Networking Definitions
This glossary explains the meaning of key words and phrases that information technology (IT) and business professionals use when discussing networking and related software products. You can find additional definitions by visiting WhatIs.com or using the search box below.
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802.3
802.3 is a standard specification for Ethernet, a method of physical communication in a local area network (LAN), which is maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
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A-Law
A-Law is the standard codec (compression/decompression) algorithm for pulse code modulation (PCM) from the ITU-T (the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunications Union).
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AARP (AppleTalk Address Resolution Protocol)
AARP (AppleTalk Address Resolution Protocol) is a way to map between the physical hardware addresses of computers, such as those known to an Ethernet or token ring local area network, and their temporarily assigned AppleTalk network addresses.
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AAUI (Apple attachment unit interface)
An AAUI (Apple attachment unit interface) is the 14- or 15-pin port or connection interface on earlier models of Macintosh computers that allowed it to be connected by a short interface cable (or "transceiver") to an Ethernet cable.
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acceleration hardware
Acceleration hardware is a general term that refers to devices that speed up data communications, storage and retrieval, encryption and decryption, mathematical operations, graphics, and Web page viewing. Acceleration hardware can consist of an individual integrated circuit (also called an IC or chip), a printed circuit card, or a self-contained system.
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ACK
In some digital communication protocols, ACK is the name of a signal that data has been received successfully (for example, with an acceptable number of errors).
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acoustic coupler
An acoustic coupler is a hardware device that enables a modem (a device that converts signals from analog to digital and from digital back to analog) to connect to a voice circuit.
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ACTA (America's Carriers Telecommunications Association)
ACTA (America's Carriers Telecommunications Association) is a lobbying organization for over 165 small long-distance telephone carrier companies.
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active network
An active network is a network in which the nodes are programmed to perform custom operations on the messages that pass through the node.
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ACTS (Automatic Coin Telephone System)
ACTS (Automatic Coin Telephone System) is a public coin-operated telephone service that completes a variety of phone calls, times the calls, and collects payment without the aid of an operator.
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adaptive routing (dynamic routing)
Adaptive routing, also called dynamic routing, is a process for determining the optimal path a data packet should follow through a network to arrive at a specific destination. Adaptive routing can be compared to a commuter taking a different route to work after learning that traffic on his usual route is backed up.
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address
An address can mean the unique location of either ( an Internet server, (2) a specific file (for example, a Web page), or (3) an e-mail user. It is also used to specify the location of data within computer storage.
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Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a protocol for mapping an Internet Protocol address (IP address) to a physical machine address that is recognized in the local network.
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ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
Also see Fast Guide to DSL. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology for transmitting digital information at a high bandwidth on existing phone lines to homes and businesses.
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Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN)
The Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) is a telephone network architecture that separates service logic from switching equipment, allowing new services to be added without having to redesign switches to support new services.