A modulation method for transferring data on the analog two-wire copper line that has been used to date only as a simple telephone line for connecting an analog phone. This method has been specially adapted to the needs of Internet use, in which a small quantity of data (query command) with low speed (upload) is required for the query, whereas a large quantity of data (files) has to be transferred at high speed (download) for the response.

Fiber optic cables are connected to one another by various methods using connectors and couplings so that the light signal is transported with practically none of the signal being lost. This creates network components that are suitable for assembly, have the right length and the right connectors and that are supplied directly to the construction site or as a spare part for storage along with the associated measurement protocol.

Factor by which the quality of a signal deteriorates between the beginning of a cable and the end of a cable.

The part of a network that connects the various components and subnetworks of a large network with each other. Since backbones bear the brunt of the data load, they are mostly constructed with a large bandwidth.

This denotes the transmission capacity of a voice or data connection, i.e. the volume and speed of transmission. It is therefore specified in bit/s. The greater the bandwidth, the more information can be transferred per unit of time.

Bundesverband Informationswirtschaft, Telekommunikation und neue Medien e. V. (German Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media); it represents around 1,000 companies from the IT and communications industry that generate more than €120 billion in sales and employ some 700,000 people, accounting for almost 90% of the market. They include in particular equipment manufacturers and providers of software, telecommunications services and content.

Separate wireless systems for public authorities and organizations that perform security tasks, such as the police, fire brigade and emergency services. These mobile systems have to be expanded in particular in tunnels, garages, etc., due to the increased requirements for security in these areas and to ensure that emergency forces can be reached there.

The infiltration into a computer system of external software that then executes a different process or job on the computer and integrates it in the bot net, which in turn sends spam mails worldwide, for example.

Operators of communications networks that install, provide and maintain a network infrastructure for transporting various information, such as telephony, fax, e-mails, Internet data, TV programs, etc. Service providers lease these network capacities and provide their content to end customers with it. Before global deregulation in the telecommunications sector, network operation and related services were the responsibility of a single body and were the tasks of the national telecommunications companies. Today, these are also private wireless, metropolitan and cable network operators or providers, as well as radio and television companies.

The transmission qualities of copper cables are defined by their shielding and quality. The requirements placed on the cable and so the maximum possible transfer rates are classified into categories in accordance with the relevant standards. The higher the category, the higher the transmission speed and capacity.

Optically transparent fiber optic material that protects the glass core from mechanical damage.

Mechanically detachable element for connecting two fiber optic cables, or connecting a fiber optic cable to a transmitter/receiver element.

Part of a control center in which processes and/or rooms are monitored. All the signals in video surveillance, danger alerting, power control and other process-specific signals converge at the control station. Clear presentation of the signals on screens or large panel displays enables rapid response times. Since the control station is usually staffed around the clock, its design has also to take ergonomic requirements into consideration.

The central, actual transmission medium of an optical fiber. The core diameter of a mono-mode fiber optic cable is only 9 µm. The entire optical fiber, including its coating, has a diameter of 245 µm, which is about the thickness of a human hair.

General description for high-speed access based on the two-wire copper line (phone line) to the end customer (see also "Last mile"). Different variants of the transmission method are also called ADSL, SDSL, VDSL, etc.

A new connector generation from euromicron for fiber optic connections that is fully compatible with the RJ-45 connector for copper connections. The EM-RJ can be used as a duplex connector for optical fibers and polymer optical fibers (POFs). At the same time, the standard RJ-45 copper connections can be used to transmit data up to category 6, provide a power supply (e.g. power over Ethernet) and define encodings. As a result, the EM-RJ can be used for a very wide range of applications.

A medium-independent communication protocol standard (IEEE 802.3) in packet transmission. It denotes a protocol for coordinating simultaneous access to a transmission medium by different users. The term Ethernet denotes both the type of cabling and transmission methods or frameworks. Ethernet can be operated at 10 Mbit/s (Ethernet), 100 to 1,000 Mbit/s (Fast Ethernet) and, more recently, 10,000 Mbit/s – or 10 Gbit/s – (Gigabit Ethernet). The maximum speed achieved at present is 10 GE (10 Gigabit Ethernet). The 10 Gbit/s Ethernet variant 10GE (IEEE 802.3ae) has been standardized since 2002 and is the first Ethernet standard to be intended exclusively for transfer via fiber optic cable. In the meantime, these speeds have also been achieved with copper cables.

