Glossary I-J

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) - A standard protocol for retrieving e-mail from a local server. Unlike Post Office Protocol (POP), IMAP requires a constant connection to the e-mail server. IMAP does not forward e-mails directly to your e-mail inbox, as POP does. Instead, it allows you to house all e-mails on a server and retrieve them as desired.

IP (Internet Protocol) - A standard method by which data is sent from one computer to another. Each host computer on the Internet has one or more unique IP addresses used to distinguish it from any other computer. IP is used to transmit and receive data from the requested site through a series of gateway computers and routers that are responsible for locating specific IP addresses. IP is most often coupled with another protocol, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) which actually assigns the packets of data that IP then routes to a destination.

IP Telephony: An umbrella term to describe the use of Internet Protocol (IP) and packet-switching to provide voice, fax, and other services that once were solely accessible through circuit-switched networks such as a PBX or the phone company. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) - An international standard for digital transmissions over standard copper wiring. ISDN is delivered in 2 forms, Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). BRI provides 2 digital lines (called B-channels) of 64 Kbps each, or 128 Kbps total, for a home or small business. PRI consists of 23 B-channel lines. Both BRI and PRI include a smaller D-channel (12 Kbps for BRI, 64 Kbps for PRI) that carries control and signaling information, but does not increase download speeds. ISDN is growing less common and has generally been supplanted by Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) - A service company that provides individual end-users or enterprises access to the Internet and worldwide web.

IVR: A software application that permits callers to interact with an enterprise telephone system or an automated information database. An IVR presents callers with verbal options that are responded to by touch-tone telephone or voice commands. Common applications are airline booking and flight information lines, banking and other financial services, and call center phone systems.

IXC (IntereXchange Carrier) - IXC is another term used to describe long-distance carriers such as MCI and AT&T.

In-use light: (See also, busy indicator or busy light.) This accessory makes it very easy for people to tell when you're on a call-even when you're using a discreet headset. It lights up, so they can see at a glance that you're busy. It's a simple way to prevent interruptions, and it's helpful for the folks who monitor group phone activity. The indicator works whenever you're on the phone, with or without a headset.

Internet: The Internet is most easily defined as a worldwide system of computer networks. Internet users obtain information from computers on various networks or communicate with other users on the network. The most commonly used segment of the Internet is the worldwide web.

Internet Telephony: A use of the Internet to complete voice communications. Internet telephony allows users to establish voice communications from their Internet connection to a telephone or another computer user. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is one example of Internet telephony. Microsoft’s Telephone Application Protocol Interface (TAPI) is another.

Intranet: An internal private network usually owned by a business or other organization. Intranets are differentiated from other private networks by their use of the TCP/IP and hypertext protocols pioneered by the Internet. Like the Internet, an Intranet is designed as a means to easily share resources.

i-Mode: A wireless application protocol that is primarily used in Japan, i-Mode is based on a simplified version of HTML, permitting web browsing and other web-related functionality on a wireless device. The main competing standard is Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).

Jack: In physical wiring connections, a jack is the socket that accepts a matching, fitted plug. The jack-and-plug connection is used in telecommunications and networking applications (see Registered Jack), with stereo and electronics equipment, and with electrical wire connections.

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• I-J
  
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