New Terms

Cisco Terms

add/drop multiplexer. Network element that can insert or extract one or more STS and/or VT signals into or out of a high-speed channel as it passes through.

Person who queries User Registrar to analyze individual subscriber status and problems, and to generate aggregate statistics.

RAS message sent as an admissions confirmation.

SS7 MTP 2 function that provides monitoring of link alignment errors.

Data link layer polled protocol that runs in full-duplex mode over synchronous serial (V.24) lines and uses the binary-coded decimal (BCD) character set.

active nonvolatile memory. Memory that contains the software currently used by the network element.

application program interface.

access point name. Identifies a PDN that is configured on and accessible from a GGSN in a GPRS network.

automatic protection switching.

automatic protection switching byte (failure-condition code).

overall structure of a computer or communication system. The architecture influences the capabilities and limitations of the system.

average speed of answer. Average answer wait time for calls to a service or route.

Application Software Integration Support Tools. A set of C-language application development tools designed to facilitate the creation of host-controlled applications by Cisco VCO/4K customers.

all trunks busy. State of a trunk group when all trunks are in use. The trunk group cannot accept any new inbound or outbound calls in this state. The ICM tracks the amount of time during which all trunks in a trunk group are busy.

Router that is connected to the ATM-LSR cloud through LSC-ATM interfaces. The ATM edge LSR adds labels to unlabeled packets and strips labels from labeled packets.

Entry-level port adapter (higher performance than the AIP) for Cisco 7500 and 7200 routers. The Cisco ATM Lite port adapter does not support traffic shaping or ABR.

Label switch router with several LSC-ATM interfaces. The router forwards the cells among these interfaces using labels carried in the VPI/VCI field of the cells.

Protocol used to transport ALPS data across a TCP/IP network between an ALC/UTS router and an AX.25/EMTOX router. It consists of a set of messages (or primitives) to activate and deactivate ALPS ATP circuits and pass data.

Local voice busyout feature that provides a way to busy out a voice port or DS0 group (time slot) if a state change is detected in a monitored network interface (or interfaces). When a monitored interface changes to a specified state, to out-of-service, or to in-service, the voice port presents a seized/busyout condition to the attached PBX or other customer premises equipment (CPE). The PBX or other CPE can then attempt to select an alternate route. AVBO adds the following functionality to the local voice busyout feature:

• For Voice over IP (VoIP), monitoring of links to remote, IP-addressable interfaces by use of real time reporter (RTR).

• Configuration by voice class to simplify and speed up the configuration of voice busyout on multiple voice ports.

Local voice busyout is supported on analog and digital voice ports using channel-associated signalling (CAS).

Amount of time that a telephone system or other device is operational—that is, how long it is processing telephone calls or other transactions. Availability is represented as the ratio of the total time a device is operational during a given time interval to the length of that interval. Compare with reliability.

admin workstation. A personal computer used to monitor the handling of calls in the ICM system. The Admin Workstation can also be used to modify the system configuration or scripts.

X.25 implementation based on a CCITT 1984 recommendation using permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) only. There is one nonstandard aspect of this protocol: packets may be sent with the m-bit set, but the size of the packet is less than the maximum packet size for the virtual circuit.

Part of an SS7 MSU that when toggled signals a negative acknowledgment by the remote signaling point.

International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) standard that defines the protocols and procedures needed for establishing, maintaining, and terminating broadband switched virtual connections between public networks. Also abbreviated BICI.

A variant of the Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) suite of routing protocols for IP multicast. In PIM, packet traffic for a multicast group is routed according to the rules of the mode configured for that multicast group.

building integrated timing supply. A clock in a central office that supplies DS1 and/or composite clock timing references to all synchronous network elements in that office.

bidirectional line-switched ring.

Minimum-function Cisco IOS image that serves only to boot the full-function, operational Cisco IOS image. Also known as rxboot.

Separate Flash memory device used primarily to store the Cisco IOS boot helper image, operational Cisco IOS images, and system configuration information.

Node in one zone that connects with one or more nodes in other zones.

Part of an SS7 MSU that acknowledges the receipt of signal units by the remote signalling point. Contains the sequence number of the signal unit being acknowledged.

base station subsystem. Refers to the radio-related functions provided by the BTS and BSC in a GSM mobile wireless network.

base transceiver station. Land-based station in a GSM mobile wireless network that consists of transceivers and antennas, which handle the radio interface to a mobile station. One or more BTSs are controlled by a BSC. The combined functions of the BTS and BSC are referred to as the BSS.

Logical Layer 3-only interface associated with a bridge group when IRB is configured.

ATM port card for the Cisco BPX switch.

1. committed access rate. The CAR and DCAR (distributed CAR) services limit the input or output transmission rate on an interface or subinterface based on a flexible set of criteria.

2. Cisco Access Registrar. Provides RADIUS services to DOCSIS modems for deployment of high-speed data services in a one-way cable plant requiring telco-return for upstream data.

channel associated signaling. Transmission of signaling information within the voice channel. CAS signaling is often referred to as robbed-bit signaling because user bandwidth is being robbed by the network for other purposes.

