I-Mode
A service, popular in Japan, for transferring packet-based data to handheld devices that does not use Wireless Application Protocol.
Information Superhighway
This common term refers to the Internet, bulletin board services, on-line services and other types of connective, telecommunication-like services.
Information technology (IT)
All aspects of managing and processing information with computers within companies.
Infrastructure
The telecommunications infrastructure is comprised of all of the cable and equipment installed in the worldwide telecommunications market. Most of today's telecommunications infrastructure is connected by copper and fiber optic cable, which represents a huge capital investment that telephone companies would like to continue to utilize in as many ways as possible
INMARSAT
The International Maritime Satellite Organization, or INMARSAT, operates a network of satellites used in international transmissions for all types of international mobile services including maritime, aeronautical and land mobile.
INTELSAT
The International Telecommunications Satellite Organization operates a network of 20 satellites primarily for international transmissions but also provides domestic services to some 40 countries.
Integrated Circuit (IC)
Another name for a semiconductor, an IC is a piece of silicon on which thousands (or millions) of transistors have been combined.
A communications standard for rapidly sending
Integrated services digital network (ISDN) digital voice, video and data over phone lines.
Integration
The process of combining separately produced components of a product and altering them so that they can interact.
Intelligent agent
A program that automatically performs a service, such as gathering specific information, or that personalizes information on a Web site based on a user's registration information and usage analysis.
Interface
Refers to (1) a common boundary between two or more items of equipment or between a terminal and a communication channel, (2) the electronic device to interconnect two or more devices or items of equipment having similar or dissimilar characteristics or (3) the electronic device placed between a terminal and a communication channel to protect the network from the hazard of excess voltage levels.
Internet
A global, decentralized network, often referred to as the Net, that connects millions of independent computers.
Internet Appliance
A non-PC device that connects users to the Internet for specific or general purposes. A good example is a cellular telephone with a small screen and Internet capabilities.
Internet protocol (IP)
A protocol commonly used with the higher-level Transport Control Protocol (TCP). IP is the network layer of the TCP/IP suite that specifies the format of packets and the addressing scheme.
Internet service provider (ISP)
A company that provides paid users with access to the Internet. Customers use software to connect to the ISP over phone or cable lines. ISPs connect to each other through NAPs (network access points).
Internet Telephony
This category of hardware and software enables users to utilize the Internet to make telephone calls.
Internet transaction
An Internet transaction is the sale or purchase of goods or services, whether between businesses, households, individuals, governments, and other public or private organizations, conducted over the Internet. The goods and services are ordered over those networks, but the payment and the ultimate delivery of the good or service may be conducted on or off-line.
Intranet
A collection of Web resources kept within a firewall for an enterprise's internal use.
IP Number/IP Address
"IP" stands for "Internet Protocol," a number or address with four parts that are separated by dots. Each machine on the Internet has its own IP number, which serves as an identifier.
ITU-T (International Telecommunications Union for Telephony)
The international body responsible for telephone and computer communications standards describing interface techniques and practices. These standards include those that define how a nation's telephone and data systems connect to the worldwide communications network.
