Fast Ethernet
100 Mbits/s version of Ethernet.
FCT
Fixed cellular terminal.
FEC
Forward Error Correction. A communications method that can correct data errors on the receiving end of a data channel by passing the data through an appropriate algorithm before and after transmission.
Fibre optic
A method of transmitting data using light over thin glass fibre. Has many advantages over copper wire including enormous bandwidth and immunity from electromagnetic interference and eavesdropping.
File server
Powerful computer on a company network that stores applications and data files and allows people within that business to share them.
FA
Foreign Agent. (In Mobile IP,) a router serving as a mobility agent for a mobile node. A foreign agent works in conjunction with another type of mobility agent known as a home agent to support Internet traffic forwarding for a device connecting to the Internet from outside its home network.
FTP
File transfer protocol.This Internet protocol is used to copy files between computers--usually a client and an archive site. It's old-fashioned, it's a bit on the slow side, it doesn't support compression, and it uses cryptic Unix command parameters. But the good news is that you can download shareware or freeware apps that shield you from the complexities of Unix, and you can connect to FTP sites using a Web browser.
Firewall
A security device typically deployed to prevent unauthorised external access to a network.
Flash
A type of computer memory that can be rewritten and stores data without power.
Fractals
Lossy image compression method particularly suited to natural shapes such as trees, rivers and coastlines.
