G11 IT Networks & E-Comms

• NIC or Network Interface Controller a hardware component that connects a computer to a network allowing it to send and receive data.
• Unshielded Twisted Pair cable a type of cable used for networking that consists of four pairs of twisted wires often used for Ethernet networks.
• Fibre optic cable: A type of cable that uses light to transmit data. These cables have a higher bandwidth and are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) than copper cables.
• Standards for mobile cellular networks where 3G stands for "third generation" 4G stands for "fourth generation" and 5G stands for "fifth generation." These standards define the technology used for mobile data transfer and communication.
• Cellular signal: A wireless signal used for mobile communication transmitted by cellular towers that are part of a cellular network.
• EMI or Electromagnetic interference a type of disturbance that can affect electronic devices and disrupt their normal operation caused by electromagnetic radiation from other devices or from environmental sources.
• Attenuation: The reduction of a signal's strength as it travels over a medium such as a cable or wireless network.
• Topology: The physical or logical layout of a network including the way that nodes and devices are connected to each other.
• Switch: A network device that connects multiple devices on a local network allowing them to communicate with each other.
• Router: A network device that makes communication between networks possible over the Internet by directing data to its correct destination.
• Wi-Fi: A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a local area network (LAN) using radio waves.
• WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access an upgrade of Wi-Fi a more secure wireless networking technology that allows a device to communicate with another over a wider area than Wi-Fi.
• Mbps: Megabits per second a unit of measurement for data transfer speed.
• 802.11: A set of wireless networking standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The standards define the technology used for Wi-Fi networks.
• Hotspot: A network that allows devices to connect to the internet normally in a public space.
• Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given amount of time usually measured in bits per second (bps) or megabits per second (Mbps).
• Personal Area Network a network used for communication between devices that are located within a short distance of each other such as within the same room.
• Home Area Network a type of network used within a home to connect devices such as computers printers and smart home devices.
• Local Area Network a network used within a small geographic area such as a home or office to connect devices and allow them to communicate with each other.
• Wide Area Network a network used to connect devices over a large geographic area such as a city or country.
• VPN or Virtual Private Network a type of network that uses encryption and other security measures to create a secure connection between two devices over a public network such as the internet.
• Location-based services refer to services or applications that utilize a device's location to provide relevant information content or functionality. These services use technologies such as GPS Wi-Fi or cell tower triangulation to determine a device's location and provide location-specific information.
• VOIP or Voice over Internet Protocol a technology that allows voice communication over the internet using a broadband connection.
• Access Point: Also called a base station consists of a sender/transceiver and an antenna which transmits and receives radio waves so that the devices that are wireless are able to communicate with one another and the network.
• Modem: Device that converts the data or signal from a computer to a format that can be transmitted over a communication channel.
• WLAN: A LAN that uses wireless technologies rather than cables to communicate.
• Mobile technology refers to the use of portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets that enable communication access to information and various applications on the go.
• Smartphones are mobile devices that combine the functionality of a cell phone with advanced features like internet access multimedia capabilities and a wide range of applications.
• Tablets are portable computing devices with a touchscreen interface larger than smartphones designed for browsing the internet consuming media and running various applications.
• Always-on refers to a state or capability of a device or network connection that remains continuously available and connected providing instant access to information or services.
• Blogging is the activity of writing and publishing content online in the form of blog posts typically in a chronological order allowing individuals to share their thoughts and expertise.
• Microblogging is a form of blogging that involves posting short and concise updates typically limited to a specific character count on platforms like Twitter Tumblr or Instagram.
• A vlog short for video blog is a type of blog that primarily uses video content to share information experiences or opinions on various topics often posted on platforms like YouTube.
• SMS (Short Message Service) is a text messaging service for sending short alphanumeric messages between mobile devices commonly used for communication and quick information exchange.
• Instant Messaging is a form of online communication that enables real-time text-based conversations between individuals or groups.
• Video Conferencing is a technology that allows people in different locations to hold face-to-face meetings and discussions via video and audio connections.
• Podcasting is the creation and distribution of digital audio or video content such as interviews discussions or storytelling that can be downloaded or streamed on-demand.
• A Vodcast short for video podcast is a podcast that primarily uses video content instead of audio allowing viewers to watch episodes or segments.
• GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth with a clear line of sight to GPS satellites.
• Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices in close proximity to connect and exchange data or transmit audio and other forms of media.