Abbreviated Dialling

A calling method which allows the user to employ an address having fewer characters that the destination's assigned device address when initiating a connection. May also be called abbreviated dialling when specifically used in connection with telephone systems.

ABX

See Advanced Branch Exchange.

Access Code

The digits that a telephone user must dial to obtain access to a specific service connection via a particular out going line. The 8 or 9 dialled on a hotel or company telephone is a good example.

Access Line

The physical connection between an individual " in premises" leased line and the local exchange or switching office of the provider of the leased line service. May also be referred to as the local loop.

Account Codes

A code assigned to a customer or project. Typically, someone dialling a long distance telephone number must enter that code so the phone system or Call Accounting system can calculate and report on the cost of that call at the end of the month or designated time period. Many service companies, such as law offices, engineering firms, and advertising agencies use account codes to track costs and bill clients accordingly. Account Codes can be forced or voluntary (unforced). If forced, the phone system will not complete the call until the account is entered.

ACD

See Automatic Call Distributor.

Advanced Branch Exchange (ABX)

A private branch exchange with advanced features normally including the ability to handle both voice and data in an integrated manner.

Alternate Buffer

In a communications sense a buffer (temporary storage unit) which is used to hold data when the "primary" buffer is full.

Alternate Route

A communications route which is used when the primary route is not available due to failure, congestion, etc.

Answer Supervision

An off-hook signal indicating when the called party answers. Used to read calls for billing purposes.

Answering

The process of responding to a calling station for the purpose of completing a connection between devices.

API

See Application Program Interface.

Application Program Interface (API)

A set of software calls that can be used by an application program to access network services.

ARS

See Automatic Route Selection.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Exchange. Although now widely used to denote plain text – that is, text without formatting and independent of any type font – ASCII is actually a data code now used universally in communication applications by minicomputers and personal computers to represent 128 possible character combinations, including upper- and lower-case letters of the roman alphabet, the space character, the numerals 0 through 9, punctuation marks and other non-alphanumeric characters found on a standard keyboard, plus several "control codes" that denote invisible characters like the carriage return and tab. ASCII is also sometimes known at TTY, denoting its legacy in the teletype industry.

ASCII value

The number, variously expressed in decimal, octal or hexadecimal notation, that defines a combination of eight bits – seven bits that define a character and an eighth that can be used for a rudimentary form of error correction known as "parity checking."

Authorisation code

An identification number that the customer enters when placing a call which is used for billing purposes and validation by the switch..

Auto Attendant

Also called Automated Attendant. A feature that answers callers with a digital recording and allows callers to route themselves to an extension through touch-tone input, in response to a voice prompt. An Auto Attendant is typically an external device connected to a telephone system.

Automatic Call Distributor (ACD)

A switching system designed to queue and/or distribute a large volume of incoming calls to the next available "answering" position among a group of attendants.

Automatic Number Identification (ANI)

See Caller Identification.

Automatic Route Selection (ARS)

A PABX service that allows for automatic selection of the most efficient and cost effective route. May also be referred to as "least cost routing".

Backup

The provision, logical or physical, of facilities to speed the process of restart and recovery following failure. Facilities may include duplicated files of transactions, periodic dumping of core or backing storage contents, duplicated processors, storage devices, terminals, telecommunications hardware or the switches to effect a changeover.

Basic Input Output Instructions (BIOS)

Software/firmware services that provide (within the framework of the MS-DOS computer operating system) the interface between applications and all serial and parallel input/output ports.

Basic Service

A government-defined set of minimal services provided by all local and long distance telephone carriers. The precise definition of what these services constitute, however, is often unclear.

Baud Rate

The Signalling rate of a transmission medium. A 2400 baud line carries 2400 signal changes per second. This number may or may not be equal to the bit rate depending on whether or not one signal change equals one bit. (Normally used in the singular form, ie. 2400 baud NOT 2400 bauds.)

Baudot

An encoding method in which five bits are used to represent "real world" characters.

BCD

See Binary Coded Decimal.

Binary

A number system based upon twos rather than tens that uses only two characters, zero (0) and one (1).

Binary Code

A pattern of logical zeros and ones which is used to represent "real world" information.

Binary Coded Decimal (BCD)

An encoding method in which the decimal digits are represented by four or six binary bits.

BIOS

See Basic Input Output Services.

Bit

An abbreviation for "binary digit." Usually represented as either a 0 or a 1 – connoting off and on, respectively – bits are the basic language of computers. A group of eight bits forms a byte.

Bit Rate

The rate at which bits (binary digits) are transmitted over a communications path. Normally expressed in bits per second (bps). [The bit rate is not to be confused with the data signalling rate that measures the rate of signal elements being transmitted.]

Bits per Second (BPS)

A measure of the transmission speed of a transfer system. May not be the same as baud rate depending on how transmission level encoding of logical ones and zeros is performed.

