2G
Second generation Wireless technology that delivers mainly voice transmission with data support at speeds from 9.6 Kbps (kilobits per second) to 19.2 Kbps
3G
The next generation of wireless technology, 3G is expected to transmit data between 144 Kbps (kilobits per second) and 2 Mbps (megabits per second).
ANI (Automatic Number Identification)
Similar to Caller ID, but for 800 and 888 calls.
Analog signal
An electromagnetic signal that depends solely on continuous changes in the amplitude of a frequency in order to convey information. In contrast, digital signals use binary (discrete or noncontinuous) numbers (1s and 0s) to convey information.
ATM, Asynchromous Transfer Mode
A high speed switching technique that uses fixed cells to transmit voice, data and video.
Bandwidth
The amount of data you can send through a channel, in bits per second, without distortion.
Bit rate
Amount of digital information that can be transmitted in a given time period, usually stated in millions of bits per second (Mbps).
Bluetooth
A wireless technology designed for short-range transmission of voice and data among a wide variety of computing and telecommunications devices, eliminating the need for cable connections.
CDMA
Code division multiple access. A digital wireless format that allows many users to share the same radio frequencies. Each call is assigned a unique number, which allows the phone to lock out unwanted signals. Also known as spread spectrum.
Channel
A circuit through which electronic information travels. Channels keep signals separate, as in the left and right channels of a stereo system.
Computer Telephony
The merger of traditional PBX equipment with computers and computer applications. For instance, screen pops can show caller information.
Crosstalk
Interference in a communications channel caused by signals in an adjacent channel.
CSU/DSU
A digital interface device that connects a company's computers and terminals to digital telephone lines.
DID (Direct Inward Dialing)
Each person in an organization has their own ten-digit telephone number, instead of having to be answered by an on-site operator.
DSL
Uses existing copper lines from end-user to central office to provide high speed data access. There are many different types of DSL. Variations include, upstream and downstream speeds, length of copper lines and type of customer interface equipment.
DTMF
Dual-tone multi-frequency. A type of keypad signaling that emits two distinct tones for each number entered; also called Touchtone.
Duplex
Same as full duplex. Two-way voice communications happening simultaneously on one line, i.e., listening and talking at the same time.
Ethernet
The most common local area network (LAN) access method, developed by Xerox, Digital Equipment and Intel; it connects up to 1,024 nodes at 10 Mbps over twisted pair, coaxial and fiber-optic cable.
Fiber optics
Wires made of glass that transmit digital signals in the form of pulses of light. Used for long-distance telecommunications, cable networks, and in some digital audio and video devices.
Frame
A group of bits sent over a link, also called a packet. In addition to data, the frame can contain control and addressing information and error correction.
Frame relay
A data communications interface for high-speed frame transmission. It is a form of fast packet switching.
Frequency
The speed of a signal's vibration, measured in hertz (Hz). Human hearing generally has a range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Radio waves can be in the billions of hertz.
Gateway
Allows equipment with different protocols to communicate with each other.
GHz
Gigahertz. A frequency of 1 billion cycles per second.
Gigabit (Gb)
One billion units of digital binary memory.
Gigabyte (GB)
One billion bytes (specifically, 1,024,000,000 bytes)
Gigahertz (GHz)
A frequency of 1 billion cycles per second.
GPS
Global positioning system. A U.S. satellite system that allows users on the ground or water with GPS receivers to determine their positions with extreme accuracy.
Half duplex
A circuit that transmits or receives a signal in one direction at a time, i.e., talk or listen.
HDML
Handheld device markup language. A specification for wireless Internet access from devices that use small displays and mouseless interfaces, such as data-capable wireless phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Hertz (Hz)
A measure of frequency that equals one cycle per second.
HTML
Hypertext markup language. A document markup language that is standard on the World Wide Web.
Internet
Multiple networks that are tie together by the protocol TCP/IP/
Intranet
Using web technologies for internal networking.
ISDN
Integrated services digital network. A high-speed, high-cost wired telephone network technology that integrates voice and data communications on a single line.
LAN
Allows personal computers, printers, scanners, and other devices to communicate with each other. This allows for significant cost savings.
MAN
A network that covers a metropolitan area.
Plain Old Telephone System
Are analog from end-user to central office. Typically used for residential and small businesses.
PRI
A form of ISDN with 23 channels for voice, video and data an 1 channel for signaling. Each channel can reach 64k per second
Private Branch Exchange
A telephone system located on premises. They route calls within an organization and to the outside world.
SONET
A standard for transmitting high-speed digital bits over fiber optic cabling.
T-1
A North American standard that has the capacity for 24 voice, video and or data channels. Can carry a total of 1.54 million bits per second.
T-3
A North American standard that has the capacity for 672 channels for voice, video and or data. Can carry a total of 44 million bits per second.
WAN
Wide area networks connect computers that are different cities and states
Questions? Call General Communications at (781)756-5100
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