A measure of the physical capacity for a connection to move data. Bandwidth is expressed as a volume of information per unit of time which a connection can ideally handle. (See "Throughput" for comparison.)

A receiver/transmitter or modem that offers connectivity for voice or data to a network

Data transmission within a wide range of frequencies, capable of transporting multiple signals and data types

A subdivision of transmitting wireless frequency within a wireless band

A network which enables point-to-point voice connectivity and doesn’t generally pass data. In a circuit-switched network, a channel is dedicated to a single call, and even if a user is not talking, the channel continues to be utilized until the call is terminated.

Local Area Network - a limited network, typically a single server accessible to other devices through a common wired or wireless communication line within a small area such as a single building or aircraft

A modular component of an aircraft that is designed to be replaced quickly at an operating location. In IFC, LRU refers specifically to a modem, router, or access point.

Also referred to as receiver/transmitter or RT device. A device whose name is a contraction of the two terms which describe its function: modulator and demodulator. Modems translate analog data into digital form and back.

Data transmission within a narrow range of frequencies, capable of dependable transmission of voice and short-burst data used in air operations

Any collection of computers and devices that are connected to each other to allow data sharing

Small segments of data that have been broken down into chunks for more efficient traffic flow

A network in which data is broken down into small units of data called packets to increase efficiency by allowing a given message or file to share a data path with other data and take different routes through the network to reach their destination

Portable Electronic Device (or sometimes Personal Electronic Device or Passenger Electronic Device). Common PEDs on aircraft include Electronic Flight Bags, laptops, tablets, and of course, smartphones.

Electromagnetic wave frequencies in the range between around 3 kHz to 300 GHz. In telecommunications, a synonym for wireless communication via radio signals.

A device that literally routes data throughout a wired or wireless network, using the destination information included in data packets

The measure of the amount of data moved successfully from one device to another in a given time period (See "Bandwidth" for comparison)

A digital network within another physical computer network, allowing secure access to protected information stored on a private network even when connecting to that network using a public network

Wide Area Network - a network consisting of connected smaller networks, often using leased telecommunication circuits to exchange data over a distance

A network connection that uses radio signals rather than wires to send and receive data among devices in a network

A device with antennas that wirelessly broadcasts and receives signals to and from connected devices in a network