A functioning satellite that receives and transmits radio frequency to or from an earth station.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A group of DSL technologies that reserve more bandwidth in one direction than the other, which is advantageous for applications that need more bandwidth in one direction (e.g. web surfing).

A device used to boost the strength of an electronic signal.

An electronic signal that varies continuously as a function of time, as opposed to digital, which has discrete numerical values. At method of signal transmission in which information is relayed by continuously altering the wave form of the RF carrier. Currently used in some of terrestrial radio and television broadcasting.

Anik F2 is WildBlue's first Ka-Band satellite. It's mission is to provide WildBlue Services across North America. The satellite operates at the orbital slot of 111.1 degrees West longitude. This satellite uses two important technologies to provide services, spot beam and bent-pipe architecture.

A device for transmitting and receiving radio waves. The slang term for antenna is "dish."

A measure of the ability of the antenna to focus signal waves in a particular direction.

0 to 90 degrees N or S.

0 to 180 degrees W or E.

The point in the orbit of a heavenly body, esp. the moon, or of a man-made satellite at which it is farthest from the earth. Oposite - Perigee.

1917-2008 , Arthur C. Clarke was born in Minehead, Somerset, England. In 1936 he moved to London, where he joined the British Interplanetary Society. There he started to experiment with astronautic material in the BIS, write the BIS Bulletin and science fiction. During World War II, as a RAF officer, he was in charge of the first radar talk-down equipment, the Ground Controlled Approach, during its experimental trials. In 1945 he published the technical paper "Extra-terrestrial Relays" laying down the principles of the satellite communication with satellites in geostationary orbits - a speculation realized 25 years later. His invention has brought him numerous honors. Today, the geostationary orbit at 42,000 kilometers is named The Clarke Orbit by the International Astronomical Union.

A decrease in the strength of a signal, which may be expressed in decibels, or in the form of a ratio; the loss in power of electromagnetic signals between transmission and reception points. The opposite of amplification.

A passive electronic device that reduces signal strength by a specified amount.

A slang term for azimuth and elevation. This type of mount is typically used in fixed dish installations. The adjustments are for east and west and up and down.

The side-to-side adjustment of an antenna. The sideways positioning of a satellite dish in degrees as indicated by a compass. The horizontal angle between true north and an antenna pointing, with true north set to 0.0 degrees and due south set to 180 degrees.

Equipment that provides connectivity for users of a distributed network and includes the entire network and infrastructure required to provide connectivity between the edge vehicles. In the context of the Internet, this term also refers to high-volume, "primary" data carriers that provide the long-haul capabilities of the network.

The range of frequencies, measured in hertz (Hz), that can pass over a given transmission channel. The bandwidth determines the rate at which information can be transmitted through the circuit; a range of frequencies used to transmit information. The greater the bandwidth, the more information can be transmitted.

An adapter with a socket at each end which allows two coaxial cables with F-connectors to be connected together.

A satellite transmission patter. It may be wide, narrow or spot beam.

A form of attenuation (signal loss) that occurs when cable is bent (for example, if the cable is bent through installation when turning corners or by concealing the cabling).

A signal relay scheme in which a terrestrial-based signal is sent to a satellite, which relays the signal back to earth with minimal processing by the satellite.

Statement of money owed for services received. WildBlue provides online billing.

Numbers relating to a system of numeration having 2 as its base.

A bit is a binary digit, which can take a value of either 0 or 1. For example, the number 10010111 is 8 bits long, which is equal to a Byte.

The speed of a digital transmission, measured in bits per second (i.e. kbps, mbps).

Shielding material found between the outer insulation and the inner dielectric in coaxial cable.

Special high-bandwidth satellites that provide multiple channels of data over a single communications beam.

To transmit a signal over the spectrum that will be received by multiple receiving devices.

A program that accesses and displays files and other data available on the Internet and other networks (i.e. Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Firefox).

Plastic sleeves that protect the coaxial cable. These are installed when it enters in the drilled point of entry into a building. A small amount of silicone sealant is applied to the underside of the bushing to provide protection from water.

A set of “bits” that represent a single character. There are eight bits in a Byte.

A fast storage buffer in the central processing unit of a computer. Also called cache memory.

Occurs when access providers store Web page data in a temporary location on their networks to speed up access and reduce traffic.

A Carrier Wave is a radio wave that can be modulated in order to transmit a signal.

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies ranging from 4 to 8 GHz.[1]. It was the first frequency band allocated for commercial ground-to-satellite communications. A typical C-band satellite uses 3.7 - 4.2 GHz for downlink, and 5.925 - 6.425 Ghz for uplink. C band is primarily used for open satellite communications, whether for full-time satellite TV networks or raw satellite feeds, although subscription programming also exists. This use contrasts with direct broadcast satellite, which is a completely closed system used to deliver subscription programming to small satellite dishes connected to proprietary receiving equipment. C band is highly associated with TVRO satellite reception systems, commonly called "big dish" systems since small receiving antennas are not optimal for C-band systems. Typical antenna sizes on C-band capable systems ranges from 7.5 to 12 feet (2.5 to 3.5 meters) on consumer satellite dishes, although larger ones also can be used.

