Networking
Definitions about networking including routing and switching vocabulary, telecom terminology and words about email, messaging and mobile.
High-speed networks
Terms related to high-speed communication networks, including network and end-system architecture definitions and words and phrases about high-bandwidth and low-latency communication.
-
What is PSTN (public switched telephone network)?
PSTN (public switched telephone network) is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks via traditional circuit-switched networks.
-
What is SMS (Short Message Service)?
SMS (Short Message Service), commonly referred to as 'text messaging,' is a service for sending short messages of up to 160 characters (224 character limit if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile devices, including cellular phones, smartphones and tablets.
-
What is Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)?
Cisco Performance Routing (PfR) is a way of sending network packets based on intelligent path control.
Network Admin
Terms related to managing computer networks, including definitions about LANS or WANS and words and phrases about network design, troubleshooting, security and backups.
-
What is Microsoft Azure and how does it work?
Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform.
-
What is a web server?
A web server is software and hardware that uses HTTP and other protocols to respond to client requests made over the World Wide Web.
-
What is SaaS (software as a service)?
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet.
Network hardware
Terms related to network hardware, including definitions about cables or file servers and words and phrases about routers and switches.
-
What is a server?
A server is a computer program or device that provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client.
-
What is Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)?
Cisco Performance Routing (PfR) is a way of sending network packets based on intelligent path control.
-
What is a MAC address and how do I find it?
A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network.
Networking and communications
Terms related to networking and communications, including definitions about network protocols and words and phrases about data transmission.
-
What is Microsoft Azure and how does it work?
Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform.
-
What is network downtime?
Network downtime refers to inaccessibility to part or all of a network due to the failure of hardware, software or some combination of both.
-
What is PSTN (public switched telephone network)?
PSTN (public switched telephone network) is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks via traditional circuit-switched networks.
Wireless and mobile
Terms related to wireless and mobile technology, including definitions about consumer mobile technology devices and communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE.
-
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is an open source social media platform -- similar to X, formerly Twitter -- allowing users to create posts with a 300-character limit, which can include text, photos or videos.
-
What is NRZ (non-return-to-zero)?
NRZ (non-return-to-zero) is a form of digital data transmission in which the binary low and high states, represented by numerals 0 and 1, are transmitted by specific and constant direct current (DC) voltages.
-
What is SMS (Short Message Service)?
SMS (Short Message Service), commonly referred to as 'text messaging,' is a service for sending short messages of up to 160 characters (224 character limit if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile devices, including cellular phones, smartphones and tablets.