Glossary of Telecom Terms

10BaseT
An Ethernet LAN that works on twisted-pair wiring that is similar to telephone cable.

2-2-wire
Two-wire loops support loop-start, ground-start, loop reverse-battery or customer-provided inband signaling. 2-wire Digital loops are a Verizon Wholesale Unbundled Loop service and provide a digital 2-wire enhanced channel.

4-wire
Four-wire loops support duplex signaling in addition to all of the same capabilities as 2-wire loops. 4-wire Digital loops are a Verizon Wholesale Unbundled Loop service and provide a digital 4-wire enhanced channel.

56 Kbps
The fastest modem speed supported by a dial up modem.

64 Kbps
The standard speed for a DDS private line digital service.

800 Database Access Service
A Verizon Wholesale service offering that identifies and routes toll free 800-type long distance calls originating from end users to the appropriate 800 service provider.

800 Number Portability
Allows an end user to retain a given 800 telephone number when changing to another long distance carrier.

800 Service
Also known as 'WATS' service (Wide Area Telecommunications Service), uses 800 or 888 as prefix and provides toll free service to the user dialing the number.

911 Service
A universal telephone number that gives the public direct access to the Public Safety Answering Point for emergency calls. Basic 911 service collects 9-1-1 calls from one or more local exchange switches that serve a geographic area, and sends each call to the appropriate designated authority. Also known as E-911 service.

Back to top

Access Code
A short sequence of digits assigned by RGTS to an individual customer to provide access to a specific service, feature or function of a telecommunications network or computer system.

Account Executive (A/E)
Primary point of contact for RGTS clients.

Adjustment
A correction (often in the form of a credit) made to a clients account when billing errors have been properly documented.

Analog Transmission
The traditional telephone technology (for voice transmission) in which sound waves (or other data) are converted into electrical impulses of varying strength or amplitude.

Area Code
Also known as a Numbering Plan Area (NPA). A three-digit code that identifies the local calling area.

Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
The number transmitted through the network that identifies the calling party. Technically, a Common Channel Inter-office Signaling (CCIS) parameter that refers to the number transmitted on an out-of-band basis through the SS7 signaling network identifying the calling party's telephone number. Also known as Calling Party Number (CPN).

AVAYA
Manufacturer of Telecommunications equipment used by RGTS to deliver quality services.

Back to top

Bandwidth
The common measure of transmission capacity. For analog transmission, it is measured in cycles per second; for digital transmission, it is measured in bits per second.

Basic Service
A RGTS service limited to local switching and transmission.

Battery Backup
Provides redundant power when a commercial power failure is experienced. RGTS provides backup battery power in 30min 2hr, 4hr and 8hr hour increments.

Baud
A measure of the speed of transmission of data; the number of elements transmitted per second.

Beta Test
The stage at which a new RGTS product is tested under actual usage conditions.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Protocol for communications between a router in one autonomous system and routers in another.

Bill Certification
The process by which RGTS reviews the first bill with the client.

Billing Telephone Number (BTN)
The ten-digit number, including the area code, to which charges for a given telephone service are billed.

Bit
The smallest unit of information in the binary system of notation.

Bit Rate
The speed at which digital signals are transmitted, usually expressed in bits per second (bps).

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Protocol for communications between a router in one autonomous system and routers in another.

Broadband
A data-transmission scheme in which multiple signals share the bandwidth of a medium such as fiber-optic cable. This allows the transmission of voice, data and video signals over a single medium; for example, cable television uses broadband to deliver dozens of channel signals over a single cable.

Back to top

Central Office (CO)
Verizon building where RGTS lines are joined to switching equipment that connects other end users to each other, both locally and via long distance carriers.

Coaxial Cable
A transmission line in which one conductor is a wire at the center of the cable; the other conductor surrounds the center wire with a layer of insulating material between them. Coaxial cable can transmit greater bandwidth than twisted pair (TP) wires.

Cross Connection
A connection at the main distribution frame or other frame or panel between the RGTS equipment and equipment or facilities owned by a carrier.

Cutover
Physical changing of hardware/software configuration, usually at the time of a new service/solution installation.

Back to top

D Channel
The D channel is a packet-switched channel that carries signaling and control for B channels. In Basic Rate ISDN (BRI) applications, it can also support customer packet data traffic at speeds up to 9.6 kilobits per second.

Data Service Unit or Digital Service Unit (DSU)
Device that connects data terminal equipment (such as a personal computer or a LAN) to a digital telephone line to allow fully digital communications; in effect, the digital equivalent of a modem.

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)
Refers to devices such as personal computers or data terminals.

