MCT Lexicon Multimedia & Creative Technology
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Maker

39 terms

Hands-on making, prototyping, electronics, digital fabrication and experimenting with technology.

A

ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a tough, heat-resistant thermoplastic polymer commonly used for functional and industrial parts. For makers and 3D-printers it is valued for its mechanical strength and the ability to be post-processed (for example, acetone vapor smoothing), but it shrinks more on cooling and requires higher printing temperatures, which makes printing more challenging. In practical maker-spaces (like a fablab) ABS is often used rarely because it is prone to warping, generally needs a heated bed and enclosure, and produces fumes that require ventilation.

3d-printing

ARPANET

ARPANET was the early experimental packet-switched computer network created by DARPA in the late 1960s and is considered the predecessor of the Internet. It introduced ideas such as packet switching, network protocols, and shared resource access that later evolved into TCP/IP and modern network services. For students in 3D, Audio/Video, Maker and Web fields, ARPANET is relevant because it laid the groundwork for reliable digital asset transfer, remote collaboration, distributed compute (e.g., render farms), and the protocols underpinning streaming, firmware updates and web communication.

ARQ

ARQ stands for Automatic Repeat reQuest and is a mechanism for requesting retransmission of lost or corrupted data. It is used across different network layers: at the network access/link layer (for example in wireless standards like 802.11) and at higher layers (for example TCP at the transport layer) to ensure reliability. For students in Audio/Video, Maker, and Web, ARQ is important because it affects how media and file data are reliably delivered — in some real-time A/V use cases ARQ can introduce latency, in maker/embedded contexts ARQ is used on serial or radio links to recover packets, and on the web retransmission is implemented by protocols (TCP/HTTP or application-level ARQ for custom transports).

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field of computer science that develops systems and algorithms capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition, reasoning, and decision-making. In a technology context, AI covers techniques like machine learning and deep learning, where models learn patterns from data to make predictions or classifications. AI applications range from search and recommendation systems in web and mobile apps to real-time image and audio processing in 3D/XR projects and post-production.

B

Backup

A backup is a copy of digital information intended to allow recovery from loss, corruption, or damage. In Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this includes saving media and session files, design files and firmware, bills of materials, and server data such as databases and configuration. For servers and similar infrastructure this usually involves snapshots, incremental backups, offsite replication, versioning, encryption and regular restore testing so you can recover from hardware failure, accidental deletion or ransomware.

Bandwidth

Bandbreedte is de maximale hoeveelheid data die binnen een gegeven tijdsperiode over een kanaal of verbinding kan worden overgedragen, doorgaans uitgedrukt in bits per seconde (bps). In netwerkfundamenten verschilt bandbreedte van latency (vertraging) en throughput (de daadwerkelijk bereikte data‑snelheid): bandbreedte is het theoretische plafond, throughput is wat je in de praktijk meet en latency is de tijd voor het eerste bit. Voor Audio/Video bepaalt bandbreedte hoeveel resolutie, frame‑rate en audiokwaliteit je kunt sturen (bijv. 4K video vereist veel meer bandbreedte dan een telefoongesprek). Voor makers heeft bandbreedte betrekking op zowel netwerkverbindingen (Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, mobiele data) als op lokale bussnelheden (UART, SPI, I2C) en radio­modules (LoRa, BLE) — elk heeft zijn eigen maximale data‑rate. Voor webontwikkeling beïnvloedt bandbreedte laadtijden van pagina's en API‑reacties; technieken zoals compressie, caching en CDN's verminderen de benodigde bandbreedte of verdelen de belasting. Belangrijke praktische aspecten zijn upload vs. download, gedeelde media (congestie), benodigde headroom voor stabiele streams en meten met tools zoals speedtest of iperf.

Bed leveling

Bed leveling is the process of bringing a 3D printer's build plate into the correct relative position to the nozzle across the whole surface so that the first layer prints uniformly. For makers working in a fablab or makerspace, it is a fundamental calibration step to ensure good adhesion and reliable prints. There are manual methods (for example using a piece of paper and adjusting screws) and automatic methods (such as BLTouch or inductive/proximity sensors that probe the bed to build a mesh); both approaches ensure the firmware and slicer use correct Z heights during printing.

