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1000BaseT
This networking standard, also called Gigabit Ethernet, carries 1 gigabit/second traffic a total distance of 100 meters using CAT 5 twisted pair cable. In contrast to 10BaseT and 100BaseT which use only 1 pair of wires, 1000BaseT uses all four pairs each operating at 250 Mbps to achieve its high speed.

100BaseT
A 100 megabit/second twisted pair network. It uses Category 5 (CAT5) wiring. It can be run a maximum of 100 meters.

10baseT
A 10 megabit/second network. The 10 indicates 10Mbps and T for twisted pair wires. Category 3 (CAT3) wire is the minimum wiring requirement. It can be run a total of 100 meters. This wiring scheme has become very popular due to the low cost of the wiring, simple installation, low cost adapters and strong commonality between adapters.

5.1 Channel Surround
An audio system that can reproduce five full-range discrete channels of sound: left, center, right, surround left and surround right, plus a low-frequency effect channel for bass. The term can also be used to describe the type of soundtrack a software title or broadcast contains.

6.1 Channel Surround
An audio system that can reproduce six full-range discrete channels of sound: left, center, right, surround left, surround right and rear, plus a low-frequency effect channel for bass. The term can also be used to describe the type of soundtrack a software title contains.

7.1 Channel Surround
An audio system that can reproduce seven full-range discrete channels of sound: left, center, right, surround left, surround right, rear left, rear center and rear right, plus a low-frequency effect channel for bass. The term can also be used to describe the type of soundtrack a software title contains. Alarm System - Burglar
An alarm system is designed to detect unauthorized intrusion into a building or area of a building. A wide range of control equipment and detection devices can be selected to meet the customers need for detection of an attempted or actual burglary. Most burglar alarm systems will sound an alarm at the site and report to a central station.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has served in its capacity as administrator and coordinator of the United States private sector voluntary standardization system for more than 80 years. ANSI does not itself develop American National Standards (ANSs); rather it facilitates development by establishing consensus among qualified groups.

Amplified Volume Control Systems
A single-wire solution that delivers music to multiple rooms via a central control box. Some of these systems make use of CAT 5 cable to deliver the un-amplified audio signal to each room, where an in-wall amplifier and speakers reproduce the music.

Analog
In the consumer electronics world, analog technologies are those that use traditional methods of receiving, recording and/or reproducing content or communications. Examples of analog technologies include VHS VCRs, cassette tapes and NTSC (standard) cable and TV broadcasts.

ANSI/CEA-2030 Multi-Room Audio Cabling Standard
This standard provides detailed information to homebuilders and contractors about cabling and connectors for use in multi-room audio systems and distribution networks.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
A form of DSL broadband service, it is called "asymmetric" because most of its two-way bandwidth is devoted to the downstream direction, sending data to the user.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
A high-speed multiplexing and switching method utilizing fixed-length cells of 53 objects to support multiple types of traffic. Note: ATM, specified in international standards, is asynchronous in the sense that cells carrying user data need not be periodic.

Audio Distribution Amplifier
These are amplifiers that distribute the input from a single audio source to multiple audio outputs or locations.

Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
The remote collection of consumption data from customers' utility meters using telephony, radio frequency, power-line and satellite communications technologies.

Automation
The condition of being automated; any system or method that uses self-operating equipment, electronic devices, etc. to replace human beings in doing routine or repetitive work actions.

A/V Receiver (Receiver)
An audio or audio/video component that combines a tuner, preamplifier and power amplifier in a single chassis. A typical A/V receiver will decode surround sound formats and offer numerous audio and video inputs for switching between multiple audio and video source components. Bandwidth
The term bandwidth is used most commonly to refer to the amount of data that can flow across or through a wire, device or other transmission path, such as airwaves. For most consumer technologies, bandwidth is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Bluetooth
A wireless device-to-device technology that allows compatible devices such as laptops, cell phones and personal digital assistants, to name just a few, to share data and voice communications over a short-range wireless network. Popular uses of the technology include hands-free kits for Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that allow users to make and receive calls via a wireless headset.

