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Adapter
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An Adapter is a board level product that can operate standing alone.
It does not need to be connected to another board.
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API
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Application Programming Interface
API is a language and message format used by an application program to
communicate with the operating system or some other system or control
program.
TechWeb
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ATM
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Asynchronous Transfer Mode
ATM is a network technology for both LANs and WANs that supports realtime
voice and video as well as data. The topology uses switches that establish
a logical circuit from end to end, which guarantees a quality of service
(QoS) for that transmission. However, unlike telephone switches that dedicate
circuits end to end, unused bandwidth in ATM's logical circuits can be
appropriated whenever available.
TechWeb
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C
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C7
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Common Channel Signaling System No. 7
SS7 (C7) is a global standard for telecommunications defined by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Sector
(ITU-T). The standard defines the procedures and protocol by which network
elements in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information
over a digital signaling network to effect wireless (cellular) and wireline
call setup, routing and control.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
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CompactPCI®
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Compact Peripheral Component Interface
cPCI is a combination of the PCI bus contained on a Eurocard form factor.
The Eurocard provides more rugged packaging and a more secure plug and
socket for embedded systems than the standard PCI card used in desktop
computers. It supports hot swapping and provides higher performance (32-bit,
33MHz) than the ISA bus in the PC/104 architecture. CompactPCI also provides
modularity as Eurocard comes in several sizes.
TechWeb
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cPSB
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CompactPCI Packet Switching Backplane
cPSB is a proposed packet switching backplane (PICMG technical subcommittee
2.16)
The proposed compact Packet Switching Backplane is a redundant, switched
10/100/1000 Ethernet network within a CompactPCI chassis providing IP
connectivity between all cPCI/cPSB slots using a "star" topology.
Call for participation
white paper
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D
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| DIMSI |
Dual International Mobile Subscriber Identity
DIMSI is an application that functions in our GSM
Signaling Platform that provides IMSI translation capabilities.
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E
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E1
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The European equivalent to the North American T1, except that E1 carries
information at the rate of 2.048 million bits per second.
E1: 30 channels, 2.048 Mbps
E2: 120 channels, 8.448 Mbps
E3: 480 channels, 34.368 Mbps
E4: 1920 channels, 139.264 Mbps
E5: 7680 channels, 565.148 Mbps
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Embedded System
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Hardware and software which forms a component of some larger system and
which is expected to function without human intervention. A typical embedded
system consists of a single-board microcomputer with software in ROM,
which starts running some special purpose application program as soon
as it is turned on and will not stop until it is turned off (if ever).
An embedded system may include some kind of operating system but often
it will be simple enough to be written as a single program. It will not
usually have any of the normal peripherals such as a keyboard, monitor,
serial connections, mass storage, etc. or any kind of user interface software
unless these are required by the overall system of which it is a part.
Often it must provide real-time response.
Dedicated
Systems
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F
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Frame Relay
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Frame Relay is a protocol standard for LAN internetworking which provides
a fast and efficient method of transmitting information from a user device
to LAN bridges and routers.
Protocols.com
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G
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GPRS
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General Packet Radio Service
An enhancement to the GSM mobile communications
system that supports data packets. GPRS enables continuous flows of
IP data packets over the system for such applications as Web browsing
and file transfer. GPRS differs from GSM's short messaging service (GSM-SMS)
which is limited to messages of 160 bytes in length.
TechWeb
|
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GSM
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Global System for Mobile Communications
GSM is a digital cellular phone technology based on TDMA that is the predominant
system in Europe, but is also used around the world. Developed in the
1980s, GSM was first deployed in seven European countries in 1992. Operating
in the 900MHz and 1.8GHz bands in Europe and the 1.9GHz PCS band in the
U.S., GSM defines the entire cellular system, not just the air interface
(TDMA, CDMA, etc.). As of 2000, there were more than 250 million GSM users,
which is more than half of the world's mobile phone population.
TechWeb
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H
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|
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H.323
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H.323 is an umbrella recommendation from the International Telecommunications
Union (ITU) that sets standards for multimedia communications over Local
Area Networks (LANs) that do not provide a guaranteed Quality of Service
(QoS).
Copyright© 2001 Packetizer,
Inc. All rights reserved.
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HDLC
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The High Level Data Link Control
The HDLC protocol was developed by ISO and is based primarily on the pioneering
work done by IBM on SDLC.
