SCHOOL M.I.S.
SOFTWARE >>>
SOFTWARE >>>
Jargon Buster
The du Pré Jargon Buster found the following for - BNos 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
|
Term
|
Explanation
|
|
| B | When shown as a suffix, indicates Broadband | |
| B Channel | see Bearer | |
| B End | A BT term. The address of the premises where, for example, a leased line or telephone call terminates, but which does not receive the bill. See A End | |
| BABT | British Approvals Board of Telecommunications | |
| Backbone | i) The underlying network structure, usually consisting of a fast protocol such as ATM, which supports another protocol such as Ethernet ii) The main part of a network’s topology. Typically, an optic fibre cable (backbone) from which the rest of the system is cabled and connected. Connection to / from the backbone is via bridges and / or routers, and the backbone acts as a communications trunk |
|
| Backbone Network | A term used in a general way to mean the transmission medium or channel that links lower speed distribution networks, clusters and systems together | |
| Backplane | i) A term for a motherboard. Usually associated with the CCU of a telephone system ii) In specific IT terms, the bus that traditionally resides at the back of a network hub chassis |
|
| Back-up Unit | The router which directs information from one communication channel to another if the first channel fails | |
| Balun | A transformer for leveling out impedance differences so that a signal generated onto a coaxial cable can transfer onto a twisted pair if necessary. However, the use of a Balun often results in some level of degradation | |
| Bandwidth | The range of frequencies available for signalling in a communications channel or link. The capacity is measured in Hertz and expressed as the difference between the highest and lowest limits of the usable frequency range. Often specified as bits per second. The greater the frequency, the greater the speed | |
| Baseband | A transmission technique whereby the digital input is applied directly to the transmission media, without the intervention of a modulating device. Works well where there is a wide bandwidth and the information only needs to travel a short distance, no further than a few hundred cable metres. Commonly used by LANs and by limited distance modems. Baseband is a more cost-effective solution to Broadband | |
| Bastion Host | A specific host that is used to intercept packets entering or leaving a network, and the system that any outsider must ordinarily connect with to access a system or service that is inside the network's firewall. Typically the bastion host must be highly secured because it is vulnerable to attack due to its placement. See Dual Homed Gateway. | |
| Battery back-up time | see - Autonomy | |
| Baud | One signalling element per second | |
| Bc | A Frame Relay term. Committed Burst Size (bits). The maximum amount of data the network agrees to transfer, under normal conditions, given the time interval (Tc) | |
| Be | A Frame Relay term. Excess Burst Size (bits). The maximum amount of uncommitted data in excess of Bc that a frame relay network can attempt to deliver during the time interval Tc. The probability of Be data arriving is lower than the probability of Bc data arriving. The network treats Be data as discard eligible | |
| Beaconing | An error condition on Token Ring networks that can result in the loss of a ring. Beaconing occurs when there has been an interface failure or a break in the network cabling. Just before the network fails, the malfunctioning station sends out an alarm signal called a 'beacon' | |
| Bearer | The 64Kbit/s ISDN channel available to the subscriber for voice or data communication during a telephone call - see Channel | |
| BECN | A Frame Relay term. Backward Explicit Congestion Notification. A bit set by a frame relay network in a frame relay address field to notify the CPE that congestion has been encountered by traffic sent from the transmitting device and that congestion reduction procedures should be instigated | |
| BERT | Bit Error Rate Test. For example, BT’s ISDN2e lines are tested at the NTE using BERT | |
| Binary | A digital language composed of the digits 1 and 0, signifying opposites, such as Yes and No, or On and Off | |
| BIOS | see Net Bios | |
| B-ISDN | Broadband ISDN as opposed to the narrowband ISDN offered by BRA and PRA | |
| Bit | A one or a zero. Eight bits equal one Byte in IT terms, or one Octet in telephony signalling terms. Either is sufficient for one character - see Digital Signal. The word comes from a contraction of the words Binary Digit | |
| Bit Error Rate | The percentage of received bits that cannot be interpreted properly on their first transmission. Usually expressed to the power of 10 | |
| Bit Rate | The rate at which bit information is transmitted on a telecommunication channel | |
| bit/s | Bits per second. Sometimes referred to as bps. Describes transmission speed, and can be expressed in a number of ways with many factors affecting how quickly data is taken from a disk, for example, and how great the error rate is | |
| BLF | Busy Lamp Field. Used with a telephone to display extensions and lines in use | |
| Block | A collection of transmitted data which is treated as a complete and separate identity, typically having its own address, control routing and error checking data. See Packet Switching | |
| Blocking | Where insufficient Speech Paths exist for the number of handsets or devices that could theoretically make and take calls, which would therefore result in the Network Engaged Tone. See Non-blocking | |
