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Deciphering Telephony Terms for the Layperson
Most industries have their share of jargon and acronyms, and the telecommunications field is certainly no different. Terms that might be simple and obvious to people within the field may sound like a foreign language to a layperson trying to keep up with the conversation. When trying to make the best decision regarding upgrades and changes to a telecommunications infrastructure, it can become difficult to communicate without the right tools.
We have included some common and useful terms that will have you hanging tough with the telecommunications experts next time you are talking telephony.
ACD (Auto Call Distribution)
A specialized phone system used for handling a large volume of incoming calls. The ACD will distribute the calls in a logical pattern so that the volume of incoming calls is distributed equally among a predetermined number of extensions.
ANCSI (Advanced Nurse Call System Integration)
This refers to the integration linking the Ascom Freeset System to the Nurse Call Systems. The advanced integration allows the patient to page his/her assigned caregiver (as assigned in the nurse call system) with the push of single button. The caregiver can respond directly to the call and talk to the patient via a pillow speaker.
Auto Transfer
Auto transfer switches unanswered incoming calls to a back-up position after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed (e.g., if a call is not answered at station X, after a set time limit, the call is transferred to Y).
BLF (Busy Lamp Field)
Shows a user which other extensions in a phone system are in use.
CAT 3, CAT 5, CAT 5e and CAT 6 Cables
These terms refer to the 100 ohm, unshielded, twisted pair communication cables used today. CAT 3, typically found in older buildings, transmits at a speed of 25 MHz and CAT 5, which is commonly found in newer buildings, can transmit up to 100 MHz. Both CAT 3 and CAT 5 can be used at distances up to 11,000 feet, however, CAT 3 is very susceptible to induced noise by adjoining wires and equipment in the surrounding area.
CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables are certified to transmit up to100 MHz and 250 MHz respectively. With the advent of desktop computers and local area networks in the workplace, CAT 5e (the e is for enhanced) and CAT 6 cables are improved versions designed to address performance issues related to data transmission. With more robust construction, performance and testing parameters, CAT5e and CAT6 cables provide data transmission of digital signals at higher frequencies with less induced noise interference.
(CO) Central Office
Provides phone lines to a home or business.
CLU (Cell Link Unit)
Refers to the base station controller card installed in a radio exchange to control up to eight base stations. A single radio exchange will support up to 120 base stations or 15 CLU boards.
DID (Direct Inward Dial)
Dialing a number to reach a specific person or department. This call would only ring at the specified phone.
DISA (Direct Inward Station Access)
A system that allows an outside caller access to the system to make intercom calls or to call out on another line.
DND (Do Not Disturb)
A feature that prevents incoming calls or intercoms.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
Refers to a completely digital telephone network in which voice and high speed data can be transmitted simultaneously.
Keyset
A multi-line telephone instrument, also known as a voice terminal. This is a basic business phone. While this device looks the same as a home phone, the two are not interchangeable and won’t work if substituted for each other.
LCR (Least Cost Routing)
LCR automatically chooses the lowest cost phone line to the destination.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
Refers to a single analog line telephone network. This system has transmission rates up to 52 kbps. POTS networks are also called public switched telephone networks (PSTNs).
PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
A switch used inside a private business as opposed to one serving the general public. Various manufacturers have different names for these such as: PABX, CBX, EPABX, etc. Most systems require dialing 9 to get an outside line.
Port
The outlet where a phone or CO (central office) line can be plugged.
PRI (Primary Rate Interface)
Trunk interface to the mobility server where the voice channels are separate from the data channel.
PWT (Personal Wireless Telephony)
Refers to the North American standard used for in-building wireless communication.
Tie Trunk (Also referred to as Tie Line)
An inter-network connection that directly connects two PBXs (private branch exchanges).
Thank you to Ascom Wireless Solutions (www.ascomwireless.com) for contributing some of the terms for this article.
