Glossary Terms

A method of accessing a satellite using time separation; sending simultaneous data streams interleaved using a clock to separate the various data packets.

A satellite receiving antenna, also known as a downlink or a backyard dish

Digital transmission in which the time interval between any two similar significant instants in the overall bit stream is always an integral number of unit intervals. Note: Isochronous and anisochronous are characteristics, while synchronous and asynchronous are relationships.

The focusing of energy from a satellite to the ground to concentrate the limited available effective radiated power (EIRP).

The process of interconnecting a number of individual networks to provide a path from a terminal or a host on one network to a terminal or a host on another network. The networks involved may be of the same type, or they may be of different types. However, each network is distinct, with its own …

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Refers to the cancellation of any reflected signal in a communications channel.

Transmissions from a satellite to a ground station; also, the dish used for reception.

Analog voice signals that have been converted into digital signals.

Decibel; an analog unit of measure of signal strength, volume, or signal loss due to resistance as expressed in logarithmic form.

A cryptographic algorithm for the protection of unclassified computer data, issued as Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 46-1.

Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means.

A digital modulation scheme used in transmission communications.

A unit measuring the rate of information flow, with five baud roughly equivalent to one alphanumeric character.

Point-to-point transmission from a remote site back to a central site for further distribution.

Amplitude Modulation

Wide Area Network

The transmission of compressed or wideband video signals.

A packet switched operational mode for transferring (transporting and switching) user information through a network without establishing a connection. The packets do not necessarily arrive at their destination in the order they were sent, unlike the circuit mode of transmission. See packet switching.

In data communication, a grouping of a sequence of binary digits, including data and control signals, that is transmitted and switched as a composite whole. The data, control signals, and possibly error control information, are arranged in a specific format. The packet can be of either fixed or variable length.

Using the electronic media to reach a specific audience