Introduction
Installation
Troubleshooting
Glossary
License
SBV5121 VoIP Cable Modem User Guide
47
Glossary
coaxial cable
(coax)
A type of wire consisting of a center wire surrounded by insulation and a grounded shield of
braided wire. The shield minimizes electrical and radio frequency interference.
DOCSIS
The CableLabs Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification defines interface standards for
VoIP cable modems and supporting equipment.
download
To copy a file from one computer to another. You can use the Internet to download files from a
server to your home PC. A DOCSIS VoIP cable modem downloads its configuration from a server
during start-up.
downstream
In a network, downstream describes the direction of data received by your computer from the
Internet.
Ethernet
The most widely used type of local area network (LAN). The most commonly installed Ethernet
networks are called 10Base-T. 10Base-T provides transmission speeds up to 10 megabits per
second (Mbps), usually over twisted-pair wire. Fast Ethernet (100Base-T) provides transmission
speeds up to 100 Mbps.
expansion slot
An opening in a computer where a circuit board can be inserted to add new capabilities.
F-type connector
A connector used to connect coaxial cable to equipment.
IP address
An Internet Protocol address is an identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network.
Networks using the TCP/IP protocol route messages based on the destination IP address. Your
cable provider assigns your VoIP cable modem an IP address to provide a continuous Internet
connection.
MAC address
The Media Access Control Address uniquely identifies each device that can be connected to an
Ethernet network. It is permanently written to read-only memory (ROM) at the factory and printed
on the rear panel of your VoIP cable modem. You need to provide the MAC address to your cable
provider.
MHz
Mega Hertz. A measure of radio frequency - millions of cycles per second. One MHz means one
million cycles per second.
PBX
A private branch exchange is a private telephone network usually used within a business. Users of
the PBX share a certain number of outside lines for making telephone calls external to the PBX.
PSTN
The public switched telephone network is the traditional circuit-switched, voice-oriented telephone
network originally invented by Alexander Graham Bell. It is sometimes referred to as plain old
telephone service (POTS).
RJ-11
The most common type of connector for household phones.
RJ-45
The most common type of connector for Ethernet networks.
splitter
A splitter is a device that divides the signal power from an input cable equally between two or more
signals, each carrying a selected frequency range.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is a set of protocols that provides standards and
rules for communication between networks.
upstream
In a network, upstream describes the direction of data sent from your computer to the Internet.
UPS
An uninterruptible power supply provides a battery backup to enable voice service to continue for
some time during a power outage.
