The Quintessential Telecommunications Glossary

Before the telephone, people were only able to reach each other by telegram or even smoke signals. The world of telecommunications now provides us with the ability to talk to other people in just about every corner of the world. Originally, the telephone was a new and novel idea created to help people in neighborhoods reach loved ones or the local fire department. But soon advanced technology took over, and today almost every single citizen of the modern world has his or her own personal cellular phone. Modern tools like fiber optic lines and advanced satellite use have enabled people to communicate more efficiently and quickly than ever imagined by the likes of Alexander Graham Bell.

abandoned call – A telephone call that has been dropped, hung up, or "abandoned."
automatic call distributor (ACD) – A device or a system that automatically disperses calls to several people at once; often used for telemarketing or businesses.
automatic message processing system (AMPS) – System designed to help route calls to various departments within a company through the use of automated messaging.
bandwidth (BW) – The rate at which data is transmitted over a series of channels that allow it to transfer back and forth.
broadband – Form of technology that utilizes distributing bandwidth over several different signals simultaneously.
call collision – When a call uses the same channel at the same time for different purposes, and one call is forced to be dropped.
call delay – The short delay when a caller makes a phone call, and the time it takes for the switch to receive the call.
caller identification – A system that allows callers to see who is calling them by displaying their telephone number and name on a small screen.
CATV – Shortened way to say Cable Television. This shortcut is commonly used in the industry.
data bank – Database containing thousands of telephone numbers and names, often used by businesses to make marketing calls.
data communication control procedure – Protocol by which data is transmitted to help determine error causes in order to ensure the highest quality of communication possible.
data corruption – Error that occurs to data during transference or transmission.
echo return loss – Description for the echoing heard during telephone conversations, largely in VOIP calls.
exchange area – An area served by a central data bank, often called the central office exchange.
facsimile (FAX)– Method of transmitting data onto paper through dedicated telephone lines.
FCC – The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, which regulates communications within the United States.
fiber – A very thin glass or plastic that carries light through it in order to transmit signals back and forth between hubs or networks.
gigahertz (GHz) – Unit used to measure the speed of computer processing.
handshaking – Setting a parameter of communications between two channels in advance so the two can communicate effectively.
hard-wire – Manually wiring or attaching something electrically to get it to work correctly.
interface (I/F) – A device or form of software that allows to different types of components to work together and communicate.
jabber – A software platform chosen by many telecommunications developers.
kilohertz (kHz) – Equaling 1,000 hertz, this unit of measurement is for measuring current as well as audio and other signals.
link encryption – The process of making a link or data unreadable by anyone other than those who have the correct software to translate it.
local area network (LAN) – A network that provides service to a small area, such as a home or office network only.
medium access control (MAC) - A layer of security added to a network to help prevent hacking, also known as a MAC address, this is a unique serial number used to define computer or network.
megahertz (MHz) – The measurement of a million hertz, or alternating currency, taking place at once.
network connectivity – Ability for a network to connect to other networks in order to achieve a working signal.
off-net calling – When phone calls made on a private system are switched over to a public systems' transmission.
operating system – The basic system upon which a computer operates; provides the framework for networks and computers.
optical fiber – Fiber that carries information at a high speed, much faster than traditional copper.
Packet – A block of data that is carried by a computer network that uses the same modes.
POP – A server that allows hosts and users to receive and send email over a TCP/IP connection.
quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) – The format used to transmit digital cable signals to customers.

random access memory (RAM) – A form of computer storage that allows information to be kept within a network or computer at random.
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) – A measurement, usually in decibels, that determines signal strength in relation to background noise.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) – A program written to easily allow email to be sent and received.
TCP/IP – The basic premise for the Internet; allows computers to communicate through various networks.
WLAN – A wireless LAN connection; allows network connectivity without the computer being physically connected to a modem or router.