P
Protocol
A set of rules and formats that determines
the communication behavior of network
entities at a given layer.
Proxy
A device or program that stands in
between a server (for example, a web site)
and a client (your browser), providing a
way to relieve some of the burden from
the server. For example, your cable
company may have a web proxy that keeps
copies of popular web pages; the proxy can
send you those pages instead of fetching
them directly from the web site, resulting
in faster page loading and less network
congestion.
R
RF
Abbreviation for Radio Frequency. Some
literature refers to coax as “RF cable” and
the connectors as “RF connectors.”
RJ-11
A standard 2-conductor modular
connector, commonly used in North
America for connecting telephones.
RJ-45
A standard 8-conductor modular
connector, commonly used on Ethernet
cable. An RJ-45 connector looks like a wide
RJ-11 (telephone) connector.
S
Splitter
A small box with three cable connectors:
one input and two outputs. You may need
a splitter if you have a TV already
connected to the cable outlet that you
want to use for your Telephony Gateway.
You can buy a splitter from any electronics
retailer and most discount stores.
SSID
Service Set IDentifier. A string of text (up to
32 characters long) that uniquely identifies
a wireless LAN.
Switched outlet
A power outlet that may be turned on and
off using a wall switch. Usually intended
for lamps. Avoid plugging your computer
or Telephony Gateway into a switched
outlet to avoid disruptions.
T
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol. The protocols used to facilitate
communications across one or more
connected networks.
TDMA
Time Division Multiple Access. A method
used by DOCSIS-compliant cable modems
for sending upstream data with minimal
interference.
U
Upstream
The path from a subscriber device to the
headend. Some older cable documentation
may refer to this as the return path or
reverse path.