Fiber optic cable is a glass or plastic fiber for transferring modulated light. It is distinguished among other things by its extremely high transmission capacity, which can be several terabits per second. Fiber optic cable is not sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances, is more or less interception-proof, and has extremely low attenuation values.

Fiber-optic connection from carriers’ local switching centers to the road junctions, from where the cabling to the buildings ("last mile") branches off. Deutsche Telekom is driving expansion of it sharply in the ten largest German cities so as to be able to market triple play applications.

Terminal device cabling in fiber optics technology in which the end system on the desktop is connected directly to an optical data network. Optical-electrical conversion of the signals is carried out in the end system.

External cabling in fiber optics technology in which, instead of copper lines, fiber optic connections are established between the optical wide area network and the building cabling.

Building cabling in which a fiber optic connection is led right to the cable duct directly near the office or workplace. A mini installation switch is usually placed in the cable duct, where optical-electrical conversion is carried out, and the end systems are connected with inexpensive copper patch cables.

A "protective wall" that is established by a special active network component between the worldwide and generally accessible Internet and a connected terminal device, such as a PC, router, switch, etc., or the local area network (LAN) connected behind it. A firewall is configured so that only information from password-protected permitted users can enter the Internet from the “inside” to the "outside2, but not the other way round. A firewall therefore acts like a controlled valve.

A technology that enables elderly people to live in their familiar surroundings under their own responsibility and by their own. It covers any device, facility or technology for management of everyday life or supporting or caring for old people, in particular in the fields of communications and security, but also in medical engineering, technology for the handicapped and orthopedics.

Initially a Europe-wide and now a globally established standard for a digital wireless system (termed D network in Germany in emulation of the analog C network) which works in the frequency range of 900 MHz (Germany: T-Mobile (D1), Vodafone (D2)) and 1800 MHz (Germany: e plus, O2). Also termed 2nd generation (2G). Apart from telephony, fax applications and data transfer are also possible, albeit at low speed (9,600 Kbits/sec.).

A hardware or software system for detecting or preventing attacks on a computer system or network, usually for systems that are connected to the Internet. In conjunction with a firewall, such systems complement each other and increase network security.

A general term for the entire field of electronic data processing. This includes the sector of hardware and software for small computers (servers, PCs, notebooks, palmtops, etc.), large computers (mainframes, storage components, server farms, etc.) and relevant network components (servers, routers, etc.).

Local network, mainly for transferring data, but also voice and other electronic information. LANs are usually to be found in office buildings or industrial plants, but also as on-board networks on vehicles, aircraft and ships.

A laser is a light source that emits coherent (light waves that oscillate in the same phase) and quasi-monochromatic and focused light. Today, lasers are the most important high-performance sources of light for the optical transfer of data using fiber optic cables. The data information is modulated onto the light signal of the laser and fed into the fiber optic cable at high power. An optical receiver at the other end of the fiber optic cable converts the modulated data information back into signals.

The point of telecommunication access to the end customer, i.e. the last part of the route in the telephone, data or radio network that is located between the last network node of the carrier and the socket within the end user’s house. This is the two-wire phone line for the telephone network, the coaxial cable connection or satellite reception unit for the radio and television network, and modulation on the telephone line in accordance with the ADSL method (DSL connection) for the Internet.

Malicious software with a destructive or criminal function, such as computer viruses (a computer program that spreads unchecked by itself, infiltrates a computer system passively, e.g. by copying files, causes damage there and multiplies via networked computer systems), worms (a computer program that multiplies activity, for example on a certain date, and has a similar damaging function as virus), spyware (software that collects the personal data of a computer user and passes it on to third parties for commercial purposes) or Trojans (software disguised as useful programs that then covertly and secretly execute other functions on the computer).

A communications network typically set up within towns, cities and municipalities, for transmitting data, voice, TV programs and other electronic information.

A media converter converts electrical signals on the copper line into optical signals on the fiber optic cable. It enables, for example, coupling of cooper cables (twisted-pair cable) and optical fibers in an Ethernet network. As a result of direct coupling, existing twisted-pair cables can be extended beyond the limit of 100 m. Depending on the transmission method, distances of up to 2 km (multi-mode) or up to 5 km (mono-mode) can be bridged. If mono-mode fibers are used, distances of up to 20 km (mono-mode) can even be achieved.

The individual colors or wavelengths of a white light beam are called light modes. They can be sent great distances through fiber optic cable. Some fiber optic cable has a very small diameter large enough for only a single wave of light. Such fiber optic cables are called mono-mode or single-mode fibers, in contrast to multi-mode fibers.