Protocols.com
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Hot-Swap
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To pull out a component from a system and plug in a new one while the
power is still on and the unit is still operating. Redundant systems can
be designed to swap drives, circuit boards, power supplies, virtually
anything that is duplexed within the computer.
TechWeb
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I
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|
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IP
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Internet Protocol
The IP part of the TCP/IP communications protocol. IP implements the network
layer (Layer3) of the protocol, which contains a network address and
is used to route a message to a different network or subnetwork. IP accepts
"packets" from the Layer4 transport protocol (TCP or UDP), adds its own
header to it and delivers a "datagram" to the Layer2 data link protocol.
It may also break the packet into fragments to support the maximum transmission
unit (MTU) of the network.
TechWeb
|
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ISDN
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Integrated Services Digital Network
ISDN is a system of digital phone connections which has been available
for over a decade. This system allows data to be transmitted simultaneously
across the world using end-to-end digital connectivity.
http://www.ralphb.net/ISDN/intro.html
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| ISTP |
Internet Signaling Transport Protocol
ISTP is a protocol that provides a signaling interconnection service between
the PacketCable network control elements (Call Management Server and Media
Gateway Controller) and the PSTN SS7 Signaling network through the SS7
Signaling Gateway.
http://www.packetcable.com/downloads/specs/PKT-SP-ISTP-I02-011221.pdf
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ISUP
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Integrated Services Digital Network user part
ISUP is a layer of the SS7 protocol; ISUP messages are connection-oriented
messages used to set up and tear down telephone calls; ISUP defines a
handshaking protocol that initiates the phone call, reserves a path for
the voice or data between the originating and destination devices, and
ultimately releases the call; note that despite the name of this part
of the SS7 stack, ISUP messages are not limited to ISDN calls.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
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J
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|
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J1
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The Japanese version of the T Carrier system of North America.
J1: 24 channels, 1.544 Mbps
J2: 96 channels, 6.312 Mbps
J3: 480 channels, 32.064 Mbps
J4: 1440 channels, 97.728 Mbps
J5: 5760 channels, 400.352 Mbps
Newton's Telecom Dictionary
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K
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kb
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Kilobit. One thousand bits.
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KB
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Kilobyte. One thousand bytes. A byte is composed of eight bits.
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L
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LAPD
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Link Access Protocol - Channel D
LAPD is a Layer2 protocol which is defined in CCITT Q.920/921. LAPD works
in the Asynchronous Balanced Mode (ABM). This mode is totally balanced
(i.e., no master/slave relationship).
Protocols.com
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M
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|
| M2PA |
MTP2 Peer-to-Peer Adaptation Layer
Like M2UA, M2PA is a sigtran protocol for transporting SS7 MTP Level 2
user part signaling messages (i.e. MTP Level 3) over IP using the Stream
Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). Unlike M2UA, M2PA is used to support
full MTP Level 3 message handling and network management between any two
SS7 nodes communicating over an IP network. IP signaling points function
as traditional SS7 nodes using the IP network instead of the SS7 network.
Each switched circuit or IP signaling point has an SS7 point code. The
M2PA protocol layer provides the same set of services as MTP Level 2 provides
to MTP Level 3.
Performance
Technologies Interworking Switched Circuit and Voice-over-IP Networks
Tutorial
|
| M2UA |
MTP2 User Adaptation Layer
M2UA is a protocol defined by the IETF sigtran Working Group for transporting
SS7 MTP Level 2 user (i.e. MTP Level 3) signaling messages over IP using
the Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). The M2UA protocol layer
provides the equivalent set of services to its users as MTP Level 2 provides
to MTP Level 3.
Performance
Technologies Interworking Switched Circuit and Voice-over-IP Networks
Tutorial
|
| M3UA |
MTP3-User Adaptation Layer
M3UA is a protocol for supporting the transport of any SS7 MTP3-User signaling
(e.g., ISUP and SCCP messages) over IP using the services of the Stream
Control Transmission Protocol. This protocol would be used between a Signaling
Gateway (SG) and a Media Gateway Controller (MGC) or IP-resident Database.
SS7
MTP3-User Adaptation IETF Internet Draft
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Mb
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Megabit. One million bits.
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MB
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Megabyte. One million bytes. A byte is composed of eight bits.
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MEGACO
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Media Gateway Control
MEGACO is an IP telephony protocol that is a combination of the MGCP and
IPDC protocols. It is simpler than H.323.
