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Key Terms

Broadband - A type of data transmission in which a single medium (wire) can carry several channels at once.

Cable Modem - An interface device designed to connect your computer or network to Internet access delivered over cable TV lines.  Technically not a true modem, which converts digital signals into analog and analog to digital, it is really more of a protocol converter which converts Ethernet into DOCSIS signaling

DOCSIS - The signaling format for most cable broadband systems. Developed by CableLabs and approved by the ITU in March 1998, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification defines interface standards for cable modems and supporting equipment.  DOCSIS specifies downstream traffic transfer rates between 27 and 36 Mbps over a radio frequency (RF) path in the 50 MHz to 750+ MHz range, and upstream traffic transfer rates between 320 Kbps and 10 Mbps over a RF path between 5 and 42 MHz. But, because data over cable travels on a shared loop, individuals will see transfer rates drop as more users gain access.

DSL Modem - An interface device designed to connect your computer or network to Internet access delivered over a telephone line.  This device allows simultaneous use of both the Internet connection and the telephone service.  Again, not truly a modem, but a protocol converter, changing Ethernet into ATM signaling.

Firewall - A networking device or software application designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.

ISP - Short for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides access to the Internet.

Local Area Network (LAN) - A computer network that spans a relatively small area.

Modem - A modem (modulator/demodulator) is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines, by converting digital information to analog wave forms (sounds).

Router - A networking device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP’s network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect.  Typically, Cable and DSL modems, and Wireless Access Points all have router functionality.

Switch - A networking device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments, or between computers and other systems connected to the network through a switch.  Some Cable and DSL modems and many Wireless Access Points have a four port switch included.

Wide Area Network (WAN) – A computer network, like a corporate network, that connects many geographically separated locations into a single network.

Curriculum developed by WyzGuys Computer Tutors

All Rights Reserved - updated 11/17/2006

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