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10Base-T -- An IEEE standard (802.3) for operating 10 Mbps Ethernet
networks with twisted-pair cabling and a wiring hub, referred to
as a 10Base-T hub.
3.1 Khz audio bearer service -- A bearer service provided by some
telephone companies that sends data calls over voice trunks. The
switches should turn off echo cancellators on the trunks handling
this type of call. Echo cancellation corrupts data transmitted
on voice trunks. 3.1 Khz audio bearer service is sometimes referred
to as data-over-voice. Note: Currently, parameter settings for "digital/data" in
Ascend units does not differentiate between data bearer and 3.1
Khz audio bearer services. The "voice" setting means
only true voice service and does not include 3.1 Khz audio bearer
service.
3PC -- Third Party Connect Protocol
A1S -- All Ones
ACR -- Abandon Call and Retry
AIM -- Ascend Inverse Multiplexing. An in-band protocol used to
manage the interconnection of two remotely located inverse multiplexers.
AIM is a feature-rich, widely used inverse multiplexing protocol
developed and supported by Ascend Communications.
ALU -- Average Line Utilization
analog data -- Data that can have any value in a range and that
can change continuously; the time of day represented by clock hands,
or the temperature represented by a liquid thermometer are examples
of analog data.
analog signal -- A type of signal that encodes data transmitted
over wire or through the air, and is commonly represented as an
oscillating wave. An analog signal can take any value in a range,
and changes smoothly between values.
An analog signal can transmit analog or digital data. For example,
a radio station sends analog music data using analog signals, while
a modem transmits digital data using analog signals.
ANI (Automatic Number Identification) -- Automatic Number Identification
is also known as CLID. ANI is a mechanism that informs the called
party of the phone number identification of the calling party.
Though ANI is thought of as an ISDN feature, it is actually distinct
from ISDN, and is a part of Signaling System 7.
APP -- Ascend Password Protocol
APP server -- The APP Server utility lets users respond to token
password challenges received from a remote network access server
(NAS). Network access servers offer a complex security algorithm
that forces a user to have possession of a security card that can
generate a password. When a user on the LAN starts an application
that requires a connection to a host on a secure network, the Pipeline
initiates the call, and after the initial session negotiation,
the remote NAS returns a password challenge. The user has 60 seconds
to obtain and enter the current dynamic password from the security
card.
Appletalk call filter -- An Appletalk call filter can instruct
the Pipeline to place a call and reset the Idle Timer based on
Appletalk activity on the LAN, and can prevent inbound packets
or Appletalk Echo (AEP) packets from resetting the idle timer or
initiating a call.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) -- Address Resolution Protocol.
This portion of the TCP/IP protocol maps an IP address to the physical
address (Ethernet Address) of the PC that it is on, helping to
identify PCs on an Ethernet LAN. See also Ethernet, TCP/IP, and
proxy ARP.
ASN.1 -- Abstract Syntax Notation One
asynchronous PPP -- One of the modes in which the point-to-point
protocol is utilized. Asynchronous means that the characters which
form data packets are sent at irregular intervals. There is no
clocking signal to time transmission. Asynchronous PPP is commonly
used in lower-speed transmission and less-expensive transmission
systems.
asynchronous transmission -- A mode in which the sending and receiving
serial hosts know where a character begins and ends because each
byte is framed with additional bits, called a start bit and a stop
bit. A start bit indicates the beginning of a new character; it
is always 0 (zero). A stop bit marks the end of the character.
It appears after the parity bit, if one is in use.
AT&T -- American Telephone and Telegraph
ATM -- Asynchronous Transfer Mode
AUI (Autonomous Unit Interface or Auxiliary Unit Interface) --
This refers to the 15-pin D connector and cables that connect single
and multiple channel equipment in an Ethernet transceiver.
authentication -- Authentication is a procedure that establishes
the legitimacy of users and defines the parameters of the sessions
they establish. As such, authentication can be thought of as a
security measure that controls and defines network access. It is
always the first part of a session; the range of authentication
parameters that can be set depend upon the specific authentication
system employed.
auto-reconnect -- An automatic reconnection of a link that has
been lost. The software used to manage the connection notes the
lost connection and re-establishes it.
B channel -- A B channel is a 56-kbps or 64-kbps channel that
carries user data on a line using ISDN D-channel signaling. For
information on ISDN D-channel signaling, see the entry for ISDN
D-channel signaling.
backbone -- The part of the communications network intended to
and designed to carry the bulk of traffic. Provides connectivity
between subnetworks in an enterprise-wide network.
backbone router -- Routers designed to be used to construct backbone
networks using leased lines. Typically do not have any built-in
digital dial-up WAN interfaces. Typical manufacturers include Cisco,
Wellfleet, 3Com, CrossCom, and so on.
B-Channel bundling -- A B-channel is a 'bearer' channel, one of
the fundamental components of the ISDN interface. The B channel
is circuit-switched and can carry 64,000 bps of voice or data in
either direction. Bundling is based on Digital Speed Interpolation
(DSI), a technique used to squeeze more voice conversations onto
a single line. Speech is sliced up so that bits are transmitted
only when someone is speaking. In T-1 multiplexing, bundles consist
of 4 bits, can represent 11 channels of 32 Kbps compressed data,
and are treated as an entity with an attached signaling delta channel.
BECN -- Backward Explicit Congestion Notification
Bit -- Binary digit. The smallest unit of information a computer
can process, representing one of two states (usually indicated
by "1" and "0").
BONDING (Bandwidth ON Demand Interoperability Group) -- A consortium
of over 40 data communications equipment vendors and service providers
who joined together to create a standardized inverse multiplexing
protocol so that inverse multiplexers from different vendors could
interoperate. Also refers to the resultant specification, sometimes
known as the "BONDING specification."
bps -- Bits per second. Actually a nested acronym, meaning binary
digits per second.
BRI (Basic Rate Interface) -- An ISDN subscriber line, consisting
of two 64 kbit/s B channels, or "bearer" channels, and
one 16 kbit/s D channel, used for both data and signaling purposes.
bridge -- A device or setup that connects and passes data, voice,
or video between two network segments based on the destination
field in the packet header. Ascend units are learning bridges,
because they pass all packets to the next network segment (the
ISDN line) and build a table identifying the destination addresses
that are local and remote. After learning the addresses on both
sides of a network, the bridge passes only packets for the remote
network. (See router.)
bridge table -- A bridging table identifies destination addresses
known to exist in a network. It is built dynamically by a learning
bridge as it passes data in a network. (See bridge.)
bridging versus routing -- Bridging is the process of passing
packets to another network segment without regard to the network
operating system. Bridged packets are passed to the data link layer
of the OSI model, as opposed to routed packets, which are delivered
to the network layer. In an environment where diverse network operating
systems exist, such as between Appletalk and NetWare, a bridge
can move data between the networks, but cannot deliver packets
all the way up through the network; routing can deliver packets
to discreet addresses in the network.
The Pipeline can perform both bridging and routing functions.
If the Pipeline is set to route IP, that is, deliver packets to
a precise IP address in a network, when bridging is enabled, the
Pipeline will bridge everything except IP packets. Similarly, if
the Pipeline is set to route IPX packets, when bridging is enabled,
then everything except IPX packets are bridged. If bridging is
disabled, then only routed packets are passed by the Pipeline.
When routing is enabled, the network protocol must be specified,
since routing is network specific. Routing may be turned off and
bridging enabled, which causes all packets to be bridged. If you
use the Pipeline only as a bridge, both ends of the network need
to use the same network protocol.
call -- A single session in which a calling device and an answering
device connect over the WAN.
call filters -- Call filters help you manage the cost of having
a Pipeline connected to your PC or network. The Pipeline has an
Idle Timer option that can be set in the Connection Profile and
again in the Answer Profile. Call filters let you define which
packets will not restart the Idle Timer, so only valid traffic
keeps a connection up. Packets defined in a call filter cannot
restart the Idle Timer or initiate a call.
For example, in some networks packets are broadcast every 60 seconds
to make sure all routers and bridges know about available services.