A frequency band in which a specific broadcast signal is transmitted. The Federal Communications Commission specifies channel frequencies in the United States. Television signals require a 6 MHz frequency band to carry all the necessary picture detail.

A mode of radio frequency transmission in which the signals are broadcast in a rotating spiral pattern. The polarization can be left-hand (counter-clockwise) or right-hand (clockwise). When circular polarization is used, two separate signals can be broadcast on a single carrier frequency without interfering with each other.

The name given in honor of Arthur C. Clarke to the orbit in space 22,237 miles from the Earth's equator where satellites maintain a stationary orbit position in relation to the earth. Also known as geostationary or geosynchronous orbit.

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. A term for a telecom company that was created after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 made it legal for companies to compete with ILECs (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier).

The Cable Modem to Customer premises equipment Interface. An interface specification that describes the process of converting TCP/IP Ethernet protocol to TDMA protocols using DOCSIS packets. This interface describes the communications between a subscriber computing device and the cable or satellite network.

Cable composed of an inner conductor and a cylindrical outer conductor or shield; also referred to as coax, 75-ohm,and radio-frequency cable. Coaxial cable is designed for transmitting high frequncy signals with low loss.

The ability of multiple satellites to share the same approximate geostationary orbital assignment (due to the face that different frequency bands are being used).

A man-made device stationed in a geosynchronous orbit around the Earth. It is designed to receive signals from the Earth and broadcast them back to the Earth to a larger geographic area.

A pipe, usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic, that protects buried cables.

A device designed to allow electrical flow from one wire or cable to a device or another cable while keeping the conductor and shielding seperate.

An uninterrupted connection. On a multimeter, this will read 0 ohms.

Contiguous United States. The 48 contiguous states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Customer Provided Equipment - In the context of WildBlue, this is the customer's computer.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detect. The low level network arbitration protocol used on Ethernet. Nodes wait for quiet on the net before starting to transmit and listen while they are transmitting. If two nodes transmit at once the data gets corrupted. The nodes detect this and continue to transmit for a certain length of time to ensure that all nodes detect the collision. The transmitting nodes then wait for a random time before attempting to transmit again thus minimizing the chance of another collision. The ability to detect collision during transmission reduces the amount of bandwidth wasted on collisions.

A self-contained, independent entity of data carrying sufficient information to be routed from the source to the destination computer without reliance on earlier exchanges between the source and destination computer and the transporting network.

Decibel. A logarithmic method of expressing large differences in voltage or power levels. Named in honor of Alexander Graham Bell.

Direct Broadcast Satellite. A high-powered satellite that transmits or retransmits signals with are intended for direct reception by the public. The signal is transmitted to a small antenna (or dish) usually the size of an 18-inch pizza pan mounted on homes or other buildings.

Direct Current. Electic current flowing continuoulsy in one direction only, with a reported frequency of 0 Hz.

In Astronomy, declination is the angular distance to a point on a celestial object, measured north or south from the celestial equator. Declination is measured in degrees along a great circle drawn through the object being measured and the north and south celestial poles. Positive values lie north of the celestial equator and negative values lie south of it, so that the equator itself is 0 and the north and south celestial poles are +90 and -90 respectively.

The Default Gateway in a computer is a particular setting assigns the gateway or Router that will be used to access the Internet or WAN unless canceled or overridden by the operator.

The time it takes for a signal to go from the sending station through the satellite to the receiving station. See “latency”

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol that provides a means to dynamically allocate IP addresses to computers on a local area network. The system administrator assigns a range of IP addresses to DHCP and each client computer on the LAN has its TCP/IP software configured to request an IP address from the DHCP server. The request and grant process uses a lease concept with a controllable time period.

A data communication link that is established when the communications equipment dials a phone number and establishes a connection with the equipment on the other end over a phone line.

Any type of information that can be output, transmitted and interpreted as individual bits of binary information (the use of the number 0 and 1), using electrical or electromagnetic signals that can be modulated to convey their specific content. Often referred to as digitized.

Slang for 'Antenna'. A parabolic antenna that is used to collect and focus downlinked and uplinked satellite signals.

Domain Name Service/System (DNS) DNS translates host names to IP addresses. In very simple terms, it can be compared to a phone book. Preeminently, DNS makes it possible to assign Internet names to organizations, independently of the physical routing hierarchy represented by numerical IP Addresses. Because of this hyperlinks and internet contact information can remain the same, whatever the current IP routing arrangements may be, and can take a human readable form (i.e. widlblue.net which is easier to remember than an IP address).

Data Over Cable System Interface Specification. A worldwide protocol standard used by cable modems to communicate over Coaxial cable networks. This protocol provides compatibility between modems made by different major modem manufacturers.

The earthbound transmission path between a satellite and the receiving antenna or earth station.

The data path from Internet Service Provider (ISP) gateway to the subscriber terminal.

A loop in a cable that provides protection from water entry into a building by placing a portion of the cable lower than the entry point, thus allowing water to drip off the bottom of the loop rather than run into the penetration point. Also used at switches and ground blocks if they are exposed to the weather.

