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3-Way Tele-Conferencing
Allows you to have 3-way conversations with two parties on two different lines. (Under certain circumstances, the far-end parties on a conference call may not hear one another clearly.
802.11
A family of specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
900 Megahertz
Frequency band in cordless telephones dedicated by the FCC to miscellaneous applications. The 902-928 MHz. frequency band enables signals to penetrate walls and other physical barriers more easily than conventional cordless telephones.
A
Access Control List
ACL. This is a database of network devices that are allowed to access resources on the network.
Access Point
AP. Device that allows wireless clients to connect to it and access the network
Ad-hoc network
Peer-to-Peer network between wireless clients
Address Resolution Protocol
ARP. Used to map MAC addresses to IP addresses so that conversions can be made in both directions.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
Adjustable Receiver Volume Control
Lets user raise or lower the loudness of the voice coming through the handset.
Adjustable Ringer Control
Allows you to set the ringer from loud to off.
Adjustable Volume Control
Lets you raise or lower the loudness of the voice coming through the handset.
ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation)
It encodes speech to enable high speech quality over a DECT telephone.
Advanced Encryption Standard
AES. Government encryption standard
Alphanumeric
Characters A-Z and 0-9
Announce Only
Allows the user to set the unit to play only the announcement to the caller. At the completion of the announcement, the unit disconnects from the line.
Antenna
Used to transmit and receive RF signals.
AppleTalk
A set of Local Area Network protocols developed by Apple for their computer systems
AppleTalk Address Resolution Protocol
AARP. Used to map the MAC addresses of Apple computers to their AppleTalk network addresses, so that conversions can be made in both directions.
Application Layer
7th Layer of the OSI model. Provides services to applications to ensure that they can communicate properly with other applications on a network.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This system of characters is most commonly used for text files
Audible Message Alert
A special tone informs you that new messages have been received.
Attenuation
The loss in strength of digital and analog signals. The loss is greater when the signal is being transmitted over long distances.
Authentication
To provide credentials, like a Password, in order to verify that the person or device is really who they are claiming to be.
Automatic Private IP Addressing
APIPA. An IP address that that a Windows computer will assign itself when it is configured to obtain an IP address automatically but no DHCP server is available on the network.
Auto Line Select
Automatically selects either the ringing line or an idle line when you pick up the receiver.
Auto-Dial Memory
You can access and dial a preprogrammed number with the touch of one button -- ideal for emergency or frequently dialed numbers.
Auto-Line Select
Automatically selects either the ringing line or an idle line when you pick up the receiver.
Auto-Redial
Automatically keeps redialing busy numbers for up to 10 attempts every 40 seconds.
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B
Backward Compatible
The ability for new devices to communicate and interact with older legacy devices to guarantee interoperability
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of bytes or bits per second that can be transmitted to and from a network device
Basic Input/Output System
BIOS. A program that the processor of a computer uses to startup the system once it is turned on
Battery Backup
In cordless telephones, a provision is made in the base for a battery that will provide power in the event of a power outage.
Battery Saver Mode
"Ringer On/Off" switch on a cordless handset is placed in the "Off" position. This will serve to extend the life of the battery by putting the handset in a very low powered state. In this mode, the phone can be used to place or answer calls or perform other functions on the handset.
Baud
Data transmission speed
Beacon
A data frame by which one of the stations in a Wi-Fi network periodically broadcasts network control data to other wireless stations.
Bit rate
The amount of bits that pass in given amount of time
Bit/sec
Bits per second
BOOTP
Bootstrap Protocol. Allows for computers to be booted up and given an IP address with no user intervention
Bottleneck
A time during processes when something causes the process to slowdown or stop all together
Broadband
A wide band of frequencies available for transmitting data
Broadcast
Transmitting data in all directions at once
Browser
A program that allows you to access resources on the web and provides them to you graphically
C
Cable modem
A device that allows you to connect a computer up to a coaxial cable and receive Internet access from your Cable provider
Call Intercept
Disconnects the answering machine if you should pick up the phone after the machine has begun to answer the call.