You can filter these packets out of the stream of traffic to prevent
calls from being initiated or to prevent calls from staying connected
unnecessarily.
callback security -- Callback security is a mechanism used to
verify that the access attempt is made by a recognized, legitimate
caller. The caller's number is checked against a database of users.
called number -- The called number is the intended destination
of an authorization attempt.
caller ID -- Caller ID describes a service offered by local telephone
companies that displays the calling party's number on a special
display device.
CCITT -- Consultative Committee on International Telegraphy and
Telephony
CD -- Carrier Detect
CDR (Call Detail Reporting) -- Call Detail Reporting is a feature
that provides a database of information about each call, including
date, time, duration, called number, calling number, call direction,
service type, and associated inverse multiplexing session and port.
Because the network carrier bills for bandwidth on an as-used basis,
and bills each connection in an inverse multiplexed call independently,
you can use CDR to understand and manage bandwidth usage and the
cost of each inverse multiplexed session.
You can manipulate the information in order to create a wide range
of different reports, including reports based on individual call
costs, inverse multiplexed WAN session costs, costs on an application-by-application
basis, bandwidth usage patterns over specified time periods, and
so on. You can use this information to better understand your bandwidth
usage patterns and, if necessary, make adjustments to the ratio
of switched to dedicated bandwidth between network sites.
channels -- A portion of a line's bandwidth. A line contains a
fixed number of channels. Each line can contain switched channels
only, nailed-up channels only, or a combination of switched and
nailed-up channels.
A line can have these types of channels:
* DS0 - a 64-kbps channel on a line using inband signaling. For
information on inband signaling, see the entry for Inband signaling.
* B channel - a 56-kbps or 64-kbps channel that carries user data on a line
using ISDN D-channel signaling. For information on ISDN D-channel signaling,
see the entry for ISDN D-channel signaling.
* D channel - carries WAN synchronization information on a line using ISDN
D-channel signaling. For information on ISDN D-channel signaling, see the entry
for ISDN D-channel signalling.
CHAP -- Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol. This security
protocol allows access between data communications systems prior
to and during data transmission. CHAP uses challenges to verify
that a user has access to a system.
circuit -- A connection between endpoints over a physical medium.
circuit-level inverse multiplexing -- A method of inverse multiplexing
in which the inverse mux slices the data stream into equal portions,
and transmits each portion over an available circuit. The receiving
end adjusts for network-induced delay and reassembles the data
packets into their proper order. The AIM and BONDING protocols
define how circuit-level inverse multiplexing works. Applications
that require transparent digital circuits, such as videoconferencing,
nailed-up backup and overflow, and bulk file transfer applications,
use circuit-level multiplexing.
CLID -- Calling Line ID, synonymous with ANI.
CO -- Central Office
codec (COder/DECoder) -- A device that encodes analog data into
a digital signal for transmission over a digital medium.
compression -- Compression is a technique that reduces the quantity
of bandwidth or bits required to encode a block of information.
Compression saves transmission time and capacity, and can free
up storage space on in-demand data lines. Compressed data can be
compromised in quality, but the advantages of bandwidth savings
are frequently worth the trade-off. Compression is not yet standardized.
Ascend equipment can perform high compression rates with its own
equipment at both ends of a call, using its own brand of compression.
connection profile -- Information about a remote network you are
authorized to connect to by dialing out. Connection profiles contain
all the information the Pipeline needs to manage authentication
and data transfers. Answer profiles contain incoming connection
details.
cost management -- See call filters.
CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) -- Terminal equipment located
on the customer premises which connects to the telephone network.
CPHB -- Computer Protocol Heart Beat
CPNX -- Computer Protocol Network Executive
CPU -- Central Processing Unit
crossover cable -- A cable with wires that "cross over," so
the terminating ends of the cable have opposite wire assignments.
(Contrast with straight-through cable).
CSU (Channel Service Unit) -- Channel Service Unit. A device used
to connect a digital phone line coming in from the phone company
to network access equipment located on the customer premises. A
CSU may also be built into the network interface of the network
access equipment.
CTS -- Clear To Send
D channel -- A channel that carries WAN synchronization information
on a line using ISDN D-channel signaling. For information on ISDN
D-channel signaling, see the entry for ISDN D-channel signalling.
data encryption -- Encrypting data is accomplished by applying
a special scrambling code that makes the data unreadable to anyone
who does not have a decryption key. Authorized personnel with access
to this key can unscramble it. Data encryption is a useful tool
against network snoopers.
data filters -- A data filter is a filter that applies to the
actual data stream. It can be set to drop packets addressed to
particular hosts or to prevent packets from going across the WAN.
data link layer protocols -- The second layer of the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) reference model created by the International
Standards Organization (ISO). The data link layer assembles messages
and coordinates their flow. The term can also be used to refer
to a connection between two computers over a telephone.
data over voice -- Sending digital data over telephone trunks
conditioned for voice. Data over voice is sometimes used to mean
sending data using voice bearer service or 3.1 Khz audio bearer
service.
data service -- A service provided over a WAN line and characterized
by the unit measure of its bandwidth. A data service can transmit
either data or digitized voice.
DBA -- Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation
DBA (Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation) -- Adding or subtracting bandwidth
from a switched connection in real time without terminating the
link. MPP and AIM support Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation based upon
a set of parameters you specify.
Ascend units use the historical time period specified by the Sec
History parameter as the basis for calculating average line usage
(ALU). It then compares ALU to the amount specified in the Target
Util parameter. When ALU exceeds the threshold defined by Target
Util for a period of time greater than the value of the Add Pers
parameter, the Ascend unit attempts to add the number of channels
specified by the Inc Ch Count parameter. When ALU falls below the
threshold defined by Target Util for a period of time greater than
the value of the Sub Pers parameter, the Ascend unit attempts to
remove the number of channels specified by the Dec Ch Count parameter.
If you use a circuit between two locations to capacity 24 hours
per day, using a nailed-up line is more cost effective than using
a switched line. However, if you need the circuit only sporadically,
or if the circuit is sometimes underutilized, it often makes more
sense to lease a smaller amount of nailed-up bandwidth and then
supplement it with additional switched bandwidth as traffic requirements
dictate.
For example, you might establish some connections only when you
need to transfer data, and a single circuit can accommodate low
traffic levels. However, if traffic levels grow beyond the capacity
of the circuit (such as during a large file transfer), DBA automatically
adds additional switched channels. When traffic levels subside,
DBA automatically removes the channels from the connection. The
bandwidth and connection costs are thereby reduced. You pay only
for bandwidth when you need it.
DCE (Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment) -- As defined in the
RS-232 specification, equipment to which DTE (Data Terminal Equipment)
is connected, often to enable access to network facilities. A DCE
converts the format of the data coming from the DTE into a signal
suitable to the communications channel. DCE often refers to equipment
such as network access equipment, and DTE refers to application
equipment, such as a videoconference terminal.
DDP -- Datagram Delivery Protocol
DE -- Discard Eligibility
default gateway -- When setting up the PC to operate with a Pipeline,
the gateway setting (in the Network settings) must be set to the
IP address of the Pipeline. Using the IP address of the Pipeline
as the gateway, lets your computer know that you will use the Pipeline
to access remote networks.
DGP -- Dissimilar Gateway Protocol
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) -- DHCP is a standards-based
protocol for dynamically allocating and managing IP addresses.
DHCP runs between individual computers and a DHCP server to allocate
and assign IP addresses to the computers as well as limit the time
for which the computer can use the address. When the time expires
on the use of the IP address, the computer must contact the DHCP
server again to obtain an address.
DHCP spoofing -- There are some cases where the DHCP server is
on a remote network, and an IP address is required to access the
network, but since the DHCP server supplies the IP address, the
requester is at an impasse. To supply access to the network, when
the Pipeline receives a DHCP Discover packet (a request for an
IP address from a PC on the network), it responds with a DHCP Offer
packet containing the configured (spoofed) IP address and a renewal
time, which is set to a few seconds. The requester then has access
to the DHCP server and gets a real IP address. (Other variations
exist in environments where the APP server utility is running.)
dial query -- Dial query is a parameter of a connection profile
that tells the Pipeline to initiate the connection when a local
NetWare client queries a remote server and the Pipeline routing
table is empty. (A routing table is a list of destinations known
to the Pipeline.)
digital data -- Data that can have only a limited number of separate
values. The time of day represented by a digital clock, or the
temperature represented by a digital thermometer are examples of
digital data; the digital values do not change continuously, but
remain at one discrete value and then change to another, discrete
value.
digital modem -- An internal device in the MAX that enables it
to communicate over a digital line (such as a T1 PRI line) with
a station using a modem connected to an analog line. Incoming modem
calls and incoming digital calls come over the same digital line.