Bridge
A device that connects two similar networks together. All messages are passed automatically. It is mainly used to increase the distance or number of devices a given type of network can handle.

Broadband
Telecommunication that provides multiple channels of data over a single communications medium. Typical examples of consumer broadband services are high-speed Internet delivered via cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or fiber-optic networks. Cable Modem
A device that enables you to connect to the Internet and send/receive data via your local cable TV provider.

Category 3 Wiring (CAT3)
Consists of 4 pairs of twisted pair wires used for medium speed communications of up to 10 megabits over distances of up to 100 meters. The FCC has specified that new homes use a minimum of CAT3 wiring for telephones in new home construction.

Category 4 Wiring (CAT4)
Consists of 4 pairs of twisted pair wires used for medium speed communications of up to 16 Mbps over distances of up to 100 meters. It is not in general use as it was quickly followed by CAT5 wiring providing higher speed communications for approximately the same price.

Category 5 Wiring (CAT5)
Consists of 4 pairs of twisted pair wires terminated with RJ45 connectors used for high speed communications of up to 100 Mbps over distances of up to 100 meters. Commonly used for data and telephone, it now is widely used for distribution of audio signals. It is often used in new home construction.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
The traditional glass picture tubes that have been used in analog TVs since their inception. CRTs are also used in some rear projection TVs.

Cluster
A hardware connection between two or more PCs that forms a closed network or internal network for sharing data and processing tasks among connected PCs.

Cluster Network
A group of devices that are connected to each other, at least some bi-directionally, is self-contained, and can perform its minimal function without the need to communicate with another network.

Coaxial Cable
Often used to distribute video signals but can also be used for other types of communications. There are several varieties of coax cable used in homes such as RG59 and RG6, the latter of which is recommended for all new wiring for cable and satellite TV.

Communicating Thermostat
A thermostat that enables homeowners to remotely control and monitor HVAC settings and room temperature. Communicating thermostats typically provide two-way communication via CAT-5 cabling for control by a home automation system.

Control Network
Control networks link intelligent devices together to permit a distributed and live network to reside in a home, building, or factory by providing a low-cost, reliable, and flexible networking platform optimized for needs of control.

Convergence
The coming together of two or more disparate disciplines or technologies to allow increased functionality and ease of use. Daisy Chain
A wiring method where each termination point is wired in series from the previous jack.

Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS)
DOCSIS-based cable modem systems provide users with high-speed access to packet-based data services. These services include Internet access, packet telephony, video conferencing and telecommuting (i.e., remote access to enterprise networks).

Dedicated Wire
Wiring that is installed specifically to be used for communications. It includes twisted pair wiring used for Ethernet networks, coax wiring used for cable TV, etc.

Digital
Electronic technology that generates, stores and processes data in terms of two states: positive and non-positive. Positive is expressed or represented by the number 1 and non-positive by the number 0. Thus, data transmitted or stored with digital technology is expressed as a string of 0's and 1's.

Digital Cable Ready (DCR)
A feature of a TV or video display that allows plug-and-play connectivity to analog and digital cable without the need for a set-top converter box.

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)
A digital wireless telephone technology that is expected to make cordless phones much more common in both businesses and homes in the future. Formerly called the Digital European Cordless Telecommunications standard because it was developed by European companies, DECT's new name reflects its global acceptance.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A technology for bringing high-bandwidth information to homes and small businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines.

Digital Television (DTV)
The transmission of television signals using digital rather than conventional analog methods. The most popular variety of DTV is High-Definition TV (HDTV). Digital television can be received via cable TV, satellite, over-the-air (antenna) and fiber optic service.

Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
A CD-sized laser disc used to store and playback high-quality audio and video.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
A video component (set-top box) with an integrated hard drive for recording and time-shifting television programming. DVRs may contain an integrated tuner for receiving cable, over-the-air, satellite and/or HDTV broadcasts. The most popular example of a DVR is TiVo. DVR functionality can also be integrated into other devices such as a home computer or television.