3d-printing

Breadboard

A breadboard is a reusable prototyping board that lets you assemble and test electronic circuits quickly without soldering. It consists of a grid of metal contact sockets in a plastic housing; specific rows and rails are internally connected so components and jumper wires can be easily linked. For makers, it’s a fundamental tool to prototype and debug circuits involving sensors, microcontrollers, motor drivers and analog modules before committing to a permanent PCB.

hardware
C

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is the use of remote servers, storage and services accessed over the internet instead of relying solely on local hardware. For makers this means prototypes and IoT devices can send data and offload processing to scalable services; for web developers it enables easy hosting, scaling and management of websites, APIs and databases. Cloud platforms offer different service models (IaaS, PaaS, serverless) and pay-as-you-go pricing, but also introduce considerations like latency, security and potential vendor lock-in.

Creative technology

Creative technology is an interdisciplinary field that combines engineering and technical skills with creative practice to build interactive experiences, installations, products and performances. It involves programming, electronics, sensors, interactive design principles, audiovisual production and often physical prototyping with microcontrollers or 3D printing. Key characteristics include experimentation, iterative prototyping and ‘‘research-through-making’’, typically carried out by teams of designers, developers and makers. The aim is not just functional solutions but meaningful, aesthetic or experiential outcomes for users and audiences.

F

FDM

FDM is a 3D printing process where a thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle, depositing material layer by layer onto a build platform. In fablab and maker contexts, FDM printers are popular because they are relatively low-cost, sturdy and easy to operate. The method is well suited for rapid prototyping and functional parts, but has limitations such as visible layer lines, anisotropic mechanical properties (weaker between layers), and constraints in surface finish and very fine details.

3d-printing

Fablab

A FabLab is a local, community workshop that provides access to digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills and electronics workstations. Originating from MIT, the concept emphasizes experimental design, rapid prototyping and open knowledge sharing within a maker community. FabLabs combine hands-on fabrication skills (cutting, printing, soldering) with design software and encourage iteration, documentation and collaboration among students, designers and small-scale innovators.

Fiber

Fiber (fiber optics) is a cable technology that transmits data by sending light pulses through thin glass or plastic strands. By using total internal reflection, signals can travel with very high bandwidth and low attenuation over long distances, which is fundamental to network infrastructure such as backbone links, FTTH, and datacenter connectivity. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web use cases this means fiber enables reliable, interference-free transmission for live video/audio, high‑speed internet, and projects using optical sensors or light-guiding; key technical aspects include single-mode vs multi-mode fibers, common wavelengths (e.g. 1310/1550 nm) and connector types (e.g. LC, SC).

Filament

In a fablab context, filament is the continuous, thread-like material used as feedstock for FDM/FFF 3D printers. It is typically made from thermoplastic polymers (such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU) and is supplied on spools in common diameters like 1.75 mm or 2.85/3 mm. The filament is melted in the printer's hotend and extruded layer by layer to build a 3D object; material choice and printing settings affect strength, flexibility and surface finish.

3d-printing

Firewall

A firewall is a network component — implemented as hardware or software — that inspects and filters network traffic according to configured rules. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web projects it protects streaming/media servers, IoT and maker devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi) and web applications from unauthorized access and certain kinds of attacks. Firewalls operate at different levels: host-based (on a single device), network-based (between networks) and specialized web application firewalls (WAFs) that filter at the application layer. Key concepts include rules for ports and protocols, stateful versus stateless filtering, NAT/port-forwarding and the trade-off between security and accessibility — overly strict rules can block legitimate media streams or device communications.

