110 Glossary
D | DAA: Data Access Arrangement is a circuit that isolates a device |
| |
| from phone lines. |
| data: Information that a computer can process. The word “data” is |
| actually plural for “datum,” meaning a single piece of |
| information. |
| data bits: A data communications parameter controlling the |
| number of bits used to represent a character. If data bits = 7, the |
| computer can generate 128 unique characters, if data bits = 8, the |
| computer can generate 256 unique characters. |
| DCE (Data Communications Equipment or Data Circuit- |
| terminating Equipment): A device that establishes, maintains and |
| terminates a session on a network. It may also convert signals for |
| transmission. It is typically the modem. |
| DCD signal: This signal tells the personal computer whether the |
| modem is receiving the carrier from the opposite station |
| DTE (Data Terminating Equipment): A communications device |
| that is the source or destination of signals on a network. It is |
| typically a terminal or computer. |
| dial tone: The tone that is heard from the handset when it is picked |
| up |
| dial mode: Dial mode covers pulse dial and tone dial. Pulse dial |
| means turning the dial or pressing the buttons to send pulse |
| signals to connect to the called party. Tone dial means pressing |
| the button to send tone signals to connect the modem to the called |
| party. |
| download: 1) To receive a file from another computer through a |
| modem. 2) To transmit font data from the computer to a printer. |
| See also upload. |
| DSP: A digital signal processor is a chip designed for |
| applications. DSP techniques are used in PC processors as well as |
| media engines. For example, some |
| DSP chip to provide Sound Blaster emulation for the internal |
| modem as well. |