Direct-Sequencing Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
Wireless LAN products are available in three different technologies -- direct-sequencing spread-spectrum (DSSS), frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS), and infrared. DSSS and FHSS are spread-spectrum techniques that operate over the radio airwaves in the unlicensed ISM band (industrial, scientific, and medical). DSSS uses a radio transmitter to spread data packets over a fixed range of the frequency band.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and Do-It-For-Me (DIFM)
These are slang terms to refer to consumers who enjoy installing their own electronics and those who prefer help from a professional, respectively.

Dolby Digital
A digital audio format found on DVDs and HDTV broadcasts that provides up to six channels of audio: left, right, center, left surround, right surround and a low frequency effects (subwoofer) channel. This format is often referred to as 5.1- channel surround sound.

DLP®
A micro-display video technology that uses an all-digital chip to project and display images. This technology is found in thin rear-projection TV sets and home theater projectors.

DTS
A digital audio format found on DVDs and other software titles that provides up to six discrete, full-range audio channels plus a low frequency effects (subwoofer) channel. DTS decoding is a feature found on many home theater receivers and preamp processors. See also Dolby Digital.

DVD-Audio (DVD-A)
A high-resolution, multi-channel audio disc format that uses Meridian Lossless Packing encoding to achieve super high-fidelity sound reproduction in either stereo or multi-channel surround. Ethernet
The most widely installed local area network (LAN) technology, which uses coaxial cable or special grades of twisted pair wires. The most commonly installed Ethernet networks are called 10BASE-T and provide transmission speeds up to 10Mbps.

Existing Wiring
Includes telephone wires, coax cabling and power line wiring already in most homes today. Fiber Cable
A generic term used for both plastic and glass fiber optic cables. There are numerous types of fiber cables with varying characteristics. Fiber optic cabling is used for high-speed communications services in many areas with very high-speed communications requirements.

Firewall
A firewall is a set of related programs located at a network gateway server that protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. (The term also implies the security policy that is used with the programs.)

Gateway
A gateway is a special node that interfaces to one or more dissimilar networks and translates between them (such as between security and lighting controls). An example of a home gateway is a node that connects a HomePnA data network connecting several PCs to an IEEE 1394a A/V network Such a gateway might be used to provide access to video files stored on the PC's hard drive for viewing on a DTV.

Gigabit Ethernet
This is a new home networking standard for transmitting 1 Gigabit/second data a total distance of 100 meters using CAT 5 twisted pair cable. In contrast to 10BaseT and 100BaseT, which use only one pair of wires, 1000BaseT uses all four pairs each operating at 250 Mbps to achieve its high speed. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
A single high-bandwidth cable that can carry both digital audio and video signals from an HDTV receiver, DVD player, etc. to a video display and/or a multi-channel audio receiver/processor.

High Definition Television (HDTV)
A term used to describe a set of characteristics of either a television broadcast or consumer electronics product, usually a television or set-top-box. In either case it refers to a broadcast or product that can deliver at least 720-progressive or 1080-interlaced lines of resolution while offering Dolby Digital multi-channel audio. HDTV programming can be received via cable TV, satellite, over-the-air (antenna) or fiber optic video service.

Home Automation
Systems that provide convenient, centralized access, usually via keypad or PC, to various controls and appliances within a home. Home automation systems allow for the remote control of such things as: lighting, thermostats, locks, pet care, pools and spas, lawn watering, blinds and curtains, multi-media (A/V) systems, etc.

Home Network
Interconnects electronic products/systems, enabling remote access to and control of those products/systems, and any available content such as music, video or data.

Home PNA
A networking technology that utilizes the existing phone lines in the home to network PCs and other devices.

Hub
When referring to structured wiring, the hub is the location where telecommunications lines coming from outside the home and in-home structured wiring running to each room meet; usually in a dedicated utility cabinet. Many hubs are powered and have telephone, home network and cable/antenna/satellite distribution blocks for sending data and signals to each room.

