An ATA is a device that converts IP to analog signaling, allowing devices like fax machines and fire alarms to send calls over your internet connection. An ATA is most often used to allow traditional analog phones work with IP (VoIP) phone systems.

A set of protocols that allow different software systems to communicate with each other.

An auto-attendant is a phone system feature that automatically answers incoming calls and routes them to the appropriate extension or department without human intervention. It typically provides a menu of options (e.g., “Press 1 for sales, press 2 for support”) to guide callers.

The delivery of a secondary internet connection, designed to engage when the primary connection becomes unusable – either offline or severly degraded. The secondary connection (backup) engages seamlessly, using the same IP address of the primary connection.

The maximum rate of data transfer across a network, typically measured in bits per second (bps).

A protocol for exchanging routing information between different networks on the internet.

A technology that combines the bandwidth of multiple internet connections to deliver the total amount of bandwidth as a single, virtual connection.

This refers to a model where customers use their own internet or bandwidth provider while utilizing a service, such as a cloud-based communication solution, from a separate vendor. This approach allows businesses to control their internet choices independently of other services they use.

A policy that allows employees to use their personal devices (such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets) to access company resources, applications, and data. This increases flexibility but also introduces security concerns that need to be managed.

A facility or department that handles large volumes of inbound and/or outbound calls, typically for customer service, sales, or technical support. Call centers often use automation tools, such as automatic call distribution (ACD) and interactive voice response (IVR) systems, to manage call traffic efficiently.

A telephony feature that allows incoming calls to be redirected to another phone number, such as a mobile phone or a different office line. It ensures that calls are not missed when the intended recipient is unavailable at their primary number.

A system of distributed servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location.

A phone system hosted in the cloud, allowing voice calls to be made over the internet.

The practice of housing privately-owned servers and network equipment in a third-party data center.

Telecommunication hardware located at the customer’s premises, such as media converters, routers or modems.

A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.

A service that allows businesses to assign direct phone numbers to employees without requiring multiple phone lines.

Digital faxing, or e-fax, allows users to send and receive faxes via email or the internet instead of a traditional fax machine. This technology converts faxes into digital documents, which are then transmitted electronically to the recipient’s email inbox or cloud storage.

A system that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to load websites.

A technology for transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines, commonly used for internet access.

A technology that increases bandwidth by sending different data streams over separate wavelengths of light on a single optical fiber.

Ethernet data transmission over coaxial cable, commonly used in broadband access networks.

A method for transmitting Ethernet frames over a fiber-optic network.

The use of twisted-pair copper cables for Ethernet network connections.

A security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.

A broadband service that uses fiber-optic cables up to a street cabinet, with the final connection to homes via copper cables.

A broadband service that provides a direct fiber-optic connection to the user’s premises.

A point-to-multipoint (ie, shared) access network that uses fiber optics to provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses.

A cloud-based phone system hosted and managed by a service provider. (ie, Fidalia hosts and manages the majority of its 3CX phone systems)

A network of physical devices that connect to the internet to share data and perform automated tasks.

The method by which data is sent from one computer to another on the internet.

A unique numerical identifier assigned to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate over the internet. (Example: 198.51.100.219 (IPv4))

A set of communication standards that transmit voice, video, and data over traditional phone lines.

A company that provides access to the internet for individuals and businesses. Fidalia Networks is one of Canada’s leading business Internet Service Providers.

The part of a telephony system that allows interaction with callers via pre-recorded voice prompts and menu options.

A network of connected devices within a small geographic area, such as a home or office.

The time delay experienced in a system, often used to describe the delay in data transfer over a network. This is the actual “speed” of your internet connection. Bandwidth, on the other hand, is the amount of data your connection or network can handle at any one time.

A standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals.

A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on a network.

A method for speeding up and shaping network traffic flows. An MPLS Network is a network designed with switching in mind – usually a layer-2, density-limited network designed for business customers.

A unique numerical identifier assigned to devices on a network, allowing them to communicate over the internet. (Example: 198.51.100.219 (IPv4))

A process in which a network device assigns a public address to a computer inside a private network.

A centralized location where IT professionals monitor, manage, and maintain network performance. The NOC ensures that networks run smoothly, alerts administrators to issues, and performs necessary troubleshooting to prevent or resolve network outages.

A method of grouping data into packets for transmission over a digital network.

A technology that allows network cables to carry electrical power in addition to data. This is useful for devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones, enabling them to receive power and network connectivity through a single Ethernet cable.

A technology that prioritizes certain types of traffic on a network to improve performance for critical applications.

A device that forwards data packets between networks, directing them to their intended destinations.

A software delivery model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and accessed over the internet.

A technology that uses software to control and manage WAN connections, providing more efficient and flexible routing of traffic across multiple network paths. SD-WAN optimizes network performance by prioritizing traffic based on the type of data or the destination.

A device that secures and controls VoIP (Voice over IP) network traffic during communication sessions. SBCs manage signaling and media streams, providing security, traffic management, and quality of service (QoS) for voice and video communication over IP networks.

A protocol used for initiating, maintaining, and terminating real-time communication sessions, such as voice or video calls.

A device or software that converts traditional telephony signals into SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) signals, enabling communication between VoIP systems and the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

A virtual phone line that allows businesses to make and receive phone calls over the internet using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). SIP trunking replaces traditional phone lines and is often used for VoIP services, enabling businesses to scale their communications more efficiently.

A protocol for sending emails over the internet.

A protocol used for managing and monitoring network devices.

A software application that allows users to make phone calls over the internet using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Softphones are often used with VoIP services and replicate the functions of a traditional desk phone.

A protocol for securing data transmitted over the internet.

A suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.

A method of transmitting multiple signals over a single transmission path by dividing time into segments.

A service that allows two or more geographically separated LANs (Local Area Networks) to function as a single network. TLS uses a service provider’s high-speed network to interconnect LANs and enables seamless data transfer, often over Ethernet.

A type of wiring in which two conductors are twisted together to cancel out electromagnetic interference.

A communication protocol used for time-sensitive transmissions, such as video streaming, where error correction is less critical. VoIP also uses UDP.

An integrated set of communication tools, such as voice, video, messaging, email, and conferencing, that work together to provide seamless and efficient collaboration across multiple devices and platforms.

A cloud-based delivery model for unified communications services, including voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools. UCaaS allows businesses to subscribe to a suite of communication tools and scale them as needed, without the need for on-premises hardware.

The percentage of time a system or service is operational and available for use. 99% uptime equates to, daily, 14 minutes of downtime. A very good uptime percentage is 99.99% (often referred to as “four-nines” uptime).

A network configuration that allows a physical network to be divided into multiple virtual networks.

A secure connection established over the internet between two or more devices or networks. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnel encrypts the data transmitted between the devices, ensuring that it remains private and protected from unauthorized access.

A technology that allows voice communication and multimedia sessions over the internet.

A service that provides a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet.

A telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs.

A network that allows wireless devices to connect and communicate over a small geographic area.

A technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a wireless LAN and the internet.

A markup language that defines rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.