Call Log
Record of the last five phone numbers dialed from a cordless handset.
Call Memory
Stores all information on calls received, whether the phone was answered or not.
Call Recording
Allows you to record both sides of entire conversations with the caller's consent.
Call Screening
Allows you to listen-in as a message is being recorded so you can then decide whether to take the call.
Caller ID Name & Number Capability
Displays a caller's name, area code, phone number, date and time of call. This allows you to screen calls because the information is displayed between the first and second rings.
CardBus
A newer version of the PC Card or PCMCIA interface. It supports a 32-bit data path, DMA, and consumes less voltage
CAT 5
Category 5. Used for 10/100 Mbps or 1Gbps Ethernet connections
Change Remote Access Code
After the remote security code has been entered, the caller can enter a touch-tone command to enter a new remote access code. After this command is entered, the caller then enters the new code. If speech prompts are available, the system may announce the new code after it is entered.
Changeable Security Code
Lets you set and alter the code required to access messages remotely.
Channel AutoSelect®
To avoid interference, the cordless phone automatically searches and selects the clearest channel before the pickup of the handset.
Clarity Plus TM Sound
Proprietary circuit technology which virtually eliminates static.
Client
A program or user that requests data from a server
Collision
When do two devices on the same Ethernet network try and transmit data at the exact same time.
Compandor Circuitry
Enhances sound quality and extends the phone's noise-free range by eliminating static.
Cookie
Information that is stored on the hard drive of your computer that holds your preferences to the site that gave your computer the cookie.
Cue
Cueing allows the user to move forward through the messages quickly, while listening to some audio-feedback that gives an indication of where the user is in the message center.
Cue and Review
Lets you play a portion of any message instantly.
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D
Data
Information that has been translated into binary so that it can be processed or moved to another device
Data Encryption Standard
Uses a randomly selected 56-bit key that must be known by both the sender and the receiver when information is exchanged
Data-Link layer
The second layer of the OSI model. Controls the movement of data on the physical link of a network
Database
Organizes information so that it can be managed updated, as well as easily accessed by users or applications.
DB-25
A 25 ping male connector for attaching External modems or RS-232 serial devices
DB-9
A 9 pin connector for RS-232 connections
dBd
Decibels related to dipole antenna
dBi
Decibels relative to isotropic radiator
dBm
Decibels relative to one milliwatt
DCS/DCA (Dynamic Channel Selection / Allocation)
DCS/DCA is exclusive to DECT. This guarantees that only the best available radio channels will be used when the phone is in use, and on standby.
Default to Save Messages
If the user plays messages and takes no further action, the system automatically saves all messages. User action is required to delete messages.
Decrypt
To unscramble an encrypted message back into plain text
DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications)
DECT is a digital radio access application, in use in business, domestic and public environments. DECT supports multimedia and voice technologies. DECT supports developments in Internet access and internetworking through other fixed and wireless services such as GSM and ISDN. A DECT system is based on a network of low-power radio base stations, and provides coverage throughout a premise, indoor or out. Within the area of the premises, the user can make and receive calls freely. Radio base stations 'handover' calls from the one to another as the user walks around the building, the change in base station is unnoticeable. DECT uses various digital radio techniques to fully utilize the radio spectrum. The radio techniques used support high quality speech and security delivery.
DECT Applications
The DECT standard enables several telecommunications applications, such as multi-cell cordless PBX (Private Business Exchange), wireless local loop systems, and single-cell domestic cordless phones. The multi-cell DECT cordless PBX system creates an integrated mobile communications network within the workplace, able to serve several thousands of people at once. DECT radio technology allows distribution of voice and data services within a single network, securely and with little interference. Residential DECT uses the single-cell DECT cordless telephone. Residential DECT gives better functionalty and speech quality than previous cordless phones, and affiliates handsets, enabling in-house communications. DECT provides a radio-alternative to subscriber local loop. The alternative is cost-effective, and readily available, providing high quality voice and data services to users. Subscriber coverage can be built on, and the technology can be used as an alternative to the wireline. This reduces initial outlay for the operator. DECT based products are presently capable of providing data links of up to 552 kbit/s, in products ranging from barcode scanners to Internet access. Developments will enable the rate to go up to 2 Mbit/s. DECT has profiles, both access and inernetworking, which allow integration with other communication solutions. For example, DECT and GSM can be combined to give users full integration with dual-mode handsets.