Code that indicates the reason for ISDN call failure or completion.

cipher block chaining. Prevents the problems associated with Electronic Codebook (ECB), where every block of "plain text" maps to exactly one block of "cipher text" by having each encrypted block XORed with the previous block of ciphertext. In this way identical patterns in different messages are encrypted differently, depending upon the difference in previous data.

class-based weighted fair queueing extends the standard WFQ functionality to provide support for user-defined traffic classes.

1. country code. Part of a numbering plan.

2. VCS-call context.

call control application programming interface.

continuous control node unit. Provides communication between the redundant sides of the admin shelf.

Common Channel Signaling System 7. Protocol used by the AT&T signaling network. The ICM's NIC receives routing requests from the CCSS7 network and returns a routing label to the CCSS7 network.

call detail block. Consists of several Call Data Elements. The CDB is generated at a Certain Point in Call (PIC). For example a CDB is generated when the call is answered, released, etc.

call detail element. Data element that includes a basic information field within a billing record. Examples of a CDE are the calling number, the called number, etc.

code division multiple access. Method of dividing a radio spectrum to be shared by multiple users through the assignment of unique codes. CDMA implements spread spectrum transmission.

call detail record.

1. Record written to a database for use in postprocessing activities. CDR files consist of several CDBs. These activities include many functions, but will primarily be billing and network analysis. Cisco CallManager writes CDR records to the SQL database as calls are made in a manner consistent with the configuration of each individual Cisco CallManager.

2. Wireless-Used in the original telephony networks, and now extended to mobile wireless network calls, the CDR contains billing information for charging purposes. In a GPRS network, the charging gateway sends the billing information within a CDR to the network service provider for that subscriber.

compact disc read-only memory.

compact disc-read/write.

caller-entered digits. Digits entered by a caller on a touch-tone phone in response to prompts. Either a peripheral (ACD, PBX, or VRU) or the carrier network can prompt for CEDs.

European Committee for Standardization. CEN's mission is to promote voluntary technical harmonization in Europe in conjunction with worldwide bodies and its partners in Europe. The organization works in partnership with CENELEC and ETSI - the European Telecommunications Standards Institute.

Comite Europeen de Normalisation Electrotechnique. CENELEC is the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. It was set up in 1973 and was officially recognised as the European Standards Organisation in its field by the European Commission in Directive 83/189 EEC. CENELEC works with 40,000 technical experts from 19 EC and EFTA countries to publish standards for the European market.

Digital representation of user or device attributes, including a public key, that is signed with as authoritative private key.

Certificate management protocol jointly developed by Cisco Systems and VeriSign, Inc. CEP is an early implementation of Certificate Request Syntax (CRS), a standard proposed to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). CEP specifies how a device communicates with a CA, including how to retrieve the public key of the CA, how to enroll a device with the CA, and how to retrieve a certificate revocation list (CRL). CEP uses PKCS (Public Key Cryptography Standards) 7 and 10 as key component technologies. The public key infrastructure working group (PKIX) of the IETF is working to standardize a protocol for these functions, either CRS or an equivalent. When an IETF standard is stable, Cisco will add support for it.

Many subscriber additions and deletions.

Prefix to select different long distance carriers; prefixes to select tielines, trunk groups, and WATS lines; and private number plans, such as seven-digit dialing.

cable modem. Device used to connect a PC to a local cable TV line and receive data at much higher rates than ordinary telephone modems telephone modems or ISDN. A cable modem can be added to or integrated with a set-top box thereby enabling Internet access via a TV set. In most cases, cable modems are furnished as part of the cable access service and are not purchased directly and installed by the subscriber.

Circuit Interworking software. A module in the SS7 application software that translates SS7 signals for the Cisco VCO/4K and host applications. It also performs call processing and circuit maintenance tasks.

caller line ID. Information about the billing telephone number from which a call originated. The CLID value might be the entire phone number, the area code, or the area code plus local exchange. Also know as called Caller ID.

creating and configuring a virtual access interface by applying a specific virtual template interface. The template is the source of the generic user information and router-dependent information. The result of cloning is a virtual access interface configured with all the commands in the template.

1. cable modem.

2. Configuration Manager. The CM is the program responsible for the stored database. It provides a consistent interface to the database engine, regardless of the actual product used. It also provides resource locking, which prevents an object from being modified simultaneously by more than one management agent.

1. call management system. A reporting package used on ACDs and PBXs made by Lucent.

2. configuration management system. Application to control and monitor the Sun Netra ft 1800 hardware

Option set scoping used to manage groups of CMTS devices.

Required option set scoping used to manage the CMTS devices that communicate with cable modems in an installation.

Cisco Network Registrar; same as NR (see NR).

Cisco Networking Services for Active Directory, which consists of a port of Active Directory to Solaris and HP/UX, and an NT and Unix client implementation of the LDAP API and GSS-API.

File obtained by a DOCSIS cable modem at boot time via the TFTP protocol, which contains configuration parameters for the modem.

Person who takes the user registrar samples and customizes the environment for the customer; the configurer may or may not be an employee of the customer, and may not be involved with the provisioning system after installation and configuration.