The MAX can accept an incoming call from the network either as
a pure digital stream, or as a PCM (Pulse Coded Modulation) encoded
digital stream. A PCM-encoded digital stream contains a digitized
version of the analog wave form sent by a caller attached to a
modem. The MAX can also convert outgoing data into analog wave
forms, convert these wave forms to a PCM-encoded digital stream,
and send them to the network over a digital line. The network presents
the data to the receiving modem in analog form over an analog line.
The data looks exactly as it would appear if it had been sent by
an analog-based modem.
digital signal -- A type of signal that encodes data transmitted
over a wire using a limited number of discrete values. The value
of the data encoded in a digital signal depends upon the state
of the signal during a particular time period. Therefore, the sender
and the receiver must synchronize their clocks. Each clock runs
at a baud rate, the number of times per second the state of the
signal is read or set. Several clocking schemes are available,
and digital signals often include clock timing cues.
A digital signal can transmit analog or digital data. For example,
a CD encodes music data into digital signals, while the wires between
computers transmit digital data in digital signals.
DLCI (Data Link Connection Indicator) -- In a Frame Relay network,
DLCIs uniquely identify each virtual circuit. In most circumstances,
DLCIs have strictly local significance at each Frame Relay interface.
DLO -- Data Line Occupied
DNS (Domain Name System) -- A TCP/IP service that enables you
to specify a symbolic name instead of an IP address. A symbolic
name consists of a user name and a domain name in the format user
name@domain name. The user name corresponds to the host number
in the IP address. The domain name corresponds to the network number
in the IP address. A symbolic name might be steve@crocker.com or
joanne@cal.edu. The domain identifier is the last part of the domain
name, and identifies the type of organization to which the host
belongs.
DNS maintains a database of network numbers and corresponding
domain names. When you use a symbolic name, DNS translates the
domain name into an IP address, and sends it over the network.
When the Internet service provider receives the message, it uses
its own database to look up the user name corresponding to the
host number.
domain identifier -- The portion of a domain name that appears
last and specifies the type of organization to which the host belongs.
The Internet's Network Information Center (NIC) provides these
domain identifiers:
domain name -- The portion of a symbolic name that corresponds
to the network number in the IP address. In the symbolic name steve@crocker.com,
the domain name is crocker.com.
DOSBS -- Data Over Subscriber Bearer Service. This is the same
as 3.1 Khz audio bearer service.
Drop-and-Insert -- A feature that enables a single T1 access line
to carry both data and voice traffic.
The MAX uses a pre-allocated portion of the T1 access line to
use both nailed-up and switched circuits for LAN internetworking.
The remaining portion of the line can go to a PBX with a T1 interface;
the PBX can access both nailed-up and switched circuits for voice
purposes. You can also use Drop-and-Insert to share access line
bandwidth between the MAX and equipment other than a PBX, such
as a channel bank or T1 multiplexer.
DS0 -- 1. A DS0 is a 64-kbps channel on a line using inband signaling.
For information on inband signaling, see the entry for Inband signaling.
2. A 64 kbit/s unit of transmission bandwidth. A worldwide standard
speed for digitizing one voice conversation, and more recently,
for data transmission. Twenty-four DS0's (24x64 kbit/s) equal one
DS1.
DSR -- Data Set Ready
DSU (Data Service Unit) -- A digital service unit, tasked to convert
terminal interfaces such as RS-2323 connections to DSX-1 interfaces.
Increasingly, the functions of these DSUs are incorporated into
sophisticated remote access devices located at the central site.
DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) -- As defined in the RS-232 specification,
equipment to which DCE (Data Communications Equipment) is connected,
such as personal computers or data terminals. DTE often refers
to application equipment, such as a videoconference terminal or
LAN bridge or router, while DCE refers to equipment such as network
access equipment.
DTMF -- Dual-Tone Multifrequency
DTR -- Data Transmit Ready
dual-port call -- A call in which the serial host (such as a video
codec) performs inverse multiplexing on two channels so that the
call can achieve twice the bandwidth of a single channel. The serial
host provides two ports, one for each channel. Two serial host
ports on the MAX connect a dual-port call to the serial host; these
ports are the primary port and the secondary port. Because the
MAX places the two calls in tandem and clears the calls in tandem,
it considers them a single call.
dynamic bandwidth overflow -- This is the mode enabled to supplement
bandwidth during periods of peak demands. Through the mechanism
of inverse multiplexing, additional bandwidth is dialed up when
traffic reaches a pre-assigned level.
E1 PRI line -- An ISDN line that consists of 32 64 kbps channels.
This type of line uses 30 B channels for user data, 1 64 kbps D
channel for ISDN D-channel signalling, and one framing channel.
The B channels can be all switched, all nailed up, or a combination
of switched and nailed up. This type of PRI line is a standard
in Europe and Asia called CEPT G.703.
EEPROM -- Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EGP -- Exterior Gateway Protocol
encapsulation -- Encapsulating data is a technique used by layered
protocols in which a low level protocol accepts a message from
a higher level protocol, then places it in the data portion of
the lower-level frame. The logistics of encapsulation require that
packets traveling over physical network contain a sequence of headers.
The first header derives from the physical network frame, the second
from the IP frame, the third from the physical network frame, and
so on. Encapsulation enables the transmission of data over different
network portions based on differing protocols.
ENIGMA -- ENIGMA is an important provider of network security
applications. SafeWord AStm is a software authentication server
that identifies users with dynamic passwords prior to the granting
of access. This UNIX-based program identifies users at the point
of connection to a TCP/IP network, and utilizes standard network
authentication protocols.
ETHERIP -- Ethernet-within-IP Encapsulation
Ethernet -- A local area network that connects devices like computers,
printers, and terminals. Ethernet operates over twisted-pair or
coaxial cable at speeds at 10 or 100 Mbps.
Ethernet transceiver -- An Ethernet device that connects workstations
to standard thick or thin Ethernet-style cable. This device sends
and receives information and often offers data packet collision
detection.
FDL -- Facilities Data Link
FECN -- Forward Explicit Congestion Notification
filter -- A set of rules that define what packets may pass through
a network. Filters can use destinations, sources or protocols to
determine what to do with packets. One of the packet's headers
must contain information that matches the information in the rules
or the packet filter will discard it. See also Firewall, Secure
Access Firewall, Secure Access Manager.
filtering -- One type of filtering transmits a selected range
of energy to suppress unwanted frequencies or noise. Another type
of filtering removes specific characters received in a data communications
channel. Filtering in a network is the assignment of parameters
to block transmissions from one LAN to another. See Filter.
firewall -- A hardware/software tool that allows a network administrator
to determine what type of users can access the resources on the
network. The firewall provides a mechanism to monitor and funnel
data from authorized users (only) through the firewall to and from
the network. A firewall may be a software program that runs on
a UNIX or other platforms or it may be a part of a proprietary
operating system. A firewall by itself does not perform the routing
function. See also Filter, Secure Access Firewall, Secure Access
Manager.
FR (Frame Relay) -- A form of packet switching, but using smaller
packets and less error checking than traditional forms of packet
switching (such as X.25). Now a new international standard for
efficiently handling high-speed, bursty data over wide area networks.
fractional T1 line -- A T1 line that contains both switched and
nailed-up channels. T1 PRI and ISDN BRI lines can also be fractional
T1 lines.
framing -- At the physical and data link layers of the OSI model,
bits are fit into units called frames. Frames contain source and
destination information, flags to designate the start and end of
the frame, plus information about the integrity of the frame. All
other information, such as network protocols, and the actual payload
of data, is encapsulated in a packet, which is encapsulated in
the frame.
