Colocation Defined
Colocation Glossary Index
For definitions associated with co-location and datacentres, please browse the glossary of terms below.
Calling Line Identity
CLI - a feature which enables the caller's own telephone number to be forwarded at the same time as their call, enabling identification.
Carrier
A company supplying communications and related services to domestic and/or business users.
Channel
A generic term for a communications path on a given medium; multiplexing techniques allow providers to put multiple channels over a single medium. See also Multiplexer.
Circuit Switching
A switching system that establishes a dedicated physical communications connection between end points, through the network, for the duration of the communications session; this is most often contrasted with packet switching in data communications transmissions.
Circuit-Switched Network
Network that establishes a physical circuit temporarily on demand (typically when a telephone or other connected device goes "off hook", and keeps that circuit reserved for the user until it receives a disconnect signal.
Client/Server Architectures
A server, usually a Web server, that is located at a dedicated facility designed with resources which include a secured cage or cabinet, regulated power, dedicated internet connection, security and support. These colocation facilities offer the customer a secure place to physically house their hardware and equipment as opposed to locating it in their offices or warehouse where the potential for fire, theft or vandalism is much greater.
Colocation facilities offer high-security, including cameras, fire detection and extinguishing devices, multiple connection feeds, filtered power, backup power generators and other items to ensure high-availability which is mandatory for all Web-based, virtual businesses.
Compression
The act of sampling and reducing a signal for the purposes of saving storage or transmission capacity.
Computer telephony integration: CTI.
Where the computer and telephone interact with each other, enabling you to give commands to the telephone through your PC, and vice versa.
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
A wide range of customer-premises terminating equipment which is connected to the local telecommunications network. This includes telephones, modems, terminals, routers, settop boxes, etc.