Procedures and protocols that determine a route across a backbone take into account resource requirements and resource availability instead of simply using the shortest path.

Signalling messages that provide the control of setup, maintenance, and teardown of L2TP sessions and tunnels.

Functionality that provides the ability to deny certain call attempts based on the incoming and outgoing class of restrictions provisioned on the dial peers. This functionality provides flexibility in network design, allows users to block calls (for example, to 900 numbers), and applies different restrictions to call attempts from different originators. COR is used to specify which incoming dial peer can use which outgoing dial peer to make a call.

central office terminal.

cells per second. Unit of measure used to for ATM switch volumes.

critical alarm.

customer routing point. AT&T's terminology for third-party processors that accept routing requests from the CCSS7 network. Within the ICM, the Network Interface Controller (NIC) acts as a CRP.

control signal distribution box. Bulkhead splitter box that distributes the clock and control system signals within a Cisco WR15900 bay.

customer support forwarding service. Facility within the ICM Logger that receives events from all parts of the ICM, filters them, and saves appropriate messages. The Data Transfer Process (DTP) sends these messages to Cisco Customer Support.

composite second order beat. Peak of the average level of distortion products due to second-order non-linearities in cable system equipment.

customer service representative.

comma separated values. Commonly used no-frills text file format used for import from and import to spreadsheets and SQL databases.

composite triple beat. Peak of the average level of distortion components due to third-order non-linearities in cable system equipment.

Router that is part of a customer network and that interfaces to a provider edge (PE) router.

coding violation. Occurrence of transmission bit error(s) in paths and lines, as detected by examining a redundancy check code embedded within the signal format. CV also refers to the performance parameter, which is the count of transmission error detections at line, path and section levels.

coding violation count-line.

coding violation count-path.

coding violation count-section.

data communications channel. Channel that carries provisioning and maintenance data/information between network elements in the SONET overhead.

DVB/DAVIC Interoperability Consortium. Founded in October 1998 by an international group of manufacturers including Cisco, the Consortium promotes and supports product interoperability between member vendors employing the DVB-RCCL/DAVIC international standards. An independent verification process allows DDIC members to offer tested and documented interoperable products, thereby allowing cable network operators to choose reliable and highly intergratable, standards-based DVB solutions.

Distributed Diagnostics and Service Network. Facilities that gather events within the ICM and automatically report any unexpected behavior to Cisco Customer Support. The DDSN includes the Customer Support Forwarding Service (CSFS) and DDSN Transfer Process (DTP).

Process of disabling network access and privileges for a subscriber device, and reclaiming device attributes for other subscriber devices; deactivation occurs as part of subscriber account deprovisioning, or as part of activation of a replacement subscriber device; some device attributes (such as IP address leases) might not be reclaimable until the leases have expired.

Pre-defined, general option set in the default option set scoping. This option set contains the DOCSIS options that apply to most cable modems in an installation. The default option set is typically more densely populated with DOCSIS options than the other more specific option sets.

Option set scoping used to define the DOCSIS options that apply to all cable modems in an installation. This scoping is the most general scoping you can configure and contains the default option set.

demultiplexer. Device used to separate two or more signals that were previously combined by a compatible multiplexer and are transmitted over a single channel.

See DWDM.

Elimination of an existing subscriber account; deprovisioning of a subscriber account includes subscriber account deregistration and device deactivation.

Process of removing and reclaiming the personal attributes associated with an existing subscriber account; some subscriber account attributes (such as email addresses) might not be reclaimable until after a waiting period.

Termination of an end-to-end channel or virtual wavelength path (VWP).

Diffie-Hellman. The Diffie-Hellman algorithm, introduced by Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman in 1976, was the first system to utilize "public-key" or "asymmetric" cryptographic keys. Today Diffie-Hellman is part of the IPSec standard. A protocol known as OAKLEY uses Diffie-Hellman as described in RFC 2412. OAKLEY is used by the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol (see RFC 2401), which is part of the overall framework called Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP; see RFC 2408).

Addressable call endpoint. In Voice over IP (VoIP), there are two types of dial peers: POTS and VoIP.

Direct Inward Dialing/Dialed Number Identification Service. When a call arrives at an ACD or PBX, the carrier sends a digital code on the trunk line. The switch can read this code to determine how it should dispatch the call. Typically, this value is the specific number dialed by the user. By mapping each possible code with an internal extension, the switch can provide direct inward dialing (DID).

The ICM uses the DID/DNIS value to specify the service, skill group, or specific agent to whom the switch should route the call. The switch reads the value from the trunk line when the call arrives and dispatches the call appropriately.

A paradigm for providing QoS in the Internet by employing a small, well-defined set of building blocks from which a variety of services can be built.

A public key cryptography protocol that allows two parties to establish a shared secret over insecure communications channels. Diffie-Hellman is used within Internet Key Exchange (IKE) to establish session keys. Diffie-Hellman is a component of Oakley key exchange. Cisco IOS software supports 768-bit and 1024-bit Diffie-Hellman groups.

T.30 Digital Information Signal that provides the capabilities of a receiving fax machine.

