Networking and communications

Terms related to networking and communications, including definitions about network protocols and words and phrases about data transmission.

INT - OSI

integration server - An integration server is a type of computer server that facilitates the interaction between different operating systems (OSes), services and applications across an enterprise IT environment.
Intel VT (Virtualization Technology) - Intel VT (Virtualization Technology) is the company's hardware assistance for processors running virtualization platforms.
interconnection - Interconnection is a strategy for ensuring that businesses can privately, securely and directly exchange digital information.
international private leased circuit (IPLC) - An international private leased circuit (IPLC) is a point-to-point private line used by an organization to communicate between offices that are dispersed throughout the world.
Internet Key Exchange (IKE) - Internet Key Exchange (IKE) is a standard protocol used to set up a secure and authenticated communication channel between two parties via a virtual private network (VPN).
internet metering - Internet metering is a service model in which an internet service provider (ISP) keeps track of bandwidth use and charges users accordingly.
Internet Protocol (IP) - The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method or protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the internet.
Internet Protocol suite (IP suite) - Internet Protocol suite (IP suite) is the standard network model and communication protocol stack used on the Internet and on most other computer networks.
intranet of things - An intranet of things is a closed network that includes smart sensors and actuators.
IoT middleware (Internet of Things middleware) - Internet of Things (IoT) middleware is software that serves as an interface between components of the IoT, joining elements that would not otherwise be able to connect and communicate.
IoT security (internet of things security) - IoT security is the technology segment focused on safeguarding connected devices and networks in the internet of things (IoT).
IP PBX (private branch exchange) - An IP PBX is a private branch exchange (telephone switching system within an enterprise) that switches calls between VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol or IP) users on local lines while allowing all users to share a certain number of external phone lines.
IPTV (Internet Protocol television) - IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals.
IPv4 address class - An IPv4 address class is a categorical division of internet protocol addresses in IPv4-based routing.
IPv6 address - An IPv6 address is a 128-bit alphanumeric value that identifies an endpoint device in an Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) network.
IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange) - IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange) is a networking protocol from Novell that interconnects networks that use Novell's NetWare clients and servers.
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) - ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) is a standard bus (computer interconnection) architecture that was associated with the IBM AT motherboard.
ISO/IEC 38500 - ISO/IEC 38500 is an international standard created to guide corporate governance of information technology (IT).
ISP (internet service provider) - An ISP (internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals and companies access to the internet and other related services.
ITCH - ITCH is a direct data-feed interface that allows customers of the NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) to observe or disseminate information about stock trading activities.
iterative DNS query - An iterative DNS query is a request for a website name or uniform resource locator (URL) that the domain name system (DNS) server responds to with the IP address from its zone file cache, if possible.
ITU X.225 (ISO 8327) - ITU X.225 (also known as ISO 8327) is a connection-oriented session layer protocol in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
jitter - Jitter is any deviation in, or displacement of, the signal pulses in a high-frequency digital signal.
jumbo frames - A jumbo frame is an Ethernet frame with a payload greater than the standard maximum transmission unit (MTU) of 1,500 bytes.
knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) - Knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) is the allocation of relatively high-level tasks to an outside organization or a different group within the same organization.
LAN-free backup - LAN-free backup is the process of backing up server data to a centralized storage device rather than moving it across a local-area network (LAN).
leaf-spine (leaf-spine architecture) - Leaf-spine is a two-layer network topology composed of leaf switches and spine switches.
leaky bucket algorithm - The leaky bucket algorithm is used to implement traffic policing and traffic shaping in Ethernet and cellular data networks.
leaky feeder - A leaky feeder is a coaxial cable that has small sections of its copper shielding stripped away to allow radio frequency (RF) signals to escape.
LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) - LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a Cisco-proprietary version of EAP, the authentication protocol used in wireless networks and Point-to-Point connections.
leased line - A leased line is a bidirectional telephone line that has been rented for private voice, data exchange or telecommunication use.
LiFi - LiFi is a wireless optical networking technology that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for data transmission.
Link Control Protocol (LCP) - In computer networking, Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) provides a standard way to transport multiprotocol data over point-to-point links; within PPP, Link Control Protocol (LCP) establishes, configures and tests data link internet connections.
link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) - The link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) is an open and extendable part of the Internet protocol suite used in IEEE 802 to advertise a device’s identity and abilities, as well as other devices connected within the same network.
