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.
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What is interactive voice response (IVR)?
Interactive voice response (IVR) is an automated telephony system that interacts with callers, gathers information and routes calls to the appropriate recipients.
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What is the Universal Service Fund (USF)?
The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a United States government program that supports telecommunications access and affordability in rural and low-income communities.
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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.
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.
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What is network monitoring?
Network monitoring, also frequently called network management, is the practice of consistently overseeing a computer network for any failures or deficiencies to ensure continued network performance.
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What is a private cloud? Definition and examples
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture.
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What is network automation?
Network automation is a process that uses intelligent software to automate the management, configuration, deployment, testing and operation of both physical and virtual devices.
Network hardware
Terms related to network hardware, including definitions about cables or file servers and words and phrases about routers and switches.
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What is a private cloud? Definition and examples
Private cloud is a type of cloud computing that delivers advantages similar to public cloud, including scalability and self-service, but through a proprietary architecture.
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What is network automation?
Network automation is a process that uses intelligent software to automate the management, configuration, deployment, testing and operation of both physical and virtual devices.
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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.
Networking and communications
Terms related to networking and communications, including definitions about network protocols and words and phrases about data transmission.
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What is Internet Key Exchange (IKE)?
Internet Key Exchange (IKE) is a standard protocol used to set up a secure and authenticated communication channel between two parties via a virtual private network (VPN).
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What is HTTP and how does it work? Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for transferring files -- such as text, images, sound, video and other multimedia files -- over the web.
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What is cloud computing? Types, examples and benefits
Cloud computing is a general term for the on-demand delivery of hosted computing and IT services over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.