Decibel (dB)
The logarithmic unit of signal power ratio most commonly used in telephony. It is used to express the relationship between two signal powers, usually between two acoustic, electric, or optical signals.

Dedicated Line
1. A communications circuit or channel provided for the exclusive use of a particular subscriber. Dedicated lines are used for computers when large amounts of data need to be moved between points. Also known as a private line.
2. A transmission circuit installed between two sites of a private network; it is "open," or available, at all times.

Dial Up
A type of communication that is established by a switched-circuit connection using the telephone network.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A generic name for a group of enhanced speed digital services provided by RGTS. DSL services run on twisted-pair wires; they carry both voice and data.

Direct Current (DC)
The uni-directional flow or movement of electric charge carriers (which are usually electrons) through a conducting material such as a metal wire.

Disaster Recovery
The pre-defined use of alternative network, services or circuits to re-establish communications channels in the event that primary channels are disconnected or malfunctioning.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF)
A type of switched access line address signaling that uses two tones transmitted simultaneously to indicate a digit (0 to 9) or character (* or #).

Back to top

E-911 Service
An emergency call service that routes 911 calls to a Public Safety Answering Point.

Electronic Commerce
A set of services which enable the secure exchange of electronic funds via the internet. Generally, E-Commerce is referred to in relation to websites that promote products and services for immediate sale.

Email (or E-Mail)
An abbreviation for electronic mail, which is a network service that allows users to send and receive messages via computer. The Internet and common message protocols makes it possible to send and receive email messages worldwide.

End User
Any client of RGTS that is not a carrier.

Erlang Forecast
An engineering formula that RGTS uses for forecasting capacity for on it’s network.

Ethernet
A 100-Mbps technology based on the 10BASE-T Ethernet CSMA/CD network access method to accommodate the operation of local area networks (LANs).

Exchange
A unit generally smaller than a LATA, established by the local exchange carrier (LEC) for the administration of communications service in a specified area (usually a city, town, or village and its environs). An exchange consists of one or more central offices together with the associated facilities used to provide communications services within that area. One or more designated exchanges comprise a given LATA.

Exchange Access
As defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the offering of access to telephone exchange services or facilities for the purposes of the origination or termination of telephone toll service.

Exchange Access Signaling
The signaling system that is used by equal access end offices, to transmit originating information and address digits to the customer's premises, and verify receipt of these address digits. Features of this system include overlap outpulsing, identification of the type of call, identification of the ten-digit telephone number of the calling party, and acknowledgment with supervisory signals.

Exchange Service
All basic access line services, or any other services offered to end users which provide end users with a telephonic connection to, and a unique telephone number address on, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and which enable such end users to place or receive calls to all other stations on the PSTN.

Extended Superframe (ESF)
A type of DS1 framing format that uses a framing bit of twenty-four consecutive frames to provide a 2 kilobits per second framing pattern sequence, a 4 kilobits per second data link, and a 2 kilobits per second cyclic redundancy check channel.

Back to top

Facilities
Cables, poles, conduit, microwave, or carrier equipment, central office distributing frames, central office switching equipment, computers (both hardware and software), business machines, etc., used by a service provider to provide telecommunications services.

Facilities-Based Carriers
A Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) like RGTS that own their own facility.

Fast Ethernet
A 100-Mbps technology based on the 10BASE-T Ethernet CSMA/CDNetwork access method for operating local area networks (LAN).

Fast Packet Switchingg
A generic term for improved packet-switching technologies such as frame relay and cell relay. Fast-packet techniques feature less functionality than traditional X.25 packet-switching; however, they provide higher speeds and lower processing costs.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
A federal government agency authorized by the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate interstate and international telecommunications originating in the United States. The FCC plays a role in implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Federal Communications Commission
A U. S. federal government agency authorized by the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate interstate and international telecommunications originating in the United States; instrumental in implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Fiber Optics
Communications technology that uses thin filaments of glass or other transparent materials. Fiber optic technology offers extremely high transmission speeds, allowing for data-intensive services such as video on demand.

Field Service Technician / Engineer
The RGTS employee responsible for installation, repair and maintenance of the RGTS services and network.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A file sharing protocol used as follows:
1. In LAN technology for user authentication, file transfer, list directories of the foreign host, etc.
2. As an Internet tool for accessing file archives from around the world that are linked to the Internet.

Firm Order Confirmation (FOC) Notice
The notice issued in response to a firm order Access Service Request (ASR). An FOC signifies the carriers good faith effort to provide the access service ordered.

Foreign Exchange (FX) Service
Provides telephone service from a central office that is "foreign" to the local calling area. Typically used when a telephone presence is required in a location where no personnel are located.

