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Glossary

Access

Access is a connection between two businesses addresses which can be used for VPN, voice, data or the Internet

Access Code

Typically a number used to connect to a calling card service/vendor. Usually in the form of an 0800 or similar.

Access Network

That portion of a public switched network that connects access nodes to individual subscribers.

Access Nodes

Points on the edge of the Access Network that concentrate individual access lines into a smaller number of feeder lines. Access Nodes may also perform various forms of protocol conversion. Typical Access Nodes are Digital Loop Carrier systems concentrating individual voice lines to T1 lines, cellular antenna sites, PBXs, and Optical Network Units (ONUs).

Active X

a programming language designed by Microsoft, allowing for web-based animation.

ADSL

(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) - is a method of transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines at speeds higher than were previously possible.

American National Standards Institute

An important International Standards Organisation member that develops and publishes industrial standards in computing and information technology, which are accepted world-wide

Analog Transmission

The way information is transmitted over a continuously changing electrical wave that is similar to, or analogous with the original signal. All telephone calls used to be transmitted in an analog format. Today they are translated to digital pulses for both local and long-distance transmission.

Anonymous FTP

a site that allows users to access and download public files without the need for a username or password.

Anti-spam service

scans for unsolicited 'junk' email and ensures that only relevant emails enter the company's system.