Blind Transfer

A feature whereby a person can transfer a call that is ringing at their station to another extension without first answering the call.

Boolean

A query strategy for searching databases. Boolean searches use connectors such as "and" or "or" to expand or narrow a search. For example, to retrieve information about cats and dogs, user types in the word "and" to ensure they receive information about both groups.

BPS

See Bits per Second.

Bridge

A device which interconnects network systems at the data link control level. A bridge is used extensively in local area network systems to extend their physical dimensions or modify their performance.

Broadband ISDN (BISDN)

An ISDN service implemented on a broadband, analog, transmission medium.

Broadband Transmission

As used in LAN technology the transmission of multiple analog signals at the same time over the same physical medium. In a general sense any transmission method in which data flows from source to destination in a different form than existed at the source.

Broadcast

Transmissions which are radiated from a point throughout a carrying medium. Examples include radio wave broadcast, from the transmitter in all directions and wire based broadcast, from the transmitter in both directions to a terminator at each end of the conductor.

Buffer

A high-speed area of storage that is temporarily reserved for use in performing the input/output operation into which data is read or from which data is written. Used to accumulate data into blocks of sufficient size to be handled efficiently by a processor or terminal.

Bus

An electrical transmission circuit for carrying information, serving as a shared pathway or connection for a number of different devices.

Bus Topology

The network structure whereby connection between devices is accomplished by connecting all devices to a single transmission medium (wire, fibre, etc.).

Busy Hour

The 60-minute period during any 24-hour day when the communications traffic is highest.

Byte

A set of eight bits. As a unit of measurement, it is used to rate computer memory and the capacity of data storage such as disks and CDs.

Cable

A collection of metallic wires surrounded by an insulator through which an electric current can be passed.

Call Accounting System

A software application used to record, analyse and report information about telephone calls. Such information typically includes the date, time and duration of the call, the extension(s) and/or telephone numbers involved, the type and direction of the call and which circuit is used for the call. A Call Accounting system might also include account and authorisation codes, CLI information, if the call was transferred, to where and how long it took. Traditionally, a Call Accounting system calculates costing information.

Call Detail Recording (CDR)

Data commonly generated by PABXs and captured by computers via a serial cable or other connection which contains data unique to each call. Also called Station Message Detail Recording.

Call Forwarding

A PABX or common carrier service which allows for the automatic (under a defined set of conditions) transfer of incoming calls from one extension (device) to another.

Call Hold

Enables the subscriber to put a caller on hold.

Call Pickup

A PABX service that allows a user to answer a call from an extension other than the one which was called.

Call Reporting

A feature that provides a summary of calls and call activity. Typically, this summary can include detail such as extension number, line number, Caller ID, time of call, duration of call, dropped or lost calls, and so on.

Call Routing

The way in which a call is routed through a particular network, such as a PABX system network.

Call Waiting

A PABX service that informs an "in use" station that it has another call waiting to be transferred.

Caller Identification (Caller ID)

A service enabling subscribers to identify callers prior to the establishment of communications.

Caller Line Identification (CLI)

See Caller Identification.

Carrier

A company authorised by appropriate regulatory agencies to provide communications services.

CBX

See Computer(ised) Branch Exchange.

CDR

See Call Detail Recording.

Cellular System

A method of mobile telephone service which divides radio communication service areas into small "cells" or districts. The cellular approach utilises low-power transmitters that allow uninterrupted communications through sophisticated switching equipment linking the cells. This system, by reusing frequencies and standardising service and equipment, will substantially improve mobile telephone service.

Central Office

Telephone company facility where subscribers are joined to switching equipment for connection of other subscribers to each other.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A combination of the logic processor and timing control used as the basis of a digital computer. Commonly used to mean "computer".

Character

Any alphabetical letter, digital or special symbol. In data transmission, the representation of a letter number or symbol by a specific code made up of binary digits.

Characters per Second (CPS)

A method of measuring transmission speeds in terms of characters transferred each second.

Circuit

A path for the transmission of electromagnetic signals. Includes all conditioning and signalling equipment.

Circuit Switching

A method of communications where an electrical connection between calling and called stations is established on demand for exclusive use of the circuit until the connection is released. A switching system that completes a dedicated transmission path from sender to receiver at the time of transmission.

Class of Service (COS)

Different levels of telephone services provided by carriers based on the level of features, service and cost. Variables include such aspects as security, priority, bandwidth, etc.

CLI

See Caller Identification.

Coaxial Cable

A form of cable where an inner conductor and an outer grounded shield are positioned about a common axis. This type of cable has good noise immunity. Coaxial cable is used for digital transmission up to 100 million bits per second and analog transmission up to 1000 million hertz.

Code

A set of unambiguous rules specifying the manner in which data may be represented in a discrete form.