Frame
A logical grouping of information sent as a link-layer unit over a transmission medium. The terms, packet, datagram, segment and message are also used to describe logical information groupings at various layers of the OSI Reference Model, and in various technology circles.

Frame Relay
High-performance interface or packet-switched networks. Considered more efficient than X.25 (which it is expected to replace). Frame relay technology can handle "bursty" communications that have rapidly changing bandwidth requirements.

Back to top

Gateway
The entrance and exit to a communications network or system; a device or set of functions that facilitate electronic access by users to remote services or systems and vice versa. In data networks, gateways are typically a network node that connects otherwise incompatible networks. Gateways are commonly used to connect computers on one network, say a token-ring network, with those on a long-distance network. A gateway may be used to interface between two incompatible electronic mail systems or for transferring files from one system to another.

Ground-Start (GS) Signaling
A type of switched access line supervisory signaling in which the network provides a battery source. To initiate a call, CPE equipment provides a ground on the ring lead. The ring ground causes DC current to flow, which the local switching system will interpret as a signal to provide dial tone.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Computer interface that lets users access programs and enter data by using a mouse; considered to be user-friendly.

Back to top

High-Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL)
A transmission technology that transmits over two twisted cable pairs up to a DS1-level signal, using any one of the following line codes: Binary / 1 Quaternary (2B1Q) Carrierless AM/PM, Discrete Multitone ("DMT"), or Binary / 1 Octel ("3BO").

High-Capacity Link
A two-point digital channel, which provides for simultaneous two-way transmission of serial, bipolar, return-to-zero, isochronous digital signals at a transmission speed of 1.544 megabits per second.

High Capacity Switched Access Transport
Dedicated transport service that sends large volumes of voice and/or data at 1.544 Megabits per second or higher. Also known as High Capacity Service.

Hot Cut
Near-simultaneous disconnection of a clients service from their old provider to their new service with RGTS without any significant out-of-service period.

Hub
The point on a network where several circuits are connected; also, a network switching node.

Back to top

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC)
In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 with respect to an area, the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier is defined as the Local Exchange Carrier that, on the date of enactment of the Act, provided telephone exchange service in that area; for example, Verizon.

Independent Telephone Company
A Local Exchange Carrier other than a Regional Bell Operating Company.

Inside Wiring
Telephone wiring on the clients side of the rate demarcation point, the point located on the subscriber's side of the telephone company's protector or other device serving the same purpose.

Integrated Digital Loop Carrier
A subscriber loop carrier system that integrates within the switch, generally at a DS1, level, twenty-four local link (loop) voice-grade equivalent transmission paths combined into a 1.544 megabits per second digital signal.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
A widely available high bandwidth switched network service providing end-to-end digital connectivity over standard phone lines for simultaneous transmission of voice and data. There are two levels of service:

Basic Rate Interface-ISDN (BRI-ISDN) – provides for digital transmission of two 64 kbps bearer channels and one 16 kbps data and signaling channel (2B+D).

Primary Rate Interface-ISDN (PRI-ISDN) – provides for digital transmission of twenty three (23) 64 kbps bearer channels and one (1) 64 kbps data and signaling channel (23 B+D).  

Integrated Services Digital Network User Part
The part of SS7 that comprises the signaling functions necessary to provide voice and non-voice services in ISDN and pre-ISDN architectures.

Intelligent Network
A telecommunications network offering enhanced facilities such as freephone, premium rate information services, call distribution services (for example, according to the geographical origin of the call), alternate call billing (sometimes provided through the use of personal calling cards), and virtual private network services. The intelligence to support these facilities is provided through specialized network nodes and telecommunications switches.

Interconnection
As described in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 Interconnection refers to the connection of separate pieces of equipment or transmission facilities within, between or among networks. For example, Interconnection includes Collocation arrangements, entrance facilities, Mid-Span Fiber Meet arrangements, etc.

Interconnection Point
The physical point on the network where two parties interconnect. The interconnection point is the demarcation point between ownership of the transmission facility and the outside network.

Interexchange Carrier or Interexchange Common Carrier
A telecommunications service provider authorized by the FCC to provide interstate long distance communications services between LATAs, and authorized by the State to provide long distance communications services. An Interexchange Carrier provides, directly or indirectly, interLATA or intraLATA telephone toll services. May be an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, governmental entity or corporation engaged for hire in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio, between two or more exchanges. An Interexchange Carrier may be a customer of Verizon.

Interface
A connection between two systems or devices. In routing terminology, a network connection; also, the boundary between adjacent layers of the OSI reference model. In telephony, a shared boundary defined by common physical interconnection characteristics, signal characteristics and meanings of interchanged signals.

