VoIP glossary - C
The HipTel VoIP dictionary (VoIP glossary) was created to help our users understand common VoIP terminology. Use the search feature to look up VoIP terms, or look up terms alphabetically. Have a question, still unsure what something means? Feel free to
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Cable Modem — A unique type of modem that provides Internet access using the unused bandwidth available from your cable connection. Cable modems provide broadband Internet access to home users around the world.
Caller Identification (ID) — Caller ID is a phone feature that allows you to see the name and phone number on your incoming calls. It is a simple feature to use and requires a caller ID enabled phone.
Call Waiting — Call waiting allows you to receive incoming phone calls while your phone line is in use. A gentle ton will chime in when you have an incoming call. Call waiting allows you to switch between callers as many times as you want. If you are on the phone and have someone on hold, the third caller will receive a busy signal or be sent directly to your voicemail system, depending on how your phone service is set up.
Category 5 Wiring — Category 5 wiring, also known as Cat 5, is a wiring scheme for an unshielded twisted pair of wires. Usually used to transmit data for computer networks. Cat 5 wires support 10BaseT and 100BaseT networks. In 2001 an upgraded version was introduced known as Cat 5e wiring, replacing the older form of Cat 5 wiring. Cat 5 wires use a RJ45 connector to connect between the wall and your device.
Category 5e Wiring — An upgraded form of Cat 5 wiring that was introduced in 2001, providing for faster connections and more versatility.
Category 6 Wiring — Category 6 wiring, also known as Cat 6, is a wiring scheme for an unshielded twisted pair of wires. Usually used to transmit data for computer networks. Cat 6 wires support 10BaseT, 100BaseT and 1000BaseT data transfer rates. Cat 6 wires use a RJ45 connector to connect between the wall and your device. Cat 6 wires can be arranged in the T568A and T568B wiring configurations.
Central Office (CO) — Originally used to refer to the switching equipment, but now is referred to as the building where the equipment is housed. All switching equipment is housed at a single location where local loops in a similar geographic area connect to the same CO, which is connected directly to the Internet backbone.
Circuit Switching — Refers to the process of connecting two points in a network. Circuit switching is used for analog telephones. In circuit switching the circuit remains open during the entire length of the connection. As a result, circuit switching networks used for transferring voice or data can be more expensive then packet switching data.
Class 5 Switch — Is a term used for the type of telephone switch that subscribers connect to. The switch is housed at the Central Office. Class 5 switches provide telephone services to customers. Class 1 through 4 switches are used to route calls on the carrier end. They provide no dial tone and are of no direct use to the consumer. A class 5 switch will cover a small geographic region providing phone service up to 100,000 customers. Generally providing service to an area of a city, a town or several villages.
Codec — A codec is a device or program capable of encoding and decoding on a digital data stream. It is generally associated with computer applications such as movie files, music and other multimedia formats. The word codec was derived from the words «coding and decoding.» Codec used in the VoIP setting refers to the ability to code and decode analog and digital voice data.
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) — Is a telecommunication company that competes with already established telecommunication companies (ILEC). CLECs were made possible by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This act was the fist major amendment to telecommunications law in almost 62 years. It provided availability for anyone to enter the telecommunication industry and compete with anyone. Generally CLECs face a big challenge, entering the telecom market and competing against major telecom companies such AT&T.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) — Any equipment supplied by the telephone company and installed at the customer location. This includes telephones, modems, etc.