Default
A predetermined value or setting that is used by a program when no user input has been entered for this value or setting
Demilitarized zone
DMZ: A single computer or group of computers that can be accessed by both users on the Internet as well as users on the Local Network, but that is not protected by the same security as the Local Network.
Dial-In-Base Speaker
Functions as an extension phone because a full keypad in the base unit allows you to place calls.
Dialing Memory
User can access and dial a preprogrammed number with the touch of one or two buttons - ideal for emergency or frequently used numbers.
Digital LED Message Display
Indicates the number of message received.
Digital Security System
Special technology that helps prevent unauthorized access to conversations by other cordless phones nearby.
Digital Sound
State-of-the-art technology to produce the most consistent sound quality.
Display Dial Button
Automatically dials the number shown on display.
Distinctive Ringing
Two different ring tones allow you to distinguish between calls coming in on Line 1 and calls coming in on Line 2.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: Used to automatically assign IP addresses from a predefined pool of addresses to computers or devices that request them
Digital certificate:
An electronic method of providing credentials to a server in order to have access to it or a network
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
DSSS: Modulation technique used by 802.11b wireless devices
DMZ
"Demilitarized Zone". A computer that logically sits in a "no-mans land" between the LAN and the WAN. The DMZ computer trades some of the protection of the Access Point's security mechanisms for the convenience of being directly addressable from the Internet.
DNS
Domain Name System: Translates Domain Names to IP addresses
Domain name
A name that is associated with an IP address
Do Not Disturb
Allows you to work without hearing the phone ring or message being left.
Download
To send a request from one computer to another and have the file transmitted back to the requesting computer
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. High bandwidth Internet connection over telephone lines
Duplex
Sending and Receiving data transmissions at the sane time
Dynamic DNS service
Dynamic DNS is provided by companies to allow users with Dynamic IP addresses to obtain a Domain Name that will always by linked to their changing IP address. The IP address is updated by either client software running on a computer or by a Access Point that supports Dynamic DNS, whenever the IP address changes
Dynamic IP address
IP address that is assigned by a DHCP server and that may change. Cable Internet providers usually use this method to assign IP addresses to their customers.
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E
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol
Email
Electronic Mail is a computer-stored message that is transmitted over the Internet
Encryption
Converting data into cyphertext so that it cannot be easily read
Enhanced Effective Range
Within broadcast range, there is no gradual deterioration of sound quality as the handset is moved away from the base unit.
Enhanced Dependability
Solid state design means there are no mechanical parts to jam or wear out.
Ethernet
The most widely used technology for Local Area Networks.
F
Fiber optic
A way of sending data through light impulses over glass or plastic wire or fiber
File server
A computer on a network that stores data so that the other computers on the network can all access it
File sharing
Allowing data from computers on a network to be accessed by other computers on the network with different levels of access rights
Firewall
A device that protects resources of the Local Area Network from unauthorized users outside of the local network
Firmware
Programming that is inserted into a hardware device that tells it how to function
Flash Button
Allows you to access special local telephone company subscriber services like Call Waiting and 3-Way Conferencing.
Flex Antenna
Durable antenna that is safer and more convenient.
Fragmentation
Breaking up data into smaller pieces to make it easier to store
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. Easiest way to transfer files between computers on the Internet
Full-duplex
Sending and Receiving data at the same time
G
Gain
The amount an amplifier boosts the wireless signal
Gateway
A device that connects your network to another, like the internet
Gbps
Gigabits per second
Gigabit Ethernet
Transmission technology that provides a data rate of 1 billion bits per second
GUI
Graphical user interface
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H
H.323
A standard that provides consistency of voice and video transmissions and compatibility for videoconferencing devices
Half-duplex
Data cannot be transmitted and received at the same time
Hands-Free Speakerphone
A touch of a button allows you to conduct conversations without raising the handset. This enhances your productivity and mobility.