Interference
Unwanted electrical signals or noise causing degradation of reception on a communications circuit.

InterLATA Service
As defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, telecommunications between a point located in a Local Access and Transport Area (LATA) and a point located outside such area.

International Direct Distance Dialing
Automatic international long distance dialing capability.

Internet
An international network of networks, originally started for military purposes, that connects millions of users instantaneously through commonly-used protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, Gopher, etc. The widely-used World Wide Web is available through the Internet.

Internet Access
The connection which allows you to get on the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), of your choice. The type of connection you choose is based on a number of different factors, including cost and the communications system you have.

Internet Address
Also called an IP (Internet Protocol) address; a 32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP .The address is written as four octets separated with periods (dotted decimal format) that are made up of a network section, an optional subnet section and a host section.

Internet Protocol
Part of the TCP/IP family of protocols that tracks the outgoing address of nodes, routes outgoing messages and recognizes incoming messages.

Internet Service Provider
RGTS provides direct access to the Internet, and services such as email. The user accesses the RGTS by dialing up through a personal computer and modem, or through a dedicated line. Also known as an Internet Access Provider (IAP).

Interoperability
The ability to operate software and exchange information in a large network made up of different kinds of LANs.

Interstate Telecommunications
Telecommunications that originate and terminate in different states, subject to oversight by the FCC and state regulatory commissions.

IntraLATA Service
According to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Telecommunications services that originate and end within one Local Access and Transport Area (LATA).

Intrastate Communications
Telecommunications that originate and terminate in the same state, subject to oversight by a state regulatory commission as provided by the laws of the state involved.

Intrastate IntraLATA
Services between two points within the same LATA that are not used in connection with InterLATA channels.

Invoice Billing
A RGTS Billing Service that provides clients with a consolidated bill.

IP Address
Internet Protocol address; a 32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separated with periods (dotted decimal format) that are made up of a network section, an optional subnet section and a host section. Also known as an Internet Address.

IP Port
A service element in the Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN) tariff: a physical port on a router.

IP VPN
A RGTS connectionless packet-based IP routing service that provides private connectivity between client’s locations.

Back to top

Java
A computer language developed by Sun Microsystems that allows the creation of "applets" (small applications) or "live objects" (interactive web -based events).

JavaScript
A scripting language, developed by Netscape Communications, specifically designed to work on the World Wide Web, to add multimedia elements and interaction to web pages. It is not a computer language in itself; and is only remotely related to Java.

Back to top

Kilobit (K)
A measure, representing 1,000 bits, generally used to express the speed per second of telecommunications services and equipment. A bit is the smallest unit used to express digital information.

Kilobits per second (Kbps or Kbs)
A measurement for data transmission. One kilobit per second is one thousand bits per second.

Kilohertz (Khz)
Equals 1,000 hertz (1,000 cycles per second).

Back to top

LAN Extension Service
An Ethernet Service offered through Verizon Wholesale that provides bandwidth at increments of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps and 1Gbps without incurring major capital costs and with minimal ongoing operating expenses.

Landline
A telephone circuit that travels over land-based circuits (as opposed to wireless).

LATA Access
The origination or termination of interLATA telecommunications for an Interexchange Carrier; this includes provision of network control signaling, answer supervision, automatic calling number identification, carrier access codes, directory services, testing and maintenance of facilities and the provision of information necessary to bill end user customers.

Leakage
The resistance between the conductors of an insulated metallic pair or the resistance between each conductor of an insulated metallic pair and ground.

Letter of Authorization
A document that indicates RGTS is acting as an end user's agent. This Authorization will be kept on file with RGTS.

Lifeline
Lifeline and Link Up are two programs sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provide telecommunications service discounts to low income households. Lifeline provides a discount off the monthly rate for a single telephone line.

Link
Physical connection between two nodes in a network; can consist of a data communication circuit or a direct channel (cable) connection. For example, Digital high capacity links conditioned for 1.544 megabits per second are called 1.5Mbps Links, when terminated on the POT bay at the CLEC's Collocation presence in the local exchange carrier's central office where the end user is served.

Local Area Network (LAN)
A short-distance data communications network. LANs are typically within a building or campus, and to link together computers and peripherals under a standard protocol. The network provides high-bandwidth communications over coaxial cable, twisted-pair, fiber, or microwave media. LANs are usually owned by the user.

Local Calling Area
A geographical area, as defined in the local exchange carrier's Local and/or General Exchange Service tariff, in which an end user (Telephone Exchange Service subscriber) may complete a call without incurring toll charges.

Local Exchange
A local exchange is the local central office of a LEC Lines from businesses terminate at a local exchange. Local exchanges connect to other local exchanges within a LATA or to Interexchange Carriers also known as long-distance carriers.