Calls in which the gateway uses the number initially dialed (DNIS) to make the call, as opposed to a prompt to dial additional digits.

An LDAP-based information model for networked devices.

If the network is congested, DE traffic may be dropped to ensure delivery of higher priority traffic.

Message with the BillingInformationToken (which contains the duration of the call) sent by the gateway to the gatekeeper when a call ends.

One of two modes of CEF operation that enables line cards to perform the express forwarding between port adapters.

dual MICA module (DMM). Contains 12 discrete modems.

device management protocol. The session-layer communications protocol used within the ICM. Different application level protocols might be running beneath DMP.

dialed number. Number that a caller dialed to initiate a call; for example, 800-555-1212.

dialed number identification service (the called number). Feature of trunk lines where the called number is identified; this called number information is used to route the call to the appropriate service. DNIS is a service used with toll-free dedicated services whereby calls placed to specific toll-free numbers are routed to the appropriate area within a company to be answered.

domain name server zone. Point of delegation in the DNS tree. It contains all names from a certain point downward except those for which other zones are authoritative. Authoritative name servers can be asked by other DNSs for name-to-address translation. Many name servers can exist within an organization, but only those known by the root name servers can be queried by the clients across the Internet. The other name servers only answer internal queries.

DOCSIS cable modem. DOCSIS CMs obtain boot configuration using DHCP, Time, and TFTP client implementations.

DOCSIS cable modem termination system. The Cisco 7246 or 7223 router is a leading router implementation of a DOCSIS CMTS.

File containing configuration parameters for a DOCSIS cable modem. The cable modem obtains this file at boot time using the TFTP protocol.

Built-in option set scoping internal to Modem Registrar, containing pre-defined options for DOCSIS versions 1.0 and 1.1.

Most significant bit of the LS Age field. LSAs having the DoNotAge bit set are not aged as they are in the link-state database of the OSPF router, which means that these LSAs need not be refreshed every 30 minutes.

call defect per million. Lost stable (connected call) or non-stable (call being setup) call due to any hardware or software failure, procedural error, or other causes. Note that a Call Defect does not include misrouted calls or loss of call features.

Allows DSO channels from one T1 or E1 facility to be digitally cross-connected to DS0 channels on another T1 or E1. Using this method, channel traffic is sent between a PBX and CO PSTN switch or other telephony device, so that some PBX channels are directed for long-distance service through the PSTN while the router compresses others for interoffice VoIP calls. In addition, Drop and Insert can cross-connect a telephony switch (from the CO or PSTN) to a channel bank for external analog connectivity.

digital service zero (0). Single timeslot on a DS1 (also known as T1) digital interface—that is, a 64-kbps, synchronous, full-duplex data channel, typically used for a single voice connection on a PBX. See also DS1, PBX.

Digital service 1. Interface with a 1.544-Mbps data rate that often carries voice interface connections on a PBX. Each DS1 (also known as T1) has 24 DS0 channels framed together so that each DS0 timeslot can be assigned to a different type of trunk group, if desired.

digital subscriber line accessmultiplexer.

digital signal level n.

digital signal processor. A DSP segments the voice signal into frames and stores them in voice packets.

Firware running on the DSP coprocessor.

dual tone multi-frequency. Tones generated when a button is pressed on a telephone, primarily used in the U.S. and Canada.

dual-tone multifrequency relay. Mechanism whereby a local voice over IP gateway listens for DTMF digits (during a call) and then sends them uncompressed as either RTP or H.245 packets to the remote voice over IP gateway, which regenerates DTMF digits and prevents digit loss due to compression.

DDSN Transfer Protocol. Process on the ICM Logger that connects to Cisco Customer Support and delivers any messages saved by the Customer Support Forwarding Service (CSFS). The DTP is part of the Distributed Diagnostics and Service Network (DDSN) which ensures that Cisco Customer Support is informed promptly of any unexpected behavior within the ICM.

MICA technologies hardware packaging with 12 modems on a daughter card unit.

Digital Video Broadcasting. Consortium of around 300 companies in the fields of broadcasting, manufacturing, network operation and regulatory matters working to establish common international standards for the move from analogue to digital broadcasting. The DVB Project Office and its 3.5 staff are based in Geneva, Switzerland.

DVB digital cable delivery system. Digital cable system that is compatible with DVB-S.

dense wavelength division multiplexing. High-speed version of WDM, which is a means of increasing the capacity of SONET fiber-optic transmission systems through the multiplexing of multiple wavelengths of light.

Temporary option set scoping based on information gathered from subscribers using User Registrar. The dynamic cable modem scoping is defined as the TFTP server assembles the DOCSIS configuration file.DEN.

Telephone call dynamically established across a packet data network based on a dialed telephone number. In the case of VoFR, a Cisco proprietary session protocol similar to Q.931 is used to achieve call switching and negotiation between calling endpoints. The proprietary session protocol runs over FRF.11-compliant subchannels.

first-in, first-out queueing. Involves buffering and forwarding of packets in the order of arrival. FIFO embodies no concept of priority or classes of traffic. There is only one queue, and all packets are treated equally. Packets are sent out an interface in the order in which they arrive.