Handset Locator
Pressing this button on the base unity causes a sound to be emitted on the handset, enabling you to find it.
Hashing
Transforming a string of characters into a shorter string with a predefined length
Hearing Aid Compatible
Special circuitry reduces feedback that can result when the phone is used by a person wearing a hearing aid.
Hexadecimal
Characters 0-9 and A-F
Hold Button
Allows you to switch to another line without disconnection or to hand up the phone when switching to another extension on the same line.
Hop
The action of data packets being transmitted from one Access Point to another
Host
Computer on a network
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol is used to transfer files from HTTP servers (web servers) to HTTP clients (web browsers)
HTTPS
HTTP over SSL is used to encrypt and decrypt HTTP transmissions
Hub
A networking device that connects multiple devices together
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I
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGMP
Internet Group Management Protocol is used to make sure that computers can report their multicast group membership to adjacent Access Points
IIS
Internet Information Server is a WEB server and FTP server provided by Microsoft
IKE
Internet Key Exchange is used to ensure security for VPN connections
Illuminated Dial
Dialing buttons light when receiver is lifted.
Infrastructure
In terms of a wireless network, this is when wireless clients use an Access Point to gain access to the network
Instant Access
No waiting for audio tapes to rewind or fast forward.
Interference Reduction
Broad band 900MHz transmission significantly reduces the possibility of signal overlap, static and sound pollution from other radio-transmitting devices such as baby monitors and garage door openers.
Internet
A system of worldwide networks which use TCP/IP to allow for resources to be accessed from computers around the world
Internet Explorer
A World Wide Web browser created and provided by Microsoft
Internet Protocol
The method of transferring data from one computer to another on the Internet
Internet Protocol Security
IPsec provides security at the packet processing layer of network communication
Internet Service Provider
An ISP provides access to the Internet to individuals or companies
Intranet
A private network
Intrusion Detection
A type of security that scans a network to detect attacks coming from inside and outside of the network
IP
Internet Protocol
IP address
A 32-bit number, when talking about Internet Protocol Version 4, that identifies each computer that transmits data on the Internet or on an Intranet
IPsec
Internet Protocol Security
IPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange is a networking protocol developed by Novel to enable their Netware clients and servers to communicate
ISP
Internet Service Provider
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J
Java
A programming language used to create programs and applets for web pages
K
Kbps
Kilobits per second
Kbyte
Kilobyte
L
LAN
Local Area Network
Latency
The amount of time that it takes a packet to get from the one point to another on a network. Also referred to as delay
LCD Display
Easy to read display of the caller's area code, telephone number and name, which appears automatically between the first and second ring.
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LED Message Display
Shows you, in numbers, how many messages were received.
LED Message Indicator
Blinking light lets you know how many messages you've received.
Legacy
Older devices or technology
Line-In-Use LED Indicator
Lets you know that a line is in use when any phone on that line is ringing, off the hook or on hold.
Local Area Network
A group of computers in a building that usually access files from a server
Low Battery Indication
If the system detects that the level of the battery power available to operate the phone in the event of an AC power failure is below a threshold value (either because no battery is installed or because the battery is low on power) the system indicates this status. This indication may either be a dedicated LCD display or on the LCD.
LPR/LPD
"Line Printer Requestor"/"Line Printer Daemon". A TCP/IP protocol for transmitting streams of printer data.
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
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M
MAC address
A unique hardware ID assigned to every Ethernet adapter by the manufacturer.
Mail Boxes
The mail box feature allows the message center to be broken into 2 or more sections that can be selected by incoming calls and played back separately. This feature can allow better access for the multiple users of the answering system.
Mbps
Megabits per second
MDI
Medium Dependent Interface is an Ethernet port for a connection to a straight-through cable
MDIX
Medium Dependent Interface Crossover, is an Ethernet port for a connection to a crossover cable
Memo Feature
Allows user to record messages for playback by others at the machine. Indicator light alerts them that a memo awaits.
Memo Record
The user can record a message from the local microphone.
