FCC (Federal Communications Commission)

   The U.S. federal regulatory body, consisting of five members, one of who is designated chairman, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, which regulates interstate communications under the Communications Act of 1934.

Facsimile (FAX)

   System used to transmit textual or graphical images over standard telephone lines.

Feed

   This term has at least two key meanings within the field of satellite communications. It is used to describe the transmission of video programming from a distribution center. It is also used to describe the feed system of an antenna. The feed system may consist of a subreflector plus a feedhorn or a feedhorn only.

Fiber Optic Cable

   Glass fiber that is used for laser transmission of video, audio, and/or data.

Fifty-one (51%) Rule

   For reporting purposes, any course in which 51% or more is designed to be delivered at a distance must be included in the reporting data for the development of annual Distance Education reports.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

   A protocol that allows you to move files from a distant computer to a local computer using a network like the Internet.

Firewall

   A hardware or software device which is configured to permit, deny, or proxy data through a computer network which has different levels of trust.

Footprint

   A map of the signal strength showing the EIRP contours of equal signal strengths as they cover the earth's surface. Different satellite transponders on the same satellite will often have different footprints of the signal strength. The accuracy of EIRP footprints or contour data can improve with the operational age of the satellite. The actual EIRP levels of the satellite, however, tends to decrease slowly as the spacecraft ages.

Frequency

   The number of times that an alternating current goes through its complete cycle in one second of time. One cycle per second is also referred to as one hertz; 1000 cycles per second, one kilohertz; 1,000,000 cycles per second, one megahertz: and 1,000,000,000 cycles per second, one gigahertz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

   A collection of information on the basics of any given subject, often used on the WWW.;

Full Motion Video

   Signal which allows transmission of complete action taking place at the origination site.;

Fully Interactive A variety of distance education in which the technology employed provides an immediate opportunity for exchange synchronously between participants.