SS7 message that is sent in both directions whenever other signal units are not present. Provides a CRC checksum for use by both signalling endpoints.

fault isolation.

A special type of EEPROM that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time. Many modern PCs have their BIOS stored on a flash memory chip so that it can easily be updated if necessary. Such a BIOS is sometimes called a flash BIOS. Flash memory is also popular in modems because it enables the modem manufacturer to support new protocols as they become standardized.

SS7 fully associated link. An SS7 signaling link directly associated with a link carrying traffic (although not necessarily imbedded within the same physical span.

See FX.

Part of an SS7 MSU that contains the sequence number of the signal unit.

Queueing method that uses queues on a Frame Relay network to limit surges that can cause congestion. Data is buffered and then sent into the network in regulated amounts to ensure that the traffic will fit within the promised traffic envelope for the particular connection.

To communicate over WANs, end-user stations and the network cloud typically must use the same type of transmission protocol. This limitation has prevented differing networks such as Frame Relay and ATM from being linked. However, the Frame Relay-to-ATM Service Interworking (FRF.8) feature allows Frame Relay and ATM networks to exchange data, despite differing network protocols. The functional requirements for linking Frame Relay and ATM networks are provided by the Frame Relay/ATM PVC Service Interworking Implementation Agreement specified in Frame Relay Forum (FRF) document number FRF.8.

Fast Simple Server Redundancy Protocol. The LANE simple server redundancy feature creates fault-tolerance using standard LANE protocols and mechanisms. FSSRP differs from LANE SSRP in that all configured LANE servers of an Emulated LAN (ELANE) are always active. See also SSRP.

foreign exchange.

1. A circuit that connects a subscriber in one exchange with a central office (CO) in another exchange.

2. A trunk type that connects a call center with a central office in a remote exchange. This allows callers in that remote exchange to directly access the call center without using an interexchange carrier.See also CO, FXO, FXS, PBX.

Globally Unique IDentifiers.

Hashed Message Authentication Codes with MD5 (RFC 2104). A keyed version of MD5 that enables two parties to validate transmitted information using a shared secret.

Hex MICA Module (HMM). Contains six discrete modems.

A router or access server that terminates VPDN tunnels and PPP sessions.

A broadcast audio network used extensively by the brokerage industry for market updates and trading. Similar networks are used in publishing, transportation, power plants, and manufacturing.

Calculated Planning Impairment Factor (ICPIF) loss/delay busyout threshold,The ICPIF numbers represent predefined combinations of loss and delay.Packet loss and delay determine the threshold for initiating the busyout state.

Internet call waiting service.

Interfaces Group MIB. The current specification for the IF-MIB is found in RFC 2233.

The MIB module to describe generic objects for network interface sublayers. This MIB is an updatedversion of the MIB-II ifTable, and incorporates the extensions defined in RFC 1229.

IKE is used to establish a shared security policy and authenticated keys for services (such as IPSec) that require keys. Before any IPSec traffic can be passed, each router/firewall/host must be able to verify the identity of its peer. This can be done by manually entering pre shared keys into both hosts or by a CA service.

incumbent local exchange carrier. Traditional telephone company. In the U.S., the Regional Bell Operation Companies (RBOCs) that were formed after the divestiture of AT&T and Independent Operating Companies (IOCs) that are usually located in more rural areas or single cities are ILECs. In other areas of the world, ILECs are the Post, Telephone, and Telegraphs (PTTs), government-managed monopolies.

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier. A traditional, old incumbent local exchange carrier that was never part of the Bell System.

A method of E&M signaling. When the signaling leads indicate a change to an off-hook state, the interface is immediately ready to send signaling information.

Intelligent Network Call Routing Protocol. The communication protocol used by ICM gateways to pass a routing request and response between two ICMs. The ICM sending the request must be set up for remote network routing and the ICM receiving the request must be running an INCRP Network Interface Controller (NIC).

The traditional local telephone service provider in the United States.

SS7 MTP 2 function that provides the link alignment processing.

A sequence of instructions that define autonomous call processing actions to be completed on incoming ports in the Cisco VCO/4K switch. See also answer supervision template, outpulse rule.

SS7 architectural protocol layer.

TCL is used to create IVR scripts (IVR scripts used to be written in the C Programming Language). Extended IVR TCL scripting refers to the ability to create new functionality in external IVR TCL scripts without needing to change and recompile the Cisco IOS software. As long as the scripts adhere to the TCL scripting standards, calling on audio files that adhere to a naming convention, the Cisco IOS software will be able to run them without any changes to the software. In this way, new functionality can be introduced without the constraining need to create a new version of the Cisco IOS software. Related technologies are gateway servers, debit cards, H.23, TCL/TK, and the Cisco 2600 Series routers.

A key management protocol standard used in conjunction with the IPSec standard. IPSec is an IP security feature that provides robust authentication and encryption of IP packets. IPSec can be configured without IKE, but IKE enhances IPSec by providing additional features, flexibility, and ease of configuration for the IPSec standard. IKE is a hybrid protocol that implements the Oakley key exchange and Skeme key exchange inside the Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) framework. (ISAKMP, Oakley, and Skeme are security protocols implemented by IKE.)

