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CUT5 6.2
Computers: Understanding Tech 5e 6.2
Term | Definition |
---|---|
communications medium | A connection that enables computers in different locations to send data to one another. |
twisted-pair cable | A cable that consists of pairs of copper wires, in which each wire is individually wrapped in plastic and all the wires are bound together by another plastic casing. |
electromagnetic interference (EMI) | The magnetic field generated when electricity passes through a wire. |
shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable | A type of twisted-pair cable used in environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) might be a problem, such as for a cable that passes over a fluorescent light fixture in a ceiling. |
unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable | A type of twisted-pair cable that does not have magnetic shielding on the outside. UTP cable is available in different categories, such as Cat5 (meaning “category 5”). |
coaxial cable | A type of cable that consists of an insulated copper center wire grounded by a shield of braided wire; commonly used for cable TV connections, in telephone networks, and in some computer networks. |
fiber-optic cable | A type of cable that uses a string of glass to transmit data using patterns of photons (beams of light). |
network backbone | The central pathway of a network. |
T line | Any of several types of digital high-speed, long-distance telephone lines that are capable of carrying multiple types of signals, including both voice and data. |
T1 line | A T line that carries data at 1.5 Mbps over its 24 internal lines, with each line running at 64 Kbps. |
T3 line | A T line that contains a bundle of 672 individual lines. Working collectively, these lines can transfer data at up to 43 Mbps. |
wireless media | Wireless technologies that transmit information through the air. |
Wi-Fi | The wireless form of Ethernet. |
IEEE 802.11 | The IEEE standard number for wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi). IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers—the organization that maintains the standards for various types of computer and communication technologies. |
band | A frequency range. |
wireless access point | A hardware device that communicates wirelessly with Wi-Fi capable devices. |
infrastructure mode | A communication mode in which a Wi-Fi device connects to a wireless access point. |
ad hoc mode | A communication mode in which two computers connect to one another via Wi-Fi directly without an access point. |
WiMAX | A wireless technology that has a larger usable range than Wi-Fi, is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, and is suitable for blanketing a small metropolitan area with wireless coverage. |
Bluetooth | A short-range wireless networking standard used to connect peripheral devices to computers, tablets, and smartphones. |
cellular technology | A wireless communication technology that uses antenna that cover areas of 10 to 12 square miles to provide mobile phone service and Internet service. |
cell | In networking and communication: A wireless cellular calling area, which has its own antenna encompassing an area approximately 10 to 12 square miles in diameter. |
3G | Acronym for 3rd generation. A class of mobile broadband service that provides about 3 Mbps throughput. |
4G | Acronym for 4th generation. A class of mobile broadband service that is capable of around 9.5 Mbps throughput. |
communications satellite | A solar-powered electronic device positioned in the Earth’s outer atmosphere in geosynchronous orbit, containing several transponders. |
transponder | A transmitter and receiver that receives signals from a transmission station on the ground called an earth station and rebroadcasts them to a different earth station. |
earth station | A transmission station on the ground that sends signals to satellite transponders. |
geosynchronous orbit | An orbit around the Earth that has the same movement as the Earth itself, making objects in this orbit appear stationary when viewed from the ground. |
latency | A delay involved in communication that limits the performance of the communication medium. |
microwave system | A high-frequency waveform radio signal used to carry data securely from one point to another. |
infrared technology | A wireless technology that transmits data as light waves, rather than radio waves. |
IrDA | The standard for infrared wireless communication. IrDA is short for Infrared Data Association, the organization that developed the standard. |