ABBREVIATION DICTIONARY Networks and Telecommunications/Electronics -->I

I

ICMP
The Internet Control Message Protocol, ICMP is an error reporting mechanism that is an integral part of the IP suite. Gateways and hosts use ICMP to send reports of datagram problems back to the sender. ICMP also includes an echo request/reply function that tests whether a destination is reachable and responding. See also Ping.







IDPR
Inter-Domain Policy Routing Protocol







IEC
Inter-Exchange Carrier. Common carrier providing communications channels between local telephone companies (LECs, or Local Exchange Carriers). Also known as long distance carriers, such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WilTel, etc.







IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. An organization that maintains the standards for 10BaseT and other communications standards.







IF frequency
Intermediate Frequency (IF) typically refers to 70 MHz / 140 MHz for Satcom applications, while in Headend applications it refers to the 950 MHz to 2050 MHz (L-Band).







IGC
Input Gain Control







IGMP
Internet Group Management Protocol







IGP
Interior Gateway Protocol







IP
Internet Protocol







IP Address
An address that uniquely identifies each host on a network or Internet.







IP Filters
When defining filters, you can set the Type of filter to Generic or IP. If you set the type to IP, the filter can examine a TCP/IP/UDP data packets' source addresses, destination addresses, IP protocol type, port, or any combination of these.







IP Masquerading
Sometimes referred to as NAT (network address translation) or PAT (protocol address translation). The preferred term is NAT.







IP Multicast
A protocol for transmitting IP datagrams from one source to many destinations in a local or wide area network of hosts which run the TCP/IP suite of protocols. The basic facility provided by the IP protocol is a unicast transmission service: That is, the current standard for IP provides only unreliable transmission of datagrams from a single source host to a single destination host.







IP Navigator
The Lucent carrier-class implementation of the multiprotocol label switching standard, with extensions for Quality of Service (QoS), traffic engineering, and new services.







IP Subnet
Internet Protocol subnet. An IP subnetor subnet mask is a way to subdivide a network into smaller networks, so you can have a greater number of computers on a network with a single IP address. The IP subnet is a number that you append to the IP address. For example, 195.112.56.75/14, 195.112.56.75/15, and 195.112.56.75/16 are all IP addresses with subnets of 14, 15, and 16.







IP Switch
A high-performance device designed for high-volume, large-scale public and private backbone applications. A switch is a device that can determine the destinations of large volumes of incoming packets and send them to the appropriate output ports at high speeds.







IP Telephony
The transmission of voice over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Also called voice over IP (VOIP), IP telephony allows users to make phone calls over the Internet, intranets, or private LANs and WANs that use the TCP/IP protocol.







IP address
In internet technology, a number assigned by the system administrator, usually written in the form of four decimal fields separated by periods - for example, 192.9.200.1. Any computing device that uses IP must be assigned an Internet or IP address. Part of the Internet address is the IP network number (IP network address), and part is the host address (IP host address). All machines on a given IP network use the same IP network number, and each machine has a unique IP host address.







IP telephony
The transmission of voice over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Also called voice over IP (VOIP), IP telephony allows users to make phone calls over the Internet, intranets, or private LANs and WANs that use the TCP/IP protocol.







IPCP
Internet Protocol Control Protocol is responsible for configuring, enabling and disabling the IP protocol modules on both ends of a point-to-point link. The IP Control Protocol is tied to PPP, and is activated only when PPP reaches the network layer protocol phase. If IPCP packets are received prior to this phase, they should be discarded. Elements of IPCP include packet encapsulation, code fields and timeouts.







IPCU
Internet Packet Core Utility







IPIP
IP-within-IP Encapsulation Protocol







IPPC
Internet Pluribus Packet Core







IPX
Internet Packet eXchange , the NetWareLAN communications protocol used to move data between servers and workstation programs running on various network nodes. IPX packets are encapsulated and carried by Ethernet packet and Token Ring frames as appropriate.







IPX Spoofing
This is a procedure used by hackers andother unauthorized users which enables a user to mimic a legitimate network node, then gain access to data within a private network. Spoofing can lead to severe security breaches and damage to the integrity of a company's operations.







IPXCP
Fulfills the same function as IPCP, but for IPX routing. See IPCP.







IPXWAN
The WAN version of NetWare's IPX protocol.







IRTP
Internet Reliable Transport Protocol







ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network. A system that provides simultaneous voice and high-speed data transmission through a single channel to the user's premises. ISDN is an international standard for end-to-end digital transmission of voice, data, and signaling.







ISDN BRI Line
An ISDN basic rate interface (BRI) line that uses two B channels for user data, and one 16-Kbps D channel for ISDN D channel signaling. Both B channels can be switched, both channels can be nailed up, or one channel can be switched and the other nailed up. A line of this type can connect to standard voice service, switched-56 data service, or switched-64 data service.







ISDN D-Channel Signaling
A type of signaling in which a D channel handles WAN synchronization and signaling, and the B channels carry the user data. Another term for ISDN D-channel signaling is out-of-band signaling. T1 PRI, E1 PRI, and ISDN BRI lines use ISDN D-channel signaling.