I

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax

IEEE 802.11 a,b,g,n,ac,ax are labels for successive Wi‑Fi standards specified by the IEEE for wireless local area networks (WLANs). Each lettered version defines technical characteristics such as frequency bands (commonly 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz), modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM), channel widths, MIMO capabilities, and channel access mechanisms — all basic network fundamentals. For students in Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines these standards matter because they directly affect throughput, latency, range and network behavior: A/V streaming and real‑time audio/video (latency and packet loss), maker projects and IoT devices (compatibility, power consumption and antenna design), and web applications or WebRTC (bandwidth, connection quality and QoS). Newer generations (n → ac → ax) introduce improvements such as channel bonding, MU‑MIMO, higher modulation rates, and in ax (Wi‑Fi 6) OFDMA plus better efficiency in dense environments.

ISP

ISP is an abbreviation with two common meanings in multimedia and tech: Image Signal Processor and Internet Service Provider. As an Image Signal Processor, ISP refers to dedicated hardware or firmware in camera and sensor systems that converts raw sensor data into usable images through steps like demosaicing, noise reduction, color correction and lens compensation — this is relevant to 3D scanning, video production, makers using camera modules, and web apps handling webcam streams. As an Internet Service Provider, an ISP is the organization that provides network infrastructure and internet access; this affects streaming quality for audio/video, remote collaboration, and hosting of web and 3D content, and is important for makers deploying IoT devices or cloud-based workflows. Both meanings often interact in projects: the ISP (image processor) determines image quality that you then transmit or consume over the network provided by an ISP (internet provider) in web and multimedia pipelines.

M

MAC

MAC stands for Media Access Control and refers both to the MAC sublayer of the data link layer and to the MAC addresses that identify network interfaces. In networking (network access layer / Ethernet) the MAC sublayer controls how devices access the physical medium and how Ethernet frames are delivered to a specific device on the same local network. For Audio/Video, Maker, and Web contexts this matters because MAC addresses and the MAC sublayer drive local traffic: networked A/V streams, IoT and maker boards with network modules, and web application diagnostics all rely on this layer to deliver and distinguish data within the LAN.

Multiplexing

Multiplexing is a technique for sending multiple data streams or signals over a single shared transmission channel. In network fundamentals and web technologies this means arranging multiple HTTP or media sessions over one TCP/UDP connection so bandwidth and latency are used more efficiently (e.g., HTTP/2 or RTP transport). For Audio/Video and maker projects, multiplexing covers software methods (container formats, RTP/multicast, statistical packet scheduling) as well as hardware approaches (analog/digital multiplexer ICs, TDM on microcontrollers), and it helps to make better use of pins, channels or frequency bands. There are different types—time-division (TDM), frequency-division (FDM) and statistical/packet multiplexing—each with trade-offs related to throughput, latency and jitter.

P

PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is een thermoplastisch polymeer dat als 3D-printfilament veel gebruikt wordt in de maakwereld. Het is sterker en minder bros dan PLA, heeft een zekere mate van flexibiliteit en is goed bestand tegen vocht en relatief hoge temperaturen, waardoor het geschikt is voor functionele onderdelen. Voor makers en in fablabs betekent dit dat PETG een goede keuze is voor bevestigingsmiddelen, behuizingen en onderdelen die mechanische belasting en vocht moeten weerstaan; in veel fablabs wordt het echter weinig gebruikt tenzij een student of projectteam er zelf voor kiest. PETG is over het algemeen makkelijk te printen, maar vereist iets hogere temperaturen en aandacht voor rek en adhesie tijdens het printen.

fablab 3d-printing

PLA

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer produced from renewable resources such as corn or sugar-beet starch. For makers and fablabs, PLA is the most common 3D-print filament because it has a relatively low melting temperature, minimal warping, and is therefore easy to print on FDM machines. Mechanically, PLA is fairly stiff and suitable for visual prototypes and decorative items, but it is more brittle and less heat-resistant than many engineering plastics. Finally, while PLA is biodegradable, it typically requires industrial composting conditions to break down effectively; storage, recycling and post-processing are important considerations in a responsible maker workflow.

fablab 3d-printing

PoE

PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a network access layer technology that supplies DC power over Ethernet cables so both data and power travel on the same twisted-pair cable. It is standardized in IEEE 802.3af/at/bt and includes detection and classification phases to ensure only compatible devices receive power, with different power classes depending on the standard. For Audio/Video (e.g., IP cameras, networked speakers, Dante interfaces), Maker projects (e.g., Raspberry Pi or microcontroller boards with PoE HATs), and Web/network equipment (e.g., Wi‑Fi access points, edge devices), PoE reduces the need for separate power supplies and simplifies deployments. Practical constraints include cable category (Cat5e or better), the ~100 m Ethernet distance limit, the power budget of the switch or injector, and the difference between standard (active) PoE and some passive PoE solutions.

