10 Base-T - Ethernet Local Area Network. Each workstation connects to a 10 Base-T hum (100 meter maximum segment length). Each has a 10 Base-T card.

56K - New generation of modems, improves speed of communication between PC and Internet.

Bandwidth - Measure of capacity. Larger bandwidth allows more connection of information in a given period of time.

BPS - Bits Per Second- measures transmission speed.

Cable Modem - Device attached between a PC and analog cable TV distribution that regulates data to and from the cable path. Provides data transmission capability to cable customers over existing infrastructure.

CLEC - Competitive Local Exchange Carrier

Central Office - Physical building where switching equipment is found.

Connection Speed - Speed data is transferred between your computer and the central office. Two types of speed are receiving (downloading) and sending (uploading).

Dedicated Line - A communications channel for the exclusive use of a particular subscriber.

DSL Modem - Converts ATM cells to Ethernet packets and vice versa in the use of DSL.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line- Broadband technology that uses existing copper pair wiring that already exists in almost every home and office. Moves data over phone lines much faster than analog modems. Hardware attached to the user and switcher ends of the line. Splits the phone line into 2 frequency ranges. Frequencies below 4 kHz are used for voice; the range above is used for data. Provides data transmission over the wires at a faster speed than standard phone wiring and dial up modems. No dial up delays. Fast file download. Available within 3-mile radius of central office. About 50-60% of all houses are currently ready for DSL.

DSL Filters - Micro filters that connect to telephone jacks. Facilitate DSL Internet connection.

DTE - Data Terminal Equipment- The device that transmits data, such as a personal computer or a data terminal.

Downstream - Host to end-user.

Dynamic IP Addressing- One of two types of DSL addressing. It is a temporary address, randomly assigned from a pool of addresses. Each time you connect to the Internet, you will have a different address. Offered with standard DSL packages.

Ethernet Connection - Common method of networking computers in a LAN. Handles 10,000 bps. High-speed direct connection to a network where an Ethernet network interface card (NIC) is installed so that the user can access any host connected to the network. Can be used with most computers

FTTC - Fiber to the Curb- Network where an optical fiber runs from the telephone switch to a curbside distribution point close to the subscriber where it is converted to copper pair.

HDSL - High Bit-rate to Digital Subscriber Line- Modems on either end of one or more twisted wire pair that delivers T1 speeds. Requires 2 lines.

IEC - Inter Exchange Carrier

IP (Internet Protocol) is the way computers identify and communicate over the Internet. Each computer has a unique IP address. Each resource must have an IP address. The IP address is a series of 4 numbers separated by periods.

ISDL - ISDN Digital Subscriber Line

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network- Provides up to 56 Kbps of bandwidth on a phone line used for voice. Up to 128 Kbps if the line is only used for data.

ISP - Internet Service Provider- Provides commercial access to the Internet.

KBPS - Kilobits per Second

LAN - Local Area Network- Data network that connects computers in an area. Usually within a building or floors within a building.

MBPS - Megabits Per Second

Modulation - Encodes digital or analog signals on a different waveform. Adapts the signal to a different frequency range than that of the original signal.

NIC - Network Interface Card- Provides interface between a computer and the network. The network can be LAN or the IP connection through a DSL bridge or router.

RBOC - Regional Bell Operating Company- one of the 7 regional phone companies from the breakup of AT&T.

Router - Connection between networks for DSL Directs traffic according to routing tables programmed in it.

SNR - Signal to Noise Ration

Static IP Addressing- One of two types of DSL addressing. It is a permanent address assigned to your computer by your ISP. It is your address each time you connect to the Internet. It is not used by another computer or device. You will use this if you are running a server.