FTP -- File Transfer Protocol
gateway -- Gateways are points of entrance to and exit from a
communications network. Viewed as a physical entity, a gateway
is that node that translates between two otherwise incompatible
networks or network segments. Gateways perform code and protocol
conversion to facilitate traffic between data highways of differing
architecture. In OSI terms, a gateway is a device that provides
mapping at all seven layers of the OSI model. A gateway can be
thought of as a function within a system that enables communications
with the outside world.
generic filters -- When creating filters, you can specify the
Type of filter as Generic or IP. Generic filters define bits and
bytes within a packet and can apply to any packet type, including
TCP or IP. (IP filters relate to the TCP/IP/UDP protocol suite
only.)
GGP -- Gateway-to-Gateway Protocol
GloBanD -- A European Switched Nx64 data service consisting of
a single circuit whose bandwidth is a multiple of 64 kbps. This
circuit consists of one or more B channels. For example, if a caller
requests 512 kbps service, the line uses 8 B channels to supply
the requested bandwidth. This service is available over T1 PRI
lines only, and follows the CCITT Q.931 recommendation. It differs
from MultiRate in being an overlay network, rather than an integral
part of the worldwide switched digital infrastructure.
GRE -- Generic Routing Encapsulation
H0 channel -- In Switched-384 data service, a circuit consisting
of 6 B channels, or 384 kbps.
H11 channel -- In Switched-1536 data service, a circuit consisting
of 24 B channels, or 1536 kbps.
HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) -- A synchronous, bit-oriented
Link Layer protocol for data transmission. Frame Relay is an example
of an HDLC-based packet protocol.
HMP -- Host Monitoring Protocol
host -- A computer on a network.
hybrid LAN -- A hybrid network is one in which some links are
capable of sending and receiving only analog signals while others
handle digital signals only. Another definition is the division
of a network into public and private sections.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) -- The Internet Control
Message Protocol, ICMP is an error reporting mechanism that is
an integral part of the IP suite. Gateways and hosts use ICMP to
send reports of datagram problems back to the sender. ICMP also
includes an echo request/reply function that tests whether a destination
is reachable and responding. See also Ping.
idle disconnects -- A disconnect is defined as the breaking or
release of a circuit connecting two telephones or data devices,
an idle disconnect is a disconnect that occurs when no data is
transmitted on a link in a specified amount of time.
IDPR -- Inter-Domain Policy Routing Protocol
IDRP -- Inter-Domain Routing Protocol
IEEE -- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. An
organization that maintains the standards for 10BaseT and other
communications standards.
IGMP -- Internet Group Management Protocol
IGP -- Interior Gateway Protocol
inband signalling -- A type of signalling in which a line uses
8 kbps of each 64 kbps channel for WAN synchronization and signalling.
The remaining 56 kbps handle the transmission of user data. Another
term for inband signalling is robbed-bit signalling. Robbed-bit
refers to the 8 kbps of each channel used for signalling. T1 access
lines containing one or more switched channels, and Switched-56
lines use inband signalling.
inverse multiplexer -- Equipment that performs inverse multiplexing
at each end of a connection. An inverse multiplexer is also known
as an inverse mux.
I-NLSP -- Integrated Net Layer Security Protocol
Internet gateway -- A gateway (see Gateway) for accessing the
Internet, which is loosely defined as the complex of wide area
networks joining government, university, corporate and private
computers (nodes) in a vast web of network interconnection.
interoperability -- Interoperable devices are compatible with
the devices and services of multiple vendors, and can be integrated
into a generic network containing a wide range of vendor products.
Interoperability is a significant factor among expansion considerations,
since any device must have the versatility to function in an expanding
network structure. The technical elements of interoperability may
include a bundle of protocols and a flexible architecture to accommodate
upgrades. A remote access server should include capabilities such
as translation, encapsulation, filtering, etc., that enable internetworking.
inverse multiplexing -- A multiplexer is an electronic device
that enables two or more signals to pass over a single communications
circuit, whether analog or digital. An inverse multiplexer allows
individually dialed channels across a network to be combined into
a single, higher-speed data stream. Each end of the connection
uses an inverse multiplexer, or inverse mux.
For example, suppose one site has three ISDN BRI lines connected
to an inverse mux and another site has a T1 access line connected
to an inverse mux. The user at the first site can place a 336 kbps
call to the second site using inverse multiplexing. Because each
BRI line has two 64 kbps channels (with 56 kbps reserved for data
on each channel), the inverse mux places six individual calls over
Switched-56 services to the answering T1-based inverse mux. The
two inverse muxes combine the six calls into a single data stream
at 336 kbps (6X56 kbps).
There are two types of inverse multiplexing: packet-level inverse
multiplexing and circuit-level inverse multiplexing.
In packet-level inverse multiplexing, the inverse mux performs
its function at the packet level using the MP or MPP protocol.
One data packet goes over the first circuit, the next goes over
the second circuit, and so on, until all the data packets are distributed
over all the available circuits. The receiving end adjusts for
network-induced delay and reassembles the data packets into their
proper order. This inverse multiplexing technique is also referred
to as load balancing. Telecommuting applications use packet-level
inverse multiplexing.
In circuit-level inverse multiplexing, the inverse mux slices
the data stream into equal portions, and transmits each portion
over an available circuit. The receiving end adjusts for network-induced
delay and reassembles the data packets into their proper order.
The AIM and BONDING protocols define how circuit-level inverse
multiplexing works. Applications that require transparent digital
circuits, such as videoconferencing, nailed-up backup and overflow,
and bulk file transfer applications, use circuit-level multiplexing.
inverse mux -- An inverse multiplexer.
IP -- Internet Protocol
IP address -- An address that uniquely identifies each host on
a network or internet.
An IP address has a length of 32 bits, and is divided into four
8-bit parts, each separated by a period, as in 149.122.3.30. This
kind of notation is called dotted decimal notation. Each part can
consist of a number between 1 and 255.
An IP address consists of a network number and a host number.
IP addresses come in three types: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
The class of an IP address determines which portion of the address
belongs to the network number and which portion belongs to the
host number. The first bits of the IP address identify the class.
The Internet's Network Information Center (NIC) determines the
type of class assigned a network.
A Class A address starts with 0 as the class identifier, followed
by 7 bits for the network number and 24 bits for the host number.
Therefore, the first number in dotted decimal form is the network
number; the next three numbers make up the host number. For example,
in the IP address 127.120.3.8, the network number is 127 and the
host number is 120.3.8. This type of address is used by the largest
organizations, because this scheme allows for over 16 million different
host numbers. However, it also limits network numbers to a total
of 128.
A Class B address starts with binary 10 as the class identifier,
followed by 14 bits for the network number and 16 bits for the
host number. Therefore, the first two dotted decimal numbers comprise
the network number, and the second two dotted decimal numbers comprise
the host number. For example, in the IP address147.14.86.24, the
network number is 147.14 and the host number is 86.24. More network
numbers are available, but fewer hosts (approximately 65,000).
A Class C address starts with binary 110 as the class identifier,
followed by 21 bits for the network number and 9 bits for the host
number. Therefore, the first three dotted decimal numbers comprise
the network number, and the last dotted decimal number comprises
the host number. For example, in the IP address 225.135.38.42,
the network number is 225.135.38 and the host number is 42. Many
network numbers are available, but only 254 hosts per network number.
The numbers 0 and 255 are reserved.
You can tell the type of class an IP address falls into by looking
at the first 8-bit portion of the dotted decimal form of the address.
Class A addresses begin with a number between 0 and 127. Class
B addresses begin with a number between 128 and 223. Class C addresses
begin with a number between 192 and 233.
In addition to an IP address, you can use a symbolic name provided
by Domain Name Services (DNS) to designate an Internet address.
IP filters -- When defining filters, you can set the Type of filter
to Generic or IP. If you set the type to IP, the filter can examine
a TCP/IP/UDP data packets' source addresses, destination addresses,
IP protocol type, port, or any combination of these.
IP subnet -- Internet Protocol subnet. An IP subnet or subnet
mask is a way to subdivide a network into smaller networks, so
you can have a greater number of computers on a network with a
single IP address. The IP subnet is a number that you append to
the IP address. For example, 195.112.56.75/14, 195.112.56.75/15,
and 195.112.56.75/16 are all IP addresses with subnets of 14, 15,
and 16.
