A term used to describe a class of personal computers based on Intel's 486 microprocessor. While the 486 can support a Web browser and many older applications, it is usually limited in its ability to run current software. 486 PCs and below generally represent an earlier generation of computing.

A way of sending data in which the signal is similar, or analogous, to the original signal. Analog signals are continuos expressions of electricity, as opposed to digital signals in which there is an alternating absence and presence of signal.

The arrangement and design orchestrating the interaction of different elements of a complex communications system.

A transmission method in which information is transferred one discrete character at a time and is delineated by a start and stop indicator at the beginning and end of the character. The opposite of asynchronous is SYNCHRONOUS transmission.

The part of the communications network that carries the heaviest traffic. It joins the LAN via bridges and/or routers and serves as a communications highway for LAN to LAN traffic. It is also a basis of design for the overall network. (See LAN.)

The capacity of a communications channel. Analog devices are measured in Hertz, which are cycles per second. Digital devices are measured in bits per second-BPS. The bigger the band, the faster the connecting speed.

Prior to Jan. 1, 1984, an aggregate term for AT&T encompassing 24 Bell operating companies providing local exchange phone service, the AT&T Long Lines Division providing long distance connections, an equipment manufacturing arm known as Western Electric, and a research and development arm known as Bell Laboratories. The Bell System was broken up by the AT&T divestiture.

The smallest unit of digital information utilized by electronic or optical information processing, storage, or transmission systems. Bit is short for binary digit. Binary technology is based on the representation of data with 0's and 1's, whose combinations form a protocol medium for all data transmission.

Bell Operating Company. The local Bell operating company. Currently there are 22 BOCs organized (i.e. owned by) into seven Regional Bell Operating Companies, also known as RBOCs. (See RBOC.)

A data communications device that connects two or more network segments and moves data between them.

Generally used for fiber optic communication, broadband is greater than 45 MBPS. wThis is the speed at which at T3 operates.

The smallest unit of information that a computer system can locate within its data storage or memory. A byte consists of eight bits and represents an amount of information roughly equivalent to a single printed or typewritten character.

A small box that connects to a PC to interact via a local cable provider. Much faster than telephone modems.

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. A term coined for the deregulated, competitive telecommunications environment envisioned by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The CLECs compete with the BOCs for local exchange service, long distance, international, Internet and entertainment (cable) customers.

The principle international standards-writing body for digital telecom networks (ISDN).

A gathering of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner, made suitable for communication, interpretation or processing. Anything other than voice.

Techniques to reduce the amount of computer memory space or transmission resources required to handle a given quantity of data usually achieved through the application of mathematic algorithms to the data transformation process.

The use of binary code to represent information. There are two major benefits to digital signals: First, the signal can be reproduced precisely. This is especially helpful in long transmissions where the signal loses strength along the way, picking up static and other interference. Instead of just amplifying the signal (as is done in analog), the code is put through filter of sorts to delete the noise and then transmitted. The other benefit is that digital technology is becoming cheaper and more powerful, whereas analog is becoming a thing of the past.

A connection in which binary encoded information is routed between input/output ports by means of time diversion multiplexing rather than by dedicated circuits.

The use of technology to allow learners to receive education irrespective of time and location. If they receive the education at the same time as it is offered in an on-campus learning environment, the offering is said to be synchronous (i.e. occurring at the same time). In most on-line learning situations the education is occurring asynchronously (i.e. the learners are not accessing the information at the same time it is offered nor at the same time that other learners may be accessing it).

On January 8, 1982 AT&T signed a Consent Decree stipulating that on midnight December 30, 1983, AT&T would divest itself of its 22 telephone operating companies. Those 22 companies, or BOCs, were formed into seven regional holding companies called RBOCs. The main terms of Divestiture are: The BOCs weren't allowed into long distance, equipment manufacturing, or information services. AT&T was not allowed into local service (to compete with the BOCs), but it could continue to manufacture equipment.

Digital Subscriber Line. A generic name for a family of digital lines being provided by CLECs and local phone companies to local subscribers.

New or existing state-of-the-art technologies.

A federal program that has as its goal that every classroom in America connected to the Internet by the end of 2000. It grants elementary and secondary schools, as well as libraries, a discount on carrier services, including not only Internet access but also a raft of other offerings.

A popular local area data communications network, originally developed by Xerox Corp., which accepts transmissions from computers and terminals.

Federal Communications Commission. Federal agency with authority to regulate all interstate (not intra) communications originating in the U.S. The FCC does three things: 1) It sets the prices for interstate phone, data and video service. 2) It determines who can or cannot get into the business of providing telecommunications service or equipment. 3) It determines the electrical and physical standards for telecommunications equipment and services.

Made of very pure glass, it is used in fiber optic communications. It carries a digital signal made of modulated light. It can carry much more much faster that the traditional copper lines.

