Jargon Buster
This is your quick guide to some of the industry Jargon that you may come across on our website.
- Analogue Line
A traditional phone line that uses analogue technology, in which sound waves are converted into electrical signals by a microphone, and then transmitted through the telephone network.
- Access Point (AP)
A device that enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network, it acts as a crossover between wireless and wired devices.
- Bandwidth
The amount of data can be transmitted over a network at a time, it is like a water pipe; the wider the pipe the more water can flow through it.
- Broadband
A fast internet connection that allows multiple users to use the internet at the same time.
- Call Forwarding
A phone feature that allows incoming calls to be redirected to another phone number or voicemail.
- Calling Line Identification (CLI) = A type of user interface that enables users to enter commands using text instead of a graphical interface.
- Cellular Network = A wireless network that uses multiple small cells to communicate with mobile devices; covering a wide geographical area and allows mobile communication.
- Codec
A device or software that COmpresses and DECompresses audio or video data for transmission over networks.
- Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
Technology that allows computers to interact with telephones and control phone services, such as click-to-dial.
- Direct Dial Inward (DDI)
A service that allows users to connect to a network or the internet using a phone line.
- Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)
A wireless communication used in cordless phones, which uses digital technology to transmit voice and data, resulting in improved security and better call quality.
- Download Speed
How fast you can load data on a server.
- Ethernet
A technology that is widely used for connecting devices to a LAN (Local Area Network), using cables. It is known for being fast and dependable.
- Ethernet First Mile (EFM)
A technology used to provide high-speed internet access over copper phone lines.
- Ethernet VPN
A type of VPN (Virtual Private Network) that uses Ethernet connections to securely connect remote networks and devices. Often used to connect headquarters, data centres and branch locations.
- Fibre Optics
A cable that transfers data extremely quickly over long distances.
- Fixed Line
A physical line, either fibre optic or copper, that a business has running from your sites/properties to the UKs network.
- Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)
A type of internet connection that uses fast fibre optic cables to reach a distribution point near your home or location, providing quicker and more reliable internet speeds.
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
A system of internet connectivity that only involves fibre cables and connects directly to individual buildings, providing much faster and reliable connectivity.
- Free of Charge (FOC)
Has no cost associated.
- Gigabit per second (Gbps)
A measurement of network transmission speed.
- Internet Protocol (IP)
Transmits ‘packets’ of data across the internet.
- IP Address
A unique number given to a singular network which is used to identify and locate a device.
- Information Technology (IT)
Refers to the use of information technology tools and systems to manage, process, and communicate data within the tech industry, guaranteeing efficient network operations and services.
- Local Area Network (LAN)
A group of interconnected devices that share resources to communicate within a small geographical area, such as a home or office.
- Leased Lines
They provide resolute and fast internet connection or private network; they are communication lines that users rent for an extended period of time.
- Machine-to-Machine (M2M)
The communication between 2 or more devices or machines with no human exchange.
- Megabit per second (Mbps)
Measurement of data transfer speed.
- Network
A series of interconnected devices that communicate and share resources with each other.
- Openreach
Builders of networks for the UK, connects homes and businesses to the UK’s networks.
- Private Branch Exchange (PBX)
A telephone system used by businesses and organisations to manage incoming and outgoing calls.
- Power Over Ethernet (POE)
A system that allows power and data to be transmitted over an Ethernet cable.
- Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
A traditional phone system that uses copper lines to make calls.
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
This is commonly used in telecoms to identify the root causes of serious problems or issues. It helps to determine the root cause so that effective solutions can be implemented.
- Router
A device that directs/’routes’ traffic on a network. It connects multiple devices and networks together and ensures all the data goes to the correct destination.
- Session Border Controller (SBC)
Manages and secures voice calls in VoIP networks, ensuring a reliable connection. It acts as a gatekeeper for voice call, securing a reliable connection.
- Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
A technology used to make and control phone and video calls over the internet.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA)
A contract between a service provider and a customer that guarantees a certain level of service and operating time.
- SIP Trunks
Virtual phone lines that use the internet instead of traditional phone lines to connect to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). It is where many VoIP calls are promoted.
- Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA)
A type of technology used in telecoms that allows customers to receive high-speed internet and voice services over a single, shared line. Often, it is used as an alternative to traditional copper telephone lines.
- Speed dials
A feature that enables you to assign a number to a button, meaning you can dial it quickly with just one press.
- Telephone Exchange
Electronic elements that connect two calls to one another, used in the PSTN.
- Unified Communications (UC)
A technology that combines various communications services, such as messaging, voice, and video, into one integrated platform for simplified and effective collaboration.
- Upload Speed
Refers to the rate at which data is sent from a user’s device to the internet, impacting the efficiency of sharing files, sending emails, or participating in online activities.
- Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
A technology utilised in telecoms networks to divide a single physical network into multiple virtual networks, each with its own broadcast domain, which helps to improve network security and organisation.
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
A technology that allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection instead of traditional phone lines.
- Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
A technology that allows calls to be made to be made over a 4G LTE network instead of a traditional phone network.
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
A group of linked devices that share resources and communicate over a large geographical area, for example, a country.
- Wholesale Line Rental (WLR)
A service that allows telecom companies to rent access to telephone lines that belong to other companies to provide phone services to clients.
