VoIP : Voice over Internet Protocol / Voice over IP
ADSL : Asymmetric digital subscriber line. Type of DSL connection where data flow is greater in one direction than the other.
ATA : Analog Telephone Adapter
Unit to connect a regular anaog phone to the internet to make and receive VoIP calls. Meaning you can use your existing analog phone (eg Uniden cordless, Telstra corded) and start making VoIP calls.
Automated Attendent : Automated receptionist answering calls using a recorded message and directing calls to the required area of the business.
Bandwidth : The transmission capacity of a specific device or network.
Bridge : A device that connects two different king od local networks. ie wireless network to a wired ethernet network.
Broadband : An always on, fast internet connection. Recommended for VoIP
CID : Caller ID/Caller ID Display
Codec : Coder-decoder
Software that converts audio signals to compressed digital signals.
DHCP : Cynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol that lets one device on a local network, known as a DHCP server, assign temporary IP addresses to the other network devices, typically computers.
DMZ : Demilitarized Zone : Removes the router's firewall protection from on PC, allowing it to be "seen" from the internet.
DID : Direct in Dial - allows callers to call a specific extension/person and bypass the main reception number/automated attendent.
DSL : Digital Subscriber Line. An always on broadband connection over traditional phone lines.
Firmware : The embedded software that runs a networking device.
Full Duplex : The ability of a networking device to receive and transmit data simultaneously.
Gateway : A device that interconnects networks with different, incompatible communications protocols.
IP : Internet Protocol.
IP Address : The address used to identify a computer or device on a network. (example 192.0.00.0)
IPSec : Internet Protocol Security. A VPN protocol used to implement secure exchange of packets at the IP layer. Most widely used for enabling virtual private networks.
ITSP : Internet Telephony Service Provider. A company that provides voice communicationg service over the Internet (VoIP provider) ie engin, gotalk, MyNetFone, etc.
IVR : Interactive Voice Response
LAN : Local Area Network. The computers and networking products that make up the network in your home of office.
MAC Address : Media Access Control. The unique address that a manufacturer assigns to each networking device. Typically 12 digits in length.
Managed Switch : A network switch with an IP address that lets you monitor and administer your network.
NAT : Network Address Translation
PBX : Private Branch Exchange : A private telephone network used within a business. Users share a certain number of outside lines to make external phone calls. See Linksys SPA9000, epygi Quadro, Switchvox, Asterisk
PoE : Power over Ethernet : A technology enabling and Ethernet network cable to deliver both data and power.
POTS : Plain old telephone service
PSTN : Public Switch Telephone Network
QoS : Quality of Service
SIP : Session Initiation Protocol
Softphone : Telephony Software  installed on a PC/Mac enabling the user to make and receive phone calls over the internet connection. Requires software, PC, microphone and headset/speakers.
Steve Stoveld
Comments