VoIP	Voice Over Internet Protocol
VPN	Virtual Private Network
WAN	Wide Area Network
WLAN	Wireless Local Area Network