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Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the low-current, audio-visual and IT terms used across our services — so a specification reads clearly whoever is in the room.

ELV (Extra-Low Voltage)
The low-current systems in a building — data networks, audio-visual, CCTV, access control, public address and fire alarm — that run on extra-low voltage rather than mains power. Datacore designs, installs and maintains them as a single integrator.
Structured cabling
A standardised, organised cabling system — to standards such as TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 — that carries data, voice and video across a building on one common infrastructure, so any outlet can serve any service.
Fibre optic
Cabling that carries data as pulses of light through glass strands, giving very high bandwidth, low latency and long reach — used for backbones between floors, buildings and data centres.
Network infrastructure
The switches, routers, wireless access points and cabling that move data around an organisation — the foundation every other ELV and IT service runs on.
Data centre
A controlled facility that houses servers, storage and network equipment, with the power, cooling, cabling and physical security needed to keep them running reliably.
CCTV / video surveillance
Closed-circuit television: networked cameras and recording that let an organisation monitor and review activity across a site for safety and security.
Access control
Systems that decide who may enter which doors and areas — by card, PIN or biometrics — and keep an audit trail of every entry event.
Public Address & Voice Alarm (PA/VA)
Loudspeaker systems that deliver everyday announcements and, in an emergency, clear voice-evacuation messages. Life-safety PA/VA is designed to standards such as EN 54.
Fire alarm system
Detectors, call points, control panels and sounders that detect fire early and alert occupants; these commonly integrate with voice evacuation to standards such as EN 54.
Audio-visual (AV)
The displays, projectors, speakers, microphones, cameras and control systems that let people present, hear and collaborate in meeting rooms, auditoriums and public spaces.
Video wall
An array of tiled displays or fine-pitch LED panels that act as one large screen for control rooms, auditoriums, lobbies and digital signage.
Digital signage
Centrally-managed screens that show scheduled content — wayfinding, announcements, advertising — across a site from one content-management platform.
IPTV
Internet Protocol Television: live TV and video-on-demand delivered over a building's own data network, with centralised content management, instead of over aerials or coax.
AV over IP
Distributing audio and video as network data over standard IT infrastructure, so sources and displays can be matrixed flexibly across a building rather than wired point-to-point.
Unified Communications (UC)
Bringing voice, video, messaging and conferencing into one experience — often with room systems and BYOD connectivity so any device can join a meeting.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Room and network design that lets people connect and present from their own laptop or phone — wirelessly or with a single cable.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Battery-backed power that keeps critical equipment running through outages and rides through the switch to generator power.
AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
A service agreement combining scheduled preventive maintenance, proactive monitoring and response-time-backed support after a system is handed over.

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