Memory Guard
Numbers stored in memory are protected from loss during battery changes or power failures.
Memory Speed-Dial
Allows you to preprogram frequently called numbers and dial them with the touch of a button.
MIB
Management Information Base is a set of objects that can be managed by using SNMP
Modem
A device that Modulates digital signals from a computer to an analog signal in order to transmit the signal over phone lines. It also Demodulates the analog signals coming from the phone lines to digital signals for your computer
MPPE
Microsoft Point-to-Point Encryption is used to secure data transmissions over PPTP connections
MTU
Maximum Transmission Unit is the largest packet that can be transmitted on a packet-based network like the Internet
Multicast
Sending data from one device to many devices on a network
Multi-Function LCD
Displays numbers being dialed, scrolls through numbers stored in memory, allows correction of misdialed digits by using the backspace button, indicates low battery condition and channel being used.
Multi-Function Message Light
Illuminates when a new call has been received in your Caller ID memory or when a 'blocked' call is incoming on the line. Also provides notification to subscribers of Voice Mail with Visual Message Waiting service that a message awaits in their mailbox.
Multi-Lingual Display
Select option allows user to display text in English, Spanish or French.
Mute Button
Keeps the party on the other end from hearing what is being said on user's end of the line. The mute button must be held down to use.
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N
NAT
Network Address Translation allows many private IP addresses to connect to the Internet, or another network, through one IP address
NetBEUI
NetBIOS Extended User Interface is a Local Area Network communication protocol. This is an updated version of NetBIOS
NetBIOS
Network Basic Input/Output System
Netmask
Determines what portion of an IP address designates the Network and which part designates the Host
Network Interface Card
A card installed in a computer or built onto the motherboard that allows the computer to connect to a network
Network Layer
The third layer of the OSI model which handles the routing of traffic on a network
Network Time Protocol
Used to synchronize the time of all the computers in a network
New Message Playback
Restricts playback on remote access call-ins to just those messages that have not been played back previously. This saves you time and money.
Next Button
When reviewing call history, advances the display to the next number in memory at a touch.
NIC
Network Interface Card
NTP
Network Time Protocol
O
OFDM
Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing is the modulation technique for both 802.11a and 802.11g
One-Touch Playback
When checking messages at the machine, a single button will start playback with the first message.OSI
Open Systems Interconnection is the reference model for how data should travel between two devices on a network
OSPF
Open Shortest Path First is a routing protocol that is used more than RIP in larger scale networks because only changes to the routing table are sent to all the other Access Points in the network as opposed to sending the entire routing table at a regular interval, which is how RIP functions
Out of Range Alert
Audible or visible alert that informs users that they are about to step out of the cordless telephone's range.
Outgoing Announcement Bypass
Allows you to skip your outgoing announcement when you call in for messages. Also allows callers to skip your announcement and leave their message.
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P
Page/Intercom
Transmits voice between the handset and the base unit.
Password
A sequence of characters that is used to authenticate requests to resources on a network
Parallel Set Performance
Allows for uninterrupted talking/ listening capabilities between all users during multi-extension conversations.
Personal Area Network
The interconnection of networking devices within a range of 10 meters
Physical layer
The first layer of the OSI model. Provides the hardware means of transmitting electrical signals on a data carrier
Ping
A utility program that verifies that a given Internet address exists and can receive messages. The utility sends a control packet to the given address and waits for a response.
PoE
Power over Ethernet is the means of transmitting electricity over the unused pairs in a category 5 Ethernet cable
POP3
Post Office Protocol 3 is used for receiving email
Port
A logical channel endpoint in a network. A computer might have only one physical channel (its Ethernet channel) but can have multiple ports (logical channels) each identified by a number.
Power Failure Indication
If an AC power failure occurs and causes loss of information from memory (this should happen only if battery power is not available), the system indicates that this has happened. This indication may be either a flashing light or a character or characters in the Answering System LED Display. If a power failure occurs but does not cause loss of information from memory, this system typically will not indicate that this has happened.