Hybrid Fiber/Coax (HFC)
A telecommunications technology in which fiber optic cable and coaxial cable are used in different portions of a network to carry broadband content (such as video, data, and voice). Typically, a local cable TV company might use fiber optic cable from the cable headend (distribution center) to serving nodes located close to business and residential users, and from these nodes use coaxial cable to individual businesses and homes. Verizon Fios is an example of such a service offered via fiber optic cable. IEEE 1394
A technology developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) that also goes by the trademarked names of FireWire (Apple Computer), i.LINK (Sony) and DTVLink (CEA), this high-speed hardware and software-based networking solution delivers data at rates of between 100 and 800 Mbps. Designed for technologies requiring isochronous data transfer (consumer electronics, digital video, etc.), this technology is embodied in a thin cable that provides for "hot-pluggable" connections between devices. A significant advantage of IEEE 1394 is that it is the only connector offering a consumer solution for recording HDTV programming.

IEEE 802.11b
Most commonly known as "WiFi," 802.11b is a wireless local-area networking standard. Many PC and networked home entertainment devices use 802.11b, which is capable of speeds up to 10 Mbps.

IEEE 802.11g
Offering speeds up to 54 Mbps, 802.11g is a wireless local area networking standard that is also backward-compatible with 802.11b devices.

In-ceiling, in-Wall, On-Wall and Outdoor Speakers
Speakers can be installed in ceilings, walls and floors as necessary or desired to blend subtly with room decor. Today's in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are capable of the kind of performance associated with free standing speakers except they can be flush-mounted or hidden almost anywhere.

Infrared (IR)
A point-to-point, line of sight signal transmission medium, used predominantly for entertainment remote control functions.

Infrared (IR) Extender Systems
Control virtually every aspect of an infrared controllable A/V system from any location. These systems are comprised of three parts. They are IR Keypads/Sensors, IR Main System Units, and IR Flashers.

Integrator
Also known as a "TechHome integrator" or "installer," these professionals install a variety of home-specific electronic products, such as multi-room audio video, home lighting controls, security systems, custom home theaters and structured wiring.

Internet Protocol Telephony (IP Telephony)
A general term for the technologies that use the Internet Protocol's packet-switched connections to exchange voice, fax, and other forms of information that have traditionally been carried over the dedicated circuit-switched connections of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Using the Internet, calls travel as packets of data on shared lines, avoiding the tolls of the PSTN. The challenge in IP telephony is to deliver the voice, fax, or video packets in a dependable flow to the user. Much of IP telephony focuses on that challenge. See also VoIP.

Interoperability
The ability of a system or a product to work with other systems or products without special effort on the part of the customer.

Isochronous
From the Greek for "equal" and "time," isochronous data transfer pertains to processes that require timing coordination to be successful, such as voice and digital video transmission. LCD
A video display technology that uses a liquid crystal display, rather than the traditional picture tube, to display video images. Many of today's flat panel TVs and monitors use LCD technology to achieve a super-thin cabinet design.

Line Level
The relatively low signal level (typically in the 0.5-5 volt range) output by most audio and audio/video source components, separate processors, etc. Line level outputs include RCA-style stereo outputs, composite video, S-video and component video.

Local Area Network (LAN)
A network of personal computers and peripheral devices configured to share information over a short distance, usually within one building.

Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)
A term for a public telephone company in the U.S. that provides local service. Some of the largest LECs are the Bell operating companies (BOCs) which were grouped into holding companies known collectively as the regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs) when the Bell System was broken up by a 1983 consent decree. In addition to the Bell companies, there are a number of independent LECs, such as GTE.

Mbps (Megabits Per Second)
Mbps stands for "millions of bits per second" or "megabits per second" and is a measure of bandwidth (the total information flow over a given time) on a telecommunications medium.

Megabytes
As a measure of computer processor storage and real and virtual memory, a megabyte (abbreviated MB) is 2 to the 20th power byte, or 1,048,576 bytes in decimal notation.