A hybrid protocol that implements Oakley key exchange and Skeme key exchange inside the ISAKMP framework. Although IKE can be used with other protocols, its initial implementation is with IPSec. IKE provides authentication of the IPSec peers, negotiates IPSec keys, and negotiates IPSec security associations.

Internet Protocol. IP is the TCP/IP protocol on which the Internet is based. It keeps track of the Internetwork addresses for different nodes, routes outgoing messages, and recognizes incoming messages.

A list of IP addresses, each representing a node or link in the explicit path.

Users of the multicast routing feature need a way to monitor the health of multicast delivery and be alerted when the delivery fails to meet certain parameters.

Feature that provides high-performance, hardware-based, Layer 3 switching of IP multicast traffic for routers connected to Catalyst 5000 series LAN switches. An IP multicast flow is a unidirectional sequence of packets between a multicast source and the members of a destination multicast group. Flows are based on the IP address of the source device and the destination IP multicast group address. IP multicast MLS switches IP multicast data packet flows between IP subnets using advanced, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) switching hardware, thereby off-loading processor-intensive, multicast packet routing from network routers. The packet forwarding function is moved onto the connected Layer 3 switch whenever a supported path exists between a source and members of a multicast group. Packets that do not have a supported path to reach their destinations are still forwarded in software by routers. Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) is used for route determination.

Suite used to send IP datagram packets between nodes on the Internet.

A 3-bit value in the type of service (TOS) byte used for assigning precedence to IP packets.

A framework of open standards that provides data confidentiality, data integrity, and data authentication between participating peers. IPSec provides these security services at the IP layer. IPSec uses IKE to handle negotiation of protocols and algorithms based on local policy and to generate the encryption and authentication keys to be used by IPSec. IPSec can be used to protect one or more data flows between a pair of hosts, between a pair of security gateways, or between a security gateway and a host.

An IP spoofing attack occurs when an attacker outside your network pretends to be a trusted user either by using an IP address that is within the range of IP addresses for your network or by using an authorized external IP address that you trust and to which you wish to provide access to specified resources on your network. Should an attacker get access to your IPSec security parameters, that attacker can masquerade as the remote user authorized to connect to the corporate network.

The transmission of voice and fax phone calls over data networks that uses the Internet Protocol (IP). IP telephony is the result of the transformation of the circuit-switched telephone network to a packet-based network that deploys voice-compression algorithms, flexible and sophisticated transmission techniques, and delivers richer services using only a fraction of traditional digital telephony's usual bandwidth. Compare with VoIP.

With Layer 2 switching, frames are switched based on Media Access Control (MAC) address information. Layer 2 switching does not look inside a packet for network-layer information as does Layer 3 switching. Layer 2 switching is performed by looking at a destination MAC address within a frame. It looks at the frame destination address and sends it to the appropriate interface if it knows the destination address location. Layer 2 switching builds and maintains a switching table that keeps track of the MAC addresses that belong to each port or interface. Compare with Layer 3 switching.

interprocess communications. This mechanism makes it possible to create large systems that are complex in function, yet simple and streamlined in design.

A RAS message sent as an information request.

SS7 protocol layer that defines the protocol used to prepare, manage, and release trunks that carry voice and data between calling and called parties.

ISDN User Part - Used to set up and tear down all circuits used for data or voice calls in the Public Switched Network Telephone (PSTN)

When the cktint module is running, this process provides management functions for circuits and circuit groups for the SS7 application software in the Cisco VCO/4K.

Integrated Telephony Cable Modem. A DOCSIS CM that enables subscriber VoIP services.

LDAP Data Interchange Format. An LDAP server interchange format in which each record's field value is on a separate line and records are separated by an empty line.

light-emitting diode

See LTE.

In the context of a transmission network, a link is a point-to-point connection between adjacent nodes, such as two Cisco ONS 15900s. There can be more than one link between adjacent nodes.

SS7 MTP 2 function that provides the overall coordination of a session.

SS7 message that carries one or two octets (8-bit bytes) of link status information between signalling points at either end of a link, used to control link alignment and to provide the status of a signalling point (such as a local processor outage) to the remote signalling point.

See LAN.

Local or regional telephone company that owns and operates a telephone network and the customer lines that connect to it.

A set of workflow presentation and control options for the User Registrar Subscriber UI administered in the User Registrar Admin UI. You can use a locale to offer multiple languages and/or have multiple branding styles. A locale also contains settings for page extensions that you can use to further tailor the subscriber's auto-provisioning experience.

A SIP redirect or proxy server uses a location service to get information about the location of a caller. Location services are offered by location servers.

loss of cell delineation. A SONET port status indicator that activates when an LOCD defect occurs and does not clear for an interval of time equal to the alarm integration period, which is typically 2.5 seconds.

location

loss of frame. Failure state in the SONET signal where a receiving network element cannot identify the framing octets of the incoming signal.

