G L O S S A R Y 227
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol. A signaling protocol, developed by the Internet
engineering task force (IETF).
SIP server
A server using the SIP protocol to manage calls between SIP devices.
Serial port
Serial ports are physical plug-ins. They allow two devices to exchange data.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The standard for e-mail transmission across the
Internet. SMTP is a text-based protocol.
Terminal adapter
A device that allows analog devices to be used on digital lines (ISDN).
Terminal adapters are similar to modems.
TX/RX
Transmit and receive data.
UDP
User Datagram Protocol. An Internet protocol which allows applications on a
computer network to exchange short messages (datagrams).
UPnP
Universal Plug and Play. Allows networked devices to connect seamlessly in
home and corporate environments using Internet-based communication
standards.
USB
Universal Serial Bus. USB connection supports more bandwidth than a Serial
or parallel connection.
Virtual
The term ‘virtual’ refers to something that is not physically plugged in.
Voicemail (call answer)
A service provided by TalkSwitch or telephone companies giving callers the
opportunity to leave a message when your phone is busy or unanswered.
VoIP
Voice over IP. Sending voice over an Internet connection.
VPN
Virtual Private Network. A communication network used within a company or
organization to communicate over a public network. VPN message traffic is
carried on Internet infrastructure using standard protocols.