IPCP (Internet Protocol Control Protocol) -- Internet Protocol
Control Protocol is responsible for configuring, enabling and disabling
the IP protocol modules on both ends of a point-to-point link.
The IP Control Protocol is tied to PPP, and is activated only when
PPP reaches the network layer protocol phase. If IPCP packets are
received prior to this phase, they should be discarded. Elements
of IPCP include packet encapsulation, code fields and timeouts.
IPCU -- Internet Packet Core Utility
IPIP -- IP-within-IP Encapsulation Protocol
IPPC -- Internet Pluribus Packet Core
IPX (Internet Packet Exchange) -- Internet Packet eXchange , the
NetWare LAN communications protocol used to move data between servers
and workstation programs running on various network nodes. IPX
packets are encapsulated and carried by Ethernet packet and Token
Ring frames as appropriate.
IPX spoofing -- This is a procedure used by hackers and other
unauthorized users which enables a user to mimic a legitimate network
node, then gain access to data within a private network. Spoofing
can lead to severe security breaches and damage to the integrity
of a company's operations.
IPXCP -- Fulfills the same function as IPCP, but for IPX routing.
See IPCP.
IPXWAN -- The WAN version of NetWare's IPX protocol.
IRTP -- Internet Reliable Transport Protocol
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) -- Integrated Services
Digital Network. A system that provides simultaneous voice and
high-speed data transmission through a single channel to the user's
premises. ISDN is an international standard for end-to-end digital
transmission of voice, data, and signaling.
ISDN BRI line -- An ISDN Basic Rate Interface line that uses two
B channels for user data, and one 16-kbps D channel for ISDN D-channel
signalling. Both B channels can be switched, both channels can
be nailed up, or one channel can be switched and the other nailed
up. BRI stands for Basic Rate Interface. A line of this type can
connect to standard voice service, Switched-56 data service, or
Switched-64 data service.
ISDN D-channel signalling -- A type of signalling in which a D
channel handles WAN synchronization and signalling, and the B channels
carry the user data. Another term for ISDN D-channel signalling
is out-of-band signalling. T1 PRI, E1 PRI, and ISDN BRI lines use
ISDN D-channel signalling.
ISO 9001 -- ISO is the International Standards Organization, and
is devoted to the definition of standards for international and
national data communications. (The U.S. representative to the ISO
is ANSI.3.) 9001 is the current set of ISO standards. Companies
whose products are ISO certified reflect a high quality of consistency
and quality.
ISO-IP -- International Standards Organization Internet Protocol
ISO-TP4 -- International Standards Organization Transport Protocol
Class 4
ISP (Internet Service Provider) -- An Internet Service Provider
is a company that provides access to the Internet. By establishing
Points of Presence (POPs) containing remote access servers and
additional devices, as well as a suite of user software packages,
the Internet Service Provider acts as a commercial Internet on-ramp.
Providers typically charge a monthly fee and supply technical support
and advice to customers.
IXC -- Interexchange Carrier
kbps -- kilobits per second
LAN (Local Area Network) -- A network that interconnects devices
over a geographically small area, typically in one building or
a part of a building. The most popular LAN type is Ethernet, a
10 Mbps standard that works with 10BaseT, 10Base2, or 10Base5 cables.
When you interconnect a single computer to the Pipeline with the
crossover cable in your package, you are creating a two-node Ethernet
network.
LAN packet display -- This is a display of packet performance
over a specified time, whether measured graphically or by counters.
LAN/WAN connectivity -- This is the practical set of tools, from
OS layer protocols to support services, that make a remote access
device an effective link between LANs and WANs. An effective remote
access server must include a host of communications and translation
protocols to fulfill this function.
LARP -- Locus Address Resolution Protocol
leased lines -- A circuit rented for exclusive use twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week from a telephone company. The connection
exists between two predetermined points and cannot be switched
to other locations.
LEC -- Local Exchange Carrier
line -- A physical interface to the WAN.
LLB -- Line Loopback
LLC -- Logical Link Control
loopback -- A test that enables the Ascend unit to place a call
to itself over the WAN, and to send a user-specified number of
packets over the connection. The loopback tests the Ascend unit's
ability to initiate and receive calls, and diagnoses whether the
connection over the digital access line and the WAN is sound. A
local loopback can test whether the connection to local devices
is sound.
LQM (Line Quality Monitoring) -- A feature that enables the Ascend
unit to monitor the quality of a link.
LQM counts the number of packets sent across the link and periodically
asks the remote end how many packets it has received. Discrepancies
are evidence of packet loss and indicate link quality problems.
The Ascend unit can tear down and reestablish a call if the problems
on the link exceed a specified threshold.
MAC (Media Access Control) -- A system of rules used to move data
from one physical medium to another.
MB -- megabytes
mbps -- megabits per second
MHRP -- Mobile Host Routing Protocol
MIB -- Management Information Base
MICP -- Mobile Internetworking Control Protocol
MIF -- Machine-to-Machine Interface Format
modem (MOdulator/DEModulator) -- A DCE (Data Circuit-Terminating
Equipment) installed between a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and
an analog transmission channel, such as a telephone line. A DTE
refers to a device that an operator uses, such as a computer or
a terminal. The DCE connects the DTE to a communications channel,
such as a telephone line. A modem takes digital data from a DTE,
translates (or modulates) the 1s and 0s into analog form, and sends
the data over the channel. The receiving modem demodulates the
analog signal into digital data and sends it to the DTE to which
it is attached.
MP (Multilink PPP) -- A proposed standard for inverse multiplexing,
a method of combining individually dialed channels into a single,
higher-speed data stream. MP is an extension of PPP that supports
the ordering of data packets across multiple channels.
MPP (Multichannel Point-to-Point Protocol) -- A protocol that
extends the capabilities of MP to support inverse multiplexing,
session management, and bandwidth management. MPP allows you to
combine up to 30 individual channels into a single high-speed connection.
MPP consists of two components: a low-level channel identification,
error monitoring, and error recovery mechanism, and a session management
level for supporting bandwidth modifications and diagnostics. MPP
enables the Ascend unit to add or remove channels from a connection
as bandwidth needs change without disconnecting the link. This
capability is called Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation, or DBA.
Both the dialing side and the answering side of the link must
support MPP. If only one side supports MPP, the connection uses
MP or standard single-channel PPP.
MPP calls cannot combine an ISDN BRI channel with a channel on
a T1 access line or a T1 PRI line.
MRU -- Maximum Receive Unit
MTP -- Multicast Transport Protocol
MTU -- Maximum Transfer Unit
MultiRate -- A data service consisting of a single circuit whose
bandwidth is a multiple of 64 kbps. This circuit consists of one
or more B channels. For example, a user can dial a first call at
384 kbps (using 6 B channels), and then dial at second call at
512 kbps (using 8 B channels). This service is available over T1
PRI lines only. MultiRate is also known as Switched Nx64 data service.
nailed line -- A permanent connection between endpoints over which
two parties exchange data. A nailed line is also known as a private
line or a leased line.
NAS -- Network Access Server
NetWare call filter -- A NetWare call filter is used to prevent
Service Advertising Protocol (SAP) packets originating on the local
IPX network from resetting the idle timer or initiating a call.
NFAS -- Non-Facility Associated Signaling
NFAS (Non-Facility Associated Signalling) -- A special case of
ISDN signalling in which two or more T1 PRI lines use the same
D channel, and you can add a backup D channel. NFAS is required
for Switched-1536 data service; because all 24 channels of the
T1 PRI line carry user data, the D channel must be on another line.
NFS -- Network File System
NHRP -- Next Hop Resolution Protocol
NIC -- Network Information Center
NIS -- Network Information Service
NSFNET-IGP -- National Science Foundation Network Interior Gateway
Protocol
NT1 (Network Terminator Type 1) -- An ISDN BRI line terminating
device at the subscriber's location that provides line maintenance
access, timing, and echo cancellation. NT1s may be built into other
pieces of equipment or stand alone.