COM1, COM2

The serial communications I/O ports built into a PC. MS-DOS uses the designation and internal interfacing is accomplished by execution of BIOS functions.

Common Carrier

A communications service supplier that is rated and regulated (in the public interest) by appropriate government agencies.

Compatibility

The state that allows for the transfer of information from source to destination.

Compression

Any technique that is used to reduce the number of bits required to define information during transmission.

Computer(ised) Branch Exchange (CBX)

A PABX which uses a small computer for control.

Computer Telephony

Computer telephony is the adding of computer intelligence to the making, receiving, and managing of telephone calls. Computer telephony encompasses six broad elements: Messaging, real-time connectivity, transaction processing and information access via the phone, adding intelligence to phone calls, core technologies, and new core standards.

Computer to PABX Interface (CPI)

An interconnection device supplied by Digital, Northern Telecom and others to allow a computer to collect data from a PABX.

Conference Call

A connection established among three or more stations in such a manner that each of the stations is able to communicate with all others.

Congestion

The condition, in a packet switched network when node transmission buffers are full and no more incoming packets can be accepted.

Connect Time

The time a device is connected to a computer or a network. Often used as a basis for service costing.

Connectivity

The state which allows the transfer of electrical signals from source to destination.

Connector

An attachment at the end of a wire (or set of wires) which facilitates their connection to a device.

Control Unit (CU)

Central processor of a telephone switching device.

Country Code

A one-, two- or three-digit number used for international dialling. The first digit is always the world-zone number. Subsequent digits further define the geographic area.

CPI

See Computer to PABX Interface.

CPS

See Characters per Second.

CPU

See Central Processing Unit.

CTI

See Computer Telephony.

Cursor

A blinking symbol that indicates the current position on a CRT screen.

Data

Any symbolic representation of facts (without interpretation). Also, any representation such as characters or bits etc to which meaning may be assigned.

Data Communications

The movement of data by means of electrical (or photon in the case of fibre optics) transmission systems.

Data Compression

The generic term for any one of a number of techniques used to reduce the number of bits transferred in unit time without modifying the informational content of a message.

Data Link

Any serial data communications transmission path between two devices.

Data Transfer Rate

A measure of transmission speed. The average flow per unit time of information from source to destination. The rate may be measured in terms of bits, bytes, blocks, frames, packets, etc., per second, minute, hour, etc.

Dedicated Line

A common carrier line which is reserved for the exclusive use of a predefined entity. Is also used to define any type of communications channel that is pre-assigned to a specific user.

Default Parameters

The set of parameters (for transmission control for example) which will be used if none are set by the using entity.

Delay

The time between the initiation of an action and the observation of its effect. In data communications, for example, the time between the transmission of a signal at its source and its detection at the destination.

Demodulation

The process of extracting information from a modified carrier signal.

Demodulator

A device that is used to extract the useful information from a modulated carrier signal. This function is normally performed by the device that also performs the task of modulation. This "combined function" device is called a modem.

Destination

The physical device which will form the end of a transmission path.

Dial Tone

An audible signal indicating that automatic switching equipment is ready to receive signals required for a connection.

Dialled Number Identification Service or DNIS

A feature of 800 number lines that provides the number the caller dialled to reach the attached system. DNIS tells you the number that the caller dialled. Using DNIS capabilities, one trunk group can be used to serve multiple applications. The DNIS number can be provided in a number of ways, in-band or out-of-band, ISDN or via a separate data channel. Generally, a DNIS number will be used to identify to the answering system the application or reason the caller dialled.

Dial-up

The technique used to initiate a communications session over a common carrier switched transmission line.

DID

See Direct Inward Dialling.

Digital Switching

The process whereby signals are routed through a network using switching devices that are constructed from digital logic circuits. The switching processes are then performed under stored logic (program) control.

Digital Technology

Method of storing, processing and transmitting information through the use of electronic or optical pulses that represent binary digits or bits (0 and 1).

Digital to Analog Converter (D/A)

A device which converts digital signals into analog signals. This process is performed, in data communications systems, by a modem.

Direct Distance Dialling (DDD)

A toll service that permits customers to place their own long distance calls without the aid of an operator.

Direct Inward Dialling (DID)

See Subscriber Trunk Dialling.

Direct Inward System Access (DISA)

A feature of a phone system that allows an outside caller to dial directly into the phone system and to access all the system's features, as if they are actually on a phone extension on the system.

Direct Inward/Outward Dialling

By establishing direct inward/outward dialling lines, subscribers may have direct access to a local line independent of lines routed through a PABX. This service effectively enables subscribers to bypass their PABX if their lines are routed through one.

Direct Outward Dialling

PABX or Centrex feature that allows a station user to gain access to the public switched network without the assistance of an operator.

Direct Outward Dialling (DOD)

The ability of a PABX to allow an extension to directly dial an outside number without operator assistance.

