Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Common Terms in ICT

ISP

Short for "Internet Service Provider" - any company that provides internet to a user or agency. 

Propagation

The method by which a radio signal is transmitted and interacts with the physical environment.

Frequency

The common measurement used in radio communications - measured by how close wavelengths of a radio wave are. 

LEO

Short for "Low Earth Orbit" - when a satellite orbits close to the earth's surface. 

Geostationary

An object in orbit of the earth that stays in a singular fixed location. 

NOC

Short for "Network Operation Centre" - a central hub through which internet communication passes through, usually for linking remote connections with the rest of the global internet.

Carrier

A company that provides mobile voice communication.

Omnidirectional 

An antenna does not have to be specifically pointed, and can send/receive signals from any orientation.

Unidirectional 

An antenna that can only send and receive signals in one direction, and has to be pointed directly at the satellite.

Radio

Any analogue communications device that uses radio waves to transmit and receive signals. 

Repeater

A device that amplifies and extends the range of a radio signal. 

GPS

Short for "Global Positioning System" - a protocol for determining precise locations on the earth's surface using a network of satellites 

Latency

Delay in time between a transmitted and received signal.

VSAT

Short for "Very Small Aperture Terminal" - a ground based satellite internet protocol.

 

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