TechWeb
|
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Module
|
A module is a board that cannot operate standing alone. It must be connected
to another board.
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MGCP
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Media Gateway Controller Protocol
MGCP is a device control protocol, where a slave (gateway (MG)) is controlled
by a master (media gateway controller (MGC), call agent).
Columbia University - Dept of
Computer Science
|
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MTP
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Message Transfer Part
MTP is part of SS7 protocol stack. It is divided into three levels. See
below.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
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MTP-1
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MTP Level 1 is equivalent to the OSI Physical Layer. MTP Level 1 defines
the physical, electrical, and functional characteristics of the digital
signaling link. Physical interfaces defined include E-1 (2048 kb/s; 32
64 kb/s channels), DS-1 (1544 kb/s; 24 64kb/s channels), V.35 (64 kb/s),
DS-0 (64 kb/s), and DS-0A (56 kb/s).
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
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MTP-2
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MTP Level 2 ensures accurate end-to-end transmission of a message across
a signaling link. Level 2 implements flow control, message sequence validation,
and error checking. When an error occurs on a signaling link, the message
(or set of messages) is retransmitted. MTP Level 2 is equivalent to the
OSI Data Link Layer.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
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MTP-3
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MTP Level 3 provides message routing between signaling points in the
SS7 network. MTP Level 3 reroutes traffic away from failed links and signaling
points and controls traffic when congestion occurs. MTP Level 3 is equivalent
to the OSI Network Layer.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
P
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|
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PCI
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Peripheral Component Interconnect
A peripheral bus commonly used in PCs, Macintoshes and workstations. PCI
provides a high-speed data path between the CPU and peripheral devices
(video, disk, network, etc.).
PCI provides "plug and play" capability, automatically configuring the
PCI cards at startup.
PCI allows IRQs to be shared, which helps to solve the problem of limited
IRQs available on a PC.
PCI runs at 33MHz, supports 32- and 64-bit data paths and bus mastering.
PCI Version 2.1 calls for 66MHz, which doubles the throughput.
TechWeb
|
|
PCs
|
Personal Communications Services
PCs refers to wireless services that emerged after the US Government auctioned
commercial licenses in 1994 and 1995. This radio spectrum in the 1.8-2GHz
range is typically used for digital cellular transmission that competes
with analog and digital services in the 800Mhz and 900MHz bands.
TechWeb
|
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PMC
|
PCI Mezzanine Card
PMC is a PCI-based mezzanine card that is widely adapted to VMEbus, CompactPCI
and PCI cards. Small and compact (74mm x 149mm) and providing 32 or 64-bit
data paths, PMC cards enable a large variety of PCI products to be retrofitted
to other bus environments. PMC cards use 64-pin connectors.
TechWeb
|
S
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|
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SBus
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Originally a proprietary bus from Sun, the Sbus has been released into
the public domain. The IEEE standardized a 64-bit version in 1993.
TechWeb
|
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SCCP
|
Signaling Connection Control Part
SCCP provides connectionless and connection-oriented network services
above MTP Level 3.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
| SCP |
Service Control Point
A node in an SS7 telephone network that provides an interface to databases,
which may reside within the SCP computer or in other computers. The SCP
may also be combined with the SS7 node that routes messages, called a
"signal transfer point" (STP).
TechWeb
|
|
SCSI
|
Small Computer System Interface
Pronounced "scuzzy." SCSI is a hardware interface that allows for the
connection of up to seven or 15 peripheral devices to a single expansion
board that plugs into the computer called a "SCSI host adapter" or "SCSI
controller." SCSI peripherals are daisy chained together, and all devices
have a second port that is used to connect the next device in line. Single
SCSI boards are also available with two controllers and support up to
30 peripherals.
TechWeb
|
|
SCTP
|
Stream Control Transmission Protocol
SCTP is a reliable transport protocol operating on top of a connectionless
packet network such as IP.
IETF
|
|
SDP
|
Session Description Protocol
SDP is used by SIP to describe media capabilities of call participants
and to negotiate the common media set media for a call.
Columbia University - Dept of
Computer Science
|
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SDH
|
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy
SDH is the European version of SONET.
|
|
SGCP
|
Simple Gateway Control Protocol
SGCP is a protocol used with SGCI for controlling Voice over IP Gateways
from external call control elements.
http://www.argreenhouse.com/
|
|
SIP
|
Session Initiation Protocol
SIP is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence,
events notification and instant messaging.