NVP-II -- Network Voice Protocol II
NVT ASCII -- Network Virtual Terminal ASCII
Octet -- Eight data bits.
OSI -- Open Systems Interconnection. A reference model used to
describe layers of a network and the types of functions expected
at each layer. The OSI model is used as a standard, letting developers
of networks and communication systems rely on the presence of certain
functions at certain places in a standard system.
Top to bottom, the seven layers are:
* application
* presentation
* session
* transport
* network
* data link
* physical
The physical and data link layers have to do with hardware, wires,
signals on wires, and basic addressing functions, such as media
access control (MAC). In the network layer, information from different
networking protocols is distinguished, which is where the internet
protocol (IP) functions. In the transport layer, data is packaged
for transport in a size and organization appropriate for its intended
environment. This is where transport control protocol (TCP) works.
The session, presentation, and application layers keep information
streaming in and convert it to a usable format.
OSPF -- Open Shortest Path First
packet-level inverse multiplexing -- A method of inverse multiplexing
in which the inverse mux performs its function at the packet level
using the MP or MPP protocol. One data packet goes over the first
circuit, the next goes over the second circuit, and so on, until
all the data packets are distributed over all the available circuits.
The receiving end adjusts for network-induced delay and reassembles
the data packets into their proper order. This inverse multiplexing
technique is also referred to as load balancing. Telecommuting
applications use packet-level inverse multiplexing.
PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) -- Password Authentication
Protocol. A security protocol that uses password protection to
allow access to a network or host.
parity -- In 7-bit communication, each device sends only the first
128 characters in the ASCII character set, because each of these
characters can be represented by seven bits or fewer. Parity is
a way for a device to determine whether it has received data exactly
as the sending device transmitted it. Each device must determine
whether it will use even parity, odd parity, or no parity.
The sending device adds the 1s in each string it sends and determines
whether the sum is even or odd. Then, it adds an extra bit, called
a parity bit, to the string. If even parity is in use, the parity
bit makes the sum of the bits even; if odd parity is in use, the
parity bit makes the sum of the bits odd. For example, if a device
sends the binary number 1010101 under even parity, it adds a 0
(zero) to the end of the byte, because the sum of the 1s is already
even. However, if it sends the same number under odd parity, it
adds a 1 to the end of the byte in order to make the sum of the
1s an odd number.
The receiving device checks whether the sum of 1s in a character
is even or odd. If the device is using even parity, the sum of
1s in a character should be even; if the device is using odd parity,
the sums of bits in a character should be odd. If the sum of the
bits does not equal the parity setting, the receiving device knows
that an error has occurred during the transmission of the data.
For special ASCII characters (128-256), eight bits are necessary
to represent the data. In 8-bit communication, no parity bit is
used.
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) -- An internal telephone network,
such as those used in large offices, in which one incoming number
directs calls to various extensions and from one office to another.
PCM -- Pulse Coded Modulation
PDU -- Protocol Data Unit
Ping -- This is the command invoked on many systems to send ICMP
echo requests. Ping has several versions. The most sophisticated
Pings send a series of ICMP echo requests, capture responses, and
corollary statistics regarding data packet loss. The user can determine
the length of the ICMP request and designate an interval between
tries.
PLL -- Permanent Logical Link
PND -- Present Next Digit
Point to Point link -- See Point-to-Point protocol (PPP).
POP (Point of Presence) -- This is a point-of-presence of an Internet
service provider, used to facilitate remote users' access to the
range of applications and IP addresses in the internetwork.
POST (Power-On Self Test) -- A diagnostic test the Ascend unit
performs when it first starts up or after a system reset. While
the yellow FAULT LED on the front panel remains solidly lit, the
Ascend unit checks system memory, configuration, installed modules,
and the T1 connections. If the Ascend unit fails any of these tests,
the AFAULT (or CON) LED remains lit or blinks.
PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) -- Provides a standard means of
encapsulating data packets sent over a single-channel WAN link.
It is the standard WAN encapsulation protocol for the interoperability
of bridges and routers. PPP is also supported in workstations,
allowing direct dial-up access from a personal computer to a corporate
LAN or ISP. Using PPP ensures basic compatibility with non-Ascend
devices. Both the dialing side and the answering side of the link
must support PPP.
PRI -- Primary Rate Interface
PRM -- Packet Radio Measurement
promiscuous mode -- A Bridging parameter mode that determines
that the Ethernet controller in the Ascend unit accepts all packets
and passes them up the protocol stack for a higher-level decision
on whether to route, bridge, or reject them. This mode is appropriate
if you are using the Ascend unit as a bridge.
protocol -- A set of rules governing message exchange over a network
or internetwork. Examples of commonly used protocols are TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), PPP (Point-to-Point
Protocol), and IPX (Internet Packet Exchange).
proxy ARP -- If the Pipeline is the default router on a network,
then packets destined for any of the hosts on the network are sent
to the Pipeline. If any of these hosts needs to respond to an ARP
request (a request to provide its physical address so that a connection
can be established), and the host is not on the local network (ARP
requests are only broadcast on a local network), the Pipeline can
respond on behalf of the remote host to establish the connection.
This is possible when the Pipeline is set to function in Proxy
Mode.
proxy mode -- A remote host can be assigned an IP address on the
local network through its Connection profile on the Pipeline. Local
hosts on the network see the remote host as if it were on the local
network. When calls are made to the remote host, the Pipeline acts
on behalf of the remote host and replies to requests and forwards
packets. Proxy mode is enabled on the Pipeline via the Protocols
section of the configuration software.
PVC -- Permanent Virtual Circuit
PVC -- Protocol Version Control
PVP -- Packet Video Protocol
RADIUS (Remote Access DIalup User Service) -- A protocol by which
users can have access to secure networks through a centrally managed
server. RADIUS provides authentication for a variety of services,
such as login, dialback, SLIP, and PPP.
In a RADIUS query, the MAX provides a user ID and password to
the server. The server sends back a complete profile, which specifies
routing, packet filtering, destination-specific static routes,
and usage restrictions specific to the user. In addition, the MAX
can use the data in the RADIUS database to create and advertise
static routes and to place outbound calls.
The communications channel between a RADIUS client and server
is provided by UDP/IP, with messages acknowledged. The primary
advantage in using RADIUS to authenticate incoming calls is that
you can maintain all user information offline on a separate UNIX-based
server. You store virtually all Connection Profile information
on the RADIUS server in a flat ASCII database. This server can
accept authentication requests from many machines, which makes
swapping out one dial-in network server for another much easier.
RARP -- Reverse Address Resolution Protocol
RBOC -- Regional Bell Operating Company
RDP -- Reliable Data Protocol
Remote LAN Access -- The process of allowing branch offices, telecommuters,
and traveling computer users to access the corporate LAN backbone
over dedicated or dialed, digital or analog lines.
remote management -- A management feature that uses bandwidth
between sites over the management subchannel established by the
AIM (Ascend Inverse Multiplexing) protocol. Any Ascend unit can
control, configure, and obtain statistical and diagnostic information
about any other Ascend unit; multi-level security assures that
unauthorized personnel do not have access to remote management
functions.
RFC (Request For Comments) -- The document series, begun in 1969,
which describes the Internet suite of protocols and related experiments.
Not all (in fact very few) RFCs describe Internet standards, but
all Internet standards are written up as RFCs. The RFC series of
documents is unusual in that the proposed protocols are forwarded
by the Internet research and development community, acting on their
own behalf, as opposed to the formally reviewed and standardized
protocols that are promoted by organizations such as CCITT and
ANSI. A complete list of RFCs can be found at http://www.internic.net/rfc/.
RI -- Ring Indicate
RIP (Routing Information Protocol) -- Routing information protocol
teaches routers on a wide area network which routers have access
to which addresses. This information is kept in a routing table
on each router. As routers communicate with each other, they all
update their routing tables to include each others' routing table
information. In a large network environment, this exchange of information
can keep the network connections up unnecessarily, and can result
in very large routing tables on each router. You can apply a call
filter to ignore RIP updates. You can also control how route information
is propagated.
