Black Box 5000 manual 254, Configuration switch group See switch group

Multiserver 5000

channel — A path for electrical transmission between two or more points without common carrier-provided terminal equipment such as a local connection to DTE. Also called circuit, line, data link, or path. It may be asynchronous, synchronous, or voice.

channel number — The channel number describes a specific module location and connector and is used in the configuration process. For example, the CCM has six channel numbers: A1 through A6.

channel loopback — A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the multiplexor’s channel interface.

character — A letter, number, punctuation, or other symbol contained in a message. See also control character.

circuit — In data communications, a means of two- way communication between two points, consisting of transmit and receive channels. In electronic design, one or more components that act together to perform one or more functions.

class — A name given to a group of one or more async channels. The maximum number of classes available on the Multiserver unit is 64. Classes are used to group similar channels for network users and may be viewed as a hunt group where an async user can connect to any available ports/channels in the group.

clock — The timing signal used in synchronous transmission. Also, the source of such timing signals.

code — A set of rules that specifies the way data is represented, such as ASCII or EBCDIC.

code level — The number of bits used to represent characters.

cold start — Performed in either the Command Facility or at the LCD/Keypad, a cold start (or cold reset) is a system reset which returns the unit to the factory defaults.

Command Facility — a menu-driven structure containing all the configuration options.

Command Mode — a menu-driven structure that supports all the configuration, diagnostics, and system administrative functions.

command port — A dedicated terminal used to control and monitor a multiplexer system. Also, the interface to which this terminal is connected.

CommPak cartridge — A cartridge that contains the operating software for a Multiserver or a compatible multiplexor.

communications protocol — The means used to control the orderly exchange of information between stations on a data link or on a data communications network or system. Also called line discipline or protocol.

composite — The line-side signal of a multiplexer that includes all the multiplexed data, including asynchronous and synchronous data as well as digitized voice. Also known as a link.

composite loopback — A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the line side (output) of a multiplexer.

compression — A method for reducing the number of data and voice bits across a link, thus reducing bandwidth requirements.

conditioning — The tuning or addition of equipment to improve the transmission characteristics or quality of a leased voice-grade line so that it meets specifications for data transmission. The customer pays a monthly charge for conditioning.

configuration switch group — See switch group.

connection — An established data-communications path, the process of establishing that path, or a point of attachment for that path.

connector — An electrical device for making one or more connections.

control character — A non-printing character used to start, stop, or modify a function.

control signal — An interface signal used to indicate, start, stop, or modify a function.

254