Megahertz (MHz)
A unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz). The megahertz is commonly used to express microprocessor clock speed. The unit is occasionally used in measurements or statements of bandwidth for high-speed digital data, analog and digital video signals, and spread spectrum signals.

Mesh Network
A network configuration where data is routed between nodes (devices) on the network. This node-to-node connection offers improved reliability and expanded range compared to other network configurations.

Modem
A modem modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer or other digital device to analog signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephone line and demodulates the incoming analog signal and converts it to a digital signal for the digital device.

MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3 (MP3)
Based on a standard developed by the Motion Picture Entertainment Group (MPEG), MP3 is an audio format where the original sound file is "compressed" to a fraction of its size while preserving sound quality during playback. MP3 files (identified with the file name suffix of ".mp3") can be easily created from audio CDs and are also available for downloading from a number of online music stores.

Multicast
Communication between a single sender and multiple receivers on a network. Typical uses include the updating of mobile personnel from a home office and the periodic issuance of online newsletters.

Multi-channel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS)
A form of broadband fixed wireless system that operates in the 2 GHz range. Also known as "wireless cable."

Multi-Room Audio Distribution
Any audio system that can distribute sound to speakers in multiple listening areas. In its most basic form, a multi-room audio setup contains a source component, like a CD player, an amplifier, like a home theater receiver, and is connected to speakers in at least two different rooms. A more robust setup would contain multiple source components, speakers in many rooms of the home and separate keypads or LCD touchscreens in each listening location for selecting the source and volume for that individual room. A key feature of mid- to high-end systems is the ability to listen to different sources in different rooms simultaneously with full system control from each room.

Multi-Room Network
Multi-room networks can be built by connecting 2 cluster networks together or by extending a single cluster into a second room.

Multi-Source/Multi-Zone Audio Distribution
With this kind of system, you can listen to different sources in multiple rooms or zones, throughout your home. The central point or "controller" for a multi-source/multi-zone audio distribution system is called a pre-amp controller. All of your audio sources are connected to this controller, and you can have keypads and LCD touch panels in each zone, allowing you to select any of these sources to enjoy. The pre-amp controller then routes the source you have selected to the proper zone. Infrared receivers in each zone can complement keypads and touch panels to allow you to control the system from the comfort of your favorite chair. NEC (National Electrical Code)
Maintained by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 70, or the National Electrical Code®, provides "practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity." More specifically, the NEC® covers the installation of electric conductors and equipment in public and private buildings or other structures (including mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings), industrial substations, and other premises (such as yards, carnivals, and parking lots). The NEC also covers installations of optical fiber cable.

Network Operations Center (NOC)
A place from which a telecommunications network is supervised, monitored, and maintained. The network operations center is the focal point for network troubleshooting, software distribution and updating, router and domain name management, performance monitoring, and network coordination.

Node
In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions. In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.

No-New-Wires
A term commonly used to include any networking technology that does not require new wiring to be installed into typical North American homes. There are three different media that can be termed no-new-wires. These are further divided into Wired media such as telephone and power line wiring, and wireless media such as radio frequency (RF), and infrared light. Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGi)
Launched in early 1999, OSGi is an industry group working to define and promote an open standard for connecting the coming generation of smart consumer and small business appliances with commercial Internet services. The Open Services Gateway specification will provide a common foundation for Internet Service Providers, network operators and equipment manufacturers to deliver a wide range of e-services via gateway servers running in the home or remote office. Packet Switching
The process of routing and transferring data by means of addressed packets so that a channel is occupied during the transmission of the packet only, and upon completion of the transmission the channel is made available for the transfer of other traffic.

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
The wiring used in older homes and many newer homes for telephone service. It is a solid conductor, untwisted wire that is unsuitable for most data applications. Due to its prevalence in U.S. homes, several protocols have been developed that can be run over POTS wire. The FCC has specified that new home construction and new wiring in homes should not use POTS wire for telephone cabling any longer. CAT 3 is the minimum wire recommended.