Local Exchange Carrier
As defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a company certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide local exchange telecommunications service. A LEC can be either a Bell Operating Company or an independent company.

Local Exchange Routing Guide
A document issued by Telcordia (formerly Bellcore), that is used to identify NPA-NXX routing and homing information, as well as network element and equipment designation. It contains a listing of local routing data such as destination codes, switching entities, rate centers and locality information by LATA. The LERG is an essential tool for network planning.

Local Exchange Service
A telecommunications service that connects a subscriber to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Local Loop
The part of a communications circuit between the subscriber's equipment and the equipment in the local exchange. More formally, a transmission path that extends from the vertical side of a main distribution frame, DSX-panel, or functionally comparable piece of equipment in the subscriber's serving end office to the rate demarcation point (or Network Interface Device) in or at an end user's premises. Also known as the subscriber loop, local line and access line.

Local Number Portability
The process by which an end user can retain the same telephone number regardless of which local service provider he/she chooses. The ability for phone numbers to be moved between local service providers is accomplished by shared access to a numbering database. Also known as Location Portability.

Local Service Area
The geographic calling area in which a local end user does not incur toll charges.

Local Service Provider (LSP)
RGTS provides our clients with the ability to place and receive local telephone calls. RGTS also serves as a conduit for the end user to place and receive long distance calls.

Long Distance
Telephone service to a destination outside the local service area of the calling station, whether inter-LATA or intra-LATA, and for which there is a charge beyond that for basic service.

Loopback
A diagnostic test in which a signal is transmitted across a medium while the sending device waits for its return.

Loop-Start Signaling (LS)
A type of switched access line signaling in which the network provides a battery source. To initiate a call, customer premise equipment will provide a loop closure that causes DC loop current to flow, which is detected by the network.

Back to top

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
The primary point at which outside plant facilities terminate within a wire center for interconnection to other telecommunications facilities within the wire center. Also known as Central Office Distribution Frame.

Maintenance Limit
The maximum margin, value, or deviation associated with normal in-service performance.

Mapping
In network operations, the logical association of one set of values, such as addresses on one network, with quantities or values of another set, such as devices on a second network; for example, name-address mapping, internetwork-route mapping.

Maximum Burst Size (MBS)
ATM network performance parameter that defines the duration of transmission at a peak rate that would be accepted on a given ATM virtual circuit.

Megabits (Mb)
A measure, representing 1,000,000 bits, generally used to express the speed per second of telecommunications services and equipment. See Kilobit A bit is the smallest unit used to express digital information.

Megabits per second (Mbps)
A measurement of data transmission. One megabit per second equals one million bits per second.

Megabytes
A measure, representing 1,000,000 bytes generally used to express the storage capacity of digital A components. A byte represents a single character, or group of eight bits.

Microwave Band
The band of frequencies, 1,000 megahertz or greater, that uses very short waves. These bands are used primarily for point-to-point communications.

Modem
Contradiction of modulator-demodulator. A device that converts signals transmitted over communication facilities; for example, converts analog voice signals to digital signals.

Multiplexing
The process of combining a number of individual channels into a common frequency band or into a common bit stream for transmission.

Back to top

Open Network Architecture (ONA)
The overall design of a carrier's basic network facilities and services to permit all users of the basic network, including enhanced service providers, to interconnect to basic network functions on an unbundled and "equal access" basis.

Operations Support System (OSS)
Refers to RGTS systems that provide operational services such as workforce management, trouble processing, dispatch, customer line records, testing, etc.

Operator Assistance
A Verizon service providing end users with dialing assistance or help completing a call.

Optical Carrier Level
A SONET term. A range of bandwidths as specified in a Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore) document and associated ANSI standards. For example: Optical Carrier Level 1 (OC-1) – The optical signal that results from an STS-1 signal conversion. Optical Carrier level 3 (OC-3) – An optical carrier with three 51.84M bps multiplexed OC-1 circuit streams on an underlying SONET/SDH circuit. Optical Carrier Level 3-c (OC-3c) – An OC-3 circuit with the three OC-1 lines concatenated into a 155.52M bps circuit; used in ATM transmission.

OSI Reference Model
Seven-layer network architecture model of data communication protocols developed by ISO and CCITT. Each layer specifies particular network functions such as addressing, flow control, error control, encapsulation, and reliable message transfer.

Out-of-Band Signaling
An exchange access signaling feature which allows customers to exchange call control and signaling information over a communication path that is separate from the message path.

