• 
• Jargon Buster

This page details all the jargon and terms

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

ACD: Automatic Call Distributor, spreads the inbound call load within a call centre to minimise hold times and efficiently distribute workloads. Also known as Uniform Call Distributor.

ADSL: Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line, allows a standard telephone line to be used like a broadband line for transmission of large amounts of data.

AFH: Adaptive Frequency Hopping minimises interference from other wireless devices on Bluetooth® connections.

APT: Advanced Packaging Tool, utility to assist installation of software on the Linux operating system.

APT: Analogue Proprietary Telephone, analogue telephone designed for use with a particular system / manufacturer.

BABT: British Approvals Board of Telecommunication which certifies products and services as complying with Standards and regulatory requirements.

BICSI: A professional association providing information, courses assessments and qualifications to information transport professionals.

BNC: British Naval Connector, used to connect many types of co-axial data communication equipments.

BRI: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN offer two service levels. The Lower capacity Basic Rate Interface is designed for home or small office use)

CATV: Community Access Television sees local TV content created by communities and broadcast over cable or satellite networks

CCU: Community Control Unit, device controlling data transmission on a network and hosting functions such as message switching and multiplexing

CLI: Calling Line Identification or Caller ID, allows inbound call number to be identified before answering (systems)

CLI: Common Language Interface, an open standard which enables any application written in one of several core programming languages to run on any operating system (system add-ons)

COS: Calls of Service, classification system for telephone system users, to restrict and assign privileges such as international or premium rate call access.

CPA: Centre Pre-Amplifier, device which increases as system’s power and quality of sound by preparing the signal before it is processed by the main amplifier.

CS: Cell Station, base station for wireless telephones.

CSP: Certified Systems Professional, accreditation issued by Institute for the Accreditation of Computer Professionals.

CSTA: Computer Supported Telephone Applications, European standard for computer telephony integration.

CTI: Computer Telephony Integration, technologies enabling integration of computer and telephone systems to allow computer users to connect,answer and discounted a telephone.

DDI: Direct Dial In, allows external calls to go directly to an extension without being transferred via switchboard.

DECT: Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology, a global standard for digital wireless telephones (but not mobiles).

DHCP: Dynamic Host Communications Protocol which allows network administrators to centrally configure IP addresses.

DID: Direct Inward Dialing, facility enabling callers to directly call an extension on a private branch exchange (PBX)

DIL: Direct In Lines, facility for directing calls made on a line to a specific extension or group.

DISA: Direct Inward System Access, facility enabling access to a private branch exchange from an external line.

DMZ: A Demilitarised zone, a computer or network placed between a public and private network to as buffer and prevent unauthorized access to private data.

DPT: Digital Proprietary Telephone, digital telephone designed foe use with a particular system / manufacturer.

DSP: Digital Signal Processing, technology which can differentiate between background noise and voice to improve clarity of sound.

DSS: Direct Station Select, facility allowing frequently used numbers to be stored and dialled with a single touch.

DTMF: Dual Tone Multi Frequency, the technology behind automated switchboards (Press 1 for Accounts). It works by generating two tones of different frequencies which instruct system to direct a call.

EIA: Electronics Industry Association which sets certain data transmission standards.

ELR: Earth Loop Recall is one of two call transfer systems which also enable the Recall facility for phones connected via a Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, the EPROM is a memory part which will not forget its program or data when power is removed.

Ethernet: Co-axial or twisted wire cable typically used to connect equipment on Local Area Networks (LANs) and offering speeds up to 10Mbps.

EVM: Entry voice Mail, telephone system’s integrated voice mail facility.

FSK: Frequency Shifting Key, internal modem feature that converts data from a computer so it can be transmitted via a telephone line. FSK also enables Message Waiting.

FTP: File Transfer Protocol, internet standard easing transfer of files between computers.

GAP: A generic Access Profile is a wireless protocol allowing different manufacturers’ GAP compatible wireless products to interact e.g. a headset and base station.

Gigabit: Unit of measurement for data transfer equivalent to one billion binary digits or bits e.g. a Gigabit Ethernet connection transmits one gigabit of data per second (Gbps).

HL10: A handset lifter designed by headset manufacturer Plantronics allowing a handset to be lifted automatically or by pushing a button on a headset.

ICM: Abbreviation for intercom, an internal communication system.

IDC: Insulation Displacement Connector, Which removes the need to strip low current telecom and networking wires by piercing the insulator to create a connection.

IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission, a global organization which prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies.

IP: Internet Protocol, standard governing transmission of data via the internet.

ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Networks allow digital transmission of data via traditional copper wires. ISDN offers great capacity and faster transmission than analogue.

IVR: Interactive Voice Response, technology which detects voice and touch tone signals to initiate call direction e.g. For Accounts, press 1.

JTC: Java Tool Community, a group committed to standards for the interoperability and support tools for the Java programming languages

LAN: Local Area Network, a group of computers and devices such as printers connected to each other typically by Ethernet cable or wireless link.

LCC: Least Cost Call: Service provided by telecom carriers minimising call cost through selection of lowest cost routes.

LCD: Liquid Crystal Display, thin, low energy display device.

