Monday, July 16, 2001		Bits & Bytes

Application gateway: Also known as application proxy or application-level proxy, an application gateway is an application program that runs on a firewall system between two networks. When a client program establishes a connection to a destination service, it connects to an application gateway, or proxy. The client then negotiates with the proxy server in order to communicate with the destination service. In effect, the proxy establishes the connection with the destination behind the firewall and acts on behalf of the client, hiding and protecting individual computers on the network behind the firewall.

G.SHDSL: Also known as G.991.2, G.SHDSL is an international standard for symmetric DSL developed by the ITU. G.SHDSL provides for sending and receiving high-speed symmetrical data streams over a single pair of copper wires at rates between 192 kbps and 2.31 MBPS.

IXC: Short for interexchange carrier, a telephone company that provides connections between local exchanges in different geographic areas. Outlined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, IXCs provide inter service. Well-known IXCs include AT&T, Sprint and MCI.