21CN

21st Century Network. See NGN.

Bandwidth

Describes how much data you can send through an internet connection and is usually measured in bits-per-second. As a rule, increased bandwidth equals faster internet connections.

Broadband

Generic term for high speed internet access.

Core network

The fibre ring at the centre of a network that delivers voice and data around the country.

DNS (Domain Name Server)

DNS is used to map names to IP addresses and vice versa. Domain Name Servers maintain central lists of domain name/IP addresses and map the domain names in your internet requests to other servers on the internet until the specified web site is found.

DSLAM

DSL Access Multiplexor.  First generation unbundling infrastructure, handing off voice and data over DSL between the customer and the unbundler's backhaul and core network, installed into BT exchanges.

IP

Internet Protocol: packet switched technology used on the internet.  The method by which both voice and data will be switched over NGNs.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

Also sometimes called a dotted quad. It is a unique number consisting of 4 parts separated by dots e.g. 165.113.245.2. Every machine that is on the internet has a unique IP number - if a machine does not have an IP number, it is not really on the internet. Most machines also have one or more Domain Names that are easier for people to remember.

IPSec (Internet Protocol Security)

A standard for security at the network or packet processing layer of network communication. IPSec essentially encrypts data to create secure data transmissions across private and public networks such as the internet and allows companies to implement VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) across the internet as a cost effective alternative to dedicated connections.

IP Stream

BT's wholesale broadband product, currently the staple product used by mass market ISPs.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

ISDN is a type of digital phone/data and internet service that preceded ADSL and has for the most part been superseded by it.

ISP

Internet Service Provider:  company selling internet access.

MPF

Metallic Path Facility: BT's name for the copper wire in the local loop. The technical term for FULL.

NGN

Next Generation Network: industry term for future telecoms networks that will transmit both voice and data traffic on an all-IP platform.  See also 21CN.

NGS

Next Generation Switch: BT's latest trunk exchanges replaced DMSUs.

SMPF

Shared Metallic Path Facility: shared use of unbundled copper loop. Technical term for PULL.