REGISTRATION DOCUMENT AND FINANCIAL REPORT - Iliad

GLOSSARY
IP (Internet Protocol): telecommunications protocol used on the networks supporting the Internet which divides
the data to be transmitted into packets, addresses the various packets, transports them independently of one
another and, finally, recreates the packets in their initial form once they reach their destination. This protocol
uses a technique known as packet switching. On the Internet, it is associated with a data transmission control
protocol (TCP) – hence the term TCP/IP protocol.
IP address: the IP address allows a router using TCP/IP to identify the unique network interface of a machine
connected to the Internet. In order to be accessible or to send data packets over the Internet, a machine must have
a public IP address, i.e., an address that is known on the Internet. ICANN has overall responsibility for managing
IP addressing on a worldwide basis, but delegates responsibility for certain areas to regional and local
organizations. An IP address is a sequence of 32 binary digits (see also “bit”) grouped into four bytes in the form
A.B.C.D where A, B, C and D are numbers between 0 and 255 (this structure corresponds to version 4 of the IP
protocol, or IPv4). The problem of limited addressing resources highlighted by the growth of the Internet has led
to the development of a new version of the IP protocol (IPv6), based on 128 binary elements, which will
gradually be brought into use.
IRU (Indefeasible Right of Use): special type of agreement, specific to the telecommunications sector, for the
provision of optical fibers (or transmission capacity) over a long period.
L.34-1 license: this license, referring to Article L.34-1 of the former French Post and Telecommunications Code,
is the authorization held by an undertaking providing a public telephone service.
L0.33-1 license: this license, referring to Article L.33-1 of the former French Post and Telecommunications
Code, is the authorization held by an operator of a telecommunications network open to the public.
Linux: Linux is a multi-task and multi-user Unix (Uniplexed Information and Computer Service) based
operating system. It is a so-called “open” software system, i.e., it is freely available in source code form and
modifiable under the terms of a General Public License (GNU).
Local concentrator: active telecommunications equipment connected to both the digital local exchange and the
copper pairs constituting the local loop. This is the primary active equipment in the France Télécom network.
The function of the local concentrator is to group several subscriber lines into one cable.
Local loop: physical circuit of the telephone network which connects the termination point of the network on the
subscriber’s premises (i.e., the subscriber’s telephone socket) and the local loop operator’s main distribution
frame (i.e. generally France Télécom’s local telephone exchange) which contains a digital switch. The local loop
is composed of a pair of braided copper wires.
Main distribution frame (MDF): establishes a temporary connection between a copper pair (local loop) and any
active equipment on the operator’s network. It is a vital point of flexibility in the operation of a
telecommunications network.
Modem (modulator-demodulator): device that transforms analog signals into digital signals and vice versa. A
modem is required in order to connect to the Internet (where the data exchanged are digital).
MPEG-2: video signal compression standard, used mainly for DVDs.
MPEG-4: digital compression standard for new generation audiovisual content. This format is able to broadcast
High Definition streaming data and provides enhanced audiovisual quality at low bandwidths.
Multicast: routing system minimizing the number of data flows from a server to various customers by
multiplying the data flows only when they are as close as possible to the destination terminals (the subscribers’
copper pairs).
Multiplexing: technique permitting several communication flows to pass through the same channel/transmission
bearer. Multiplexing can work in different ways: frequency multiplexing uses different frequencies for the
various communications, while time division multiplexing allocates a period of time (known as a slot) to each
communication.
Net adds: represents the difference between total ADSL subscribers at the end of two different periods.
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