A
Access Point
A device that provides either a wired or wireless connection to the Internet.
Account
A way to store information about your identity, your location, and your contact information for all of the Google services that you use.
B
Build-Out
The act of connecting all GFiber customers within an area to the GFiber network.
C
Conduit
Protective tubing installed to protect fiber cables.
D
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A network protocol used to configure devices that are connected to a network (known as hosts), so they can communicate on that network using the Internet Protocol (IP).
DVR
Digital Video Recorder. The service offered as part of Google Fiber for recording and playing back TV shows.
E
EPG
Electronic Program Guide. The on-screen schedule of TV or other programs.
F
Fiber Drop
The fiber cable between the network access point to the NIU.
Fiber Jack
The device inside the home that connects the fiber coming into the home to Ethernet for connection to the router and the home network. Also known as an optical network terminal (ONT) that converts gigabit symmetric fiber optic signals to gigabit Ethernet.
H
HOA
Homeowners' Association. A group that manages an MDU that consists of a representative from each residence in that MDU.
I
IPv6
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the language that computers use to communicate with each other on the Internet; it works much like phone numbers, which let us connect one telephone to another.
Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the new version of the Internet Protocol. The addresses used by the current version of the Internet Protocol, IPv4, are nearly all used. At Google, we believe that IPv6 is essential to the continued health and openness of the Internet – and that by allowing all devices to talk to each other directly, the launch of IPv6 will enable future innovation and growth for the Internet.
Refer to Internet Protocol version 6 for a great explanation of IPv6.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. A company that provides access to the Internet and other Internet-based services.
L
LAN
A group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link.
M
MDU
Multi-family Dwelling Unit. Premises that contain multiple residences, such as an apartment building or condo complex. Sometimes units in a multi-family residential building are condominiums, where the units are typically owned individually, rather than leased from a single apartment building owner.
N
Network Box
The Google Fiber router or gateway in the residence.
NIU
Network Interface Unit. Box on the side of a home or building where the Fiber Drop connects to the home.
P
Powercycle
A powercycle is a thorough reboot, in which a device is completely disconnected from its power source for a short period of time before reconnecting. This method can help resolve issues related to power surges, hardware malfunctions, or network connectivity problems.
S
SAP
Second Audio Program. SAP allows you to select a language other than English for audio broadcasts, when available. So when you watch TV shows that support SAP in the language you selected, the audio feed is in the second language.
SSID
Service Set IDentifier. The name of a wireless local area network (WLAN). All wireless devices on a WLAN must use the same SSID in order to communicate directly with each other.
Storage Box
The central storage device for all content that you record from all of your Google Fiber TV Boxes.
W
WAN
Wide Area Network. A network that covers a broad area, such as the Internet itself.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy. A security protocol for wireless local area networks (WLANs) defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same level of security as a wired LAN (legacy option; not recommended).
WLAN
Wireless Local Area Network. A LAN on which a mobile user can connect through a wireless connection.
WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access. A Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (legacy option; not recommended).
WPA2
The recommended Wi-Fi security mode; replaced WPA, once again improving its security features.