Plasma TV
A type of flat-panel video display that uses a special gas sandwiched between layers of glass. When the gas is electrically charged, the gas moves into a "plasma" state and illuminates phosphors, which produce a picture.

Powerline Carrier (PLC)
Sending electronic information such as on/off commands, through a home's AC powerlines.

PowerLine Carrier Communications (PLC)
Powerline carrier that uses the existing power cabling found in homes and commercial buildings to connect devices. Speeds range from 60 bps to over 10 Mbps. Depending on the technology, it is used for controls and data networking.

Protocol
The special set of rules that end points in a telecommunication connection use when they communicate.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
A domestic telecommunications network usually accessed by telephones, key telephone systems, private branch exchange trunks, and data arrangements. Note: Completion of the circuit between the call originator and call receiver in a PSTN requires network signaling in the form of dial pulses or multifrequency tones. Radio Frequency (RF)
RF waves can be transmitted and received through walls and other physical barriers and differs from IR technology, which requires a clear line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver.

Residential Gateway
A device that allows customer premise equipment (CPE) connected to in-home networks to access and use services from any external network regardless of media.

RF Modulator
A device that converts line-level audio and video signals (such as the output of a source component) to a RF that can then be received by a radio or TV tuner. A common application is to convert the output from a video source component, like a DVD player, to a RF signal that can be distributed to any TV in the home by tuning to an unused channel.

RG59
An older form of coaxial cable installed in most homes built before the 90's. It has a 20 gauge center conductor and is not as well shielded as RG6. It is also smaller in overall diameter. It uses an "F" style connector. RG59 does not carry the higher cable channels and satellite TV clearly and is not recommended for use with cable modems.

RG6
RG6 cable is now specified for most new coaxial cabling in homes. It uses an 18 gauge center conductor and typically is quad-shielded (4 shields: 2 foil and 2 braids). It too uses an "F" connector which can be connected to those used by RG59. However, the connectors are different due to the RG6 cable's thickness. It is suitable for distribution of all cable and satellite system video as well as for cable modem distribution.

Router
A device used to connect two networks, and most commonly used in residential applications to connect a home network to the Internet. Such router may be either Ethernet wired or wireless using one or more of the 802.11 technologies. Security System
Designed to detect unauthorized intrusion into a home, and can also be used to alert the homeowner or authorities in the case of fire, smoke, flooding and more. Monitored systems are connected via telephone or Internet to a central monitoring station. Many custom-designed systems can integrate home automation and convenience features with the security functions.

Set-top Box
A device that enables a television set to become a user interface to the Internet and also enables a television set to receive and decode digital television (digital television) broadcasts.

Shared Wire
Wiring that can be shared for multiple purposes. A shared wire might be telephone wiring that is used for voice phone calls as well as for HomePnA data networking. Other examples of wires that can be shared include coax and power lines.

Shared Wireless Access Protocols (SWAP)
Defines a new common interface that supports wireless voice and data networking in the home. Representation from a wide range of member companies, which span diverse industries, ensures that the final specification is complete and robust, and that devices envisioned as part of the home network are interoperable.

Simple Control Protocol (SCP)
A lightweight network and control protocol for devices that have limited processing and memory resources and operate over limited bandwidth.

Spread Spectrum
Spread spectrum is a form of wireless communications in which the frequency of the transmitted signal is deliberately varied — this results in a much greater bandwidth than the signal would have if its frequency were not varied.

Standard
A standard applies to any definite rule, principal, or measure established by authority.

Structured Wiring
A system of low-voltage wires designed to carry electronic signals throughout a home.

Systems Integration Amplifiers
While traditional power amplifiers work well in traditional "stereo" systems, home theater and multi-room systems require an amplifier to do more than just drive speakers. Look for amplifiers that deliver exceptional sound quality, tested reliability, and are designed to integrate many different components into one system.

