114 Glossary

N

Normal mode: Error correction is not made by MNP or V.42, but

 

 

even if serial port speed is different from modem port speed, the

 

buffers in the modem and its flow control function permit

O

communication without changing their speeds.

on line: A functional state in which a device is ready to receive or

 

 

transmit information.

 

online: Available through the computer. Online may refer to

 

information on the hard disk, such as online documentation or

 

online help, or a connection, through a modem, to another

 

computer or the Internet.

 

On hook/Off hook: On hook means the “handset is on the

 

telephone,” and off hook means it is off. The line is disconnected

 

from the internal modem when the handset is on hook, and

P

connected to the internal modem when it is off hook.

parity: A method in serial communications of making sure that the

 

 

information received is the same as the information that was sent.

 

It consists of adding an error detection bit to a group of data bits,

 

making the sum of the bits either odd or even. When you’re using

 

a modem to connect to another computer, you can set parity to

 

none, odd or even. In general, you should set parity to none,

 

unless you’re requested to do otherwise.

 

Private Branch Exchange (PBX): An automatic digital telephone

 

switching system that enables users within an organization to

 

place calls to each other without going through the public

 

telephone network. Users can also place calls to outside numbers.

 

Do not connect the Toshiba internal modem to a digital PBX

 

line, or the modem may be damaged.

 

protocol: A set of rules and conventions that makes it possible to

 

transfer information between computers. If you’re transmitting a

 

file, both modems must use the same protocol—just as two

 

people talking on the telephone must speak the same language to

 

communicate effectively. Examples of modem protocols are

 

V.34, V.42, V.90 and V.92.

 

Public line: A line served by a telephone company to be connected

 

to an opposite station via the exchange.