Router -- An interconnection device that can connect individual
LANs. Unlike bridges, which logically connect at OSI layer 2, routers
provide logical paths at OSI layer 3. Like bridges, remote sites
can be connected using routers over dedicated or switched lines
to create WANs.
Routing -- A device or setup that finds the best route between
any two networks, even if there are several networks to traverse.
(Contrast with bridge).
routing table -- A list of destinations known to the router. Routing
tables are built and used based on three protocols:
* RIP - which continuously broadcasts routing updates every 30
seconds
* ICMP - which can dynamically redirect packets to a more efficient route
* ARP - which enables the Pipeline to respond to address queries with its own
physical address
RPC -- Remote Procedure Call
RPM -- Remote Port Module
RS-# -- Recommended Service #
RS-232 -- A set of EIA standards specifying various electrical
and mechanical characteristics for interfaces between DTE and DCE
data communications devices. The standard applies to both synchronous
and asynchronous binary data transmission at rates below 64 kbit/s.
RSVP -- Reservation Protocol
RTS -- Request To Send
Rubber Bandwidth -- A term used to describe a communications channel
whose bandwidth can be increased or decreased without terminating
and re-establishing the channel. Typically used with inverse multiplexing.
RVD -- MIT Remote Virtual Disk Protocol
S interface -- See S/T interface.
S/T interface -- n. The electrical interface between a network
terminator (NT1) device and one or more ISDN communications devices
that do not contain their own NT1s.
S/T-interface -- adj. Specifies an ISDN communications device
that connects to an external network terminator (NT1).
SAM (Secure Access Manager) -- Secure Access Manager gives network
administrators granular control over the security functions of
the entire network directly from the central site. Through this
Windows-based application, network administrators can configure
the Secure Access Firewall(s) off-line and download the configuration
to remote locations. The menu-driven program enables network administrators
to easily configure the firewall on the network.
SAP -- Service Access Point
SAP filters -- See NetWare call filters.
SDRP -- Source Demand Routing Protocol
Secure Access Firewalls -- Secure Access Firewall is a software
option for Ascend units that offers a fully integrated firewall
security for remote networking. It uses state-of-the-art dynamic
firewall technology to deliver a comprehensive security solution
for the corporate LAN, remote office LAN and telecommuter's LAN
that stops intruders from breaking and entering into networks.
Securing the perimeter of the local network where it meets the
Internet sets the stage for using the Internet for Intranet applications.
Secure ID -- A proprietary brand of security card (about the size
of a credit card) that generates a code based on the user's ID,
password, and information in the card. When the user attempts to
log on to a secure network, a code is requested that must have
been generated within the previous 60 seconds. The server interprets
the code, and if it is found to be genuine, the user is granted
access.
security cards -- See Secure ID.
SEP -- Sequential Exchange Protocol
serial communication -- Communication through the serial port
of your computer. For Windows 3.1, the maximum speed of the serial
port is 19,200. For Windows 95, the COM port limit on the settings
drop-down list is 921,600. These limitations are subject to change
as development of a faster serial bus design is implemented.
serial host -- A device, such as a videoconferencing codec, that
is connected to a serial host port communicating over a point-to-point
link. To a serial host, the MAX appears to be a cable or DCE (Data
Communications Equipment).
serial host port -- The V.35, RS-499, or X.21 port on the MAX.
serial host port module -- A module on the MAX that connects to
a serial host through its serial host port.
session -- The state a connection reaches when both parties can
communicate with each other.
signaling types -- The sending device and the receiving device
must send signals in order to synchronize their clocks and determine
where one block of data ends and the next begins. Services use
signaling types to maintain synchronization and transfer data effectively.
Signals are either analog or digital. In-band signalling is used
by POTS, where all of the information about the beginning and end
of a call is carried on a single line. ISDN BRI uses two B channels
to carry data and a D channel to carry signalling data.
SIP -- Simple Internet Protocol
SLIP (Serial Line IP) -- A protocol that enables your computer
to send and receive IP packets over a serial link.
SMDS -- Switched Multimegabit Data Service. A packet-based network
service allowing the creation of high-speed data networks (up to
45 Mbit/s). Now in the testing and initial implementation phases.
SMTP -- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNAP -- SubNetwork Access Protocol
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) -- A standard way for
computers to share networking information. -- In SNMP, two types
of communicating devices exist: agents and managers. An agent provides
networking information to a manager application running on another
computer. The agents and managers share a database of information,
called the Management Information Base (MIB). An agent can use
a message called a traps-PDU to send unsolicited information to
the manager.
The MAX supports SNMP MIB II, T1 MIB, and Ascend Enterprise MIBs.
You can therefore manage the MAX from a central SNMP manager, such
as SunNet Manager™ or HP Open View™. Because the WAN
interface is integrated into the MAX, you can manage it using the
SNMP T1 MIB and Ascend Enterprise MIB. Most other kinds of WAN
interfaces, such as channel banks, T1 muxes, and CSU/DSUs, cannot
be incorporated into SNMP. The MAX can send alarms, call detail
reporting, and other management information to an SNMP manager
without being polled.
SNMP security is implemented using the community name sent with
each request. Ascend supports two community names, one with read-only
access, and the other with read/write access, to the MIB.
software compression -- Software compression removes waste and
redundancy in a data file in order to save space and enable faster
throughput. The results of compression depend on the content of
each file being compressed: some contain a lot of waste, some contain
almost none.
SPID (Service Profile Identifier) -- Service Profile Identifier.
Your ISDN service provider (telephone company) uses this number
at the Central Office switch to identify services on your ISDN
line. This number is derived from a telephone number.
straight-through cable -- A cable with wires that have terminating
ends with the same wire assignments.
SWIPE -- IP with Encryption
switched circuit -- A temporary connection between endpoints,
established for the duration of a call, over which two parties
exchange data. The circuit is disconnected when the call ends.
Switched-1536 -- A data service consisting of a single 1536 kbps
circuit, called an H11 channel. The H11 channel is comprised of
all 24 channels on the line. You must use two T1 PRI lines to access
Switched-1536. One line carries the user data, and the other line
contains the D-channel. NFAS is required for this data service
because the D channel must be on a separate line. This service
is available over T1 PRI lines only. Switched-1536 is also known
as H11 data service.
Switched-384 -- A data service consisting of a single 384 kbps
circuit, called an H0 channel. The H0 channel is comprised of 6
B channels. This service is available over T1 PRI lines only. Switched-384
is also known as H0 data service.
Switched-56 -- A data service consisting of a single 56 kbps channel.
This service is available over any type of line. It is the only
service available to T1 access lines and Switched-56 lines.
Because Switched-56 was the first available data service, both
the service itself and the lines that accessed it were called Switched-56.
However, any type of line can now access Switched-56 data service,
and there are other new services in addition to Switched-56.
Switched-56 line -- A line that provides a single 56 kbps data
channel with inband signalling.
Switched-64 -- A data service consisting of a single 64 kbps channel.
This service is available over T1 PRI and ISDN BRI lines only.
symbolic name -- A name used in place of an IP address. A symbolic
name consists of a user name and a domain name in the format user
name@domain name. The user name corresponds to the host number
in the IP address. The domain name corresponds to the network number
in the IP address. A symbolic name might be steve@crocker.com or
joanne@cal.edu.
synchronization -- In serial data transmission, a method of ensuring
that the receiving end can recognize characters in the order in
which the transmitting end sent them, and can know where one character
ends and the next begins. Without synchronization, the receiving
end would perceive data simply as a series of binary digits with
no relation to one another. Synchronous communication relies on
a clocking mechanism to synchronize the signals between the sending
and receiving machines.
synchronous transmission -- A transmission mode in which the data
moves in large blocks, called messages or frames. Both the sending
device and the receiving device must maintain synchronization in
order to determine where one block of data ends and the next begins.
Synchronization can take one of these forms:
Each side can transmit a separate synchronizing signal, called
a clock.
Each frame or message can contain synchronization information.
In the latter method, each block of data starts with one or more
control characters, usually eight bytes long, called a SYNC. The
receiver interprets the SYNC as a signal that it can start accepting
data. Synchronous transmission can be up to 20 percent faster than
asynchronous transmission.
