Glossary of terms used on this site
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| DSL |
Similar to ADSL, but allows the same amount of bandwidth in both directions. |
| DSS |
Direct Station Selector. A unit that fits alongside a telephone to turn it into an operator console. Typically containing a large number of programmable buttons that can be used to call and to indicate the status of extensions (stations). |
| E+M |
Also called DC5, a signalling system used to communicate between two adjacent pieces of telecommunications equipment, for example between a telephone system and a router or multiplexer or between two co-located telephone systems. For communication over longer distances DC5 can be converted to AC15 |
| Extension Lock |
A facility to prevent unauthorised phone use. An extension can be locked by entering a code and unlocked by entering a password. When locked the phone is subject to call barring, perhaps restricting it to internal and emergency service calls only. |
| GAP |
General Access Protocol - see DECT |
| Group Ringing |
A group of extensions is rung by dialling a number. The group may be set as a ring group, in which case all of the extensions ring at once, or it may be set as a Hunt Group, in which case the system will find a free extension in the group to take the call. |
| GSM |
Global Satellite Mobile. Improved call security and quality. |
| GUI |
Graphical User Interface. A program interface, such as Microsoft Windows, that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free the user from learning complex command languages. A GUI will usually feature basic components such as a pointing device (mouse or trackball) to allow you to select objects, icons (small pictures) that represent commands, a desktop area, where icons are grouped, and a menu for the user to select a command from. |
| Hunt Groups |
A means of finding a free extension to take a call. Calls are directed to a Hunt Group and will search for a free extension to take the call. Various hunting types are available, First Free or Terminal Hunting will search for the first free extension in the group, so this person gets most of the calls. Circular or UCD (Uniform Call Distribution) Hunting will share calls equally over the group. |
| IP |
Internet Protocol. Access to standard global communications protocol. |
| IP Address |
A series of characters that uniquely identifies the terminal equipment which is the origin or destination of data being transmitted. |
| ISDN |
The Integrated Services Digital Network. An internationally agreed method of providing digital communication over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Enables the benefits of DDI, CLI, Trunk-to-Trunk Transfer and faster data transfer. See also Basic Rate (ISDN2) and Primary Rate (ISDN30). |
| ISDN2 |
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. |
| ISDN30 |
An ISDN circuit providing (in Europe) up to 30 x 64 kbit/sec bearer channels for use by data or speech and two 16 kbit/sec control channels. Up to 30 independent calls can be carried at the same time on one Primary Rate. |
| ISP |
Internet Service Provider. Allows you to connect to the Internet. |