In today’s fast-paced world, technology evolves at an astonishing rate, shaping the way we communicate and connect. The current shift towards an All-IP network infrastructure, often referred to as the Great British Switch Off, is dramatically changing the telecommunications landscape. Navigating this transformation isn’t always a walk in the park, especially when you’re bombarded with a barrage of acronyms and jargon that seem more like cryptic codes. Fear not, for we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive jargon buster to help you unravel the mysteries behind the terminology.
ADSL – Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
Starting off our journey through the alphabet soup is ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A technology that enables faster data transmission over traditional copper telephone lines, offering higher download speeds than upload speeds. Being switched off in 2025.
ATA – Analogue Telephone Adapter
The ATA, or Analogue Telephone Adapter, is a device that lets you connect traditional analogue telephones or fax machines to a digital network, allowing them to work with newer IP-based systems.
BB – Broadband
You’re probably familiar with this one! Broadband, often abbreviated as BB, refers to high-speed internet access that provides a significant amount of data transmission capacity.
BT – British Telecom
BT, or British Telecom, is a well-known telecommunications company.
CF – CityFibre
CityFibre, often denoted as CF, is a company at the forefront of building and expanding fibre-optic networks across cities, offering high-speed internet services to businesses and homes. Deep Blue are proud to work with CityFibre to bring next generation connectivity to our customers.
CLOA – Customer Letter of Authority
The Customer Letter of Authority (CLOA) is a document that grants permission to a third party to take specific actions on behalf of a customer, such as managing their telecommunication services.
CNI – Critical National Infrastructure
CNI, or Critical National Infrastructure, refers to the essential systems and assets that are vital for a country’s functionality and security. Did you know that telecoms workers were classed as key workers during the 2020 lockdown? The Team at Deep Blue did an amazing job juggling the pressure of assisting our end users in switching to home working whilst also adapting to the home changes lockdown brought (we’re looking at you home schooling!). Well done Team!
CP – Communication Provider
CP stands for Communication Provider, which is a company or organisation that offers communication services, such as telephone, internet, and broadcasting. Like Deep Blue!
CRFS – Customers Ready For Service
CRFS represents Customers Ready For Service, indicating that a specific service or connection is available and operational for customers to use.
DB – Deep Blue
No not the chess-playing computer, DB here refers to Deep Blue or to give us our full title: Deep Blue Networks Ltd. With nearly two decades of experience this isn’t the first time we’ve helped customers navigate the change from one technology to another.
DDI – Direct Dial In
Direct Dial In (DDI) is a feature that allows callers to directly reach a specific extension or individual within an organization without going through a receptionist or automated menu.
EoNWD – End of Next Working Day
EoNWD, or End of Next Working Day, sets expectations for when a particular action or service will be completed.
EU – End User
End User (EU) simply refers to the final consumer or recipient of a product or service.
FTTC – Fibre To The Cabinet
FTTC, or Fibre To The Cabinet, is a technology that brings high-speed fibre-optic cables to street cabinets, improving internet speeds over existing copper connections. Being switched off in 2025.
FTTP – Fibre To The Premises
FTTP, or Fibre To The Premises, takes it a step further by delivering fibre-optic cables directly to homes or businesses, offering even faster and more reliable connections.
FUP – Fair Use Policy
Fair Use Policy (FUP) outlines the acceptable and reasonable usage limits for a service to ensure fair access for all users.
GSO – Great Switch Off
The Great Switch Off (GSO) signifies the transition from traditional analog communication systems to the All-IP network infrastructure. Also called the Great British Switch off and the Big Switch off.
IP-PBX – Internet Protocol private branch exchange
IP-PBX is an Internet Protocol private branch exchange, which is a private telephone network used within an organization that supports both traditional and IP-based communication.
ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a set of communication standards that enables digital transmission of voice, video, and data over traditional copper lines. Being switched off in 2025.
KYC – Know Your Customer
Know Your Customer (KYC) involves the process of verifying the identity of customers, often required for regulatory compliance.
LLU – Local Loop Unbundling
Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) allows different communication providers to use the same physical infrastructure, like telephone lines, to offer their services.
LOA – Letter of Authority
The Letter of Authority (LOA) is a formal document granting permission or authorisation for a specific action.
MBM – Main Billing Number
The Main Billing Number (MBM) is the primary number associated with a service that may have multiple numbers associated with it, for example an ISDN circuit with DDi blocks.
MPF – Metallic Path Facility
Metallic Path Facility (MPF) refers to the physical copper line connecting a customer’s premises to the communication network.
NTE – Network Terminating Equipment
Network Terminating Equipment (NTE) is the device installed at a customer’s location that connects their internal wiring to the service provider’s network.
OTT – Over The Top
Over The Top (OTT) services deliver content (like streaming media) directly to users over the internet, bypassing traditional distribution methods.
PBX – Private Branch Exchange
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone exchange system used within an organisation to manage internal and external calls. Not all of these will be compatible with the All-IP network.
PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) refers to the traditional circuit-switched telephone network used for public telecommunications. Being switched off in 2025.
SIP – Session Initiation Protocol
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a communication protocol used for initiating, maintaining, modifying, and terminating real-time sessions, such as voice and video calls over IP networks.
SMPF – Shared Metallic Path Facility
Shared Metallic Path Facility (SMPF) indicates that multiple services share the same physical copper line.
SOADSL – Single Order Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line
SOADSL, or Single Order Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line, is a service that provides equal download and upload speeds. Being switched off in 2025.
SOGEA – Single Order Generic Ethernet Access
SOGEA, or Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, offers a broadband connection without the need for a traditional phone line.
SOGFAST – Single Order G.Fast
SOGFAST, or Single Order G.Fast is a single-order broadband service using G.Fast technology for faster speeds.
SOTAP – Single Order Transitional Access Product
SOTAP, or Single Order Transitional Access Product is a technology created to deliver a copper path between network terminating equipment (NTE) at broadband customers’ premises as well as a main distribution or jumper frame at the exchange point.
SVR – Site Visit Reason
Site Visit Reason (SVR) indicates the purpose or rationale behind a scheduled site visit.
VDSL – Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line
VDSL, or Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line, provides faster data transmission over traditional copper lines than standard ADSL. Being switched off in 2025.
V-IP – Virtual Internet Protocol
V-IP, Virtual IP or Virtual Internet Protocol is an IP address that does not correspond to a physical network interface.
VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enables voice communication and multimedia sessions over the internet
WLR – Wholesale Line Rental
Wholesale Line Rental includes fixed-line services, like voice and broadband. It allows CPs like Deep Blue to provide these services without the need to own the physical infrastructure.
WLR Products – Wholesale Line Rental Products
Under the umbrella of WLR, a spectrum of products is available to cater to various communication needs. Many of these will be switched off in 2025.
- WLR3 Analogue: a traditional voice service that’s been a cornerstone of telecommunications
- ISDN2 and ISDN30: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) solutions, including ISDN2 and ISDN30 use digital communication capabilities, enabling simultaneous voice and data transmission for enhanced connectivity.
- SMPF and SLU SMPF: Shared Metallic Path Facility (SMPF) and Sub Loop Unbundling (SLU) SMPF allow multiple services to share the same physical copper line.
- Narrowband Product(s) Line Share: Narrowband Product(s) Line Share is designed for efficient utilisation of resources, ensuring the most effective use of existing network infrastructure.
- Classic: The fundamental voice service.
WLT – Working Line Takeover
Working Line Takeover enables customers to switch between communication providers without disrupting their existing services.
