PDF of this tutorialBandwidth
A measure of capacity. Greater bandwidth allows more information to be communicated in a given period of time.
Broadband
A network connection that supports a very high bit rate. Also, content that is streamed over a high-bit-rate connection can be described as “broadband content.”
Capture
The process of digitizing audio and video content from a non-digital or analog format.
CODEC
(compression-depression) Standard method of compressing and decompressing data, typically with audio or video files in which data is encoded or compressed to reduce file size. CODEC can be software-only or hardware assisted.
Compression
Reduction in size of content to save space or transmission time. Compression is performed by a program that calculates how to most efficiently compress and decompress the data.
Customer-Premises Equipment
Customer-premises equipment (CPE) refers to equipment that resides at the customers location (home or office). Examples include DSL modems, DSL gateways, and television set-top boxes.
Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer
A digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) is located in the central office (CO) that provides DSL services to consumers.
Internet Protocol
Internet Protocol (IP) is the standard signaling method used for all communication over the Internet. IP is supported by the major application providers, software companies and computer manufacturers. Broadband media services takes full advantage of the guarantees provided by IP access products with respect to real-time IP data delivery. IP provides the path that allows applications to evolve, independent of the transport protocols selected for broadband delivery.
Internet Protocol version 6
Internet Protocol version 6 (Ipv6) , designed by the IETF, is the new IP to replace the current version, IP version 4 (IPv4). IPv6 has been designed to meet the challenges of the growing Internet and includes several improvements over IPv4. The main benefits of IPv6 include a larger address space, integrated security, support for auto-configuration of terminals, and support for mobility.
IP Security
IP Security (IPSec) is a developing standard for security at the network layer. IPSec will enhance the security of virtual private networks (VPN) without requiring changes to each computer that needs connectivity to the network.
Local Loop
DSL is added to the local loop, turning copper wire into a high-speed data link and enabling broadband media services.
Local-Area Network
Local-area networks (LAN) connect a number of computers to each other or to a central server.
Moving Pictures Expert Group
Moving pictures expert group (MPEG) is a digital video and audio compression format that was defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO).
MPEG–2
MPEG–2 is a widely used, standardized video coding and compression technology. It is used in DVD movies and digital satellite distribution.
MPEG–4
MPEG–4 is a compression/decompression technology that aims to achieve interactivity, efficiency, scalability, and stability in transmissions. On a broader level, MPEG–4 aims to pave the way toward a uniform, high-quality encoding and decoding standard that would replace the many proprietary streaming technologies in use on the Internet today.
Multicasting
Multicasting is a broadcasting concept where the content is delivered only to the receivers (or end users) that have joined that particular multicast session group. Only one copy of the content passes over any link in the network content, and copies are only made where the paths diverge at a router.
Multimedia
Broadly described as the integrated presentation of text, graphics, audio, video, and animation for business or consumer use.
Rich Media
Media that has been enhanced with animation or video. Rich media ads are animated, and often streamed, so that they appear more like television commercials, as opposed to ads containing static images and text. They can be embedded in Web pages and inserted into or between video clips. Using synchronized multimedia integrated language (SMIL), they can be streamed concurrent to audio programming
Set-Top Box
An electronic device that serves as an interface between a television set and a broadband network, providing VOD and interactive multimedia services.
Streaming Media
The simultaneous transfer of digital media (video, voice, and data) that is received as a continuous real-time stream. A streamed file is simultaneously downloaded and viewed.
Very High Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line
Very high bit-rate DSL (VDSL) is a technology for transmitting very high-speed digital information over short reaches of an existing phone line to homes and businesses. With VDSL transmission rates are very dependent upon actual loop length. The maximum downstream rate is between 51 and 55 Mbps over lines up to 1,000 ft (300 meters) in length. Initial upstream rate will be an asymmetric rate between 1.6 and 2.3 Mbps. The data channel will be a separate frequency than that of bands used for POTS and ISDN thus enabling service providers to overlay VDSL onto existing services. As needs arise for higher speed upstream rates, VDSL may need echo cancellation.
Video on Demand
Video on demand (VOD) is a broadband service in which a viewer can order a specific program and have it delivered instantly.
Virtual Private Network
A virtual private network (VPN) uses encryption and other security methods to prevent information from being intercepted and guarantees that only authorized users can access the network.
Webcast
A live broadcast format over the World Wide Web.
Wide-Area Network
A wide-area network (WAN) is a network that interconnects geographically dispersed LANs.