ISDN Multirate
A network-based ISDN service which allows users network access equipment to dial network channels of bandwidth in increments of 64 kbit/s, up to 1536 kbit/s. Access to ISDN Multirate service is obtained over ISDN PRI lines.







ISDN User Part (ISUP)
ISUP defines the protocol used to set-up, manage, and release trunk circuits that carry voice and data between terminating line exchanges (e.g., between a calling party and a called party). ISUP is used for both ISDN and non-ISDN calls. However, calls that originate and terminate at the same switch do not use ISUP signaling.







ISO 9001
ISO is the International Standards Organization, and is devoted to the definition of standards for international and national data communications. (The U.S. representative to the ISO is ANSI.3.) 9001 is the current set of ISO standards. Companies whose products are ISO certified reflect a high quality of consistency and quality.







ISO-IP
International Standards Organization Internet Protocol







ISO-TP4
International Standards Organization Transport Protocol Class 4







ISP
An Internet Service Provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. By establishing Points of Presence (POPs) containing remote access servers and additional devices, as well as a suite of user software packages, the Internet Service Provider acts as a commercial Internet on-ramp. Providers typically charge a monthly fee and supply technical support and advice to customers.







ITU
A committee of the International Telecommunications Union that recommends international standards for radio, television, and telecommunication signals.







ITU Grid
In DWDM systems, an assignment of standard wavelengths.







ITU-Radio Standards Sector
Formerly Consultative Committee for International Radio. The permanent committee of the International Telecommunications Union that recommends international standards for radio and television signals.







IXC
Interexchange Carrier







Idle Disconnects
A disconnect is defined as the breaking or release of a circuit connecting two telephones or data devices, an idle disconnect is a disconnect that occurs when no data is transmitted on a link in a specified amount of time.







In-band signaling
The transmission of signaling information over the same path as data and/or voice information.







Inband Signaling
A type of signaling in which a line uses 8 kbps of each 64 kbps channel for WAN synchronization and signaling. The remaining 56 kbps handle the transmission of user data. Another term for inband signaling is robbed-bit signaling. Robbed-bit refers to the 8 kbps of each channel used for signaling. T1 access lines containing one or more switched channels, and Switched-56 lines use inband signaling.







Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC)
Incumbent local exchange carriers.







Index of Refraction
The ratio of light velocity in a vacuum to its velocity in a material medium, like glass. It is a function of wavelength and the composition, temperature, and pressure of the medium. Synonym for refractive index.







Information Database Services
A class of dial-up service providers that enable subscribers to search for and locate specific information ranging from airline schedules to weather reports.







Input power
See optical input







Institute Of Electrical And Electronic Engineers
An organization that maintains the standards for 10BaseT and other communications standards.







Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
The world's largest technical professional society. It focuses on advancing the theory and practice of electrical, electronics and computer engineering and computer science.







Insulator
A material, such as glass, wood or rubber, that is a poor conductor of electricity, or a device made from such a material. It's used to separate conductors from one another. See for more info.







Integrated Circuit
A chip that contains electrical components -- such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors -- connected by wiring, to form a circuit designed to perform some specific task or tasks. See for more info.







Integrated Net Layer Security Protocol
Integrated Net Layer Security Protocol.







Integrated Optical Circuit
The optical equivalent of a microelectronic circuit, it acts on the light in a lightwave system to carry out communications functions, generating, detecting, switching, and transmitting light.







Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
Digital service that features one or more circuit-switched channels for carrying digital voice, data, or image signals; a packet-switched channel for out-of-band signaling and control; plus features that support information productivity for the user, providing higher-speed Internet access than analog systems.







Intelligent Assistants
Software that can be programmed to carry out tasks on a computer, such as sorting electronic mail.







Intelligent Network
A global switching and signaling system that centralizes intelligence in databases and applications processors in the network rather than in central office switching devices. This enables the network to complete complex instructions for routing, signaling, and information presentation.







Intelligent Peripheral
An intelligent network element (or server) that can exchange information with an end user. Examples include playing voice announcements and collecting Dial Tone Multi-frequency digits.







Inter-Domain Policy Routing Protocol
Inter-Domain Policy Routing Protocol







Inter-exchange Carrier
Inter-exchange carrier.







Inter-machine Trunk (IMT )
Inter-machine trunk.







InterNIC Or New Domain Services
The Internet’s central naming registry, InterNIC is the place where you apply to register your domain name. The InterNIC registration services host computer contains information on Internet networks, ASNs, domains, and POCs. Its address is http://www.internic.net.







Interactive Digital Solutions Software
Software for large interactive video servers for telephone company networks and cable TV systems.







Interactive Voice Response
A specialized computer that accepts input from either a telephone keypad or the caller's voice, and on the basis of that input, uses synthesized voice or prerecorded messages to offer callers choices on how they can complete their call.







Interexchange Carrier
Common carrier providing communications channels between local telephone companies (LECs or local exchange carriers). Also known as long distance carriers, such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, WilTel, etc.