Back to top

Packet Switched
A form of data transmission in which data is broken into small packets that are transmitted independently and reassembled at the destination. This is in contrast with circuit-switching, traditionally used for voice telephony, in which the transmission occurs over a dedicated circuit.

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)
The basic single line switched access service offered by local exchange carriers to residential and business end users, using loop-start signaling.

Point of Interface or Point of Interconnection (POI)
Demarcation point between the local exchange carrier and a wireless service provider, which establishes the points for testing and the technical interface. It also establishes where each carrier has responsibility.

Point of Interconnection or Point of Interface (POI)
Demarcation point between the local exchange carrier and a wireless service provider, which establishes the points for testing and the technical interface. It also establishes where each carrier has responsibility.

Point of Presence (POP)
The physical place within a LATA where a long distance carrier or a cellular provider interfaces with the network of the local exhange carrier.

Point of Termination (POT)
The point of demarcation at which Verizon's responsibility for the provision of service ends. 

Ported In
A telephone number is considered to be ported in when service provider A provides service in their switch with a telephone number assigned to service provider B's switch using local routing number (LRN) technology.

Ported Out
A telephone number is considered to be ported out when a number assigned to service provider A is moved from service provider A's switch to service provider B's switch, using local routing number (LRN) technology.

Primary Interexchange Carrier (PIC)
The long distance company to which traffic is automatically routed when an end user dials 1+ a telephone number.

Primary Rate ISDN (PRI)
PRI is a 4-wire 1.544 megabits per second (DS1) local switching system port that uses the B8ZS line code and the ESF framing format. PRI is available in a twenty-three B channel plus one D channel (23B + D) configuration or a twenty-four B channel (24B) configuration.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)
A private telephone switching system commonly located on the end user premises with an attendant console. The PBX is connected to a common group of lines from one or more central offices to provide service to a number of individual phones.

Private Line
A communications service between specific locations that involves dedicated circuits, private switching arrangements, and/or predefined transmission paths, whether virtual or physical.

Provisioning
The activities required for a telephone company to supply telecommunications service or unbundled network elements.

Public Service Commission (PSC)
State regulatory agencies for utilities (including telecommunications); various state agencies have names such as Public Service Commission, Public Utility Commission, Board of Public Utilities, Public Service Board, Dept. of Telecommunications and Energy.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
1.The worldwide voice telephone network.
2. Any common carrier network that provides circuit switching among public users.

Back to top

Query Indicator
An indication to subsequent nodes in the call path that a Local Number Portability (LNP) query has been performed. The industry has allotted the M bit within the Forward Call Indicator (FCI) for this purpose.

Back to top

Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC)
The acronym for the local telephone companies created by the Modified Final Judgment in 1984 as part of the break-up of AT&T. The original seven RBOCs were Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, Bell South, Nynex, Pacific Telesis Group, Southwestern Bell, and US West.

Remote Terminal (RT)
A terminal connected to another terminal over a phone line.

Router
An intelligent device near the edge of the network that forms data packets and selects the most expedient route for data to travel.

Routing Point
A location that a local exchange carrier has designated on its own network as the homing (routing) point for inbound traffic to one or more of its NPA-NXX codes. The Routing Point is also used to calculate mileage measurements for the distance-sensitive transport element charges of Switched Access Services.

Back to top

SecurID
A network security system that includes a SecurID card and associated User ID and Password which allows CLECs and Resellers access to Verizon through its firewall.

Server
A networked computer that stores information and makes it available upon request to client programs that may be located on other computers. "Client-server" computing is the basis of virtually all local area networks and the World Wide Web.

Service Access Code (SAC)
A Service Access Code is also known as a Numbering Plan Area (NPA). There are two general categories of NPAs:

• Geographic NPA – Associated with a defined geographic area; all telephone numbers bearing such an NPA are associated with services provided within that geographic area.

• Non-Geographic NPA – Associated with a specialized telecommunications service, which may be provided across multiple geographic NPA areas; for example 800, 900, 700, 500 and 888. Also known as an area code.

Service Control Point (SCP)
The node in the common channel signaling network to which informational requests for service handling, such as routing, are directed and processed. The SCP is a real time database system that, based on a query from a service switching point (SSP) and via a signaling transfer point (STP), performs subscriber or application-specific service logic; then sends instructions back to the service switching point on how to continue call processing.

Service Order Processor (SOP)
One of several systems used by Verizon to process service requests.

Service Provider (SP)
A company like RGTS that provides telecommunications services.

Service Switching Point (SSP)
A Signaling Point that can launch queries to databases and receive/interpret responses used to provide specific customer services.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Two-pair wire medium used in the transmission of several different protocols. STP is capable of supporting CDDI for link distances of up to 100 meters. These wires have a layer of shielded insulation.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio)
The ratio of the signal power to the noise power at a point in a system (usually expressed in decibels).