Direct Station Select (DSS)

A phone system feature that allows a user to touch a programmed button on their phone to dial another extension. Typically, DSS is a part of Busy Lamp Field (BLF), which shows the status of that extension as well (busy, ringing, holding).

DISA

See Direct Inward System Access.

Disconnect

A term to indicate that a pager has been taken out of service and the customer is no longer being billed.

Distributed PABX

A private branch exchange (PABX) system whose component parts are located throughout an organisation and interconnected using a local area network.

DND

See Do Not Disturb.

DNIS

See Dialled Number Identification Service.

Do Not Disturb or DND

Makes a phone appear busy to any incoming calls.

DOD

See Direct Outward Dialling.

Download

The transfer of data, software programs or control characters from a large (central) computer to a small (local) computer using communications facilities.

Downtime

Any period of time when a service entity cannot provide its service.

Driver

Software routines which are used to control input and output ports.

DSS

See Direct Station Select.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF)

A term describing push button or touch-tone dialling. When a button is pressed, it makes a tone and sends an in-band signal.

Electronic Mail

A message transfer system where the information is transferred from source to destination in an electronic form. Electronic mail systems normally also allow for message storage/retrieval, message forwarding, text editing, etc.

E-mail

Electronic mail. Messages sent from one person to another via computer networks.

Encryption

The mathematical process whereby the data in a message is modified to protect it from illegal use.

Erlang

The standard unit of telecommunications traffic capacity and usage demand. One erlang is the intensity at which one traffic path would be continually occupied.

Ethernet

A common way of networking computers in a local area network or LAN (such as the same building or floor).

Exchange

A telephony term used to decide the local telephone central office (switching point).

Extended LAN

A local area network that has had its dimensions extended by the use of bridges.

Extension Cable

Any cable configuration that is used to extend the connection distance between devices.

External Modem

A modem which acts as a stand-alone device rather than being installed within a computational device.

Facsimile

A system for the transmission of a picture, drawing or other document by converting it into coded electrical signals which are subsequently converted into a replica of the original image at the receiving end.

Fax

See Facsimile.

Fibre-Optic Cable

A bundle of thin filaments of glass or other transparent materials used as the medium for transmitting coded light pulses that represent data, images or sound.

File Server

A device in a LAN (or any other network) which services the filing needs of users or other nodes. May also be referred to as a disk server.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

The standard rules that govern the transfer of files and programs over the Internet. FTP allows files to be moved from one computer to another regardless of the types of computers or operating systems involved in the exchange. FTP is also used as the general name for the programs that employ File Transfer Protocol to move files.

Flexible Station Numbering

The ability to program station extension numbers with the number of digits desired, for example 3-digit extension numbers or 4-digit extension numbers. Each station on a system must have the same number of digits.

Floppy disk

A flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material that can be used to store digital information.

Format

The specific way in which data is ordered so that a receiver can understand its position related content.

Forward

A feature that temporarily redirects incoming calls. The person associated with the telephone redirects the incoming calls from the forwarding telephone to another destination.

Frame Relay

A service proposed by the non-AT&T long haul carriers that will transfer data link layer transmission frames from defined source to defined destination. An important service in the extended local area network field.

Frequency

Also known as a radio frequency. A measurement of the number of waves that pass a given point in a second (similar to waves in the ocean). The system of measurement was developed by Heinrich Hertz. Paging frequencies are measured in millions of cycles per second, or megahertz (mHz). A frequency of 929.5875 equals over nine hundred and twenty nine million cycles per second.

FTP

See File Transfer Protocol.

Gender (Connector)

Connectors are assigned gender to describe their physical type. Connectors that have pins are considered to be male and those that have sockets are considered to be female.

Gender Changer

A special connector used to modify the gender of the plug (socket) required to connect to a specific socket (plug).

Gigabit

One billion (10 to the power of 9) or 1,073,741,824 bits (varies according to manufacturer).

Gigabyte

One billion (10 to the power of 9) or 1,073,741,824 eight bit bytes (varies according to manufacturer).

Grade of Service

A measurement of the quality of telecommunications related to the availability of circuits when calls are to be made. Grade of service is based on the busiest hour of the day. It is measured in either percentage of calls blocked for dial-up access or average delay for manual situations. Can also refer to the probability of a call being blocked by busy trunks. Expressed as a decimal fraction. It usually pertains to the busy-hour probability. Referred to as the "P" factor.

Group Ring

A feature that allows incoming calls to ring at a group of extensions.

Handshaking

The two-way transfer of pre-defined control information which is required to start-up a communication session.

Hard Wired

Describes a connection between two or more devices that is direct and permanent.

Hardware

A set of electronic components interconnected so that the whole will perform a specifically defined task or set of tasks.