Columbia University - Dept of
Computer Science
|
| SMPP |
Short Message Peer-to-peer Protocol
SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entities
such as Short Message Service Centres. It is often used to allow third
parties (e.g. content suppliers like news organisations) to submit messages,
often in bulk.
Wikipedia
|
| SMS |
Short Message Service
A text message service that enables short messages of generally no more
than 140-160 characters in length to be sent and transmitted from a cellphone.
SMS was introduced in the GSM system and later supported by all other
digital-based mobile communications systems. Unlike paging, but similar
to e-mail, short messages are stored and forwarded at SMS centers, which
means you can retrieve your messages later if you are not immediately
available to receive them. SMS messages travel to the cellphone over the
system's control channel, which is separate and apart from the voice channel.
TechWeb
|
|
SS7
|
Common Channel Signaling System No. 7
SS7 is a global standard for telecommunications defined by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Standardization Sector
(ITU-T). The standard defines the procedures and protocol by which network
elements in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information
over a digital signaling network to effect wireless (cellular) and wireline
call setup, routing and control.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
| SSP |
Service Switching Point
The local exchange node in an SS7 telephone network. The SSP can be part
of the voice switch or in a separate computer connected to it. The SSP
creates SS7 signaling messages that are sent to a "service control point"
(SCP) to query databases for subscriber service and routing information.
TechWeb
|
| STP |
Signal Transfer Point
A node in the SS7 telephone network that routes messages between exchanges
and between exchanges and databases that hold subscriber and routing information.
TechWeb
|
| SUA |
SCCP User Adaptation Layer
The SUA is a protocol for the transport of any SS7 SCCP user Signaling
(e.g. TCAP, RANAP or RNSAP messages) over IP Between two signaling endpoints.
SS7
SCCP-User Adaptation Layer (SUA)
Conformance Test plan (Internet Draft)
|
T
|
|
|
T1
|
A 1.544 Mbps point-to-point dedicated, digital circuit provided by the
telephone companies (North American). See E1 and J1 for European and Japanese
counterparts.
T1 (DS1): 24 channels, 1.544 Mbps
T2 (DS2): 96 channels, 6.312 Mbps
T3 (DS3): 672 channels, 44.736 Mbps
T4 (DS4): 4032 channels, 274.176 Mbps
Newton's Telecom Dictionary
|
|
TCAP
|
Transaction Capability Application Part
TCAP messages are used to support non circuit-related, connectionless
information exchange. Among other things, TCAP messages are used to send
queries to databases (such as toll-free [freephone] databases) and to
return the database response.
Performance Technologies' SS7 Tutorial
|
U
|
|
| USSD |
Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
USSD is a means of transmitting information or instructions over a GSM
network. USSD has some similarities with SMS since both use the GSM network's
signaling path. Unlike SMS, USSD is not a store and forward service and
is session-oriented such that when a user accesses a USSD service, a session
is established and the radio connection stays open until the user, application,
or time out releases it. This has more in common with Data than SMS. USSD
text messages can be up to 182 characters in length.
mobileUSSD.com
|
V
|
|
|
VME
|
Versa Module Eurocard bus
VME is a 32-bit bus developed by Motorola, Signetics, Mostek and Thomson
CSF. It is widely used in industrial, commercial and military applications
with over 300 manufacturers of VMEbus products worldwide. VME64 is an
expanded version that provides 64-bit data transfer and addressing.
TechWeb
|
W
|
|
| WAP |
Wireless Application Protocol
WAP is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless
devices to easily access and interact with information and services instantly.
W@P
Forum
|
X
|
|
|
X.25
|
X.25 is the CCITT's recommendation for the interface between a DTE and
DCE over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Generally, X.25 covers
layers 1 to 3 of the ISO communication model, but the term is used here
to refer specifically to packet layer 3. X.25 is carried within the Information
Field of LAPB frames.
Protocols.com
|
|
Wire speed
|
The bandwidth of a particular transmission or networking system. For
an example, the wire speed of 10BaseT Ethernet is 10 Mbps. When data is
said to run at wire speed or at "wire rate," it implies there is little
or no software overhead associated with the transmission and that the
data travels at the maximum speed of the hardware.
TechWeb
|