| Blue Book | Produced by Study Group 18 of the CCITT in 1988. Stated recommendations to which ISDN could conform, internationally. Still valid today, and the basis for all matters ISDN | |
| Bluetooth | A cellular radio term. A short range wireless technology that connects electronic devices, including cell phones, printers, digital cameras or palm top computers. Bluetooth is designed to exchange data at speeds up to 720kbit/s and at ranges up to 10 metres. Bluetooth, sometimes mis-spelled Blue Tooth, was named after the Danish king Harald Blåtand (Bluetooth) who unified Denmark and Norway | |
| BNC | Bayonet Locking Connector, used to join coaxial cables and to link network interface cards, transceivers and other network elements. Also, used for ISDN termination with DASS2 signalling | |
| BOM | A BT SMDS term. Beginning of Message of an SMDS sequencing header | |
| Booting | The process of loading a computer's memory with the information it needs to operate. Given Flash EEPROMs are common on networking equipment, the software is flash loaded across the network from the management station to the device | |
| BOOTP | Bootstrap Protocol. A protocol which allows a network user to be configured automatically (receive an IP address) and have an operating system booted or initiated without user involvement. The BOOTP server, managed by a network administrator, automatically assigns the IP address from a pool of addresses for a certain duration of time | |
| bps | Bits per second - see bit/s | |
| BRA | An ISDN term. Basic Rate Access - ISDN2 or ISDN2e | |
| Break in / Break out | If two or more telephone systems are linked with private wires, the ability to route a call from one system, via the private wire, in or out of another system, thereby saving PTO call charges | |
| Brewage | A JE of du Pré expression. A request made to a third party for refreshment, such as tea or coffee, for the requester, usually implying urgency, always implying the requestee makes it | |
| BRI | An ISDN term. Basic Rate interface - see BRA | |
| Bridge | A Bridge is used to connect one or more LANs, which often have dissimilar protocols, to form a large LAN. Operates at the Data Link Level, or Layer two of the OSI model. Often described as media access control level or MAC level bridges. Bridges can improve LAN performance and security by filtering network traffic. Local Bridges are used to connect LANs on one site, while Remote Bridges connect LANs over a WAN link, such as Kilostream or Megastream | |
| Broadband | i) A term applied to coaxial cable LAN systems which employ multiple radio frequency channels ii) The term used to describe the generation of high speed digital services beyond the ISDN's current 64Kbit/s per channel. See Broadand ISDN |
|
| Broadband ISDN | Refers to services which require higher speed channels than PRA ISDN. ATM is the first of the two layers of the Broadband ISDN model. Allows the use of STM as well as ATM on the same network | |
| Broadcast | When a user sends a message from one terminal which is received by all other people on the network | |
| Browser | The software used to look at the World Wide Web's Internet pages. A common browser is Microsoft’s Internet Explorer | |
| BS | British Standard. See British Standards Institute | |
| BS 6506 | Code of Practice issued by BSI for the installation of telephone systems, including the block wiring | |
| BS 6701 | Code of Practice issued by BSI for the installation of Apparatus | |
| BSI | British Standards Institute. The British arm of the ISO | |
| BT Bypass Number | A service offered by BT. In addition to a subscriber's main number, a separate number - a bypass number - can be given which will override any incoming call barring on the main line | |
| BT Call Alert | A service offered by BT on PSTN & ISDN. A bespoke call monitoring and notification service to provide subscribers with information on outbound calls which are exceptions to the subscriber’s pre-selected call profile parameters. Reports are sent normally the same or next day, and a helpline is available for subscribers to use to discuss specific alerts | |
| BT Call Barring | A service offered by BT. Applies to Single or multi-line installations. Allows the user to bar various levels of outgoing calls, and/or incoming calls. A bypass number is available which will override incoming call barring, if required. If using Call Forwarding as well, switch on Call Forwarding, first. Reverse charge calls cannot be barred | |
| BT Call Deflection | A BT Digital Select Service | |
| BT Call Diversion | The old BT term for BT Call Forward | |
| BT Call Forward | For single or multi-line installations. Forwards calls when unanswered after 15 seconds or when the user is engaged. Either, all to one number, or unanswered calls to one number with a different number if the user was engaged. The user pays for the forwarded leg of the call. A bypass number is available to allow selected callers to override the call forwarding and ring the user direct. Forwarding from a 4 line to a 3 line installation, for example, 3 simultaneous calls will be forwarded successfully, but the fourth will receive the engaged tone. Used to be called Call Diversion | |