T1 access line -- A 1.544 mbps T1 line that provides 24 56 kbps
data channels and uses inband signalling. This type of line can
contain all switched channels, all nailed-up channels, or a combination
of switched and nailed-up channels. You can connect this type of
line to standard voice or Switched-56 data services. Using a feature
called Drop-and-Insert, the MAX can use a portion of a T1 access
line for data purposes and pass the remaining portion of the line's
bandwidth to a PBX for voice purposes.
T1 line -- A line that consists of 24 64 kbps channels. Two types
of T1 lines are available: T1 access lines and T1 PRI lines.
T1 PRI line -- A T1 line that uses 23 B channels for user data,
and one 64 kbps D channel for ISDN D-channel signalling. The B
channels can be all switched, all nailed up, or a combination of
switched and nailed up. This type of PRI line is a standard in
North America, Japan, and Korea. PRI stands for Primary Rate Interface.
You can connect this type of line to standard voice, or Switched-56,
Switched-64, Switched-384, Switched-1536, and MultiRate data services.
Using a feature called PRI-to-TI conversion, the MAX can share
the bandwidth of a T1 PRI line with a PBX.
T3 -- A digital transmission link with a capacity of 45 Mbit/s,
or 28 T1 lines.
TA -- Terminal Adapter
TACACS (Terminal Access Concentrator Access Control Server) --
A very simple query/response protocol that enables the MAX to check
a user's password, and enable or prevent access. A TACACS server
supports only the basic password exchanges that PAP uses; it does
not support CHAP.
Tariff -- Documents filed by a regulated telephone company with
a state public utility commission or the Federal Communications
Commission. Document details services, equipment, and pricing publicly
offered by the telephone company.
TCP -- Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) -- A
family of protocols that defines the format of data packets sent
across a network, and is the communications standard for data transmission
between different platforms. The TCP/IP family consists of the
following protocols and services.
* Transport protocols - these protocols control data transmission
between computers:
o TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
o UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
* Routing protocols - these protocols control addressing and packet assembly,
and determine the best route for a packet to take to arrive at its destination:
o IP (Internet Protocol)
o ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
o RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
o OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
* Gateway protocols - these protocols enable networks to share routing and
status information:
o EGP (Exterior Gateway Protocol)
o GGP (Gateway-to-Gateway Protocol)
o IGP (Interior Gateway Protocol)
* Network address services and protocols - these services and protocols handle
the way that each computer on a network is identified:
o DNS (Domain Name System)
o ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
o RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol)
* User services - these services provide applications a computer can use:
o BOOTP (Boot Protocol)
o FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
o Telnet
o Miscellaneous services
o NFS (Network File System)
o NIS (Network Information Service)
o RPC (Remote Procedure Call)
o SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
o SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
TE -- Terminal Equipment
Telecommuter -- A work-at-home computer user who connects to the
corporate LAN backbone using remote access technologies (for example,
using a modem over analog lines, ISDN Terminal Adapter (TA) or
ISDN router over ISDN lines, or CSU/DSU over Switched 56 lines).
Telnet -- Terminal-to-remote host protocol developed for ARPAnet.
It is the TCP/IP protocol governing the exchange of character-oriented
terminal data. This protocol is used to link two computers in order
to provide a terminal connection to the remote machine.
Instead of dialing into the computer, you connect to it over the
Internet using Telnet. When you issue a Telnet session, you connect
to the Telnet host and log in. The connection enables you to work
with the remote machine as though you were a terminal connected
to it.
If your MAX has an Ethernet card installed, you can remotely manage
it by establishing a Telnet session to the remote unit from any
Telnet workstation on the network and viewing the MAX interface
on a Telnet VT-100 window. All Pipeline units except for the Pipeline
25 also support Telnet.
An IP host can use Telnet to emulate a terminal. When you use
the MAX to initiate a terminal server session over Telnet or through
the local Control/Console port, the session has a subset of the
features available to a terminal server session over an asynchronous
WAN link.
terminal -- A computer that does not have its own processor and
that must connect to a terminal server in asynchronous mode in
order to use its CPU. VT100, ANSI, and TTY are all types of terminals.
terminal emulator -- A program that makes your computer look like
a terminal so that you can connect to a terminal server. Your computer
acts like a terminal during the connection; all processing is taking
place remotely. A terminal emulator is also called a terminal emulation
program.
terminal server -- A terminal server is a computing device to
which a terminal can connect over a LAN or WAN link. A terminal
communicates with the terminal server over an asynchronous serial
port (typically an RS-232 port) through a modem. A terminal converts
the data it receives from the terminal server into a display and
does no further processing of the data. A terminal also converts
the operator's keystrokes into data for transmission to the terminal
server.
terminal server session -- An end-to-end connection between a
terminal and a terminal server. Usually, the terminal server session
begins when the call goes on line and ends when the call disconnects.
A terminal server session can be either local or remote:
A local terminal server session takes place when a terminal (or
a computer emulating a terminal) is connected to the Ascend unit's
Control port, or when you open a Telnet connection to the Ascend
unit from an IP host.
In either case, you select the TermServ command from the Sys Diag
menu and press Enter to begin the terminal server session. A local
terminal server session has access to only a subset of the commands
available to a remote terminal server session.
A remote terminal server session takes place through a digital
modem or through a V.110 or V.120 connection to the MAX.
A digital modem is a device that can communicate over a digital
line (such as a T1 PRI line) with a station using a modem connected
to an analog line. When you access a terminal server through a
digital modem, V.110, or V.120 connection, the remote terminal
server session begins immediately; you need not enter the TermServ
command.
Using an integrated digital modem, the MAX allows a user to set
up a remote terminal server session at raw data rates of up to
28,8 kbps, not including data compression. The MAX supports all
the common capabilities of standard terminal servers, including
Telnet, Domain Name Services (DNS), login and password control,
call detail reporting, and authentication services.
Thick Ethernet -- A term that describes a type of Ethernet cable.
Thick Ethernet, or thicknet, is .4" diameter coaxial cable
for Ethernet networks.
Thin Ethernet -- A term that describes a type of Ethernet cable.
Thin Ethernet, or thinnet, is .2" diameter coaxial cable for
Ethernet networks.
U interface -- The electrical interface between an ISDN telephone
line and a network terminator (NT1) device.
UDP -- User Datagram Protocol
U-interface -- adj. Specifies an ISDN communications device that
connects directly to an ISDN telephone line. A U-interface device
contains its own network terminator (NT1).
UTP -- Unshielded Twisted Pair
UTP cable -- Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. Two paired wires with
wire twisted two or more times per inch to help cancel out noise.
Videoconferencing -- The use of digital video transmission systems
to communicate between sites using video and voice. Digital video
transmission systems typically consist of camera, codec (coder-decoder),
network access equipment, network, and audio system.
VT-100 -- An ASCII character data terminal, consisting of screen
and keyboard. Manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC),
the VT-100 has become an industry standard data terminal. VT-100
emulation software allows a standard PC to act as a VT-100 terminal.
WAN -- Wide Area Network
Watchdog Spoofing -- NetWare servers send 'session keep alive'
packets to clients who must return the packet to keep a session
active. Ascend units can reply to NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) watchdog
packets on behalf of clients on the other side of a bridge, causing
the server to sense that the link is still active. Effectively
imitating a return 'session keep alive' packet is called watchdog
spoofing.
Wide Area Network -- A data network typically extending a LAN
outside a building or beyond a campus, over IXC or LEC lines to
link to other LANs at remote sites. Typically created by using
bridges or routers to connect geographically separated LANs.
WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) -- Windows Internet Name
Service (WINS) is a Microsoft product that manages the mapping
between resource names (in the form of easy-to-remember nicknames)
and IP addresses. The DNS service used on the Internet cannot map
between IP addresses and local resource names dynamically. However,
through dynamic database updates, WINS lets users access network
resources via more user-friendly names instead of IP addresses.
WSN -- Wang Span Network
X.21 -- A set of CCITT specifications for an interface between
DTE and DCE for synchronous operation on public data networks.
Includes connector, electrical, and dialing specifications.
XNS IDP -- Xerox Networking System Internetwork Datagram Protocol
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