Digital Subscriber Line. A data communications technology that transmits information over copper wires that make up the local loop of the public switched telephone network. It bypasses the circuit-switched lines that make up that network and yields much faster data transmission rates than analog modem technologies. This is the point of connectivity for the Internet using equipment in a Telco Central Office to connect to the Internet.

Direct To Home. Used to refer to satellite television broadcasts intended for home reception (same as DBS).

The simultaneous 2-way and independent transmission in which equipment may transmit and receive at the same time.

Dynamic assignment of IP address is implemented using a protocol called, logically enough, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). When DHCP is active, it typically works in conjunction with a Domain Name System (DNS) to allow users to find an element's address. Surfing the World Wide Web makes extensive use of these two protocols. When you dialup to your Internet service provider (ISP), DHCP is used to assign an IP address to your connection. When you enter a WWW address in your browser address bar or select a human-readable link on a web page, a DNS is used to turn your URL request into an IP address for transmission. These services can also be used in a directly connected network and in either case are typically administered by the information services (IS) department.

Equipment on earth that can transmit or receive satellite communications.

The edge of a roof. Eaves usually project beyond the side of the building, generally to provide weather protection. This can also refer to the part of a sloping roof that overhangs the wall or the soffit, the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall. This is one of the preferred locations for mounting a dish.

Electronic Funds Transfer. The use of telecommunications networks to transfer funds from one financial institution, as a bank, to another, or to withdraw funds from one's own account to deposit in a creditor's.

Extremely High Frequency. is the highest radio frequency band. EHF runs the range of frequencies from 30 to 300 gigahertz. The lower part of radio frequency range from 3 to 30 gigahertz used primarily in Ka-band frequencies.

The range of electric signal frequencies from 0 Hz to 10 Hz. This includes electric currents, audible frequencies, radio frequencies, microwaves, heat, light and radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays.

Up and down positioning of a satellite dish. The angle between the satellite signal beam and the horizontal plane.

An email client is a program on a computer that connects to an email server to retrieve messages. Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Mac Mail and Safari are examples of email clients.

Ethernet is the physical medium for carrying communications; much like air is the medium that carries your voice. Ethernet cards, Ethernet cables, and Ethernet hubs are used to create the physical network that connect computers together. Although Ethernet can be run on coaxial cable, the current standard is CAT-5, and most current devices only support this cable type. Data signals can be transferred on Ethernet at either 10 million bits per second (Mbps) or 100 Mbps. Most current Ethernet devices support both speeds, but some older equipment will only operate at 10 Mbps.

The extension of a company's intranet out onto the Internet, example - to allow selected customers, suppliers and mobile workers to access the company's private data and applications via the World-Wide Web. This is in contrast to, and usually in addition to, the company's public website which is accessible to everyone. The difference can be somewhat blurred but generally an extranet implies real-time access through a firewall of some kind. Such facilities require very careful attention to security but are becoming an increasingly important means of delivering services and communicating efficiently.

WildBlue’s Fair Access Policy (or FAP) is a policy to help ensure the consistent delivery of speeds to all customers by curtailing the speeds of the heaviest data users after exceeding the FAP’s usage thresholds to the benefit of the vast majority of customers. Every major satellite broadband provider employs a FAP of some kind.

The facing material that covers the exposed lower ends of the roof rafters. A preferred mounting location for a dish antenna.

Federal Communications Commission. Federal department appointed by the President. Oversees and regulates communications technologies and companies.

The standard connector used with coaxial cable for connecting to RF inputs and outputs.

This term has at least two key meanings within the field of satellite communications. 1. It is used to describe the transmission of video programming from a distribution center. 2. It is also used to describe the feed system of an antenna.

The downstream data-path portion of the feeder-link. It is used by bent-pipe technology to form half of the complete upstream data-path.

The up/down communication links between the Gateway Terminal and the satellite.

The upstream data-path portion of the feeder-link. It is used by bent-pipe technology to form half of the complete downstream data-path.

The part of the satellite antenna that collects the signals focused on it by the dish reflector.

A method for the transmission of information (sound, video, data) in which light is modulated and transmitted over high-purity, hair-thin filaments of glass.

The fiber optic network wherein data is passed sequentially between nodes, each node in turn examining or copying the data, and finally returning it to the originating node. Typically, fiber rings are used to connect clustered groups or communities to the main fiber network.

Determines how aggressive the filters are in capturing suspect Email. The settings are Lenient, Moderate, and Aggressive. Lenient will capture less suspect Email, while aggressive is likely to capture more.

A Firewall is a security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

Radio-communications service between specified fixed points.

The area of the earth's surface that is able to receive the signal from a particular satellite.

Fragmentation is the breaking an arbitrary size packet into smaller pieces at the transmitter. This may be necessary because of restrictions in the communications channel or to reduce latency. The pieces are joined back together in the right order at the receiver ("reassembly"). Segmentation may be performed by a router when routing a packet to a network with a smaller maximum packet size.

The rate of repetition of a recurring event; also the number of times per second that an electrical signal oscillates. The international unit of frequency is the Hertz (Hz). One cycle of oscillation per second equals one Hertz. One thousand hertz equals 1 Kilohertz (KHz). One million hertz equals 1 Megahertz (MHz). One billion hertz equals 1 Gigahertz (GHz). Example - Television is broadcast in frequencies ranging from 54 MHz to 316 MHz (VHF) and 470 MHz to 806 MHz (UHF).

