REGISTRATION DOCUMENT AND FINANCIAL REPORT - Iliad

GLOSSARY
DNS (Domain Name System): a DNS is a database which registers Internet resources (computer, router, etc.) in
the form of a domain name and allocates them a unique IP address. The Internet protocol converts the domain
name into the corresponding IP address. Without the DNS, users would have to remember websites or email
addresses in the complicated form of the domain’s IP address. See also “domain name”.
Domain name registration: domain name registration consists of hosting domain names on a computer with an
IP address on behalf of the domain name owners, who are in turn entered in the register relating to their top level
domain or TLD. See also “TLD”.
Domain name: a domain name is the unique identifier of an IP address. The DNS (see “DNS – Domain Name
System”) matches the domain name to the IP address. A domain name consists of a string of characters (from “a”
to “z” or “0” to “9”, plus “-”) corresponding to the name of a trademark, association, company, individual, etc.,
plus a suffix known as the TLD (see “TLD – Top Level Domain”), such as .fr, .de, .net, or .com.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): See xDSL.
DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer): equipment installed in the telephone exchange closest
to the subscriber which is part of the equipment used to transform a conventional telephone line into an xDSL
line. DSLAMs connect several xDSL lines and are connected to the modem on the subscriber’s premises via the
local loop.
DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing): technology permitting the transmission of a large number
of frequencies on the same fiber strand, thereby significantly increasing the bandwidth capacity of the optical
fiber.
Eligibility: a telephone line is said to be “eligible” for ADSL when the technical characteristics of the line in
terms of signal loss are such that xDSL-type technologies can be used. The length and diameter of the copper
pairs (local loop) are the main parameters determining eligibility. Using current technologies, in order to obtain a
512 kbit Internet connection, the subscriber’s access point must be located within four kilometers of the DSLAM.
Firewall: hardware or software device which controls access to all the computers on a network from a single
point of entry. The main function of the firewall is to filter the data packets transmitted between the protected
network and outside networks. In addition, a firewall can be used to perform advanced security functions such as
virus detection, IP address masking on the protected network and the establishment of encryption tunnels subject
to authentication.
FTTH (fiber-to-the-home): technology used to directly connect subscribers’ homes to an optical fiber network.
FTTH technology offers significantly faster transmission rates than ADSL, as well as new services, and enables
the Group to operate totally independently from France Télécom’s local loop.
Full unbundling: full unbundling consists of allowing a third party operator to control the entire local loop (both
low and high frequencies).
IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b standards: radio-telecommunications standards established by the IEEE (Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) describing the characteristics of wireless networks using the 5 GHz and
2.4 GHz frequency bands, respectively. (See also “RLAN – Radio Local Area Network” and “WLAN – Wireless
Local Area Network”).
Interconnection: the term interconnection refers to the reciprocal services provided by two operators of
networks open to the public, permitting all of their users to communicate freely with one another, no matter the
type of network or services they use. The term also refers to the provision to a public telephone service provider
of access to a public network operator’s network. The objective of interconnection is to allow a given operator’s
subscribers to make telephone calls to the subscribers of all other interconnected operators. Interconnection
between the incumbent operator (France Télécom) and third party operators is governed by the provisions of the
French Post and Telecommunications Code and is regulated by ARCEP.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): organization or company providing its customers with access to the Internet.
208 - Iliad – Registration Document 2007