load testing - Load testing is the process of subjecting a computer, peripheral, server, network or application to a work level approaching the limits of its specifications.
local area network (LAN) - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server within a distinct geographic area.
local loop - In telephony, a local loop is the wired connection from a telephone company's central office in a locality to its customers' telephones at homes and businesses.
log analytics - Log analytics is the assessment of a recorded set of information from one or more events, captured from a computer, network, application operating system (OS) or other IT ecosystem component.
logical network - A logical network is one that appears to the user as a single, separate entity although it might in fact be either just a part of a larger network or an entity connecting multiple networks.
loopback test - A loopback test is a test in which a signal in sent from a communications device and returned (looped back) to it as a way to determine whether the device is working right or as a way to pin down a failing node in a network.
loose coupling - Loose coupling is a method of interconnecting the components in a system or network so that those components, also called elements, depend on each other to the least extent practicable.
LoRa Alliance - The LoRa Alliance is an open, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interoperability and standardization of low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technologies to drive implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT).
low earth orbit (LEO) satellite - A low earth orbit (LEO) satellite is an object, generally an electronic piece of equipment, that circles around the earth at lower altitudes than geosynchronous satellites.
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) - LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a standard for 4G wireless technology that offers increased network capacity and speed for cellphones and other cellular devices compared with 3G.
LUN zoning - LUN zoning is a method of configuring SAN fabric to match logical unit numbers (LUNs) to the proper servers.
LZW compression - LZW compression is the compression of a file into a smaller file using a table-based lookup algorithm invented by Abraham Lempel, Jacob Ziv, and Terry Welch.
machine-to-machine (M2M) - Machine-to-machine, or M2M, is a broad label that can be used to describe any technology that enables networked devices to exchange information and perform actions without the manual assistance of humans.
managed file transfer (MFT) - Managed file transfer (MFT) is a type of software used to provide secure internal, external and ad-hoc data transfers through a network.
Manchester encoding - In data transmission, Manchester encoding is a form of digital encoding in which data bits are represented by transitions from one logical state to the other.
MDI/MDIX (medium-dependent interface/MDI crossover) - MDI/MDIX is a type of Ethernet port connection that uses twisted-pair cabling to link two networked devices.
megabits per second (Mbps) - Megabits per second (Mbps) are units of measurement for network bandwidth and throughput.
Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) - Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) is a protocol for exchanging a series of related instant messages across an IP network in the context of a session.
Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit - Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit is a free utility IT can use to determine whether or not its infrastructure is prepared for a migration to a new operating system, server version or cloud-based deployment.
Microsoft Azure - Microsoft Azure, formerly known as Windows Azure, is Microsoft's public cloud computing platform.
Microsoft Teams - What is Microsoft Teams? Microsoft Teams is cloud-based team collaboration software that is part of the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suite of applications.
MiFi - MiFi is a portable broadband device that allows multiple end users and mobile devices to share a 3G or 4G mobile broadband Internet connection and create an ad-hoc network.
MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) - MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) is an antenna technology for wireless communications in which multiple antennas are used at both the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver).
Mininet - Mininet is a software emulator for prototyping a large network on a single machine.
MISO (multiple input, single output) - MISO (multiple input, single output) is an antenna technology for wireless communications in which multiple antennas are used at the source (transmitter).
mobile collaboration - Mobile collaboration is the use of mobile devices and collaborative apps to allow geographically dispersed people to work together on endeavors ranging from small personal projects to high-profile enterprise teamwork.
multi-carrier modulation (MCM) - Multi-carrier modulation (MCM) is a method of transmitting data by splitting it into several components, and sending each of these components over separate carrier signals.
Multipath I/O (MPIO) - Multipath I/O (MPIO) is a Microsoft framework designed to mitigate the effects of a host bus adapter (HBA) failure by providing an alternate data path between storage network devices.
multipoint control unit (MCU) - A multipoint control unit (MCU) is a type of video conferencing hardware that bridges terminals involved into a multi-point conference system.
NACK (NAK, negative acknowledgment, not acknowledged) - NACK, or NAK, an abbreviation for negative acknowledgment or not acknowledged, is a signal used by computers or other devices to indicate that data transmitted over a network was received with errors or was otherwise unreadable.
Nagios - Nagios is an open source monitoring system for computer systems.
National eGovernance Plan (NeGP) - National eGovernance Plan (NeGP) is an initiative by the government of India to combine various e-governance systems around the country to create a national network that provides government services to all citizens electronically.
NBAR (Network Based Application Recognition) - Network Based Application Recognition (NBAR) is a mechanism that classifies and regulates bandwidth for network applications to ensure that available resources are utilized as efficiently as possible.