Interface
Connection and interaction between hardware, software, and the user. The interface between components in a network is called a protocol. The connection can be permanent, as with the Ethernet interface or network hardwired ports, or it can be temporary, as with ports used for dial-in or dial-out connections.







Interface Message Processor (IMP )
Former name of packet switches used in the ARPANET. An IMP in now called a packet switched node.







Interior Gateway Protocol
Generic term applied to any protocol used to propagate network reach and routing information within autonomous system. Although there is no Internet standard RIP is among the most popular.







Internal Reflection
In a lightguide, the reflection of light from the boundary where the optical core meets the outer protective covering, or cladding.







International Standards Organization Internet Protocol
International Standards Organization Internet Protocol.







International Standards Organization Transport Protocol Class 4
International Standards Organization Transport Protocol Class 4.







International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
A group of representatives from 161 countries headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The ITU publishes recommendations that influence telecom engineers, designers, manufacturers, and service providers around the world.







Internet
At its heart, the Internet is many large computer networks joined together over high-speed backbone data links ranging from 56 Kbps (now rare) to T1, T3, OC-1, and Oc-3. The Internet, in short, is a network of computer networks, now reaching worldwide. It is basically, a packet-switched network based on a family of networking protocols called TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.







Internet Activities Board (IAB)
A group of approximately 12 researchers who provide much of the direction and focus for the Internet project. Most members of the IAB chair task forces are responsible for investigating a problem or a set of issues deemed important. The IAB discusses policies with DARPA and NSF that support Internet research.







Internet Call Diversion (ICD) For Softswitch (ICD)
An SS7 signaling gateway that connects to a MAX TNT WAN access switch. It enables network service providers to integrate dial-up access into their network infrastructure. When connected to the network side, ICD for softswitch and the MAX TNT switch route Internet calls away from the public switched telephone network to a data network.







Internet Control Message Protocol
ICMP is an error reporting mechanism that is an integral part of the IP suite. Gateways and hosts use ICMP to send reports of datagram problems back to the sender. ICMP also includes an echo request/reply function that tests whether a destination is reachable and responding.







Internet Gateway
A gateway (see Gateway) for accessing the Internet, which is loosely defined as the complex of wide area networks joining government, university, corporate and private computers (nodes) in a vast web of network interconnection.







Internet Group Management Protocol
Internet Group Management Protocol.







Internet Packet Core Utility
Internet packet core utility.







Internet Packet Exchange
The NetWare LAN communications protocol used to move data between servers and workstation programs running on various network nodes. IPX packets are encapsulated and carried by Ethernet packet and token ring frames as appropriate.







Internet Pluribus Packet Core
Internet pluribus packet core.







Internet Protocol (IP)
The method many computers use to communicate. It's the language of the Internet.







Internet Protocol Control Protocol
Configures, enables, and disables the IP protocol modules on both ends of a point-to-point link. IPCP is tied to PPP, and is activated only when PPP reaches the network layer protocol phase. If IPCP packets are received prior to this phase, they should be discarded. Elements of IPCP include packet encapsulation, code fields and timeouts.







Internet Reliable Transport Protocol
Internet Reliable Transport Protocol.







Internet Service Provider
Internet service provider. A company that provides access to the Internet. By establishing points-of-presence (POPs) containing remote access servers and additional devices, as well as a suite of user software packages, the Internet service provider acts as a commercial Internet on-ramp. Providers typically charge a monthly fee and supply technical support and advice to customers.







Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Internet service provider.







Internet Telephony
The use of the Internet for a voice call. See IP telephony.







Interoperability
Interoperable devices are compatible with the devices and services of multiple vendors, and can be integrated into a generic network containing a wide range of vendor products. Interoperability is a significant factor among expansion considerations, since any device must have the versatility to function in an expanding network structure. The technical elements of interoperability may include a bundle of protocols and a flexible architecture to accommodate upgrades. A remote access server should include capabilities such as translation, encapsulation, filtering, etc., that enable internetworking.







Intranet
A private internetwork inside a company or agency that uses the same kind of software running on the Internet, but only for internal purposes. A corporate intranet uses the Internet as its backbone, but the firewall surrounding the intranet prevents unauthorized access. Like the Internet, intranets are used to share information. See also Internet, Extranet.







Inverse Multiplexer
Equipment that performs inverse multiplexing at each end of a connection. An inverse multiplexer is also known as an inverse mux.







Inverse Multiplexing
A multiplexer is an electronic device that enables two or more signals to pass over a single communications circuit, whether analog or digital. An inverse multiplexer allows individually dialed channels across a network to be combined into a single, higher-speed data stream. Each end of the connection uses an inverse multiplexer, or inverse mux.







Inverse Mux
An inverse multiplexer.







Ion
An atom, or group of atoms, that carries a positive or negative charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons. See for more info.







Ion Implantation
The process of introducing dopant atoms into the surface of a silicon wafer. Also called doping. In the process, ionized atoms of elements such as boron or phosphorus bombard the wafer and penetrate its surface. See for more info.







Isochronous Service
One in which a bit stream is sent at fixed period intervals.