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