Heartbeat

In an IEEE 802.3 network a circuit (normally part of the transceiver) which generates a collision signal at the end of a transmission. This signal is used by the controller interface for self-testing purposes.

Hertz

A measure of frequency. The same as cycles per second.

Hexadecimal

Numbers expressed in base sixteen. Integers larger than 9 are expressed a sequential letters A through F. In hexadecimal, the number ten is written A. The number sixteen is expressed as 10 – that is, one sixteen and no ones just as 10 in the standard decimal system represents one ten and no ones. Using hexadecimal allows programmers to denote a specific bit in any word as a single digit, 0 through F.

Home page

A World Wide Web document. Home page often refers to a person or organisation’s main Web page, which provides links to other pages within the person or organisation’s Web site.

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language. The coding language of the World Wide Web.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol. The set of rules that govern the transfer of most documents travelling over the Web.

Hub

A device from which a number of transmission links radiate. The network so formed has the same configuration as a star topology.

Hunt Group

A group of telephone lines having separate numbers that can be accessed by a single telephone number thus allowing for only one directory listing covering all the lines. All lines will have to be busy before a potential caller will get a busy tone.

Hypertext

Text that links one document to another. Used extensively in web pages.

I/O

An abbreviation for Input/Output.

Information

Processed data.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A network that moves more data faster over phone lines. It can move data at speeds of up to 128,000 bits-per-second.

Interface

The point at which two dissimilar entities are brought together. Interfaces may be created between dissimilar hardware devices or software functions.

Interference

Noise or other distortion during the transmission of data which may cause errors.

Internet

The international network of computers and systems used for the access and storage of information by other computers, including those owned by business and home users.

Internet Protocol (IP)

The network layer for the TCP/IP protocol suite. A connection-less, best-effort, packet-switching protocol.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address

Every machine on the Internet has a unique IP address that consists of four parts separated by dots (for example 204.146.46.8). If a machine does not have an IP address it’s not officially on the Internet.

ISDN

See Integrated Service Digital Network.

Jumper

A cable, wire or other device used to establish a temporary circuit connection.

K

When used as a "computer" measure, such as K Bytes of memory, represents the numeric value 1024.

Kbps

Kbps represents "thousands of bits per second", usually used to describe bandwidth or bit rate.

Key System

A telecommunications system with multi-button telephone sets on which more than one outside line terminates, allowing several people to answer or use more than one line. All hardware is typically located on subscriber premises.

Kilobit

One thousand or 1,024 bits (varies according to manufacturer).

Kilobyte

One thousand or 1,024 eight bit bytes (varies according to manufacturer).

LAN

See Local Area Network.

LAN Protocols

A range of LAN protocols supported by a frame relay network, including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Apple Talk, Xerox Network System (XNS), Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), and Common Operating System used by DOS-based Bcs.

Land Line

A slang term to describe any "wire" connection between any two terrestrial points.

Leased Line

Any communication channel leased for exclusive use from a common carrier.

Least Cost Routing (LCR)

Method for automatic selection of the least costly facility for transmission of a call. Also called Most Economical Route Selection (MERS), Route Optimisation, Automatic Route Selection and Flexible Route Selection.

Line

A physical path that provides direct communication between devices. Normally, but not always, a piece(s) of wire.

Line Conditioning

Adjustment and control of the properties of a leased line to bring its characteristics within specified tariff limits. Generally improves the frequency response and delay considerations of the line. [Line conditioning services provided by telephone carriers are designated as Type C or D (example C1, C2 or C4)j

Line Control

The process in data communications of determining which device is the transmitter and which is the receiver. Line control is handled by the data link control protocol.

Line Loading

Use of electrical components to improve the response characteristics of a communications line.

Link

Links are the wireless connections between satellites and satellite ground transmitters or receivers, or between paging terminals and transmitters.

Local Area Network (LAN)

An interconnecting system of multiple terminals, workstations, programs, storage and graphic devices within a relatively small geographic area.

Local Loop

In common carrier voice network (telephone company) terms the portion of the network between the customer premise and the first switching point (the local office).

Log in/Log out

See Log-on/Log-off.

Login

The act of using an ID or name and password to access a computer or other system.

Log-on/Log-off

The process whereby users gain access to systems and terminate their access on completion of validated sessions. The process is normally controlled by the use of passwords and user ID codes. In some systems the user ID code may be referred to as the PIN or personal identification number.

Mail server

A device which is configured to service the electronic mail needs of a population of users.

Mailing list

A subject-specific automated e-mail system that’s also known as a listproc, listserve or majordomo. Users subscribe to it and via e-mail they receive information about the subject of the list and postings about the topic from other list subscribers.

Main

In telephony terms, a PABX or Center into which other PABXs are routed.

Main PABX

A small, local telephone office or a device with the same functionality directly connected to a tandem switch via an access trunk group.