| BT Call Management Information | A service offered by BT. Given BT’s unique exchange call tracking capability, their CMI reports can show the calls presented to a subscriber but which received the engaged tone, known as Busy Line Tracking. Other reports include geographical information of incoming and outgoing calls, call direction split, average daily patter of calls, answered and unanswered calls by number, and a breakdown of the most frequently dialled calls are all available. In summary, the reports should be used to improve operational efficiency, measure campaign response, and to justify expenditure on equipment upgrades, especially where Busy Line Tracking shows a lack of exchange lines. Each report covers up to 20 lines or channels per site. Note that these reports do not detail extensions or cost centres, only exchange line traffic. Since CMI requires capacity at the exchange, CMI cannot be guaranteed and availability requires verification. ISDN2e lines cannot be monitored although this anomaly is being rectified in the near future Ordering is via a Call Management Information Form, and the first reports should be received 42 days after its receipt by BT. The client will be billed direct by BT | |
| BT Call Minder | A service offered by BT for use on their PSTN lines. A subscriber's 'invisible' digital answering machine within the local BT exchange. Records up to three calls simultaneously, even if you’re on the phone. Retrieval of messages, where the most recent message will be heard first, is from any telephone. Stores up to 30 messages with a maximum of 15 minutes total capacity and when full, advises the caller to call back later. You can record your announcement using any phone. Note that Call Return does not store numbers if the call is answered by Call Minder | |
| BT Call Redirect | A service offered by BT. A service provided at the subscriber’s local exchange which automatically informs incoming callers of a change to the telephone number. This facility is always provided if the destination number exceeds 18 digits. Although chargeable, the service is free for one year where subscribers convert their existing PSTN or ISDN2 lines to Business Highway or ISDN2e and are not able to keep their existing telephone number. This offer does not apply to Home Highway or PSTN second lines. Caller Redirect is also available on ceased DDI numbers. However, it is vital that the first DDI number of the range to be redirected is always the first number of the ceased DDI range. In addition, the redirected range must be in blocks of 10. The announcement will be same for all DDI numbers dialled. Note that individual blocks of DDI numbers will not be redirected to different numbers. |
|
| BT Call Return | A service offered by BT for use on their PSTN lines. ‘Know who called you last’. Whether you have answered the call or not, dialling 1471 tells you the number of the last caller together with the time and date of the call. By dialling 3, the call will be automatically returned. Numbers will not be stored for calls made from a BT Charge card; another PTO's network that does not allow Call Return (including most international calls); some payphones; some switchboards; if the caller withholds their number by first dialling 141; or if the call was answered by Call Minder. Note there are charges made for dialling 5, as well as the returned call | |
| BT Call Waiting | A BT Select Service. ‘Know someone else is calling you whilst you’re already on the phone’. The subscriber hears a beep whilst the caller is greeted with a message stating the subscriber knows someone is calling and please to hang on. The subscriber is able to ignore the beep; place the first caller on hold and answer the second; terminate the first caller and answer the second; shuttle between the two callers; or invite both into a three-way conference call. If the subscriber does not take the waiting call within 30 seconds, the caller is asked to try later. The caller only begins paying when the subscriber has answered. Not to be switched on when using a fax or modem. Does not work if you are using Call Forward either for all calls or when busy or when making a 3 way call. If using Call Minder 2, you must use Call Waiting to answer a call when you are already on the phone otherwise the call will be rejected. If you decide not to answer the tones, Call Return will advise the caller’s number | |
| BT Caller Display | A service offered by BT where an incoming caller's CLI is available to be displayed | |
| BT Connect | A BT product. An integrated Internet dial or LAN access, web hosting and web content service, targeted specifically at the UK SME marketplace | |
| BT Digital Select Services | The generic term given to the collection of features provided on ISDN by BT. Used to be know as Supplementary Services until renamed on 1st September 1999 | |
| BT Highway | BT Highway enables a PSTN line to be combined with an ISDN2e line to give the benefits of both, allowing two simultaneous calls to be made of either voice, or data up to 128Kbit/s. Designed to be used with plug-in CPE only, BT Highway is not for use with telephone systems. Depending on the local exchange capability, at least 75% of subscribers will be able to keep their existing PSTN number. Two extra numbers will be provided; one additional PSTN number which may, for example, be an existing fax number, as well as another to cover both ISDN channels. BT Business Highway attracts all the normal Business call discounts. BT Home Highway only attracts normal domestic call discounts. BT Select Services for PSTN continue to be supported, and existing PSTN wiring will continue to work. However, ISDN DDI and Line Hunting is not