Glossary 63
optical waveguide
See optical fiber.
passive device
A device that does not require a source of energy to function.
passthrough
A signal bypass mechanism that allows the signal to pass through a device with little or no signal processing.
Carrying a signal between two endpoints without branching to other points.
protocol
The procedure used to control the orderly exchange of information between stations on a data link or on a
provisioning
The process by which a requested service is designed, implemented, and tracked.
ring architecture
Anetwork topology in which terminals are connected serially
Rx
receive
A terminal device that includes a detector and signal processing electronics. It functions as an
scalable
The ability to add power and capability to an existing system without significant expense or overhead.