PC Serial Ports

Background

Serial ports (also sometimes referred to as communications ports or COM ports) are hardware interfaces that permit your PC's microprocessor to communicate with peripheral devices using a communications standard called RS-232 (hence, serial ports are also sometimes referred to as RS-232 ports). Many common computer accessories make use of serial ports, including serial mice, modems, and serial printers.

Under DOS (and Windows, which works cooperatively with DOS), the serial port interfaces in a PC are uniquely identified by specific device names: COM1 ("serial communications port 1"), COM2 ("serial communications port 2"), and so on, usually up through COM4. A particular PC might have none of these devices, some of them, or all of them installed. For example, most PCs currently on the market arrive from the manufacturer with two serial ports already installed (COM1 and COM2), often integrated onto the computer's main system board. Installing additional serial ports (for example, COM3 or COM4) is usually accomplished by purchasing an add-on card and installing it into a free expansion slot.

For most purposes (such as configuring software), the generic description of serial ports provided by their device names is sufficient. For example, during the PassageWay Service Provider installation procedure, you are asked to provide the device name of the serial port to which you have connected the telephone (for example, COM2). Unfortunately, this abstract view of serial ports is not sufficient for other purposes, notably for troubleshooting problems: To be able to do this effectively, a basic understanding of serial port hardware is required. In particular, it is essential to understand the mechanics by which the computer's microprocessor communicates with serial port hardware.

A-2

Page 66
Image 66
Lucent Technologies passageway service provider  for merlin legend communications system manual Background

passageway service provider for merlin legend communications system specifications

Lucent Technologies, a prominent player in the telecommunications industry, was pivotal in the development and provision of communication solutions, including the Passageway Service Provider for the Merlin Legend Communications System. This innovative solution was designed to enhance communication efficiency for businesses of all sizes, particularly in bustling office environments.

The Passageway Service Provider functioned as a crucial component in the Merlin Legend ecosystem, enabling seamless integration and management of voice and data communications. One of its main features was the ability to facilitate streamlined access to various communication channels, ensuring that users could handle calls, faxes, and Voicemail with ease. This integration was essential for businesses that required uninterrupted connectivity and straightforward management of their communication systems.

One of the standout technologies employed in the Passageway Service Provider was its advanced VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) capabilities. This technology allowed organizations to leverage their existing internet infrastructure to make voice calls, reducing costs significantly and improving the quality of communication. VoIP also supported features like call forwarding, call waiting, and conference calling, enhancing the overall communication experience for users.

Additionally, the Passageway Service Provider featured robust routing algorithms and call management functionalities, enabling businesses to prioritize calls based on urgency and availability. With its advanced interactive voice response (IVR) systems, organizations could streamline call handling, directing callers efficiently to the appropriate departments or extensions, thereby enhancing customer service.

Another key characteristic of the Passageway Service Provider was its scalability. As businesses grew, the communication system could easily be expanded to accommodate additional users and features without requiring significant overhauls or disruptions. This flexibility made it particularly appealing to growing enterprises, allowing them to invest in communications that could evolve alongside their operations.

Furthermore, the Passageway Service Provider supported remote access capabilities, an essential feature for increasingly mobile workforces. Employees could access the communication system from remote locations, ensuring they remained connected regardless of where they were working.

In summary, Lucent Technologies' Passageway Service Provider for the Merlin Legend Communications System offered a comprehensive suite of features, advanced technologies, and essential characteristics that catered to the dynamic needs of modern businesses. By enhancing voice and data management, it contributed to smoother operations and improved communication efficiency, defining a new standard in the telecommunications landscape.