Medium

Any physical substance which is used for the transmission of signals.

Megabit

One million or 1,048,576 bits (varies according to manufacturer).

Megabyte

One million or 1,048,576 eight bit bytes (varies according to manufacturer).

Megahertz

A frequency measurement in millions of cycles per second. 1 mHz = one million cycles per second.

Message

A sequence of characters which contain the total information which must be transferred from a source to destination.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A network whose facilities are restricted to individual populated areas. Distances of up to 50 miles are possible and digital speeds of 1-200 million bits per second are normal. There are two MAN standards, IEEE 802.6 and ANSI X3T9.5. A special example is cellular radio.

Modem

A device which is used to process a digital signal so that it can be transmitted on an analog transmission line. The word is derived from a contraction of the words modulator and demodulator. Modems may use amplitude, frequency, or phase shift modulation.

Monitor

Another name for a CRT or VDU type terminal. In a network sense, a hardware or software device that receives network performance and operation information for record keeping and/or decision making purposes.

Multiplex

To interleave or simultaneously transmit two or more messages on a single channel. A communications arrangement where multiple devices share a common transmission channel, though only one may transmit at a time.

Multiplexer

A hardware device that allows handling of multiple variable speed signals over a single, higher speed channel.

Music-on-hold

Music or recorded promotions heard by callers when they are placed on hold. Most phone systems require the connection of peripheral equipment to accommodate on-hold music or recordings. Also referred to as Promotions-on-hold.

Net

An abbreviation for "network". In Internet addresses, net indicates a computer network service. When capitalised, Net is used as a slang term for the Internet.

Network

A hardware/software system that allows two or more computers to be connected so they share resources.

Network Operating System (NOS)

The software components which allow a computer to participate in network application.

Network Topology

Describes the physical and logical relationship of nodes in a network. The schematic arrangement of the links and nodes of a network, typically either a star, ring, tree or bus topology, or some hybrid combination thereof.

Network Traffic

The total data which is transferred over a network.

Night Mode

The way that calls are processed after normal business hours. Typically, night mode allows for a different greeting or for calls to ring as a Night Bell on the overhead paging system.

Node

A computational or switching point within a telecommunications system.

Node Address

The unique identifier used to describe a specific node.

Node Name

A user defined name for a node within a network. This name will normally have to be translated into a system address at the start of a transfer session.

Noise

Unplanned energy introduced onto a communications path, resulting in transmission errors. Undesirable signals bearing no desired information.

Non-Switched Line

A transmission link between two devices that is permanently installed. This type of connection may also be referred to as a "hard wired" connection.

Null Characters

Characters that can be added to a data stream without altering its information content. Used to satisfy timing requirements or to fill out unused but necessary portions of message fields.

Null Modem

A device which connects two terminal (or computational) devices together by emulating the characteristics of a modem. Similar to a modem eliminator.

Odd Parity

An error checking process whereby the transmitted characters have been forced, by the transmitter, to always have an odd numeric value.

Off-hook

The state that defines that a telephone circuit is available for use, usually because the telephone handset has not been replaced.

Off-line

The state of a device which is not connected to a computer and hence its functions cannot be under the control of a CPU.

On-line

The state of a device connected directly to a computer and hence under the on-going control of a CPU.

Operating System (OS)

Computer software that manages a computer’s internal and external resources, including the management and execution of programs.

Operator

A person who has the responsibility to operate a device such as a computer, terminal, etc. In the telecommunications context, refers to the person whose role is to assist with making or receiving telephone calls.

Operator Assisted Calls

Person-to-person, collect calls, calling card calls from rotary phones, etc that require and receive help by telephone company operators.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Producer of a product made for assembly into a final system or larger subassembly by another.

OS

See Operating System.

Outage

Any disruption of service.

Overflow

Switching equipment that operates when the traffic load exceeds the capacity of the regular equipment. Also applies to traffic which is handled on overflow equipment.

PABX

See Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

Packet

A group of fixed-length binary digits, including the data and call control signals, that are transmitted through an X.25 packet-switching network as a composite whole. The data, call control signals, and possible error control information are arranged in a predetermined format. Packets do not always travel the same pathway but are arranged in proper sequence at the destination side before forwarding the complete message to an addressee. Contrast with Frame Relay Network.

Parallel Interface

The interface between a device (computer, terminals etc.) and the multiple transmission channels needed to support parallel transmission.

Parallel To Serial Conversion

The process whereby parallel data that is carried on a computer’s internal bus system is converted into a serial stream for transmission.

Parity Bit

The bit which is added to an encoded character to force the total summation of the bits to be either odd or even.

Parity Check

The process whereby a single bit is added to an encoded character by the transmitting device to force the total sum of the bits to always be an odd number (odd parity) or always be an even number (even parity). The receiver can then check the oddness (or evenness) of the received value for error checking purposes.