When soil expands and contracts due to freezing and thawing. This process can cause cracks in pavement, and damage the foundations of buildings, even below the frost line. Frost heave can cause an improperly installed pole mount to shift. Installers need to be aware of the frost line for their area and ensure a pole is mounted below the frost line.

The depth to which frost penetrates the earth.

Fixed Satellite Service. A satellite service in which the ground station is at a fixed location.

A portion of the KU-band (10.95-11.70 GHz) which is primarily used for the satellite TV band.

File Transfer Protocol. A software protocol for exchanging information between computers over a network.

The triangular portion of a building's end wall formed where the wall intersects a peaked roof. A preferred location for mounting a dish antenna.

Gain is an increase in signal power by amplification, expressed as the ratio of output to input. Antenna gain is a measure of the ability of the antenna to focus signal waves in a particular direction.

Gigabyte. On billion bytes.

A satellite whose circular and direct orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator and which remains fixed relative to the Earth.

Also called geostationary, the orbit of a communications satellite, stationed 22,300 miles above the equator that orbits the Earth at the same rate of rotation, thereby maintaing the same geographic position at all times. A stationary antenna located on Earth can remain pointed at the satellite at all times.

Gateway Earth Station. Gateways provide a single source through which users can locate and gain access to a wide variety of communications services. An integral part of each WildBlue GES is the SMTS. See SMTS for more details.

The force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface; the more remote the body the less the gravity.

In power circuits, a connection to ground is done for safety purposes to protect people from the effects of faulty insulation on electrically powered equipment. A connection to ground helps limit the voltage built up between power circuits and the earth, protecting circuit insulation from damage due to excessive voltage. Connections to ground may be used to limit the build-up of static electricity when handling flammable products or when repairing electronic devices. An example of a grounding method: a metal rod, typically 8 feet long, driven into the ground to provide an electrical path for discharging static electricity.

A communication system for sending continuous radio messages to a satellite for control and operating instructions.

a document or item printed on paper that can be read without the help of a computer.

High Definition Television. Technology which significantly increases the resolution of video signals offering vastly improved picture quality over the current NTSC standard. Three elements commonly define HDTV: 1. Picture shape - a screen aspect ratio of 16:9, as compared with 'regular' TV screens which have a screen ratio of 4:3. 2. Resolution - defined either by lines of resolution (720p or 1080i) or by number of pixels (picture elements). The 1080i format is over two million pixels; 480p television resolution is approximately 360,000 pixels. 3. Dolby Digital - high-end audio accompanies all HDTV programming.

The electronic control center of a cable system. This is the site of the receiving antenna and the signal processing equipment essential to proper functioning of a cable system.

Hybrid Fiber/Coax. A type of network that includes coaxial cables to distribute signals to a group of individual locations (typically 500 or more), and a fiber optic backbone to connect these groups.

A Host is a computer containing data or programs that another computer can access by means of a network or modem.

A Host ID is the trailing part of an IP Address assigned to any device connected to the network, not just computers, by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The Host ID is the network number for a network device.

Home Satellite Dish. A home receiver that permits the consumer to receive existing satellite transmissions.

The Hub is a hardware device that is connected to several other devices, usually computers. A hub is used to connect several computers together and provide a local message handling service.

Hertz. A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second (cps); a measure of electromagnetic frequency that represents the number of complete electrical waves in a second. One kiloHertz (KHz) is one thousand cycles per second; one megaHertz (MHz) is one million; one gigaHertz (GHz) is one billion.

Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. The central registry for various "assigned numbers": Internet Protocol parameters, such as port, protocol, and enterprise numbers; and options, codes, and types. The currently assigned values are listed in the "Assigned Numbers" document STD 2. To request a number assignment, e-mail.

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. A nonprofit organization that has assumed the responsibility for IP address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment, domain name system management and root server system management functions previously performed under U.S. Government contract by the InterNIC.

Internet Control Message Protocol. An extension to the Internet Protocol (IP) that allows for the generation of error messages, test packets, and informational messages related to IP.

Internet Group Management Protocol. An extension to the Internet Protocol, used by IP hosts to report their host group memberships to immediately-neighboring multicast routers.

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier. Refers to the primary existing telephone carrier, as distinguished from new competitive carriers.

The angle between the orbital plane of a satellite and the equatorial plane of the Earth.

An instrument for measuring angles of elevation, slope, or incline, as of an embankment relative to the earth's horizon.

The connection of one telecommunication carrier’s network to another or the connection of a piece of telephone equipment to the nation-wide telephone network.

Any undesired signal that tends to interfere with the reception of radio waves. It can be caused by transmissions within the same satellite system, by transmissions within other satellite systems that use the same frequencies, or from ground-based sources such as point-to-point radio links, car ignition noise, radar signals, etc.

A message transmission circuit between two communication satellites, as opposed to a circuit between a single satellite and the Earth.