Systems Integrator or Installer
This technology specialist works with you and the builder to install your multi-room audio/video, comfort/convenience or security system and integrates these systems with respect to their operation and control. T1
Any digital data circuit that runs at the original 1.544 Mbps line rate. Typically refers to a high-speed broadband connection delivered by a telecommunications provider to businesses (and some homes) via a landline, fiber optic cable. A T1 line carries about 192,000 bytes per second, or approximately 60 times more data than a normal residential modem.

TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. It can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (either an intranet or an extranet). When you are set up with direct access to the Internet, your computer is provided with a copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer that you may send messages to or get information from also has a copy of TCP/IP.

Telecommunications
Any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems.

THX
This is a set of certification standards created by Lucasfilm Ltd. for A/V components and speakers. Products that bear this trademark must meet certain minimum standards of performance, which includes special circuitry that re-equalizes the high frequencies to compensate for the differences between cinema and home theater playback and Timbre Matching, an EQ circuit that smoothes the transitions between front and surround speakers.

Topology
Topology is the physical interconnection or layout of a network.

Twisted Pair Cabling
Cable constructed of two braided wires, each with its own dielectric insulation twisted together to form a single cable. The twisting allows the cable to carry higher frequency signals than the cable could otherwise. Most twisted pair cables used in the home such as CAT 3, 4 and 5 includes four of these pairs of wires within an outer insulating sheathing. There are two basic types of twisted pair cables: Shielded and unshielded. Most applications in the home use unshielded four-pair cable. Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
An architecture for pervasive peer-to-peer network connectivity of PCs of all form factors, intelligent appliances, and wireless devices. UPnP is a distributed, open networking architecture that leverages TCP/IP and the Web to enable seamless proximity networking in addition to control and data transfer among networked devices in the home, office, and everywhere in between. The Universal Plug and Play Forum, consisting of well over 130 companies, is a cross-industry effort to define the protocols necessary to create ad hoc networks among a variety of different devices.

Universal Powerline Bus™ (UPB)
A proprietary networking standard developed by Powerline Control Systems, Inc. that enables remote control of devices such as lighting, HVAC and appliances using a home's existing powerline (line voltage) wiring rather than dedicated structured wiring.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)
A "plug and play" interface between a computer and add-on devices (such as audio players, joysticks, digital cameras, telephones, scanners, and printers). USB comes in two versions, USB and USB 2.0, the latter offering significantly higher connection speeds.

User Interface
Devices such as volume controls, keypads and LCD touch panels that allow you to control (to varying degrees) all of your home's electronic systems. There are a wide variety of user interfaces available today and most of these interfaces can be seamlessly placed in the wall, while others, such as a touch panel are designed to be displayed on a table or counter. More advanced systems can be integrated with your PC allowing for a friendly interface to control music throughout your home from your home PC. Voice Over IP (VoIP)
Voice delivered using the Internet Protocol. It is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol (IP). In general, this means sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A major advantage of VoIP and Internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone service. Whole-Home Network
Involves multiple types of cluster networks connected to each other through devices called gateways. This type of network is the most complex but it also provides the most functionality. X-10
A powerline carrier protocol created by X-10 Ltd in 1978 that carries control signals across standard electrical wire. The X-10 protocol is typically used in simple control scenarios such as the remote or automatic turning on/off of lights or appliances.

xDSL
Refers collectively to all types of digital subscriber lines (DSL), with the two main types being ADSL and SDSL. ZigBee
A relatively new wireless home networking standard that allows compatible devices to share small packets of data, such as on/off commands or temperature readings, for example. Similar to other mesh networks, which use device-to-device communication to create multiple, redundant paths for data to flow, ZigBee's conservative range is estimated to reach over 300 feet. Considering its extremely low-power requirements, ZigBee-enabled devices will likely include household appliances, consumer electronics products, light switches, security sensors and controls, key fobs, smoke detectors and thermostats, to name just a few possibilities.

ZWave
A proprietary, low-power networking standard developed by Zensys Inc., which uses a mesh network to transmit control and sensor data among compatible devices. Like ZigBee, ZWave technology is ultra-low power and can be used in appliances, home automation devices, switches, thermostats, etc.