Switched network providing end-to-end digital connectivity for simultaneous transmission of voice and/or data over multiple multiplexed communications channels and employing transmission and out-of-band signaling protocols that conform to internationally defined standards.

Internet Service Provider. A company providing the means for individuals or businesses to connect their PCs to the Internet.

Local Area Network. A geographically localized network consisting of both hardware and software. It links peripheral devices, i.e. PCs, workstations, printers, etc. It usually transmits data inside a building or buildings within a short distance of one another and under some kind of formalized control, i.e. a campus. There are four main advantages: 1) Anyone on the LAN can use any of the peripheral devices attached to the LAN; 2) Anyone can access databases/programs running on client servers attached to the LAN; 3) Users can send messages and work back and forth; and 4) There may be gateways and bridges to public telecommunications networks.

Not meant to be taken literally, this refers to the problems of communications that occur in that "last mile" - from the exchange to the house or final destination. Often the last mile is old, limited bandwidth copper wire that cannot support the faster modems and computers.

Local Access Transport Area. Geographical area within which telephone calls can be handled without going through a long-distance carrier. Telephone calls between different LATA lines must go through long-distance carriers. Also provide a method for delineating the areas where BOCs can offer service, and were the means of determining how the assets of Bell were divided between BOCs and AT&T. These are not area codes.

The communications channel, usually a physical line, between the subscriber's location and his local central office. Also known as the subscriber loop.

The ability to change phone companies without having to change phone numbers.

A method of demanding dial tone from the central office by completing an electrical pathway between the outbound and return conductors of a telephone line. Loop start is employed by single-line telephone instruments, for example.

Electromagnetic waves in radio frequencies above 890 MHz and below 20 GHz. They only travel in straight lines, and are used for communication between satellites.

An electronic device that allows computers to communicate over standard telephone lines. It transforms digital signal into analog signal and transmits to another modem which then reconstructs the digital signal from the analog signal.

Any system designed to provide one or more access paths for communications between users at different geographic locations that may include designs for voice, data, facsimile images and/or video images.

Curiously enough, this stands for Pretty Amazing New Services/Stuff and is often used to describe ISDN capabilities.

A physical place where a carrier has the ability for network access.

Plain Old Telephone Service. Simply placing and receiving phone calls where there are no added features such as call waiting or voice mail.

A transmission or data processing operational mode in which the data is entered in an interactive (two-way communicating) session; an application where response to input is fast enough to affect later data input.

Having back-up systems available to provide continuous service in the case of a failure in the main system.

Sending and receiving data to and from a computer through communications links such as phone lines.

Regional Bell Operating Company. One of seven companies that oversee the Bell operating companies. They are Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, NYNEX, Pacific Telesis, Southwestern Bell and US West.

A microwave receiver, repeater, or regenerator in orbit.

Transmissions of data at a fixed rate, eliminating the need for start and stop bits, because the receiver and transmitter work at the same rate.

Trunk Level 1. A digital transmission with a speed of 1.544 MBPS. This is the standard for digital transmission in North America. It is capable of handling 24 voice conversations at one time.

Trunk Level 2. North American standard for DS-2. Operates at 6.312 MBPS, or 4 times the capacity of a T-1. Generally used only in carrier networks, it is capable of handling 96 voice conversations at one time.

Operates at 44.736 MBPS, or the equivalent of 28 T-1s. It can carry 672 voice conversations each of 64 KBPS. This is used with microwave or fiber optics only.

Process of converting sounds and data into electrical impulses that can be transmitted.

A bill signed in order to "promote competition and reduce regulation in order to secure lower prices and higher quality services for American telecommunications consumers and encourage rapid deployment of new telecommunications technologies." This act required local service providers in the 100 largest metropolitan areas to implement local number portability by the end of 1998, enabling the CLECs to better compete. It also allowed local RBOCs into long distance service once they had met certain conditions about competition in their local monopoly areas. In addition, the goal of universal service to all Americans was introduced, with special considerations established to address the telecommunications needs of schools, libraries, and rural health care providers.

The provision of health care services from a distance using audio, video and computer technology. Traditionally uses videoconferencing to diagnose an illness and provide medical treatment. Also used to view or teach surgical procedures.

The process of converting sounds into electrical impulses for transmission over a connecting medium such as wires, fiber optics or microwave.

The line of communication between switching systems.

Two copper wires twisted around each other. The twists vary in length and reduce induction.

The vision that residential phone service can be priced so low that anyone in the U.S. can afford it. This has been the reason that local business service is priced higher, even though the service is the same.

Wide Area Network. A computer and voice network bigger than a city or metropolitan area.

The Washington Utility and Transportation Commission. WUTC is a 3 member board with associated staff who regulate the rates, services, and practices of privately-owned utility and transportation companies, including electric, telecommunication, natural gas, water, and solid waste collection companies