A method of signaling where a DC closure is applied to a phone line (loop), and the start of DC current flow indicates a change from on-hook to off-hook.

A two-wire central-office trunk or dial-tone line that recognizes offhook status when a telephone switch hook puts a 1000-ohm short across the tip and ring as the handset is lifted. Also called POTS line and plain-service line.

loss of pointer. Failure state in the SONET signal where a receiving network cannot identify/lock on the pointer value of the H1 and H2 bytes to show the location of SPE.

loss of signal. A loss of signal occurs when n consecutive zeros is detected on an incoming signal.

See LOF.

Red alarm.

See LOP.

See LOS.

Red alarm.

long reach

line-terminating equipment. Network elements that originate and/or terminate line (OC-n) signals. LTEs originate, access, modify, and/or terminate the transport overhead.

The Cisco Message Definition Language; a high-level language used to specify protocols and protocol conversion operations on the VSC

Message Delivery Service. The facilities used by ICM nodes to communicate with each other. The MDS plays a key role in keeping duplexed components synchronized.

See MTTR.

A gateway that supports both bearer traffic and signaling traffic

Another term for call agent.

A single media instance. For example, an audio stream.

See Mb/s.

A one-way hashing algorithm that produces a 128-bit hash. Both MD5 and Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) arevariations on MD4 and are designed to strengthen the security of the MD4 hashing algorithm. Cisco uses hashes for authentication within the IPSec framework.

SS7 message that carries call control, database traffic, network management, and network maintenance data in the signalling information field (SIF).

SS7 protocol layer consisting of three levels.

SS7 architectural level that defines the physical, electrical, and functional characteristics of the digital signaling link.

SS7 data link layer protocol. SS7 architectural level that exercises flow control, message sequence validation, error checking, and retransmission.

S7 architectural level that provides messages between signalling points in the network, helping control traffic when congestion or failures occur.

Multifrequency tones. Made of 6 frequencies that provide 15 two-frequency combinations for indication digits 0-9 and KP/ST signals.

Media Gateway.

Media Gateway. The emerging industry standard generic term for a gateway

Media Gateway Controller.

Media Gateway Controller. The emerging industry standard generic term for the VSC

The rerouting of signalling traffic by the signalling gateway as required (and requested by the MGCs) between related MGCs in the event of failure or unavailability of the currently used MGC. The traffic is rerouted from the primary MGC to the backup MGC.

Media Gateway Control Protocol.

Media Gateway Control Protocol - A merging of the IPDC and SGCP protocols

The time set by the receiving fax machine and sent to the sending machine during the initial handshaking. MSLT defines how much time the receiving machine requires to print a single scan line.

major (alarm)

Microwave Multipoint Distribution System.

Man-Machine Language - Industry standard command line language used to manage telecommunications network elements

minor (alarm)

See MAC.

Modem Registrar. One of the suite of software products included in the Cisco Subscriber Registration Center (CSRC) product. MR is a policy-based cable modem management product that provides dynamic cable modem configuration.

Multiservice route processor. A card that acts as a voice-and-data-capable router and that can carry voice traffic over an IP network and can link small-to-medium-size remote Ethernet LANs to central offices (CO) over WAN links. The MRP has two slots that support WAN interface cards (WICs), voice interface cards (VICs), or both in combination.

Minimum Scan Line Time adjustment. An alternative to Scan Line Fix Up meant to eliminate fax failures caused by an excessive number of received page errors because of data loss. MSLT adjustment sets a minimum MSLT value that an ingress gateway communicates to a sending fax machine. This value overrides an MSLT of lesser value that is supplied by a receiving fax machine.

Message Transfer Part - Layers 1 (physical), 2 (data), and 3 (network) of the SS7 signaling protocol

Mean time to repair. The average time needed to return a failed device or system to service.

Routing platform running Cisco IOS software that supports IP multicast MLS. The MMLS-RP interacts with the IP multicast routing software and updates the MLS cache in the MMLS-SE. When IP Multicast MLS feature is enabled, the MMLS-RP continues to handle all non-IP-multicast traffic while off-loading IP multicast traffic forwarding to the MMLS-SE.

Catalyst 5000 series switch with hardware that supports IP multicast MLS. The MMLS-SE provides layer 3 LAN-switching services.

A management diagnostic tool that provides network fault detection and isolation in a large multicast routing infrastructure. It is designed to notify a network administrator of multicast routing problems in near real time.

See Mux.

A process of transferring Protocol Data Units (PDUs) where an endpoint sends more than one copy of a media stream to different endpoints. This might be necessary in networks that do not support multicast.

Switching method that forwards IP traffic using a label. This label instructs the routers and switches in the network where to forward the packets based on preestablished IP routing information.

See MRP.

multiplexer. A device or circuit that combines several channels into a single signal.

Netscape Directory Server. An LDAP server.

network element. In general, an NE is a combination hardware and software system that is designed primarily to perform a telecommunications service function. For example, an NE is the part of the network equipment where a transport entity (such as a line, path, or section) is terminated and monitored.
As defined by wavelength routing, an NE is the originating, transient, or terminating node of a wavelength path.