supported, neither is 'System Access‘ required for most ISDN telephone systems. Subscribers requiring any of these facilities should instal a dedicated ISDN2e line The vast majority of existing PSTN CPE is still able to be used PSTN lines that support BT Red Care should not be used with BT Highway Connection is usually by the conversion of an existing PSTN line. A new Highway NTE (an NTE9), which requires mains power, is cabled up to a maximum of 25 metres from the existing PSTN NTE (an NTE5). A ‘Power’ LED lights when mains is connected, and a ‘Service’ LED indicates that the twin-line capability is operational allowing the second PSTN service with its new and / or transferred number(s). The second number has all the attributes of a standard line, but note that in case of mains failure, only the first PSTN line continues to operate. When both lines within BT Highway are busy with ISDN calls, Call Minder, Call Diversion (on busy) and Ring Back will not function properly. Callers will hear a bust tone rather than being able to leave a message or be transferred to another number. |
|
| BT Red Care | Facility offered by BT for the continuous monitoring of an alarm system by using a PSTN exchange line. The line does not have to be dedicated, and can also be used for voice, but not data transmission. CLIP cannot be used. Must not be used with BT Highway | |
| BT Remote Call Forwarding | A service offered by BT. Automatically forwards an incoming call to a different number, with no message. Note that the see subscriber pays for the forwarded leg of the call, not the caller | |
| BT Ring Back | A service offered by BT for use on their PSTN lines. Having dialled only to hear the engaged tone, dial 5. Automatically, the number will be re-dialled for 45 minutes, ringing you upon connection. It costs each time you activate the service, whether the call is successful or not. Available for all calls except those to outside the UK; numbers on networks that do not support Ring Back; some switchboards; ISDN numbers; some analogue exchanges. Ring Back cannot be set up if the person you have called is using Call Forward to a busy number. Call Waiting takes precedence over Ring Back. Not recommended on lines with a private payphone; call 152 (BT Business) 150 (BT Domestic) for removal of this service | |
| BT Select Services | Select Services is BT's name for the features available on PSTN lines only, must not be confused with BT Digital Select Services used on the ISDN BT Select Services are connected free of charge, and although some are free to use, others incur rental and activation charges. The use of DTMF dialling is sometimes required BT UXD5 local exchanges are restricted in their ability to support Select Services. A quick check can be made by the client dialling 1471. If the announcement states ‘Sorry, the service you have tried is not available on your exchange’, Select Services are probably not available, and BT needs to confirm the situation BT Select Servces include, Call Waiting; Call Barring; Caller Display; Call Diversion; Bypass Number |
|
| BT Star Services | From BT. Replaced by BT Select Services. Offers various features on PSTN exchange lines | |
| BTNR | A BTNR is a BT Specific Standard - BT Network Requirement | |
| BTNR 190 | The standard for BT’s DASS2 signalling system | |
| BTNR 191 | The standard for BT’s ‘Modified I.420’ for ISDN2 signalling | |
| Buffer | A buffer can be a software program, a storage facility or a box, whose function is to compensate for differing speeds of data transmission on a network. Whatever its guise, a buffer is there to make sure data always has somewhere to go, even if it has to be held up for a while in the buffer until it can be transmitted to its intended destination | |
| Buffer Overflow Attack | A Buffer Overflow Attack works by exploiting a known bug in one of the applications running on a server. It then causes the application to overlay system areas, such as the system stack, thus gaining administrative rights. In most cases, this gives a hacker complete control over the system. Also referred to as stack overflow. | |
| Bus | i) The route along which data travels around a computer, or between the computer and other peripherals. The wider the bus, the faster and more efficiently information can travel ii) A network layout, where all the components are joined in line iii) A series of expansion slots on a PC where the network adaptor card and other expansion cards are inserted iv) A BT term. Business |
|
| Bus Network | A LAN where all the workstations are connected to a single cable. This means all the workstations hear all the transmissions but are able to identify the data intended for them and ignore the rest | |
| Busmaster | PS/2 LAN adaptor cards providing co-processor support for machines acting as LAN servers. The Busmaster takes over the MCA or EISA bus and offloads processing work | |
| Busy Hour | The 60 minute period in a given 24 period during which the maximum traffic load occurs. | |
| BusyLink | A BT term. Associted with BT's Advanced Features. Maximises the likelihood of every call being answered More completed calls means more business opportunities. More completed calls means more satisfied customers. Enables a company's resources to be varied to meet changing calling patterns. Changes can be implemented within a few minutes | |
| Bypass Number | BT Bypass Number | |
| Byte | A group of eight binary bits, used to encode an alphanumeric character (see ASCII) or measure computer capacity |