Glossary
Access Point
A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that allows wireless communication devices to connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards. The WAP usually connects to a router, and can relay data between the wireless devices (such as computers or printers) and wired devices on the network.
Access point. (2004, July 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:11, March 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Access_point&oldid=16248012
AES
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is an encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government. It became effective as a Federal government standard on May 26, 2002 after approval by the Secretary of Commerce. It is available in many different encryption packages. AES is the first publicly accessible and open cipher approved by the NSA for top secret information.
AES. (2010, January 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:15, March 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AES&oldid=335911881
Amplifier
Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is any device that changes, usually increases, the amplitude of a signal. The relationship of the input to the output of an amplifier—usually expressed as a function of the input frequency—is called the transfer function of the amplifier, and the magnitude of the transfer function is termed the gain.
Amplifier. (2010, March 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:18, March 26, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amplifier&oldid=352233071
Asynchronous
A method of data transmission which allows characters, that are preceded by a start bit and are followed by a stop bit, to be sent at irregular intervals.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 50.
Band
Another term for spectrum used to indicate a particular set of frequencies. Wireless networking protocols work in either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.
Bandwidth
A range within a band of frequencies, or an amount of data, that can be transmitted in a preset amount of time. The bandwidth determines the rate at which information can be sent.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 50.
Bridge
A connectivity device that operates at the OSI Data Link Layer; it filters and forwards packets by physical addresses. See also router.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 50.
Channel
A specific portion of the radio spectrum; for example, the channels allotted to one of the wireless networking protocols. 802.11b and 802.11g use 14 channels in the 2.4 GHz band, only 3 of which don't overlap (1, 6, and 11). In the 5 GHz band, 802.11a uses 8 channels for indoor use and 4 others for outdoor use, and none of them overlap.
Circuit-switched network
A network in which a virtual circuit is set up for each connection in order to simulate having a physical wire between two points. The telephone system is a circuit-switched network. Circuit-switched networks are generally considered less efficient than packet-switched networks like the Internet because the circuit remains reserved even when no data is being transferred (i.e. when no one is talking).
CLASS features
Acronym for Custom Local Area Signaling Services; consists of number-translation services, such as call-forwarding and caller identification.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 50.
CPE
Acronym for Customer Premise Equipment; it includes all telecommunications terminal equipment located on the customer premises, including telephone sets, PBXs, data terminals and customer-owned coin-operated telephones.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 50.
Daisy-chain network
See bus network.
Bus network
A network topology in which all the computers connect to a single wire. Bus networks are the simplest way to connect multiple computers, but may encounter collisions when two clients want to transmit at the same time. Bus networks are also sometimes called "daisy-chain" networks, and they aren't commonly used any more.
Bus network. (2010, March 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:09, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bus_network&oldid=352926789
E911
Enhanced 911, a North American telecommunications based system that automatically associates a physical address with the calling party's telephone number, and routes the call to the most appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for that address. The caller's address and information is displayed to the calltaker immediately upon call arrival.
Enhanced 911. (2010, February 7). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:15, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Enhanced_911&oldid=342411324
Ethernet
A family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). The most common networking standard in the world, formally known as IEEE 802.3.
Ethernet. (2010, March 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:18, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ethernet&oldid=352965562
Fixed wireless
The operation of wireless devices used to connect two fixed locations (e.g., buildings) with a radio or other wireless link; used to enable data communications between the two sites. This term is usually reserved for devices that derive their electrical power from public utility mains—if it runs off a battery, it's not fixed wireless.
Fixed wireless. (2009, March 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:23, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fixed_wireless&oldid=276275815
Four-wire circuit
is a two-way circuit using two paths so arranged that the respective signals are transmitted in one direction only by one path and in the other direction by the other path. Late in the 20th century, almost all connections between telephone exchanges were four-wire circuits, while conventional phone lines into residences and businesses were two-wire circuits.