Fiber optic cable with a core diameter that is larger than the wavelength of the light. In multi-mode fibers, the different colors or wavelengths, also termed modes, spread out, traveling different distances along the fiber. Multi-mode fibers have a lower transmission range and so are used preferentially for local area networks (LANs) for networks in buildings.

Multiplexers concentrate (pool) several data streams or channels on one connection line. The data streams are distributed statically (passively), i.e. in accordance with the firmly set connection, unlike with switches or routers, where the data streams are distributed dynamically (actively). Electrical or optical multiplexing technologies are available (see also "Optical multiplexer" and "WDM").

Physical basis in the form of a glass fiber for transferring digital information using light as the carrier medium.

A transmission technique of a communications system in which the optical signals are transferred in free space (air) by means of infrared or laser transmitters and receivers over a distance of up to some kilometers. A free line of sight is required for this.

A passive optical component of a fiber optic network that simultaneously distributes the different wavelengths of a beam of light according to a prescribed setting (see also "WDM").

Active optical components for controlling light used as a means of transmission, for example at junctions in the transfer of optical data. Unlike the multiplexer, where the control is specified statically, the control can be changed dynamically with switches.

A pluggable, flexible connecting cable between network distributors or transmission systems and between sockets and end systems. Patch cables can be produced using fiber optics or copper. They are used for flexibly bridging two cable ends and so "patch" these gaps in the connection. The first patch cable was used at the telephone exchange in manually setting up a connection (by the exchange operator).

Criminally motivated fishing out of identification codes such as PINs and TANs in Internet banking, for example. The unsuspecting user of a unprotected computer system enters an identification code that is intercepted and then misused.

A connecting cable that is preassembled at one end, is ready to connect up and can be attached to the other end of a single glass fiber of a multiple cable by means of a splice in order to avoid the need to mount fiber optic connectors on site.

Polymer optical fiber. Fiber optic cables made of plastic that are easier to process and cheaper than glass fiber, but less pure and so can bridge shorter distances in lightwave transmission. POF is mainly used in industry and the automotive sector.

Terminal devices that are connected to a copper or fiber-optic based data network (Ethernet) are powered from this data connection instead of from an additional power supply unit. In particular in data networks based on fiber optic cables, such a data and power supply connection can be created by means of a hybrid cable (optical fiber and copper wire in one cable). However, VoIP phones can also be supplied with power by this means.

A cabling system based on fiber optics for maximum performance requirements, analogously to the copper-based ProfiLINK family.

A fully screened cabling system based on copper for various performance requirements from 1 Gbit/s to 10 Gbit/s (ProfiLINK Design, ProfiLINK Modul and ProfiLINK multimedia) with a system guarantee of up to 15 years. Selection of the high-quality components of the system, system tests and certification of installers for the system are conducted by the euromicron subsidiary SKM Spezialkabel München GmbH.

Companies that provide telecommunications services such as telephony (wireline and mobile), fax, Internet, TV programs, video on demand, etc. Such service providers usually do not have their own telecommunications network, but instead lease network capacities for transporting their services from carriers.

Silicon dioxide in non-crystalline form. The basic material for the core of fiber optic cable.

An EU directive restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. In particular, it affects the production of printed circuit boards containing lead and other soldered joints, but also in general promotes environmentally-friendly development, production, marketing and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

An active component of a data network that distributes the information which is split into individual data packets and does not necessary follow in sequence, dynamically (i.e. by control signals) within the network by means of route finding, forwarding and delivery. Switches in a voice network have a similar function.

A communications network, typically within data centers and computer centers, that connects storage media, large computer systems and server farms with each other. It is often termed Fiber Channel, since it involves high-capacity, rapid “data channels” based on fiber optic connections.

A general term for the network system that is used physically and logically for protection and surveillance of a room, building, grounds or a communications network and its critical components. Physical protection and surveillance denotes protection against fire, intrusion, unauthorized access, theft, vandalism and manipulation, as well as surveillance by means of fire alarms, video cameras, access codes, etc. Logical protection and surveillance denotes protection against hackers, viruses, unauthorized dial-in attempts, spams, etc., and the surveillance of data and control signals in a communications network by means of monitoring, log files, etc.

This denotes the design of optical components, specifically fiber optic connectors. A general designation for a low size.