Signaling
The transmission of address and other switching information between end users and central offices, and between central offices.

Signaling Point (SP)
A node in the CCS network that originates and/or receives signaling messages, or transfers signaling messages from one signaling link to another, or both.

Signaling System 7 (SS7)
A digital data network carrying signaling information that interfaces with the telephone company voice/data network for services using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Common Channel Signaling (CCS7) protocol. Also known as CCS/SS7.

Signaling System 7 Network
A digital data network carrying signaling information that interfaces with the telephone company voice/data network for services using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Common Channel Signaling (CCS7) protocol.

Signaling Transfer Point (STP)
A specialized switch that provides SS7 network access and performs SS7 message routing, screening and transfer of signaling message through the common channel signaling network.

"Slamming"
Changing an end user's primary local exchange carrier or Interexchange Carrier without the end user's authorization. Slamming is unlawful.

SONET (Synchronous Optical Network)
1. An optical interface standard that allows different digital signals to be transported using a base transmission rate of 51.84 megabits per second OC-1 (Optical Carrier) STS-1 (Synchronous Transport Signal). Higher rates are direct multiples of the basic OC-1 building block.

2. A Private Line service offered through Verizon Wholesale that uses industry standard interfaces for implementing a robust, survivable transport technology. 

Special Access Service
A transmission path directly connecting an Interexchange Carrier location in a LATA to an end user premise or another Interexchange Carrier location.

Spectrum
The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used in the transmission of voice, data and television.

Superframe Format (SF)
The structure consisting of 12 DS1 frames (2316 bits) that utilizes the framing bit of twelve consecutive frames to provide terminal framing and signaling framing. The DS1 has 193 bit positions.

Synchronous
A form of communications where characters or bits are sent in a continuous stream, with the beginning of one signal continuous with the end of the preceding one; separation of one from the other requires the receiver to maintain a synchronization to a master timing signal.

Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)
An optical interface standard that allows different digital signals to be transported using a base transmission rate of 51.84 megabits per second OC-1 (Optical Carrier) / STS-1 (Synchronous Transport Signal). Higher rates are direct multiples of the basic OC-1 building block.

Synchronous Transport Signal - Level 1
(STS-1)
The basic SONET logical building block signal. STS-1 provides a total bandwidth of 51.84 megabits per second, including both overhead and payload. An STS-1 is capable of transporting a single DS3 in any configuration (for example, M13 formatted with multiplexed DS1s or clear channel 44.736 megabits per second) or up to the equivalent of 28 DS1s using SONET "VT" mappings. The interface to an STS-1 is a metallic-based electrical interface. Also,
• STS3 – ATM Physical Layer implementation supporting 155 Mbps.
• STS-3c – Synchronous Transport Signal level 3, concatenated.

Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
A widely used network architecture.

Back to top

T-1 Circuit
A digital circuit that uses the DS-1 signaling format to transmit information over the telephone network at 1.544 megabits per second. Can carry up to 24 uncompressed voice channels.

Tandem
The connection of networks or circuits in series; that is, the connection of the output of one circuit to the input of another. See Tandem Switch.

Tandem Point
An intermediate location in a tandem architecture. The tandem point passes a call to the next destination.

Tandem Switch
Tandem is a telephony term meaning "to connect in series." Thus, a tandem switch connects one trunk to another. A tandem switch is an intermediate switch or connection between an originating telephone call or location and the final destination of the call.

Tariff
A statement by a communications company filed with the FCC that sets forth services offered.

Telecommunications
As defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, transmission between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received. Any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writings, images, and sounds or intelligence by wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems.

Telecommunications Act of 1996
Public Law 104-104, enacted February 8, 1996, provided comprehensive reform of the 1934 Communications Act. The Act was designed to foster competition among local telephone, long distance telephone, cable and other communications companies.

Telecommunications Service
As defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used to transmit the telecommunications services.

Throughput
A measure of the overall efficiency, quality and performance of a communications link and its software/protocols.

Token Ring
A local area network architecture that connects stations by using a token (special data packet) passing access method to allow a token to be passed from node to node on the ring.

Toll Call
Call made within a Regional Calling Area to exchanges outside the local calling area. Toll calls are individually detailed on a bill.

Traffic
• Messages sent and received over a communications channel.

• Quantitative measurement of the total messages and their length, expressed in hundred call seconds (CCS) or other units.

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
A widely used network protocol that supports communication across interconnected networks; and between computers with diverse hardware architectures and various operating systems.