NBASE-T Ethernet - NBASE-T Ethernet is an IEEE standard and Ethernet-signaling technology that allows existing twisted-pair copper cabling to exceed the cable's specified limit of 1 Gbps for distances of up to 100 meters.
NBMA (non-broadcast multiple access) - Non-broadcast multiple access (NBMA) is one of four network types in the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) communications protocol.
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) - NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a network service that enables applications on different computers to communicate with each other across a local area network (LAN).
network analytics - Network analytics is the application of big data principles and tools to the data used to manage and secure data networks.
network convergence - Network convergence is the efficient coexistence of telephone, video and data communication within a single network.
network drive - A network drive is a storage device on a local access network (LAN) within a business or home.
network fabric - Network fabric is an industry term that describes a network topology in which devices pass data to each other through interconnecting switches.
Network File System (NFS) - Network File System (NFS) is a networking protocol for distributed file sharing.
Network layer - Located at Layer 3 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the primary function of the network layer is to move data into and through other networks.
Network Load Balancing (NLB) - Network Load Balancing is a Windows Server feature that can distribute network traffic among multiple servers.
network node - A computer network is a system of computers and computing devices that are connected via communication links.
network operations center (NOC) - A network operations center (NOC) is a centralized place from which enterprise information technology (IT) administrators -- either internal or third party -- supervise, monitor and maintain a telecommunications network.
network orchestration - Network orchestration is a policy-driven approach to network automation that coordinates the hardware and software components a software application or service requires to run.
network packet - A network packet is a small amount of data sent over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks.
network protocol - A network protocol is a set of established rules that dictate how to format, transmit and receive data so that computer network devices -- from servers and routers to endpoints -- can communicate, regardless of the differences in their underlying infrastructures, designs or standards.
network switch - A network switch is a hardware device that channels incoming data from multiple input ports to a specific output port that will take it toward its intended destination.
network topology - A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.
network traffic - Network traffic, sometimes referred to as data traffic, is the amount of data which moves across a network during any given time.
Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) - Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is an automated configuration technology that routes data on a distributed network by discovering the best routing path between endpoints.
NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration) - NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), also called MANO, is an architectural framework for managing and orchestrating virtualized network functions (VNFs) and other software components.
NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) - NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support and connect virtual network functions in carrier networks.
northbound interface / southbound interface - A northbound interface is an interface that allows a particular component of a network to communicate with a higher-level component.
NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation) - NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation) is a network virtualization method that uses encapsulation to create large numbers of virtual LANs (VLANs) for subnets that can extend across dispersed data centers and Layers 2 and 3.
OAuth - OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization framework for token-based authorization on the internet.
OF-Config (OpenFlow Configuration and Management Protocol) - The OpenFlow Management and Configuration Protocol (OF-Config) is a protocol developed under the Open Networking Foundation used to manage physical and virtual switches in an OpenFlow environment.
OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) - Orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) is a feature of Wi-Fi 6 (802.
omnidirectional antenna - An omnidirectional antenna is a wireless transmitting or receiving antenna that radiates or intercepts radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields equally well in all horizontal directions in a flat, two-dimensional (2D) geometric plane.
ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology) - The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, abbreviated ONC, is an entity within the U.
ONOS (Open Network Operating System) - ONOS (Open Network Operating System) is an operating system (OS) designed for network service providers to help build carrier-grade software-defined networks architected for high scalability, availability and performance.
Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA) - The Open Grid Services Architecture (OGSA) is a set of standards defining the way in which information is shared among diverse components of large, heterogeneous grid systems.
Open Network Automation Platform - The Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) is a networking project that provides a digital environment for the orchestration and automation of complex network services.
OpenFlow controller - An OpenFlow controller is an application that manages flow control in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment.
OpenFlow switch - An OpenFlow switch is a software program or hardware device that forwards packets in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment.

CUB - INT

OUC - SNO