Network

/ˌɛm.kjuːˌtiːˈtiː/

noun — "lightweight messaging protocol for IoT devices."

MQTT , short for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, is a lightweight, publish-subscribe messaging protocol optimized for constrained devices and low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable networks. It enables efficient, asynchronous communication between clients and brokers, making it widely used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

/pɒn/

noun — "one fiber, many users, no powered middlemen."

PON, short for Passive Optical Networking, is a fiber-optic access architecture that delivers broadband services using only passive components between the service provider and end users. Instead of active electronics in the field, a single optical fiber is split to serve multiple customers, reducing cost, power usage, and maintenance complexity.

/ˈleɪ.tən.si/

noun — "the wait time between asking and getting."

Latency is the amount of time it takes for data to travel from a source to a destination across a network. It measures delay rather than capacity, and directly affects how responsive applications feel, especially in real-time systems such as voice, video, and interactive services.

/ˌɛf.tiː.tiːˈeɪtʃ/

noun — "fiber all the way, no copper excuses."

FTTH, short for Fiber to the Home, is a broadband access architecture in which optical fiber runs directly from a service provider’s core network to an individual residence or business. Unlike hybrid fiber deployments, FTTH eliminates copper entirely in the last mile, delivering data purely over fiber from end to end.

/ˌɛf.tiː.tiːˈsiː/

noun — "fiber close enough to make copper feel fast again."

FTTC, short for Fiber to the Cabinet, is a broadband access architecture where optical fiber runs from the service provider’s core network to a street-side cabinet, with existing copper lines completing the final connection to homes or businesses. It is a widely used compromise between full fiber deployment and legacy copper networks.

/ˈviː.diː.ɛs.ɛl.tuː/

noun — "squeezing fiber-class speed out of copper."

VDSL2, short for Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line 2, is an enhanced broadband access technology that delivers high-speed data over existing copper telephone lines. It improves upon VDSL by supporting higher data rates, wider frequency bands, and better performance over short loop lengths, making it a key technology for last-mile broadband.

/aɪ.piː.ɛs/

noun — "the security guard that stops attacks in their tracks."

IPS, short for Intrusion Prevention System, is a network security device or software that monitors traffic for malicious activity and takes immediate action to block or prevent threats. Unlike IDS, which only detects and alerts, an IPS actively intervenes to stop attacks, unauthorized access, and malware in real time.

/aɪ.diː.ɛs/

noun — "the alarm system that spots network threats before they strike."

IDS, short for Intrusion Detection System, is a security tool that monitors network or system activity for suspicious behavior or policy violations. It identifies potential attacks, unauthorized access, and malicious activity, alerting administrators so they can respond quickly.

/ˈfaɪər.wɔːl/

noun — "the digital gatekeeper that keeps networks safe."

Firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. It protects networks, devices, and applications from unauthorized access, malware, and cyberattacks while allowing legitimate communications to pass through.

/viː.læn/

noun — "the invisible walls that organize a network."

VLAN, short for Virtual Local Area Network, is a network configuration that segments a physical LAN into multiple logical networks, allowing devices to be grouped together based on function, department, or security requirements rather than physical location. VLANs improve traffic management, enhance security, and reduce broadcast domains within enterprise networks.