Transmission Level Point (TLP)
A point in a transmission system at which the ratio, usually expressed in decibels, of the power of a test signal at that point to the power of the test signal at a reference point is specified.

Trigger Mechanism
The elements within a service provider's network that allows switches to determine that a particular call might be routed to a ported number, and to attempt to obtain additional routing information.

Trouble Ticket
A record RGTS clients use for reporting and managing the resolution of network or circuit outages.

Trunk
A communications path connecting two switching systems in a network, used to establish an end-to-end connection.

Trunk Group
A set of trunks that are traffic engineered as a unit in order to establish connections between switching systems in which all of the communications paths are interchangeable.

Twisted Pair (TP)
Cable consisting of two 18 to 24 AWG (American Wire Gauge) solid copper strands twisted around each other. The twisting provides a measure of protection from electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

Back to top

Unbundling
Term used to describe the access facilities that incumbent local exchange carriers must provide in order that other service providers may buy or lease portions of its network elements, such as interconnection loops to serve subscribers.

Universal Service
This term describes the financial support mechanisms (a universal fund) that help compensate local exchange carriers or other communication entities to provide access to telecommunications services at affordable rates to rural, insular and other high cost areas, and to public institutions.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Four-pair wire medium used in the transmission of many different telecommunications protocols such as Ethernet, 10BaseT, and CDDI.

Back to top

Virtual Private Network
Virtual private networks are secured private network connections, built on top of publicly-accessible infrastructure, such as the Internet or the public telephone network.

Voice Frequency
An audio frequency in the range necessary for transmission of speech.

Voice Grade
Private Line services offered through Verizon Wholesale that provide fast, clear and reliable analog transmission of the voice and low-speed data communications.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
An industry transmission standard which supports voice communications over packet networks, such as the Internet. A service that RGTS provides today.

Voice Mail
An RGTS service that allows a subscriber to receive messages via a voice mailbox system when an unanswered call is received on their phone or cell phone.

Voice Recognition
Machine recognition of a specific human voice.

Back to top

WATS Access Line
A local channel from an end-user to a local exchange carrier switching system that provides a connection for volume discounted WATS and 800 Service calls.

Wavelength
The length of one complete wave of an alternating or vibrating phenomenon, generally measured from crest to crest or from trough to trough of successive waves.

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
Provides a way of increasing the data carrying capacity of an optical fiber by simultaneously operating at more than one wavelength.

Web Site
A collection of files on the World Wide Web that are arranged under a common address that allows for retrieval via hypertext-based software.

Webcasting
The use of the Web as a one-to-many medium to broadcast events or hold collaborative conferences among remote participants.

Wide Area Network (WAN)
A network that links multiple locations together. A WAN encompasses a much larger geographic area than that of a Local Area Network (LAN).

Wide Area Telecommunications/Telephone Service (WATS)
Long distance service provided by various carriers that includes both intrastate and interstate service for outgoing and incoming (800) calls. WATS provides a bulk savings plan for companies with a high volume of toll calls, such as telemarketing. WATS charges include a flat rate for each hour of calling time, with cost per hour decreasing as toll usage increases.

Wireless
Refers to mobile or cellular telecommunications, for which part of the communications pathway includes transmission through radio links to land-based networks. Wireless communications products and services include cellular phones and pagers.

Wireless Service Provider
Provider of telecommunications services such as cellular telephone, pagers,or personal communications devices.

World Wide Web or WWW or Web
An area of the Internet that allows for graphical information retrieval via hypertext-based software, such as a web browser like Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, in a point-and-click environment.

Back to top

X.25 Protocol
An international protocol that defines the interface between the customer's equipment and a public packet network Data Circuit Terminating Equipment for public packet switched networks; a reference to the section of the published international recommendations established by the International Telephone and Telegraph Consultative Committee (CCITT) where the particular type of protocol generally monitors electrical interface, error checking, etc.

X.75 Protocol
An international standard developed by the Consultative Committee (CCITT) for International Telephone and Telegraph that provides the foundation for interconnection of individual packet switched Networks.

X.400 Protocol
International standard for a store-and-forward message handling system in a multi-vendor environment.

X3T9.5 Protocol
The number assigned to the Task Group of the Accredited Standards Committee for their internal, working documents describing the Fiber Distributed Data Interface.

xDSL
A generic term for Digital Subscriber Line - the letter “x” means generic.

XTALK
Line Crossed. Line tests crossed.

Back to top

Yellow Page Headings
Yellow Page Headings are used to determine where a business customer's listing will appear in the Yellow Pages directory.

Back to top

Zmodem
A file transfer protocol that includes crash recovery and auto-download features, and can use a 32 bit CRC, which makes it near error-free.

Back to top