Password

A word known only to a specific system user and employed as an access control mechanism to provide security.

PBX

See Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

PABX Trunk

Connects a customer's PABX to another PABX, central office (CO), remote CO or Sprint switch. (See Private Automatic Branch Exchange).

PC

See Personal Computer.

Peak Traffic

The maximum traffic flows (data bits or characters per unit time) in a predefined period of time. Maximum data rate in characters per second in any twenty four hour period, for example.

Personal Computer (PC)

A computational device which has been specifically engineered to satisfy the needs of an individual.

Personal Identification Number (PIN)

A number assigned to the user of a specific service which is used by controlling systems to validate access to that service. May also be referred to as User Identification Number (or User ID) in data processing systems.

PIN

See Personal Identification Number.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

A protocol that allows a computer to use a telephone line and modem to connect to the Internet as an alternative to a SLIP connection.

Port

The physical interface of a computer, phone system or other transmission device which acts as an input and/or output point.

Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX)

A small local telephone office system, either manually or automatically operated, serving extensions in a business complex and providing access to the public network.

Private Automatic Exchange (PAX)

Small, local, automatic telephone office system, normally serving extensions in a business complex, typically without external lines to the public network.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

See Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

Private Line

A leased, owned or otherwise dedicated point-to-point telephone line for the exclusive use of one party.

Protocol

A set of formalised conventions governing the format and relative timing of message exchange in a communications network.

PSTN

See Public Switched Telephone Network.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

Public telephone lines and equipment available specifically to provide network access to privately owned public telephones.

QOS

See Quality of Service.

Quality of Service (QOS)

A parameter used to describe the attributes of a variety of network functions.

RAM

See Random Access Memory.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Portion of a computer storage that can dynamically written to or read.

Reconnect

To restore service to a pager or account that has been interrupted due to non-payment.

Redundancy

Duplicate stand-by equipment or facilities that are activated to insure continuous service or minimise the effect of equipment malfunctions.

Remote Access

A PABX feature that allows a user at a remote location to access PABX features by telephone (for example, WATS lines). Individual authorisation codes are usually required.

Remote Call Forwarding

The service which allows subscribers to have their calls forwarded to another number automatically at a predesignated time and to a predesignated number, or when programmed by the user. The service is useful when the subscriber wishes to receive calls at locations other than the location where the subscriber's telephone number has been assigned. The subscriber may invoke and/or program this feature remotely.

Remote Log-on

The ability to log-on to a computer from a remote point in a network.

Route

The path through a network that will be used to transfer transmission frames from source to destination.

Router

A device which performs routing functions. Such a device may alter physical, data link and network level protocols to effect interconnection between dissimilar network types.

Search engine

A mechanism for finding documents and information on the Internet, for example WAIS, Yahoo and Alta Vista.

Security

The process of protecting data or systems from unauthorised use, wilful or negligent damage, or total loss.

Serial Interface

The electronic interface between a transmitting (or receiving) device and a single transmission channel.

Serial Number

Series of numbers and letters in software programs used for identification purposes.

Serial Transmission

The process whereby binary bits are transmitted one at time. Used heavily in data communications applications. Parallel transmission is normally only used between the computer and closely situated high speed peripherals.

Server

A computer system that manages and delivers information to users. One server can have several different software programs running on it.

Session

A connection between two devices which allows them to communicate.

Shielded Twisted Pair

A twisted pair transmission medium that has had additional electrical shielding, normally in the form of aluminium foil wrapped around the insulated conductors.

SMDR

See Station Message Detail Recording.

Software

A set of computer routines, programs and instructions stored in computer memory and used to direct the CPU to execute a specific tasks.

Speakerphone

Telephone equipped with a speaker and a microphone that allows hands-free conversation.

Speed Calling

See Speed Dial.

Speed Dial

A telephone number pre-programmed into the system or a specific telephone that reduces the number of button pressed to effect a telephone call.

Speed Number

See Speed Dial.

Star Network

A network topology in which each station is connected only to a central station by a point-to-point link. All stations communicate through the central station.

Station

One of the input, switching, or output points on a communications system. May also be called a node.

Station Message Detail Recording (SMDR)

PABX-generated data showing internal usage on a telephone system. Usually includes extension number, trunk number used, phone number dialled, time of call, duration and operator involvement.

STD

See Subscriber Trunk Dialling.

Stop Bit

In asynchronous transmission a bit or series of bits that is (are) used to signify the end of a character. This state is defined as the logical one for a specific period of time by RS232C.

Subscriber

A person who subscribes to a telephone service.

Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD)

A feature of some PABXs which allows direct (form outside) dialling to specific extensions without the help of an operator.

Switch

An electronic device that opens or closes circuits, changes operating parameters or selects paths either on a space or time division basis.

