Glossary of terms used on this site
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AC15 |
A signalling system used for linking two pieces of telecommunications equipment (e.g. two telephone systems) over a distance. See also DC5 |
| Account Code |
A way of attaching a "tag" to a call record. This might be used to indicate that the call is to be charged to a particular account or to indicate the outcome of a call (a sale was made, a brochure requested etc.) Call Management systems can then produce reports listing all calls with the same account codes. Account codes can be attached to incoming and outgoing calls, and it can be made mandatory for an extension user to enter an account code before a call is made. |
| ACD |
Automatic Call Distribution. Allows all incoming calls to be distributed equally amongst a group of people. Typically used in a call centre where operators (agents) log in to make or receive calls. ACD systems provide facilities for monitoring the agents performance and the performance of the Call Centre as a whole. An incoming call will be automatically routed to the first available agent, whether that is an agent who has been free the longest, or an agent that has just become free. |
| ADSL |
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. High bandwidth network connection for faster data transfer (connection generally allowing more bandwidth downloading than uploading). Increases efficiency and reduces costs. see Broadband |
| Alpha Tagging |
The assignment of an alpha-numeric name to a facility. For example when called by an extension your phone can display the name of the caller rather than the extension number. When an incoming DDI call is received a name can be shown which relates to the number that was dialled, enabling one person to answer calls in a variety of different ways, e.g. in the names of different companies. |
| Analogue Device |
A device that can be attached to an ordinary analogue telephone line, such as a telephone, fax machine, cordless phone, answering machine, modem etc. |
| ARS |
Automatic Route Selection. A technique where the telephone system looks at the digits being dialled to make an outside call and automatically routes the call via an alternate route. Best possible cost efficiencies for outgoing or inter site calls. See also LCR |
| Auto-Attendant |
A voicemail feature that allows callers to be automatically transferred to extensions or departments by dialling digits. A tone dialling phone is normally required to do this. |
| Bandwidth |
The speed at which a circuit can carry data. The more bandwidth, the faster the data transfer, the lower the costs. |
| Basic Rate |
Abbreviated to BRI (basic rate interface) or ISDN2. An ISDN circuit providing 2 x 64 kbit/sec bearer channels for use by data or speech and one 16 kbit/sec control channel. Two independent calls can be carried at the same time on one BRI circuit. |
| Battery Back-up |
Provides continuous power source to the telephone system in the event of a mains power fail. Also referred to as an Uninterruptible Power Supply. |
| Bell |
An audio warning device to alert someone that a call is ringing. It may simply be an extension bell to a telephone or it could be a set of bells around the building so that anyone can pick up the incoming call. Also referred to as Loud Ringing Bell |
| BLF |
Busy Lamp Field. Visual indication of the status of lines or extensions through LEDs. |
| Bluetooth |
Wireless communication protocol for several devices to communicate on a common format. Your mobile phone could transfer data to your deskphone, PDA, PC or Printer etc. Similar to infra-red. |
| BRI |
Abbreviated to BRI (basic rate interface) or ISDN2. An ISDN circuit providing 2 x 64 kbit/sec bearer channels for use by data or speech and one 16 kbit/sec control channel. Two independent calls can be carried at the same time on one BRI circuit. |