| A | B |
|---|
| communications satellite | Essentially a microwave station placed in outer space that receives a signal from one point on earth and then rebroadcasts it at a different frequency to a different location. |
| digital signal | A signal with two discrete voltage states, high or low. |
| Ethernet | The most widely used network standard for private networks. |
| fiber-optic cable | A cable, consisting of thousands of extremely thin strands of glass or plastic bound together in a sheathing (a jacket), that transmits signals with light beams. |
| global positioning system (GPS) | System that uses satellite and mobile communications to pinpoint exact locations. |
| intranet | A networking technique that uses the protocols of the Int |
| local area network | A network that connects computer systems and devices within the same building or local geographical area. |
| metropolitan area network | Connects networks within a city or metropolitan-size area into a larger high-speed network. |
| microwave transmission | Sending line-of-sight high-frequency radio signals through the air. |
| modem | Device that converts analog and digital signals from one form to the other. |
| near field communication | A wireless technology designed for short distances (up to 20 centimeters), aimed at utilizing cell phones for secure wireless payments. |
| network adapter | A computer circuit board, PC card, or USB device installed in a computer so that the computer can be connected to a network. |
| networking media | Anything that carries a signal and creates an interface between a sending device and a receiving device. |
| personal area network | The interconnection of personal information technology devices, typically wirelessly, within the range of an individual. |
| radio frequency identification | Uses tiny transponders in tags that can be attached to objects and read wirelessly using an RFID reader. |
| telecommunications | The electronic transmission and reception of signals for communications. |
| twisted pair copper cable | A cable consisting of pairs of twisted wires covered with an insulating layer. |
| virtual private network | Uses a technique called tunneling to securely send private network data over the Internet. |
| wide area network | Connects LANs and MANs between cities, across country, and around the world using microwave and satellite transmission or telephone lines. |
| WiMAX | Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, also known as IEEE 802.16; the next-generation wireless broadband technology that is both faster and has a longer range than Wi-Fi. |
| wireless fidelity | Wireless networking technology that makes use of access points to wirelessly connect users to networks within a range of 250–1000 feet (75–300 meters). |
| 3D modeling software | Provides graphics tools that allow artists to create pictures of realistic 3D models. |