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol is used for two computers to communicate with each over a serial interface, like a phone line
PPPoE
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet is used to connect multiple computers to a remote server over Ethernet
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is used for creating VPN tunnels over the Internet between two networks
Preamble
Used to synchronize communication timing between devices on a network
Previous Button
Displays the preceding number in memory at a touch.
Priority Calling
Special tone indicates an important caller is trying to reach you even if the call screening volume is off.
Programmable Pause
Installs a pause within preprogrammed numbers which is necessary for informational calling and for many telephone-accessed services.
Q
QoS
Quality of Service
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R
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service allows for remote users to dial into a central server and be authenticated in order to access resources on a network
Reboot
To restart a computer and reload it's operating software or firmware from nonvolatile storage.
Redial Button
Allows you to automatically redial the last number dialed - ideal for busy or unanswered numbers.
Remote Access
Allows you to call in from any touch tone phone to playback messages and change your outgoing announcement.
Remote Call Counter
Informs you of the number of messages received when you call to check your messages.
Remote Room Monitor
Lets you call your answering machine and listen to any activity in the room.
Remove All Button
Erases the specific call on display or entire call history quickly and easily.
Rendezvous
Apple's version of UPnP, which allows for devices on a network to discover each other and be connected without the need to configure any settings
Repeat
The user can repeat a message being played by tapping REPEAT. Multiple taps of REPEAT will allow the user to step backwards to each message in the message center, all the way to message one.
Repeater
Retransmits the signal of an Access Point in order to extend it's coverage
Retractable Flex Antenna
Provides clear reception even when in its lowest position.
Ring Select
The user can cause the unit to answer on the ring number set by the ring select switch (e.g. three rings, five rings, etc.) Currently, this is implemented with a two or three position switch.
Ringer Volume Control
Allows user to set the ringer from loud to off.
RIP
Routing Information Protocol is used to synchronize the routing table of all the Access Points on a network
RJ-11
The most commonly used connection method for telephones
RJ-45
The most commonly used connection method for Ethernet
Room Monitor With Intercom
After the remote security code has been entered, the caller can enter a touch-tone command to turn on the system speaker so that any sounds generated by the caller (e.g., speech) can be heard through the speaker. When used in conjunction with the room monitor feature, the caller can alternate between turning on the speaker (so that the caller can talk to anyone near the system) and turning on the microphone (so that the caller can listen to anyone near the system).
RS-232C
The interface for serial communication between computers and other related devices
RSA
Algorithm used for encryption and authentication.
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S
Server
A computer on a network that provides services and resources to other computers on the network
Session key
An encryption and decryption key that is generated for every communication session between two computers
Session layer
The fifth layer of the OSI model which coordinates the connection and communication between applications on both ends
Selectable Dialing
Changes to allow the use with either touch tone or rotary (dial pulse) service.
Selective Save and Delete
Erases any individual message with one touch.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Used for sending and receiving email
Simple Network Management Protocol
Governs the management and monitoring of network devices
Shorter Radio Wave
Means the radio signal is far more capable of going through small openings and navigating around physical obstructions which can cause interference.
Skip
The user can skip to the next message by tapping SKIP. Multiple taps of SKIP will allow the user to step forward through messages all the way to the last message.
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol. A standard protocol for initiating a user session that involves multimedia content, such as voice or chat.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SOHO
Small Office/Home Office
Speaker Volume Control
This control allows the volume of messages, announcements, and call screening to be adjusted from no audible sound to loud sound.
Speed-Dial Memory
You can access and dial a preprogrammed number with the touch of two buttons.
Spread Spectrum Technology
Employs sending a message as a series of computer codes. However, since the signal is stretched out over a broad frequency band, the receiver only needs to receive a part of the transmitted signal to reconstruct the original message.
SPI
Stateful Packet Inspection
SSH
Secure Shell is a command line interface that allows for secure connections to remote computers
SSID
Service Set Identifier is a name for a wireless network
Stateful inspection
A feature of a firewall that monitors outgoing and incoming traffic to make sure that only valid responses to outgoing requests are allowed to pass though the firewall
Subnet mask
Determines what portion of an IP address designates the Network and which part designates the Host
Superior Privacy
It is virtually impossible for an eavesdropper to listen in on your conversations.