As soon as you have two computers with private address, you have a LAN. As soon as you have a LAN, in the strictest sense you have created an intranet. More typically, you would be considered to have an intranet once you have joined two or more LANs together across the Internet to form a WAN, or you have a Web server operating on your LAN providing internet services to local computers.

A computer network with restricted access, as within a company, that uses software and protocols developed for the Internet.

The ionosphere is the charged layers of the atmosphere that surround the Earth.

Internet Protocol. The standard signaling method used for all communication over the Internet.

An IP address is the name of a computer, and so it must be unique on a network if communications are to occur unambiguously. The address is actually a 32 bit binary number such as: “00001010000001010000010100001010”. We interpret the address in four pieces (octets – meaning 8 bits each) separated with periods; the address above is represented as: “10.5.5.10”.

IPSec is short for IP Security, a set of protocols developed by the IETF to support the secure exchange of packets at the IP layer of the OSI model. IPSec is widely used in the implementation of Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. IPSec support two modes of encryption: Tunnel and Transport. The Transport mode encrypts only the data portion, (or payload), of each packet, but does not encrypt the packet header. Tunnel mode encrypts the header and the payload, and is consider the most secure. IPSec devices share public keys that use the Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol/Oakley, (ISAKMP/Oakley). The ISAKMP protocol allows the receiving side to obtain a public key and authenticate the sending side using a digital certificate.

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered by using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. A general definition of IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange. It is a networking protocol used by the Novell NetWare operating systems. Like UDP, IPX is a datagram protocol used for connectionless communications. IPX and SPX are derived from Xerox Network Services' IDP and SPP protocols.

Internet Relay Chat. A worldwide "party line" network that allows one to converse with others in real time. IRC is structured as a network of Internet servers, each of which accepts connections from client programs, one per user.

Integrated Services Digital Network. A method of providing voice and highspeed internt access simultaneously over conventional twisted-pair copper telephone lines.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the organization that sets standards in many businesses and technologies, including computing and communications.

Identical in all directions; invariant with respect to direction.

Internet Service Provider. An organization providing Internet access to the public using computer servers connected directly to the Internet (i.e. WIldBlue, AOL, Yahoo).

Inter-exchange Carrier. A long-distance telecom carrier.

The horizontal wooden structural members in a floor or ceiling.

The frequency range from 27.0 to 40.0 GHz. WildBlue is licensed to operate from 17.7 to 20.2 GHz and 27.5 to 30.0 GHz and is seeking additional spectrum from 17.3 to 17.8 GHz and 24.75 to 25.25 GHz

Kilohertz. 1,000 Hertz.

The frequency range from 12.0 to 18.0 GHz

A hex-head screw with a broad thread pattern that is typically used to mount the dish mast plate to a stud or rafter of a home.

A Local Area Network. A system that links together electronic office equipment, such as computers and word processors, and forms a network within an office or building.

Refers to the local loop and is the difference between a local telephone company office and the service user. it is a distance of approximately 2 to 3 miles (3 to 4 kilometers).

Low Earth Orbit. Orbits up to 1,600 miles above the Earth.

Local Multipoint Distribution Services. This is a point/multipoint service with two-way capability to transmit voice, data, and other video information. LMDS can offer innovative consumer services such as two-way interactive video, advanced teleconferencing, telemedicine, telecommuting, and high-speed data services.

Low Noise Block-Down converter. A device that processes weak satellite signals directed by an antenna reflector into a feed horn, whilst introducing as little electrical noise as possible in the process. An LNB consists of a microwave detector followed by a high gain, low noise microwave amplifier and a frequency converter, which down converts a block of frequencies (group of satellite signals) to a lower intermediate frequency range (typically 950 to 2150 MHz). The feed horn is often integrated with LNB in a single mechanical unit.

Low Noise Block-Down converter with integrated Feed horn. The device that receives the focused satellite signal reflected off of the dish antenna, and down converts and transmits the signal through cables to the satellite receiver.

Devices used to extend the range of a local loop for voice grade communications. Load coils are inuctors added in series with the phone line, and compensate for the capacitance of the parallel conductors. They benefit the frequencies in the high end of the voice spectrum at the expense of the frequencies above 3.6KHz. Therefore, load coils prevent DSL connections.

A loop formed by a twisted pair of copper wires between the telephone company's end office and the user premises. A common telephone service line installed in a user's premises.

The term “Logical device” is used to refer to the artificial objects created by a computer to help the system control access to shared resources. A simulated device that performs the functions of something is not physically there.

The angular distance on the earth's surface, measured east or west from the prime meridian at Greenwich, England, to the meridian passing through a position, expressed in degrees (or hours), minutes, and seconds.

Line of Sight. In Satellite technology this is the physical unobstructed path between the sending and receiving antennas.

A transmission medium or material in which a significant amount of the energy of an electromagnetic wave is absorbed.

The hardware address of a physical device connected to a shared network medium.

A manual offset credit is used to adjust a disconnected customer account, or when an account goes to Collections.

Multiple-beam Antenna. Satellite antenna capable of re-using frequencies to maximize bandwidth.

The lower sub-layer of the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI). It is the interface between a node's Logical Link Control and the network's physical layer.