Python

Python is a general-purpose, dynamically typed programming language with an interpreter, a rich standard library, and a large ecosystem of third-party packages (installable via pip). In 3D development it is widely used as a scripting language (for example in Blender) to generate geometry, automate scenes, and control rendering workflows. In audio/video pipelines Python is used to capture, process and analyze media using libraries such as OpenCV, moviepy and FFmpeg wrappers. For maker/hardware projects Python runs on microcontrollers via MicroPython or CircuitPython and on devices like the Raspberry Pi to control sensors, actuators and serial devices. In web development Python is used for backends and APIs with frameworks like Django and Flask, enabling web interfaces that can trigger 3D tasks, media processing or hardware control.

S

Segmentation

Segmentatie is het proces waarbij data, resources of netwerken worden opgesplitst in kleinere, beheersbare delen (“segmenten”) om transport, verwerking, beheer en beveiliging te vereenvoudigen. In Audio/Video-context betekent dit vaak het opdelen van mediabestanden in korte fragmenten voor adaptieve streaming of het splitsen van audio/video voor bewerking en analyse. Voor Makers kan segmentatie zowel slaan op het opdelen van fysieke ontwerpen (bijv. een 3D-model dat in meerdere stukken wordt geprint) als op netwerksegmentatie van IoT-apparaten om veiligheid en betrouwbaarheid te vergroten. In Web- en netwerkfundamenten verwijst segmentatie naar praktijken zoals subnetting, VLANs en TCP/IP-segmentatie (het opdelen van grote datastromen in MTU-conforme stukken), wat belangrijk is voor performance, fouttolerantie en netwerkbeveiliging.

Slicer

A slicer is software that converts a 3D model (for example an STL or OBJ file) into layer-by-layer instructions a 3D printer can execute. The slicer slices the model into thin layers, computes toolpaths and determines print parameters such as layer height, print speed, infill and support structures. The final output is typically a G-code or other printer-specific file that tells the printer where and how to extrude material; the slicer settings strongly influence the part's quality, strength and print time.

3d-printing
T

Throughput

Throughput is the actual amount of useful data transmitted over a communication channel per unit of time, usually measured in bits/sec (e.g., Mbps). It is different from bandwidth (theoretical capacity) and latency (delay): throughput is what you actually achieve in practice and can be reduced by protocol overhead, errors, congestion and hardware limits. In network fundamentals and across Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts, throughput determines how many audio/video streams you can deliver simultaneously, how fast firmware or sensor data can be transferred to a device, and how quickly web assets or API responses reach clients.

Transmitter

Een transmitter is een apparaat of softwarecomponent die signalen of gegevens uitstuurt over een fysiek of logisch medium. In Audio/Video-contexten zet een transmitter bijvoorbeeld audio- of videosignalen om en stuurt die als RF, digitale pakketten of een geëncodeerde stream weg; in Maker-projecten is het vaak een microcontroller met een RF- of draadloos-module (bijv. Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, LoRa) die sensorwaarden verzendt; in Web-toepassingen is het de server- of browsercomponent die data via protocollen zoals HTTP, RTMP of WebRTC naar ontvangers stuurt. In alle gevallen is kennis van netwerkfundamentals belangrijk: modulatie en codering, packetisatie, kanaal/mediumkeuze, bandbreedte, latency en foutafhandeling bepalen hoe betrouwbaar en efficiënt een transmitter werkt. Een transmitter kan zowel op de fysieke laag (elektrische/EM-signalen, antenne) als op hogere lagen (encodering, encryptie, transportprotocollen) functies vervullen.