Switched Line

One of a series of lines that can be interconnected to all other lines through a switching center, a line on the public telephone network. Contrast with leased line.

Switching

The process whereby a connection is transferred from one circuit to another by interconnecting the two circuits.

Tariffs

The published rates, specifications and service conditions for an offered communications facility.

Task

A computer program in execution.

TCP/IP

See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

Telco

An abbreviation for telephone company.

Telecommunication Lines

Circuits, trunk cables and other links that are used to transmit messages from one location to another.

Telecommunications

The transmission of voice, video and/or data through a medium by means of electrical impulses and includes all aspects of electronic information transmittal.

Teleconference

Three or more people connected by telephone and capable of maintaining a continuous connection.

Telephony

A term used to describe the process of the electronic transfer of voice communication.

Teleprocessing

The overall functional description of systems which combine data communications, data processing and human/machine interfacing.

Terabit

One trillion (10 to the power of 12) or 1,099,511,627,776 bits (varies according to manufacturer).

Terabyte

One trillion (10 to the power of 12) or 1,099,511,627,776 eight bit bytes (varies according to manufacturer).

Terminator

A device used, normally at the ends of a cable, to provide a specified electrical environment (for example, resistance to ground).

Text

In communications terms the part of a transmitted message that carries the information.

Thick Wire

A term often used to describe standard (50 ohm) Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 cable.

Thin Wire

A term often used to describe the 75 ohm co-axial cable used (and allowed in IEEE 802.3 specifications) in some Ethernet installations.

Tie-Line

A dedicated, private communications channel provided by a telecommunications carrier that links two or more points together.

Token Bus

A LAN configuration wherein a physical bus structure is made to perform (logically) like a ring and access is controlled by a rotating token.

Token Ring

A LAN configuration wherein a physical ring structure is used and device access is controlled by a supervisory frame or token which is passed from station to station in sequential order.

Toll Call

Any transmission on the public switched network to a point outside the local service area.

Touch Tone

Refers to DTMF signalling equipment. Frequently used to describe telephone equipment with push buttons.

Traffic Flow Analysis

The process whereby data flow traffic within a network is analysed so that proper communication lines can be designed and installed.

Translator

A software driver that converts raw call data output by PABX equipment into a format able to be used in call accounting software reports.

Transmission

The transfer of information from one point to another using one of many physical methods and one of many media.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

A standard set of rules which allows computers on different networks to communicate with one another. The Internet came into being with the development and adoption of TCP/IP.

Trunk

See Trunk Line.

Trunk Group

Arrangement of communications channels into identical groups.

Trunk Line

Communications channels that carry call traffic between a PABX and an exchange.

Twisted Pair

A transmission medium where two insulated wires are twisted together. This twisting creates a level of noise elimination.

UART

See Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A system power supply that used to protect against power line failure and fluctuations in power supply levels. May consist of batteries and/or generators.

Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART)

A device that performs the parallel to serial translations on data that is to be used for asynchronous transmission and the serial to parallel translation of asynchronous data that is received by a computer. (This process is necessary to match the internal parallel structure of a computer and the serial requirements of most communications lines.) The process is normally carried out using a single integrated circuit chip.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

A twisted pair transmission medium that has no outer shielding. While this reduces the noise elimination of the conductors it improves the maximum transmission speeds attainable.

UPS

See Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Voice Grade

An access line suitable for voice, low-speed data, facsimile or telegraph service that generally has a frequency range of about 300 to 3000Hz.

Voice Mail

A PABX facility that allows telephone callers to record messages for individuals who are not at their phone, similar to an answering machine.

Voiceband

A transmission service used for voice communications. The frequency range is generally 300/500 to 3000 Hertz. Up to 10,000Hz can be transmitted.

Voice-Grade Channel

Telephone circuits used for voiceband communications.

WAN

See Wide Area Network.

Web browser

A program used to navigate and access information on the World Wide Web, converting raw HTML coding into a text and graphical display.

Web site

A collection of World Wide Web pages, usually consisting of a home page and several other linked pages.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network that extends over large distances and is normally supported by common carrier transmission services.

Wide Area Telecommunications Service (WATS)

A special direct distance dialling (toll) service whereby a subscriber installs a dedicated line arranged for either inward or outward calls (not both) between the customer's premises and a specific geographic area. Monthly charges are based on the size of the area in which the calls are placed, not on the number or length of calls.

Wide Area Trunk Services (WATS)

A telephone company service used to reduce costs of long distance calls.

Wideband

Facilities or circuits where the bandwidth is greater than that required for one voice channel.

Word

A group of bits, used to designate various information within a computer. An 8-bit word is called a byte.

World Wide Web (WWW)

The collection of material contained within the Internet. The World Wide Web allows users to navigate the Internet by following links from documents on one computer to documents on others. The Web employs HTML, allowing files to be viewed in a graphical format.

WWW

See World Wide Web.