Medium Earth Orbit. Orbits between 6,000 and 12,000 miles

The Meridian is an imaginary great circle on the earth's surface passing through the North and South geographic poles. All points on the same meridian have the same longitude. The western and eastern meridians are half of such a great circle from pole to pole.

Multi-Frequency TDMA. A type of multiplexing applies TDMA protocol to multiple frequencies within a given frequency bandwidth.

Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service. A service, which uses omnidirectional microwave signals to deliver communications services to subscribers.

An abbreviated term for “modulator-demodulator”. A modem converts digital signals into analog signals (and vice versa), enabling computers to send and receive data over analog links like telephone networks and satellite transmissions.

The structure that supports and anchors the dish antenna.

Minumum Point of Entry. The minimum point of entry for a Network Interface Device.

Multiple System Operator. A company that operates more than one cable TV system.

Maximum Transmission Unit. The largest number of bytes of "payload" data a packet can carry, not counting the frame's header and trailer.

Multicast is a subset of broadcast that extends the broadcast concept of one to many by allowing the sending of one transmission to many users in a defined group, but not necessarily to all users in that group.

The combination of various forms of media (texts, graphics, animation, audio, etc.) to communicate information. The term also refers to information products that include text, audio, and visual content.

Techniques that allow a number of simultaneous transmissions over a single circuit.

Na'dir is the point on the celestial sphere directly below the observer, diametrically opposite the Zenith or Azimuth.

A term applied to telecommunications facilities capable of carrying only voice, facsimile images, slow-scan video images and data transmissions at “kilobits” speeds. The term is commonly applied to voice-grade analog facilities.

Network Address Translation. An Internet standard that enables a local-area network (LAN) to use one set of IP addresses for internal traffic (usually Private IP Addresses) and a second set of addresses (usually Public IP Addresses) for external traffic. A NAT box located where the LAN meets the Internet makes all necessary IP address translations.

No call, no show.

National electrical Code. The publication of the National Fire Protection Association that defines requirements for electrical wiring and building protection.

Netware is a propriety operating system, owned by Novell, Inc., for the IBM PC. NetWare uses the IPX/SPX, NetBEUI or TCP/IP network protocols. NetWare 2.2 is a 16-bit operating system, versions 4.x and 3.x are 32-bit operating systems.

A Network Class is the groups of IP Addresses assigned to group classified by the number of Network ID and Host IDs available to the class.

The leading part of an IP Address assigned to an organization by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It defines the Network number for a given network.

The Network Interface Card. This is sometimes called the Network Interface Controller. It is an adapter circuit board installed in a computer, or other networking device, to provide a physical connection to a data network.

Network Interface Device. The device typically found at a residence that is the connection point between the internal telephone wiring in the house and the phone company's local loop. It is usually a small box mounted outside a house that contain the pairs going into the house as well as the cable going back to the Centeral Office.

The Network Operations Center. A location from which the operation of a network or internet is monitored. Additionally, this center usually serves as a clearinghouse for connectivity problems and efforts to resolve those problems.

A measure of the performance (noise contribution) of an LNBF, or similar device, in decibels. The lower this figure, the better.

An antenna mount designed to be used where no holed can be drilled or bolts driven into a roof or wall structure.

An octet is eight bits. This term is used in networking, in preference to byte, because some systems use the term "byte" for things that are not 8 bits long.

Type of dish antenna with the focus and feed horn below the center of the dish antenna.

Unit of measurement to determine electrical resistance. By definition, one ohm resistance allows one amp of current flow with a one volt supply.

The mathematical relationship of voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. Expressed by the formula: V=I*R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

Omni-directional is not directional; "omni-directional antenna"

Ortho Mode Transducer. The OMT sits directly behind the antenna feedhorn and has several important functions relating to reception and transmission of satellite signals. The main function of the OMT is to transfer RF to individual transmit and receive ports and to provide a 90 degree opposed (orthogonal)isolation between them using vertical and Horizontal polarization.

Software designed to handle basic elements of computer operation, such as sending instructions to hardware devices like disk drives and computer screens, and allocating system resources such as memory to different software applications being run. Given uniformly designed operating systems that run on many different computers, developers of software do not need to concern themselves with these problems, and are provided with a standard platform for new programs.

The path of a celestial body or an artificial satellite as it revolves around another body.

The separation, in degrees of longitude, between satellites using the same frequency and covering overlapping areas.

Position of geostationary satellites measured in degrees east or west from the Greenwich meridian; the longitudinal position in the geosynchronus orbit for which a communication satellite is "parked."

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A branch of the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for establishing and enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace.

The Open Systems Interconnection (Reference Model). A model of network architecture that defines a suite of protocols (a protocol stack) to implement it. The International Standards Organization (ISO) developed it in 1978 as a framework for international standards in heterogeneous computer network architecture. The OSI architecture is split between seven layers, from lowest to highest: 1 physical layer, 2 data link layer, 3 network layer, 4 transport layer, 5 session layer, 6 presentation layer, 7 application layer. Each layer uses the layer immediately below it and provides a service to the layer above. In some implementations, a layer may itself be composed of sub-layers.

Occurs when the quality of a telecommunication service or communications link falls belwo a secified minimum value for acceptable communications performance.

