D glossary – CounterPath X-Lite 4.6 for Mac User Guide User Manual

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CounterPath Corporation

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D Glossary

Broadband

Broad or wide bandwidth. In data transmission, the wider the band, the more data it is
possible to transmit in a given time span. A cable, DSL and ADSL connection to the
network provide broadband for data transmission. A dialup or ISDN connection
typically provide a narrow bandwidth for data transmission.

Codec

The format by which audio or video streams are compressed for transmission over
networks. Codecs can be categorized as either narrowband or wideband: Narrowband
codecs work with low bandwidth such as a dialup internet connection. These codecs
have a sampling rate of 8 kHz. Wideband codecs work with high bandwidths and
result in better audio quality. However, they do not work with PSTN. These codecs
have a sampling rate of 16 kHz.

Dial plan

The rules that X-Lite follows in order to interpret the softphone address or phone
number that the user has entered and to modify the number or address, as required, to
ensure that the call will be placed successfully.

DTMF

Dual-tone multi frequency. DTMF is the system that is used in interactive voice-
response menu systems such as the menu system for accessing voicemail messages.
The DTMF system allows the user to interact with the menu by pressing keys on a
dialpad or keyboard.

Firewall

A technology that prevents unauthorized people connecting to your computer and to
the applications running on the computer.

IM

Instant Messaging. A technology that lets users send text message and files for near
instantaneous delivery and display on each others’ computers.

MWI

Message Waiting Indicator. An indicator that there is a voicemail message for the
owner of an account.

Narrowband

In data transmission, the wider the band, the more data it is possible to transmit in a
given time span. A cable, DSL and ADSL connection to the network provide
broadband for data transmission. A dialup or ISDN connection typically provide a
narrow bandwidth for data transmission.

Presence

An instant messaging feature that allows users to share information about their online
status.

PSTN

Public Switch Telephone Network. The traditional land-line phone network.

SIP account

An account that provides the user the ability to make VoIP phone calls. The account
encapsulates the rules and functions the user can access.

Softphone address

The address used to connect to a SIP endpoint. In other words, the “phone number”
used in a VoIP phone call. For example, sip:[email protected].

USB device

Universal Serial Bus device. A device that follows a specific communications VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol. A variation of IP used for sending voice data over the
internet, in other words, used for making phone calls over the internet.

VoIP service provider

A business that provides a VoIP service, allowing a user to connect to the internet in
order to make VoIP phone calls using X-Lite. The VoIP service provider sets up a SIP
account for the user.

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