LD: Loop Disconnect (pulse dialing), telephone signalling system which works by breaking the line to create pulses. Superseded by multi-Frequency / Dual Tone Multi Frequency (touch tone dialling).

LED: Liquid Crystal Diode, low energy, high efficiency semi-conductor with applications for indoor lights and fibre optical data transmission.

LSOH: Low Smoke Zero Halogen, network cable jacketing which releases little smoke and no halogen when subject to high temperatures.

MF: Multi-Frequency signalling is used to transmit address information for Caller ID services and delivers tones when a keypad is pressed to indicate a call is progressing satisfactorily.

MOH: Music on Hold, facility playing music to a caller whilst they are waiting to be connected through an exchange.

MS: Abbreviation for Microsoft®

MTRJ: Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack, a standard fibre optic connector, similar to an RJ-45. Available in pinned (for connection to MTRJ patch cords) and non-pinned varieties.

MW: Message Waiting, facility which provides a visual indicator of an outstanding voicemail.

ODBC: Open Database Connectivity, an open standard which allows access to files created in different programs such as Excel, and Access.

OGM: Ogg Media File is an open source format designed for efficient streaming of multimedia content over telecoms network.

PABX: A Private Automated Branch Exchange allows a number of inbound lines to be accessed via one number and external and internal lines made available to those within exchange.

PBX: Private Branch Exchange, an exchange serving a particular organisation, connecting internal phones and externally to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

PCB: Printed Circuit Board, a piece of hardware for mounting and connecting electrical components within electronic devices.

POE: Power Over Ethernet allows power to be carried via standard network data cables, reducing wiring needs.

PRI: Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN offer two service levels. The higher capacity Primary Rate Interface is designed for medium size and large organisations).

PS: Portable Station.

PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network which comprises the world’s public telephone systems. Also referred to as the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) it provides the Internet’s infrastructure. v PSU: Power Supply Unit or Mains adaptor

PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride, used as a cable jacket.

QOS: Quality of Service, facility for prioritizing applications, data and users to provided a service level guarantee on a computer network.

RAP: A Remote Application Programme facilitates remote access to a network or device.

RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer, a BICSI qualification awarded for knowledge in the design, implementation and integration of information transport systems and related infrastructure.

REN 1:Ring Equivalence Number indicating the electrical load on a line e.g. REN 1 denotes loading of single ringing circuit as found in a typical desk phone.

RFC: Requests For Comments, a memo to those involved in developing Internet technologies. Each AFC has a unique number and may become an industry standard.

RI: A Ring Indicator signals an incoming call via visual or loud audible alarm. Particularly useful for the hard of hearing.

RJ-45: The Standard Registered Jack connector unshielded twisted pair cabling used for telephone and Ethernet wiring.

RTCP: Real-Time Transport Control Protocol is a standard for monitoring quality of multimedia data transmission to allow an application to improve service performance.

SC: Subscriber Connect, a push-pull type connector for fibre optic cables. 

SIP: Session Initiation Protocol, enables calls to be routed via the internet rather than a telephone network.

SMDR: A Station Message Detail Recorded (or Call Detail Record) is a log of call details – such as duration – made by a telephone exchange.

SMS: Short Message Service, protocol enable brief text communication between mobile telephones.

SoHo: Small Office Home Office, terms for a business employing between one and ten staff.

ST: Straight Tip, a plug and socket connector for fibre optic cables.

STP: Shielded Twisted Pair, copper wire with a shield that acts as a ground. Twisted pair is the wire used to connect to a telephone network.

TAD: Telephone Answering Device.

TAM: Telephone Answering Machine.

TBR: Time Break Recall is one of two call transfer systems which also enable the Recall facility for phones connected via a Private Branch Exchange (PBX). TBR has largely replaced Earth Loop Recall.

TCO99: A product certification covering environmental and ergonomic standards for flat screen cathode ray tube monitors. Laptops and Desktop computers, printers and keyboards.

TIA: Telecommunications Industry Association, trade body for the information, communications and entertainment technology industries. Develops standards and lobbies. v TWAIN: A software protocol and application interface ensuring compatibility between imaging technologies such as scanners and digital camera and enabling image scanning directly into an application. 

UCD: Uniform Call Distributor. See ACD Automatic Call Distributor. v USB: Universal Series Bus. A plug and play connector to link external devices such as printers and soft phones, to a computer.

UTP: Unshielded Twisted Pair, non-grounded copper wire used to connect to a telephone network.

VLAN: A Virtual Local Area Network where PC location is not defined by physical location but, say user type or application, allowing administrators to better manage loading and bandwidth.

VoIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol, standard governing voice transmission via the internet.

VOX: Facility which automatically detects and transmits sound without a user needing to press a button.

VPN: Virtual Private Network, network offering increased security of data transmission between multiple sites over the internet.

WAN: Wide Area Network non-localised computer network spanning geographic boundaries e.g. connecting multi-site office.

WAP: Wireless Application Protocol, standard governing application for wireless communication.

WIFI: Brand owed by the WIFI Alliance dedicated to ensuring the interoperability and accreditation of wireless devices.

WLAN: A Wireless Local Area Network.