Fiber optic cables with a core diameter so small that only one color or wavelength, also termed mode, is able to pass through it. Their manufacture is more complex and so single-mode fibers are more expensive than multi-mode fibers. Single-mode fibers have a higher transmission range than multi-mode fibers and so are used in wide area networks (WANs) to transport large volumes of data.

Mobile end devices with multiple functions, such as telephone, e-mail, Internet browser, alphanumerical keypad, etc. Such a device is now familiar under the brand name Blackberry or iPhone; all well-known mobile phone manufacturers now offer such smartphones.

Arcs of light and precision technology are used to splice together extremely fine fiber optic cables to ensure a permanent connection with no loss of data. This spliced transition point is generally termed a splice.

Permanent connection between two fiber optic cables achieved by either fusing, gluing, or mechanically joining the cables together.

An active component in a voice network that establishes the permanent switched connection for transporting voice dynamically, i.e. in accordance with the dialing signal, within the network by means of route finding and forwarding. Large exchanges and small telephone systems have such a switching function and so are generally termed switches. Routers have a similar function in a data network.

A general term for the entire field of communications transmission. Historically, this sector initially included only transfer of voice and documents (telephony, telegraphy, fax). Increasing digitization has resulted in the transfer of data in the form of software files, e-mails, music, video, etc.

High-speed data transfer over the Internet, partly based on fiber optic cable, for the simultaneous transport of the three applications telephony (ISDN), surfing and telephony in the Internet and video or TV.

A further development of the GSM standard, also termed 3rd generation (3G), in which the main focus is on mobile data communication (internet use and image transfer). Transfer rates of up to 2 Mbit/second are possible with this system.

Short name for an innovative fiber optic cable connector produced by euromicron AG: YOU ARE Modular. Duplex fiber optic cable connectors built as modules; max. up to 8 fibers; small form factor (SFF) design connector that has the form of a mini patch field and enables modular and flexible reconfiguration of the fiber optic connections in the backbone network without the latter having to be laid again.

A DSL technology (see also "DSL") that permits far higher data transfer rates over a conventional phone line than ADSL (see also "ADSL"). Transfer rates of up to 200 Mbit/s are achieved,, enabling triple play applications, i.e. the simultaneous use of telephony, Internet and TV broadcasts over the phone line.

Integrated transfer of video signals and voice and data information in digital form via the Internet Protocol (IP). Video over IP technology packages the analog video signals from the camera in small digital data packets that, like normal data, are then transferred over data networks by means of the Internet Protocol. As a result, video signals can be transferred over one and the same cabling system in addition to telephony and data.

Integrated transfer of voice and data in digital form via the Internet Protocol (IP). VoIP technology packages voice in small digital packets that, like normal data, are then transferred over data networks by means of the Internet Protocol but over different lines and routes, and then combined back into "voice". Unlike traditional telephony, where a separate line for the voice connection is required for each call, the data network (Internet) can be used far more efficiently when voice is transferred in data packets over IP. As a result, a second network for pure telephony can be dispensed with.

In the worldwide and generally accessible Internet, a logical separated subnetwork can be established by means of special active components so that it acts like a virtual private network (VPN) within the entire Internet. This virtual private network can then be protected so as to prevent external intrusion by unauthorized persons outside the VPN. The security zone created in this way within the generally accessible Internet is termed a "VPN tunnel".

A wide network that connects together several small networks (LAN, MAN), for example from different countries, cities or locations, over large distances by means of cable, fiber optics or satellite.

A method of concentration (multiplex method) on electrical, optical or wireless-based connections in order to achieve better utilization of the available bandwidth of the transmission paths and minimize the transfer costs per individual signal. A distinction is made between the following methods:

• SDM (Space Division Multiplex):
  Spatial separation of individual signals, e.g. on separate lines
• FDM (Frequency Division Multiplex):
  Individual signals are modulated onto different frequencies
• TDM (Time Division Multiplex):
  Individual, usually digital, signals are transferred chronologically after each other
• CDM (Code Division Multiplex):
  Code words are assigned to the individual digital signals
• DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex):
  An optical Frequency Division Multiplex method with a very dense channel (signal) spacing
• CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplex):
  An optical Frequency Division Multiplex method with a wide (coarse) channel (signal) spacing; a lower-cost alternative to DWDM
   

A radio-based transmission method that is usually operated in the license-free microwave band. Wireless LANs consist of radio cells in which users can log on in order to access the networks behind them. Several standards are currently new on the market, for example 802.11b (max. 11 Mbit/s), 802.11a (54 Mbit/s) or Bluetooth. All users of a radio cell share the bandwidth.