ACN Advantage

DSL Internet Access User Guide Glossary

DSL

An acronym for digital subscriber line, DSL is a high-speed connection that uses the same wires as your regular phone. But even though it uses the same connection as your phone, DSL service does not tie up your phone line.

DSL Filter

A small device that separates analog phone signals from DSL signals. Also referred to as DSL blockers, microfilters, or DSL phone line filters, DSL filters are installed on telephones, fax machines, or any equipment - with the exception of the DSL modem - connected to the DSL phone line.

Ethernet

A technology used to connect computers and other devices to a network. Ethernet networks transmit information at very high speeds, ranging from 10 million bits per second on a standard network to 10 billion bits per second on a 10-Gigabit Ethernet.

IP Address or Internet Protocol Address

An address that pinpoints the location of your computer on the Internet (example: 192.168.1.1). Without an IP address, your computer cannot communicate on the Internet.

Modem

A device used to transmit digital data over a phone line. Modems essentially act as a conduit between the DSL service and your computer.

NIC or Network Interface Card

A small piece of hardware - also referred to as an Ethernet card - that acts as an interface between your computer, ,the local area network your computer is hooked up to, and the Internet.

Operating System

Often referred to as OS, your operating system is a program that manages all the other programs or applications on your computer. Windows XP and Mac OS X are examples of operating systems.

PPPoE or Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet

The method your computer uses to automatically learn network settings from a remote server. We use PPPoE to provide IP address information to your modem.