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We are regularly asked to translate various acronyms thrown out to our clients by various
tech support people, so we thought it might be good newsletter material to translate some
of the more common terms that you are likely to hear from us or your Internet Service Provider
(see also our Computer Glossary).
56K
The term 56K refers to data communication speed. A 56K modem is the fastest dial-up
connection available when connecting to the Internet or another computer. The 56K modem
speed has a theoretical maximum of 57,600 or 56 Kbps. In the past, two different technologies
emerged enabling 56K communication: K56flex and x2. They were replaced by an international
standard for 56K data communications known as v.90. v.92 is now the current standard. This
newer standard, as with each new standard, requires that modems on both ends be v.92 capable
and increases both upload and download speeds due to a higher compression scheme.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is the most popular form of DSL technology.
ADSL supports data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data and from 16 to 640 Kbps
when sending data.
ADSL Lite
A lower data rate version of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). Bit One single
0 or 1 which can be used to create characters (such as these you are reading) on your computer.
Note: see "Byte" below.
Broadband
A generic term for high-speed, high-capacity Internet and data connections such as DSL
or cable service.
Byte
Eight bits (see above.) What it takes to create one single character on your computer.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides a dedicated digital (numbers) circuit that co-exists
with the analog (noise) circuit used for normal phone conversations between a residence
and a telephone company's central office, allowing high-speed data transport over existing
twisted copper telephone lines.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. Those folks that you pay so you can access the Internet.
LAN
Local Area Network. A group of computers connected together with the purpose of sharing
things — such as files, printers, Internet access, etc.
Mbps
MegaBits Per Second. Refers to the speed of data communications, and represents (approximately)
1 million divided by 8 (the number needed to create a letter or number) to give you a dowload
speed of 125,000 letters or numbers per second under ideal conditions.
Network
A group of computers tied together with the purpose of sharing something. A network
can be a LAN, a WAN or the Internet itself.
NIC
Network Interface Card; a network adapter (also in the form of a "PC card" for laptops)
that needs to be installed in the computer when DSL modems or LANs are used. Along with
the modem, the NIC enables the DSL connection at the customer's home or business.
POTS
Plain Old Telephone Service. What you use to call and complain about the lousy phone
service...
POTS splitter
A POTS splitter that separates the voice and data portions of the DSL line. Current
DSL technology requires two POTS splitters: one in the phone company 's central office,
and one on your premises.
T1
T1 is an older, but still used heavily data communications form and has a transmission
rate of 1.5 megabits per second.
v.90
The older, international standard for 56K modem communications.
v.92
The newer, international standard for 56K modem communications.
WAN
Wide area networks. Businesses that have offices in various parts of town or in various
towns connected together via wires either through the Itnernet or not.
xDSL
Refers to any type of digital subscriber line technology.
A word to the wise:
If you have an "always on" connection to the Internet are you protected? "Always on" can
also mean "always open" which means the unscrupulous can access your network and wreck
havoc. Los Angeles Computerhelp can secure your network and still allow you the freedom
to surf the web safely and effectively. Call us today on this before you lose your data!
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