Asynchronous - In computer programming, asynchronous (from Greek meaning "not at the same time" and pronounced "ay-SIN-kro-nus") pertains to processes that proceed independently of each other until one process needs to "interrupt" the other process with a request. Using the client- server model, the server handles many asynchronous requests from its many clients. The client is often able to proceed with other work or must wait on the service requested from the server.

Backbone-A trunk cable used to tie sections of a network together
1) At the local level, a backbone is a line or set of lines that local area networks connect to for a wide area network connection or within a local area network to span distances efficiently (for example, between buildings).
2) On the Internet or other wide area network, a backbone is a set of paths that local or regional networks connect to for long-distance interconnection. The connection points are known as network nodesor telecommunication data switching exchanges (DSEs).

Bandwidth - The range of frequencies over which signal amplitude remains constant as it is passed through a system. The higher (wider) the bandwidth, the greater the information.

Byte - In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of information that is eight bits long. A byte is the unit most computers use to represent a character such as a letter, number, or typographic symbol (for example, "g", "5", or "?"). A byte can also hold a string of bits that need to be used in some larger unit for application purposes (for example, the stream of bits that constitute a visual image for a program that displays images).

Coaxial Cable - A type of cable that contains two conductors. The center conductor is surrounded by a layer of insulation, which is then wrapped by a braided metal conductor and an outer layer of insulation.
    Coaxial cable is the kind of cable used by cable TV companies between the community antenna and user homes and businesses. Coaxial cable is sometimes used by telephone companies from their central office to the telephone poles near users. It is also widely installed for use in business and corporation Ethernet and other types of local area network.

Fast Ethernet - A new Ethernet local area network (LAN) transmission standard that operates at 100 Mbps rather than 10. (referred to as "100BASE-T").

Fiber Optic - Fiber optic (or "optical fiber") refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light impulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. Fiber optic wire carries much more information than conventional copper wire and is far less subject to electromagnetic interference. Most telephone company long-distance lines are now fiber optic.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)- The world's largest technical professional society, which fosters the development of standards that often become national and international standards.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)-A set of standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire as well as over other media. Home and business users who install ISDN adapters (in place of their modems) can see highly-graphic Web pages arriving very quickly (up to 28 Kbps). ISDN is generally available from your phone company in most urban areas in the United States and Europe.

LAN (local area network) - A network of interconnected workstations sharing the resources of a single processor or server within a relatively small geographic area. Typically, this might be within the area of a small office building or campus of buildings. The main LAN technologies are: Ethernet, Token ring, ARCNET, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)

Network layer (in OSI)-In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the Network layer addresses the interconnection of networks. It is one of the layers near the middle of the model.

Packet - Data is sent over the network in manageable chunks called packets or frames. The size or makeup is determined by the protocol being used. Protocol - The rules of the network "game".Twisted Pair -Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other. Each connection on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. For some business locations, twisted pair is enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground. This is known as shielded twisted pair (STP). Ordinary wire to the home is unshielded twisted pair (UTP).

Protocol - The rules of the network "game".

Twisted Pair -Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other. Each connection on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. For some business locations, twisted pair is enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground. This is known as shielded twisted pair (STP). Ordinary wire to the home is unshielded twisted pair (UTP).