Specifications

October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C)
72 Glossary
Ethernet
Links devices (such as a group of display signs) on a network. Baseband LAN specification invented by Xerox
Corporation and developed jointly by Xerox, Intel, and Digital Equipment Corporation. Ethernet networks use
CSMA/CD and run over a variety of cable types at 10 Mbps (megabits per second). Newer versions of Ethernet,
such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, support data transfer rates of 100 Mbps and 1 gigabit (1,000 megabits)
per second, respectively.
Ethernet adapter
Device used to convert TCP/IP protocol to RS232/485.
Ethernet connectivity
An ethernet connection between a computer and a company’s local area network, supported by TCP/IP.
ETL
Edison Testing Laboratories. An agency that tests and certifies conformity to both domestic and international
electrical standards. A product tested for safety by ETL has an ETL label.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission. Regulates radio frequency emissions from an interaction between
electrical and communication devices. Domestic only.
field
One item of information about something, such as a name, action, or destination for a command.
firmware
Name used to describe the program stored on a chip. May be referred to as the operating system, but the terms
are not always synonymous.
flash
A method of updating a fixed EPROM by sending the new firmware program from a PC to the EPROM.
Eliminates the need to physically replace firmware chips.
flick
Multiple bitmapped images displayed one after another to give the illusion of movement.
flush mounting
A construction that has a minimal front projection when set into a recessed opening and secured to a flat
surface.
Frame Relay
A method of communication that can go from ISDN speed to T1 speed in increments. It has a flat rate billing
instead of a per time usage. It connects by using the telephone company's network. See also ISDN and T1.
front end
A software application that requests services from a device (such as a server or software program). See also
back end.
FM
Full Matrix. Displays characters and graphics with no empty spaces between blocks of LEDs.
FUTS