A short block of data transmitted in a packet switching network.

A network that allows a message to be broken into small “packets” of data that are sent separately by a source to the destination. The packets may travel different paths and arrive at different times, with the destination sites reassembling them into the original message.

Port Address Translation. A function provided by routers, which allows hosts on a LAN to communicate with the rest of a network (such as the Internet) without revealing their own private IP address. All outbound packets have their IP address translated to the routers external IP address. Replies come back to the router, which then translates them back into the private IP address of the original host for final delivery.

Private Branch Exchange. This terrm generally refers to a corporate telephone system.

Peaking an antenna allows it to align with the highest point on a transmission wave and attain maximum antenna gain.

the point in the orbit of a heavenly body, esp. the moon, or of an artificial satellite at which it is nearest to the earth. Opposite - Apogee.

An attempt to criminally and fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email or instant messaging, and often directs users to enter details at a website, although phone contact has also been used. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to fool users.

The opposite of logical device. It is a device that a person can touch and see.

P(acket) in(formation) g(roper). PING is a protocol that sends a message to another computer and waits for acknowledgment, often used to check if another computer on a network is reachable.

To straighten or make perpendicular; exactly vertical; "the tower of Pisa is far out of plumb", "when in stalling the dish the mast should be plumb."

Direct connection between two points without using an intermediate device.

Orientation of a waveform in either a horizontal (left-right) or vertical (up-down direction. Also can refer to the positive and negative terminals of a DC supply, or to the connection of an electronic device such as a diode or an electrolytic capacitor.

Point of Presence. Telecommunications facility where a communications provider locates network equipment used to connect customers to its network backbone.

POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) is a standard protocol for receiving email in which email is received and held for you by your Internet server. Periodically, you (or your email client) check the mail-box on the server and download any mail. This protocol is used by many clients such as Eudora and Outlook Express.

Postini helps stop spam, phishing, viruses, directory harvest attacks, with patented, multi-layer technology that delivers unmatched intrusion prevention and protection for WildBlue Email Subscribers.

Plain Old Telephone Service. Also referred to as plain old telephone lines. The traidiontional analog telephone system originally designed for voice transmission.

A device that filters out the DSL signal and allows the POTS frequencies to pass.

A set of formal rules describing how to transmit data, especially across a network. Low-level protocols define the electrical and physical standards to be observed, bit- and byte-ordering and the transmission and error detection and correction of the bit stream. High-level protocols deal with the data formatting, including the syntax of messages, the terminal to computer dialogue, character sets, sequencing of messages etc. Many protocols are defined by Request For Comment (RFC)s or by Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) published by international standards committees.

The process of installing the satellite equipment at the customer's site to receive optimal signal; then linking the equipment to the customer's account in the WildBlue business systems. A marrying of the equipment to the customer account.

Public Switched Telephone Network. A group of telecommunications and data communications devices capable of connecting circuits together across a distance using switching technology.

A plastic which is frequently used as insulation and protection on electrical conductors and cables.

Although the RF spectrum is formally defined in terms of a range from 0 to 3000 GHz, the FCC exposure guidelines range of interest is from 300 KHz to 100 GHz.

The wooden structural member that supports the roof of a building.

Remote Access Service. A service provided by Windows NT, which allows most of the services which would be available on a network to be accessed over a modem link. The service includes support for dialup and logon, and then presents the same network interface as the normal network drivers.

Regional Bell Operating Company. Refers to a regional telephone company such as Pacific Bell, Qwest, Southwestern Bell, Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, etc.

confirmation in writing that a particular amount of money was recieved, usually as payment for a bill. WildBlue does not send receipts to customers as this can be provided by the customer's bank or credit card company.

An amplifier for restoring the strength of a transmitted signal

Radio Frequency. Radio signals classified in bands: all radio, VHF/UHF TV and CB radio transmissions consist of RF waves above 15 KHz. low power consumer radio transmission bands assigned to cordless or wireless radios, telephones, headphones and speaker technology either in Citizen's Band 27 MHz, low band 46-49 MHz range or a high band 900 MHz range. Radio frequency waves can be transmitted and received without regard to physical obstructions although other local RF waves and bright light can sometimes cause interference. RF differs from infrared technology which requires a clea line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver.

The type of coaxial cable that must be used from the satellite dish to the modem.

Equipment placed between networks that relays data to those networks based upon a destination address contained in the data packets being routed.

Remote Procedure Call. A protocol which allows a program running on one host to cause code to be executed on another host without the programmer needing to explicitly code for this. RPC is an easy and popular paradigm for implementing the client-server model of distributed computing. An RPC is initiated by the caller (client) sending request message to a remote system (the server) to execute a certain procedure using arguments supplied. A result message is returned to the caller. There are many variations and subtleties in various implementations, resulting in a variety of different (incompatible) RPC protocols.

WildBlue sales channel that only sells the WildBlue service then passes the order to WildBlue and the existing fulfillment channels install the WildBlue service.

A radio relay station that orbits the Earth. A complete satellite communications system also includes earth stations, which communicate with each other via satellite. The satellite receives a signal transmitted by an originating earth station and retransmits that signal to the destination earth station(s).

