Appendix C: Glossary and Acronyms

TDM Time Division Multiplexer

A device that supports simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams into a single high-speed data stream. TDM combines signals by interleaving bits one after the other.

TE Terminal Equipment

A device that is established as a point of termination of a communications circuit or channel. Terminal equipment comprises all customer premises equipment (CPE). TE devices are connected to NT devices.

telco

A generic name which refers to the telephone companies throughout the world, including RBOCs, LECs, and PTTs.

tip and ring

The standard termination on the two conductors of a telephone circuit; named after the physical appearance of the contact areas on the jack plug.

twisted pair

Two copper wires commonly used for telephony and data communications. The wires are wrapped loosely around each other to minimize radio frequency interference or interference from other pairs in the same bundle.

USB Universal Serial Bus

Industry standard defining communication protocols, cables, and connectors used in a bus for connection, communication, and power between electronic devices and computers.

Digium, Inc.

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