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. Aleutian Computer Solutions 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!

Cheers!
The Editor
Aleutian Computer Solutions Computer Networking News
Call now. We can make your computers do what YOU want them to!

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