Twisted pair

Een twisted pair is een kabelconstructie waarbij twee geïsoleerde geleiders om elkaar heen zijn gedraaid (gewikkeld) om elektrische interferentie te verminderen. Deze constructie wordt veel gebruikt in netwerkkabels (bijv. Cat5e/Cat6), in gebalanceerde audiosignalen en in maker‑toepassingen zoals seriële bussen of sensorbedrading. De twist zorgt ervoor dat externe storingen op beide draden ongeveer hetzelfde induceren, waardoor differentiële ontvangers het gemeenschappelijke ruiscomponent kunnen onderdrukken. Belangrijke eigenschappen zijn de karakteristieke impedantie (meestal ~100 Ω voor netwerkkabels), het type (UTP = ongeïsoleerd, STP = afgeschermd) en het aantal paren, wat invloed heeft op overdrachtssnelheid en maximale lengte. Voor netwerk‑fundamenten is het essentieel te begrijpen hoe paren worden toegewezen aan Ethernet‑standaarden (bv. 100BASE‑TX vs. 1000BASE‑T) en waarom correcte terminations en paarintegriteit cruciaal zijn voor signaal‑integriteit.

V

VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is de techniek om spraak en aanverwante realtime media (zoals video) over IP-netwerken te transporteren in plaats van via traditionele telefoonlijnen. Het omvat signalering (bijv. SIP), mediatransport (RTP/SRTP), codecs voor compressie en mechanismen voor latency-, jitter- en packetverliesbeheer. Voor 3D- en XR-toepassingen is VoIP belangrijk omdat het realtime, vaak ruimtelijke audio mogelijk maakt; voor Audio/Video-productie zijn latency en codec-keuzes cruciaal voor kwaliteit; voor Makers betekent het dat je zowel software (bijv. SIP-servers of WebRTC-signaling) als hardware (bijv. microfoons, Raspberry Pi PBX of audio-interfaces) kunt bouwen of integreren; voor Web-ontwikkelaars is VoIP relevant via WebRTC, SIP-over-WebSocket en browser-API's voor het opzetten van directe audio/video-verbindingen. Veiligheid (SRTP, TLS), NAT-traversal (STUN/TURN) en QoS-instellingen op netwerken zijn gemeenschappelijke uitdagingen voor alle genoemde skillsets.

W

WAN

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that connects multiple local networks (LANs) across large geographic distances, typically using ISP infrastructure. From a networking fundamentals perspective, a WAN involves routing, IP addressing, NAT, VPN tunnels, and important characteristics like bandwidth, latency, jitter and packet loss, plus mechanisms for quality management (QoS). For Audio/Video, Maker and Web disciplines, a WAN is the foundation for live streaming and file transfer, remote control of hardware or IoT devices, and making web servers and APIs reachable; each of these uses requires attention to latency, reliability and security over the WAN.

WEP

WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) is an outdated Wi‑Fi encryption standard originally intended to provide comparable protection to wired networks. From a networking standpoint it uses the RC4 stream cipher and a small 24-bit initialization vector (IV), which leads to IV reuse, weak key scheduling and practical attacks that allow key recovery. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web contexts this matters because WEP does not provide reliable confidentiality, integrity, or strong authentication: audio and video streams can be eavesdropped or tampered with, IoT/maker hardware can be compromised, and web sessions or credentials transmitted over a WEP network are vulnerable to sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. WEP has been superseded by WPA/WPA2/WPA3 because of these fundamental flaws, and its use is strongly discouraged.

WPA

WPA (Wi‑Fi Protected Access) is a family of wireless security protocols that replaced WEP and later evolved into WPA2 and WPA3. It specifies how data between a wireless client and an access point is encrypted and authenticated, with modes such as PSK (pre‑shared key) and Enterprise (EAP) for stronger authentication. For Audio/Video, Maker and Web students, WPA matters because it affects confidentiality and integrity of network traffic, can influence performance (latency, packet loss) during streaming, and determines implementation and credential-handling choices for embedded devices and web services communicating over Wi‑Fi.