Syslog
System Logger -- a distributed logging interface for collecting in one place the logs from different sources. Originally written for UNIX, it is now available for other operating systems, including Windows.
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T
Table or Wall Convertible
Device can be converted from a table to a wall model and back again.
Tapeless Microchip Recording
Messages are recorded directly onto a digital microchip, which assures consistent sound quality.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TCP Raw
A TCP/IP protocol for transmitting streams of printer data.
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
TDMA radio access provides large system capabilities and low radio interference, enabling access to up to 100,000 users per km2 of floor space.
TFTP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol is a utility used for transferring files that is simpler to use than FTP but with less features
Throughput
The amount of data that can be transferred in a given time period
Time/Day Stamp
A voice informs you of the day and time a message is received then informs you of the message.
Toll Saver
Delays answering if there are no messages. When calling in, this allows you to hang up and avoid paying for a call.
Touch-Tone Remote Access
The system allows callers to access features remotely by calling the system and generating touch-tone signals over the telephone line. A touch-tone remote security code is required for access to most features.
Traceroute
A utility displays the routes between you computer and specific destination
Two-Way Page/Intercom
Feature can be used as a paging system and to transmit voice between handset and the base units in cordless telephones.
Two-Way Record
Allows the user to record a conversation between an attached set and the caller.
U
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
Unicast
Communication between a single sender and receiver
Universal Plug and Play
A standard that allows network devices to discover each other and configure themselves to be a part of the network
Upgrade
To install a more recent version of a software or firmware product
Upload
To send a request from one computer to another and have a file transmitted from the requesting computer to the other
UPnP
Universal Plug and Play
URL
Uniform Resource Locator is a unique address for files accessible on the Internet
USB
Universal Serial Bus
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
V
Virtual Private Network
VPN: A secure tunnel over the Internet to connect remote offices or users to their company's network
VLAN
Virtual LAN
Voice Activated Commands
Responds to voice commands if you are calling from a rotary phone.
Voice Announce
With microphone hook-up, unit can record names and program a telephone number to those names.
Voice Assistance
A voice guides you through remote commands.
Voice-Help Menus
After the remote security code is entered, the system can generate speech prompts to tell the caller which features are available and what the caller has to do to access the feature(s). The system may also have a touch-tone "help" command that will result in presentation of a menu of those speech prompts.
Voice Mailboxes
Allows callers to leave private messages for select individuals. Each mailbox has a personalized outgoing announcement and security code.
Voice over IP
Sending voice information over the Internet as opposed to the PSTN
VoIP
Voice over IP
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W
Wake on LAN
Allows you to power up a computer though it's Network Interface Card
WAN
Wide Area Network
WDS
Wireless Distribution System. A system that enables the interconnection of access points wirelessly.
Web browser
A utility that allows you to view content and interact with all of the information on the World Wide Web
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy is security for wireless networks that is supposed to be comparable to that of a wired network
Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity
Wi-Fi Protected Access
An updated version of security for wireless networks that provides authentication as well as encryption
Wide Area Network
The larger network that your LAN is connected to, which may be the Internet itself, or a regional or corporate network
Wireless ISP
A company that provides a broadband Internet connection over a wireless connection
Wireless LAN
Connecting to a Local Area Network over one of the 802.11 wireless standards
WISP
Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN
Wireless Local Area Network
WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access. A Wi-Fi security enhancement that provides improved data encryption, relative to WEP.
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X
xDSL
A generic term for the family of digital subscriber line (DSL) technologies, such as ADSL, HDSL, RADSL, and SDSL.
Y
Yagi antenna
A directional antenna used to concentrate wireless signals on a specific location
Z
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WLAN Glossary
Access Point
An access point is a bridging device for connecting a wired and wireless network together. Access points are typically wireless routers or stand-alone devices that plug into an Ethernet hub, switch, or router.
Ad-Hoc Mode
Ad-Hoc Mode is also referred to as a "peer to peer' wireless network. By enabling ad-hoc mode in the wireless client utility, wireless PCs can communicate directly with one another without having to go through an access point.