Four-wire circuit. (2009, September 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:34, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Four-wire_circuit&oldid=314843587
Hot spare
Sometimes referred to as hot standby; a failover mechanism to provide reliability in system configurations. The hot spare is active and connected as part of a working system. When a key component fails, the hot spare is switched into operation. More generally, a hot standby can be used to refer to any device or system that is held in readiness to overcome an otherwise significant start-up delay.
Hot spare. (2009, July 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:35, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hot_spare&oldid=304441478
Hot spot
A place where you can connect to a public wireless network.
IP
Acronym for Internet Protocol. It provides for transmitting blocks of data between hosts identified by fixed-length addresses.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 51.
ISDN
Acronym for Integrated Services Digital Network. It is a network architecture that enables end-to-end digital connections. It supports diverse services through integrated access arrangements and defines a limited set of standard, multipurpose interfaces for equipment vendors, network providers, and customers.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 51.
Latency
The length of time between a packet being sent and the response to that packet being returned.
Leased line
A symmetric telecommunications line connecting two locations. It is sometimes known as a 'Private Circuit' or 'Data Line' in the UK. Unlike traditional PSTN lines it does not have a telephone number, each side of the line being permanently connected to the other. Leased lines can be used for telephone, data or Internet services. Some are ringdown services, and some connect two PBXes.
Leased line. (2010, March 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:33, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leased_line&oldid=352019911
Long haul
The transmission of data over long distances, potentially many miles. Traditionally, wired networks have been necessary for long haul, but with 802.16, also known as WiMax, long haul via wireless will become more feasible.
A microwave Ethernet bridge designed and manufactured by Carlson Wireless Technologies.
Mbps
Megabits per second, or millions of bits per second, a measure of bandwidth.
Megahertz
A measure of electromagnetic wave frequency equal to one million (1,000,000) hertz, often abbreviated as MHz and used to specify the radio frequency used by wireless devices.
Modem
A device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data. Modems can be used over any means of transmitting analog signals, from driven diodes to radio.
Modem. (2010, March 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:42, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Modem&oldid=352849974
Multi-point
Is a configuration or topology designed to transmit data between a central site and a number of remote terminals on the same circuit. Individual terminals are not able to send data to each other.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 51.
Multiplexing
A process where multiple analog message signals or digital data streams are combined into one signal over a shared medium. The aim is to share an expensive resource. For example, in telecommunications, several phone calls may be transferred using one wire. It originated in telegraphy, and is now widely applied in communications.
Multiplexing. (2010, March 28). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:39, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Multiplexing&oldid=352510666
Network adapter
The card or built-in hardware used in a computer or handheld device to connect to a network, either by using cables or wirelessly.
Network interface controller. (2010, March 29). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:59, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Network_interface_controller&oldid=352735121
Network interface card
Commonly abbreviated to NIC. See network adapter.
PLAR
Private Line Automatic Ringdown is a type of analog signaling often used with telephone based intercom systems. When a device is taken off-hook, it applies a ringing voltage to the circuit. Other devices on the same pair will ring. Then, when another device is answered, a call will be maintained over the circuit at normal voltage. The telephone company switch is not involved in the process, making this a private line.
Ringdown. (2010, March 31). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:32, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ringdown&oldid=353143715
Plain old telephone service (POTS)
The voice-grade telephone service that remains the basic form of residential and small business service connection to the telephone network in most parts of the world. POTS has been available almost since the introduction of the public telephone system in the late 19th century, in a form mostly unchanged to the normal user despite the introduction of Touch-Tone dialing, electronic telephone exchanges and fiber-optic communication into the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Plain old telephone service. (2010, March 17). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:32, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Plain_old_telephone_service&oldid=350315664
Point-to-point
Is a type of communications link that connects a single device to another single device, such as a Base unit to a CPE unit.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 52.
Power over Ethernet
PoE technology describes a system to safely pass electrical power, along with data, on Ethernet cabling. Power can come from a power supply within a PoE-enabled networking device such as an Ethernet switch or from a device built for "injecting" power onto the Ethernet cabling, dubbed Midspan.