An entity that owns or leases the facilities of a satellite or satellite service to establish and operate a channel of communications for point-to-multipoint distribution of television station signals.

Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition. The term refers to a large-scale, distributed measurement (and control) system. SCADA systems are used to monitor or to control chemical, physical or transport processes. The term SCADA usually refers to a central system that monitors and controls a complete site. The bulk of the site control is actually performed automatically by a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Host control functions are almost always restricted to basic site over-ride or supervisory level capability.

Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A DSL technology that provides a maximum bandwidth of 1.5 megabits per second using one phone line, with a downstream transmission rate that equals the upstream transmission rate.

A loop of extra cable at least 4 inches in radius, left in specific locations during installation to allow for connector replacement, troubleshooting disconnections, and dish adjustments. Service loops allow work to be done and adjustments made to the system without having to replace complete cable runs due to cable lengths being left too short.

Single-Frequency TDMA. A type of multiplexing applies TDMA protocol to single set of frequencies within a given frequency bandwidth.

Super High Frequency. The upper part of the radio frequency range from 30 to 300 gigahertz encompassed in Ka-band frequencies.

A conductive material that is located between the PVC jacket and the dielectric in RG-6 cable to prevent signal leakage or interference.

A low-resistance connection between two points in an electric circuit that forms an alternative path for a portion of the current.

The evaluation of a property where a satellite system is to be installed. The survey and the required forms are used to gather detailed information about the structure and its surroundings to determine Line of Sight (LOS) and the equipment requirements for receiving and distributing programming in a commercial installation.

The Antenna skew setting positions the dish in a slanted direction, aligning it with the satellite's orbit. This maximizes the reception from the satellite.

See Orbital Position/Location.

Satellite Master Antenna Television. A satellite dish system used to deliver signals to multiple dwelling units, example - apartment buildings and trailer parks.

Satellite modem-to-customer Interface. The hardware and software that allows a subscriber PC to communicate through the ODU through the satellite to the ISP gateway.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to transfer electronic mail between computers, usually over Ethernet. It is a server to server protocol, so other protocols are used to access the messages. The SMTP dialog usually happens in the background under the control of the message transfer agent, e.g. send mail but it is possible to interact with an SMTP server using telnet to connect to the normal SMTP port, 25.

Satellite Modem Termination System - Network-Side Interface; commonly referred to as SMTS or SMTS-NSI. An interface specification that describes the process of converting TCP/IP Ethernet protocol to TDMA protocols using DOCSIS packets. This interface describes the communications between a Service Provider Ground Station computing device and the satellite network. In basic terms, SMTS receives and transmits data to the satellite.

Simple network Management Protocol. The Internet standard protocol developed to manage nodes on an IP network. SNMP is not limited to TCP/IP. It can be used to manage and monitor all sorts of equipment including computers, routers, wiring hubs, toasters and jukeboxes.

A Socket is a term used to describe "an end point for TCP/IP communication." A TCP/IP Socket consists of the IP Address followed by the TCP port number separated by a colon.

The underside of the eave, usually covered with a thin decorative material. This can be a preferred mounting location when using the proper mounting hardware.

document or item stored and displayed on a computer.

Small Office/Home Office. So-called SOHO products are specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals who work at home or in small offices.

A solar flare is an explosion on the Sun that happens when energy stored in twisted magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released. Flares produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to x-rays and gamma-rays.

Also called Solar Conjuntion. When the sun passes behind a satellite in relation to the earth and the sun's energy momentarily overpowers the satellite signals. This happens two times each year during the spring and fall equinox. An outage is temporary and service is restored when satellite and sun are no longer aligned with the earth.

The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used in the transmission of sound, data, and television.

When a computer within a private network is communicating with a remote computer that has been authenticated once, the two-way communication is called a session, and authentication does not need to be repeated until the session ends. However, if the remote computer uses an “access on demand” connection to the Internet, it is unable to maintain a “session”, and would need to authenticate for each message. Spoofing is a function provided by routers to maintain the session. To do this the router responds to “keep session alive?” messages on behalf of the remote computer.

A signal from an orbiting satellite that is specially concentrated in power, typically by a high-gain antenna, so that it will cover only a limited geographic area on earth. Spot beams are used so that only earth stations in the intended spot beam reception area can receive the satellite signal.

The Secure Sockets Layer protocol is an application layer security protocol developed for the purpose of sending documents securely over the Internet. SSL uses private keys to encrypt data that is transmitted over the SSL connection. Netscape, Internet Explorer, and most web browsers used today support the SSL protocol. Many web sites use this protocol to secure user’s private data, such as Internet banking sites and sites that provide credit card transactions.

An SSL VPN (Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network) is a form of VPN that can be used with a standard Web browser. In contrast to the traditional IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) VPN, an SSL VPN does not require the installation of specialized client software on end users' computers. The SSL VPN can be a good choice where trust can be an issue but easy access is also important. Applications include Web-based e-mail, business and government directories, databases for educational institutions, file sharing, remote backup, remote system management and consumer-level e-commerce. SSL is a protocol for managing the security of message transmission on the Internet. SSL is included as part