Authentication
Determines a user's identity. as well as determining what a user is authorized to access, e.g. a financial database or a support knowledgebase. The most common form of authentication is user name and password, although this also provides the lowest level of security.
Bridging
Bridging is a dedicated wireless link between two or more access points. This wireless link is made when an access point takes the MAC address of the other access point and vice versa.
CCK
CCK (Complimentary Code Keying) is a modulation scheme used with wireless networks (WLANs) that employ the IEEE 802.11b specification. A network using CCK can transfer more data per unit time for a given signal bandwidth than a network using the Barker code, because CCK makes more efficient use of the bit sequences.
dBi
The decibel units used to calculate the gain of an antenna.
DBPSK
DBPSK (Differential Binary Phase Shift Keying) is a modulation technique used by IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless LANs for transmission at 1 Mbps.
DQPSK
DQPSK (Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) is a modulation technique used by IEEE 802.11-compliant wireless LANs for transmission at 2 Mbps.
DSSS
DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) is a transmission technology used in WLAN (wireless LAN) transmissions where a data signal at the sending station is combined with a higher data rate bit sequence, or chipping code, that divides the user data according to a spreading ratio. The chipping code is a redundant bit pattern for each bit that is transmitted, which increases the signal’s resistance to interference. If one or more bits in the pattern are damaged during transmission, the original data can be recovered due to the redundancy of the transmission.
Encryption
Encryption prevents any non-authored party from reading or changing data. The level of protection provided by encryption is determined by an encryption algorithm.
Gain
An increase in signal power, voltage, or current by an amplifier, expressed as the ratio of output to input.
HotSpot
A Hotspot provides the same functionality as an Access Point but has added capabilities such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) and multiple SSID broadcasting.
IEEE
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) is an organization that sets system transmission standards. Most products that conform to the IEEE standard assure customers that products will be compatible with other vendor products.
Infrastructure Mode
Infrastructure Mode allows PCs to communicate with one another through the use of an access point. Each laptop or desktop wireless client adapter communicates with the access point, which can in turn provide access to the corporate network or Internet.
MIMO
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) is an antenna technology that uses multiple antennas to minimize errors and optimize data speed.
OFDM
OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) splits the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. As a result, large amounts of digital data are transferred over a radio wave. OFDM also reduces the amount of crosstalk in signal transmissions.
Packet
A unit of data sent across a network. When a large block of data is to be sent over a network, it is broken up into several packets, sent, and reassembled at the other end. Packets often include checksum codes to detect transmission errors. The exact layout of an individual packet is determined by the protocol being used.
Repeater
A device (e.g. wireless access point) used in wireless networks to extend wireless coverage by strengthening or repeating Wi-Fi signals.
Reverse SMA
Reverse SMA (also known as Reverse Polarity SMA) is like an SMA connector, but the internal sex is reversed. For example, in a connector where a male pin would normally be present a female receptacle is found.
SMA
SMA (Sub-miniature Type A) is a commonly used RF/Microwave connector. Its standard design interconnects to 12.4 GHz.
SSID
A SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a 32-character alphanumeric key that uniquely identifies a wireless LAN. It is often referred to as the "Network Name". It is used to keep unauthorized wireless equipment from accessing your LAN. To communicate, wireless devices on the same network must be configured with the same SSID.
Turbo Mode
Turbo Mode allows an access point to transmit wireless signals at 108Mbps.
WEP
WEP (Wired Equivalent Protocol) is a security protocol used to encrypt data transmitted over a wireless network. WEP has three settings: Off (no security), 64-bit (weak security), 128-bit (a bit better security). WEP uses four encryption keys that can be changed periodically to make traffic more difficult to intercept. All devices on the network must use the same encryption (keys).
WPA
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a higher level of security than WEP that combines encryption and authentication to create an unbreakable level of protection. A WPA-PSK (WPAPm-shared Key) is set up on each network device, so that packets sent over a wireless network are encrypted using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol).
XR
XR (eXtenderd Range) allows a wireless access point to provide better wireless coverage, eliminating indoor dead spots.
