ASP - Application Service Provider

Bandwidth - The capacity or volume available in every communications or digital radio signal. For example, the standard business data line has a bandwidth capacity of 64 Kbps (kilobits per second), which is more than enough for a clear voice conversation. Higher bandwidths are needed to transfer more complicated information, such as large amounts of computer data or video. Sometimes companies with high bandwidth demands need dedicated private lines o ensure the large bandwidth capacity is available to them at all times.

BLEC - Broadband Local Exchange Carrier

Broadband - A way to transmit bandwidth that is greater than 45 mbps

Carrier Hotels - A building or structure that holds several phone companies

Central Offices- Wire Center where many switches are exchanged

Channel - A path of communication also called a line or circuit. A channel often refers to a single digital communications link within a larger connection such as a T-1.

CLEC - Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. The name given to the deregulated, competitive communications companies. These companies expect to compete for local exchange service, long distance, Internet access, data and entertainment business.

Copper Wire - Used for more than 100 years to build phone networks, copper wire is still the predominant type of wiring used by the local Bell companies to reach homes and businesses.

Data - Generic term referring to any communications transmission other than voice conversation. Examples include computer file transfers, computer networking, Internet access and video transmission. Data transmissions are greatly enhanced by larger bandwidth connections that supply faster transmission speed.

Digital - A digital communications signal is one that is transmitted using bits of information instead of sound waves. Digital signals can provide for more accurate reproduction than traditional analog sound waves. Digital technology can be used for all the same purposes such as voice conversations, computer data, and video transmission. Many of today's high speed, high quality computer communications are made possible by digital technology. The newest communications networks being built are constructed using 100% digital technology.

DLEC -Data Local Exchange Carrier

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line

Fiber Optics - A means of transmitting digital information over a glass strand of "fiber." Laser light pulses are sent over the glass strands in the form of digital signals (0s and 1s). Only as thick as a human hair, each fiber optic strand has far greater capacity, or bandwidth, to carry information than copper wire.

ILEC - Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - A company that provides dedicated or dial-up access to the Internet. Generally, ISPs offer different types of service, suited for everything from small business and home use to the specialized needs of larger companies, at varying price levels.

IP (Internet Protocol) - Software that keeps track of internet addresses and recognizes incoming messages as well as sends outgoing messages.

IXC - IntereXchange Carrier. Long-haul long distance carriers.

LAN - Local Area Network or a network used to link multiple computers at a single site (for instance, in a building or campus area). LANs enable workstations within your company to share data, software, and hardware such as printers or high-speed modems.

Last Mile - The link between the end user and a phone companies central office whether it be local, long distance or the internet

Mbps - Million bits per second

Optical - Having to do with light.

Optical Fiber - Any fiber that guides light

POP's - Point of presence. Short for Population or potential customers

RBOC - Regional Bell Operating Company. Any one of seven companies that were formed out of the old AT&T/Bell system: Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, Bell South, NYNEX, Pacific Telesis, Southwestern Bell (SBC), and US West. Before deregulation, RBOCs were the only companies authorized to sell local service in most areas of the United States. Also known as "Baby Bells."

Routers - Device that directs a call to an application

Routing Switcher - An electric device that routes from the source to the destination

Sonet - Synchronous Optical Network

Sonet Ring - Sonet transmissions laid out in a ring.

T1 - (Trunk Level 1) A digital signal with a speed of 1.544 mbps

T2 - Four times the capacity of a T1 with a signaling speed of 6.312 mbps

T3 - Operates at a signaling speed of 44.736 mbps

T4 - Operates at a signaling speed of 4,032 mbps

WAN - Wide Area Network