Power over Ethernet. (2010, March 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:09, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Power_over_Ethernet&oldid=352407536
Private branch exchange
(PBX) is a telephone exchange that serves a particular business or office, as opposed to one that a common carrier or telephone company operates for many businesses or for the general public. PBXs are also referred to as:
• PABX - private automatic branch exchange
• EPABX - electronic private automatic branch exchange
Private branch exchange. (2010, March 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:41, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Private_branch_exchange&oldid=352031367
Private line
A service that involves dedicated circuits, private switching arrangements, and/or predefined transmission paths, whether virtual or physical, which provide communications between specific locations.
Private line. (2010, March 14). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:33, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Private_line&oldid=349888501
Public switched telephone network (PSTN)
The network of the world's public circuit-switched telephone networks. Originally a network of fixed-line analog telephone systems, the PSTN is now almost entirely digital in its core and includes mobile as well as fixed (plain old telephone service, POTS) telephones.
Public switched telephone network. (2010, March 29). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:29, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Public_switched_telephone_network&oldid=352695179
Remote access point
One of a number of secondary access points in a wireless network that uses WDS to extend its range. Remote access points, sometimes also called "relay access points," connect to a master access point.
remote configuration
A feature that allows the CPE unit to be configured from the Base unit or VT-100 compatible terminal.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 52.
Ring network
A network topology similar to a bus network, but with the ends of the wire connected to form a ring. Ring networks are uncommon today.
Ringdown
A method of signaling an operator in which telephone ringing current is sent over the line to operate a lamp or cause the operation of a self-locking relay known as a drop. Ringdown (a) is used in manual operation, as distinguished from dialing, (b) uses a continuous or pulsed ac signal transmitted over the line, and (c) may be used with or without a switchboard.
Ringdown. (2010, March 31). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:32, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ringdown&oldid=353143715
RJ-11
A plug type used by telephones. RJ11 uses a 6 position 4 conductor (6P4C) modular plug and jack, not to be confused with the larger RJ-45 plug type used in Ethernet networks.
Registered jack. (2010, March 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:15, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Registered_jack&oldid=349985065
RJ-45
As a registered jack, RJ45 specifies both the physical connector and wiring pattern, and uses a special, [1][2] keyed 8P2C modular connector, with pins 5 and 4 wired for tip and ring of a single telephone line and pins 7 and 8 connected to a programming resistor. It was developed for use with a high speed modem, and is obsolete today.
Registered jack. (2010, March 15). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:15, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Registered_jack&oldid=349985065
Roaming
a general term that refers to the extending of connectivity service in a location that is different from the home location where the service was registered. Roaming ensures that the wireless device keeps connected to the network, without losing the connection.
Roaming. (2010, March 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:38, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roaming&oldid=352156278
Router
Is a device that supports LAN-to-LAN communications. IT reads logical addressing information and directs data across a network to its destination. See also bridge.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 52.
RS-232
Recommended Standard 232 is a standard for serial binary data signals connecting between a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and a DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment). It is commonly used in computer serial ports. A similar ITU-T standard is V.24.
RS-232. (2010, March 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:36, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RS-232&oldid=351372291
Signal strength
The strength of the radio waves in a wireless network or the magnitude of the electric field at a reference point that is a significant distance form the transmitting antenna.
Signal strength. (2009, December 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:03, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Signal_strength&oldid=334360821
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is an Internet standard for e-mail transmission across Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. (2010, March 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:05, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Simple_Mail_Transfer_Protocol&oldid=352114174
Synchronous
A method of data transmission in which timing information is sent along with the transmitted data. Synchronous communication is achieved when timing shares a single clock.
Carlson Wireless (2007, March). Trailblazer Digital Radio TB 2.4-5.8 and TB 4.9 series. Installation & User Manual, Rev 1.07, 52.
Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) are standardized multiplexing protocols that transfer multiple digital bit streams over optical fiber using lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Lower rates can also be transferred via an electrical interface. The method was developed to replace the Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) system for transporting larger amounts of telephone calls and data traffic over the same fibre wire without synchronization problems. SONET generic criteria are detailed in Telcordia Technologies Generic Requirements document GR-253-CORE. Generic criteria applicable to SONET and other transmission systems (e.g., asynchronous fiber optic systems or digital radio systems) are found in Telcordia GR-499-CORE.
Synchronous optical networking. (2010, March 31). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:31, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Synchronous_optical_networking&oldid=353086901
T-1, T-3
Transmission systems commonly used in the Internet. T-1 provides a continuous, dedicated transmission rate of up to 1.5 Mbps, T-3 44.7 Mbps. T-1 and T-3 lines are expensive and generally for business or science use, not consumer use.
Time-division multiplexing (TDM)
A type of digital or (rarely) analog multiplexing in which two or more signals or bit streams are transferred apparently simultaneously as sub-channels in one communication channel, but are physically taking turns on the channel. The time domain is divided into several recurrent timeslots of fixed length, one for each sub-channel. A sample byte or data block of sub-channel 1 is transmitted during timeslot 1, sub-channel 2 during timeslot 2, etc. One TDM frame consists of one timeslot per sub-channel. After the last sub-channel the cycle starts all over again with a new frame, starting with the second sample, byte or data block from sub-channel 1, etc.
Time-division multiplexing. (2010, February 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:40, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Time-division_multiplexing&oldid=345865898
TDMA
Time division multiple access (TDMA) is a channel access method for shared medium networks. It allows several users to share the same frequency channel by dividing the signal into different time slots. The users transmit in rapid succession, one after the other, each using his own time slot. This allows multiple stations to share the same transmission medium (e.g. radio frequency channel) while using only a part of its channel capacity.
Time division multiple access. (2010, February 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:14, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Time_division_multiple_access&oldid=345905025
A microwave radio with integrated channel bank which can interface with POTS, four-wire E&M, and/or Ethernet. Trailblazer can operate in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint configurations.
Twisted pair
A wiring type in which each pair of wires twists in a certain way to reduce electromagnetic interference. 10Base-T, 100Base-T, and Gigabit Ethernet all use twisted pair wires. Compare twisted pair to silver-satin telephone wire, in which the pairs don't twist, and which thus cannot be used for networking.
V.35 is an ITU-T standard located on layer 1 on the OSI model. Max speed is 2 Mbit/s. Withdrawn ITU-T recommendation for 48kbit/s data transmission over wideband circuits. The physical and electrical characteristics of this interface are now specified in ITU-T recommendation V.11.
ITU-T V-Series Recommendations. (2010, March 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:38, March 31, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ITU-T_V-Series_Recommendations&oldid=351590104
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks. Other terms frequently encountered and synonymous with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), broadband telephony, and broadband phone.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy, an encryption system for preventing eavesdropping on wireless network traffic. WEP is easily broken, and has been replaced by WPA on newer Wi-Fi products.
Wi-Fi
A certification mark managed by a trade group called the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi certification encompasses numerous different standards, including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, WPA, and more, and equipment must pass compatibility testing to receive the Wi-Fi mark.
WiMax
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile internet access. The technology provides up to 20 Mbps [1] in real world end-user throughput without the need for cables. The technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard (also called Broadband Wireless Access).
WiMAX. (2010, March 29). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:37, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WiMAX&oldid=352762835
WISP (Wireless ISP)
Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) are Internet service providers with networks built around wireless networking. Technology may include commonplace Wi-Fi wireless mesh networking, or proprietary equipment designed to operate over open 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 4.9, 5.2, 5.4, and 5.8GHz bands or licensed frequencies in the UHF or MMDS bands.
Wireless Internet service provider. (2010, March 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:39, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wireless_Internet_service_provider&oldid=352928402
WLAN
A wireless local area network links devices via a wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually provides a connection through an access point to the internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network.
Wireless LAN. (2010, March 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:41, March 30, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wireless_LAN&oldid=352334860
