ITM 100 Class 7 (Appendix E) Key Terms Exam Review

attenuation

Represents the loss of a network signal strength measured in decibels (dBs) and occurs because the transmissions gradually dissipate in strength over longer distances or because of radio interference or physical obstructions such as walls.

bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can pass from one point to another in a unit of time.

bit

The smallest element of data. It has a value of either 0 or 1.

bit rate (or data rate)

The number of bits transferred or received per unit of time.

broadband

A high-speed Internet connection that is always connected.

broadband over power line (BPL)

Technology that makes possible high-speed Internet access over ordinary residential electrical lines and offers an alternative to DSL or high-speed cable modems.

cable modem (or broadband modem)

A type of digital modem used with high-speed cable Internet service.

digital subscriber line (DSL)

Provides high-speed digital data transmission over standard telephone lines using broadband modem technology, allowing both Internet and telephone services to work over the same phone lines.

domain name system (DNS)

Converts IP address into domains, or identifying labels that use a variety of recognizable naming conventions.

dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)

Allows dynamic IP address allocation so users do not need a preconfigured IP address to use the network.

extranet

An extension of an intranet that is only available to authorized outsiders, such as customers, partners, and suppliers.

file transfer protocol (FTP)

A simple network protocol that allows the transfer of files between two computers on the Internet.

high-speed Internet cable connection

Provides Internet access by using a cable television company’s infrastructure and a special cable modem.

Internet Protocol TV (IPTV)

Distributes digital video content by using IP across the Internet and private IP networks.

intranet

A restricted network that relies on Internet technologies to provide an Internet-like environment within the company for information sharing, communications, collaboration, web publishing, and the support of business processes.

IP address

A unique number that identifies where computers are located on the network.

local area network (LAN)

Designed to connect a group of computers in proximity to each other such as in an office building, a school, or a home.

metropolitan area network (MAN)

A large computer network usually spanning a city.

modem

A device that enables a computer to transmit and receive data.

national service providers (NSPs)

Private companies that own and maintain the worldwide backbone that supports the Internet.

network convergence

The efficient coexistence of telephone, video, and data communication within a single network, offering convenience and flexibility not possible with separate infrastructures.

packet

A single unit of binary data routed through a network.

packet footer

Represents the end of the packet or transmission end.

packet header

Lists the destination (for example, in IP packets the destination is the IP address) along with the length of the message data.

peer-to-peer (P2P) network

A computer network that relies on the computing power and bandwidth of the participants in the network rather than a centralized server.

protocol

A set of rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted and received over networks.

proxy

Software that prevents direct communication between a sending and a receiving computer and is used to monitor packets for security reasons.

regional service providers (RSPs)

Offer Internet service by connecting to NSPs, but they also can connect directly to each other.

repeater

Receives and repeats a signal to reduce its attenuation and extend its range.

standard packet format

Includes a packet header, packet body containing the original message, and packet footer.

telecommuting (virtual workforce)

Allows users to work from remote locations such as a home or hotel, using high-speed Internet to access business applications and data.

traceroute

A utility application that monitors the network path of packet data sent to a remote computer.

transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP)

Provides the technical foundation for the public Internet, as well as for large numbers of private networks.

unified communications (UC)

The integration of communication channels into a single service.

virtual private network (VPN)

Companies can establish direct private network links among themselves or create private, secure Internet access, in effect a private tunnel within the Internet.

Voice over IP (VoIP)

Uses IP technology to transmit telephone calls.

wide area network (WAN)

Spans large geographic area, such as a state, province, or country.