A grouping of subscribers, computers, and shared or private cable modems associated with an account administered in the User Registrar Admin UI. A neighborhood contains settings for auto-provisioning modems as shared or private through the User Registrar Subscriber UI.

A grouping of subscribers, computers and shared or private cable modems associated with an account administered in the User Registrar Admin UI. A neighborhood contains settings for auto-provisioning modems as shared or private through the User Registrar Subscriber UI.

near end

A feature of some routers that allows them to categorize incoming packets into flows. Because packets in a flow can often be treated in the same way, this classification can be used to bypass some of the work of the router and accelerate its switching operation.

A device providing local network access to users across a remote access network such as the PSTN. A NAS can also serve as a LAC, LNS, or both.

See NE.

BGP sends routing update messages containing NLRI to describe a route and how to get there. In this context, an NLRI is a prefix. A BGP update message carries one or more NLRI prefixes and the attributes of a route for the NLRI prefixes; the route attributes include a BGP next hop gateway address, community values, and other information.

The LAN used to control and manage equipment in a central office and branch locations.

In the context of wavelength routing, a network port is a port that tandems through the node; that is, it is a port on the NE that points to another wavelength router.

Non-Facility Associated Signaling - NFAS allows multiple ISDN Primary Rate Interfaces to be controlled by a single D channel with an associated D channel for backup

National Number. Part of a numbering plan

A node is a point of connectivity, or wavelength router, where multiple fiber links come together into one point, and/or a source or destination for a wavelength path.

One of the component cards used in the Cisco 6400 universal access controller. These cards provide the interfaces for moving data into and out of the Cisco 6400 system. They can be used as either uplink or downlink interfaces. Different types of line cards support different transmission protocols and data rates.

A classification of signalling protocols that provide the signalling channel in a separate physical line from the bearer channels.

See NSA.

Defines the severity assigned to a given condition under a specific set of circumstances.

Numbering Plan Area. The "area code" of a North American Dialing Plan number

Network Registrar; same as CNR. Network Registrar provides Domain Name Server (DNS) and DHCP services. Network Registrar supplies IP addresses and configuration parameters to DOCSIS cable modems and PCs based on network and service policies, and allocates host names for these devices in DNS.

non-service-affecting. A category of conditions that do not interrupt payload traffic; see service affecting.

Network Status Byte. A byte returned by the Cisco VCO/4K to the controlling host to indicate the successful completion or error status of command processing.

non source route. See SRB.

out-of-the-box. Default configuration of the product when it is first installed.

Client/server protocol defined by the ETSI TIPHON to establish authenticated connections between gateways, and allow gateways and servers to transfer accounting and routing information securely. OSP allows service providers to roll out VoIP services without establishing direct peering agreements with other ITSPs.

DOCSIS specification. For example, DOCSIS OSSI 1.0 defines the network management requirements for support in a DOCSIS 1.0 environment.

Specifies how an option from a more specific option set overrides or combines with an option from a less specific option set. Possible rules are replace, append, or suppress.

Collection of DOCSIS options and their values that exist at a particular option set scoping.

Special purpose units, containing option sets and DOCSIS options. Scopings are configured from most general to most specific scoping. The default scoping is the most general scoping that is configurable and the cable modem scoping is the most specific scoping that is configurable. The option set scopings from most general to most specific are: DOCSIS version scoping, default scoping, CMTS group scoping, CMTS scoping, subnet scoping, vendor scoping, cable modem scoping, and dynamic cable modem scoping.

Sequence of instructions that define autonomous call processing actions to be completed on outgoing ports in the Cisco VCO/4K switch. See also answer supervision template, outpulse rule.

Mode where call control is waiting for possible additional call information from the preceding PINX, because it received acknowledgment that the subsequent PINX may receive additional call information.

Block maintained by RSVP to store a path.

pulse code modulation. Technique of encoding analog voice into a 64-kbit data stream by sampling with eight-bit resolution at a rate of 8000 times per second.

packet control unit. Network component that normally resides in a BSC and directs packet traffic to the SGSN for processing by the GPRS network.

public/private/packet data network. Represents a public or private packet-based network, such as an IP or X.25 network.

packet data protocol. Network protocol used by external packet data networks that communicate with a GPRS network. IP is an example of a PDP supported by GPRS. Refers to a set of information (such as a charging ID) that describes a mobile wireless service call or session, which is used by mobile stations and GSNs in a GPRS network to identify the session.

performance monitoring. Provides a variety of automatic functions to aid in the maintenance and operation of the network. PM is continuous, in-service monitoring of transmission quality, that uses software-provisionable performance parameters. Performance parameters are measured for all four layers of the SONET signal: physical, section, line, and STS path.

Any defined rule that determines the use of resources within the network. A policy can be based on a user, device, subnetwork, network, or application.

Server that makes policy decisions. It has global knowledge of network policies, and is consulted by network devices (like routers) that enforce the policies.

Device on which policy decisions are carried out. Usually a network node like a router or switch.

Server (at least one in each QoS domain) that holds policies for reference by and decision over client routers and switches.

Translation method that allows the user can conserve addresses in the global address pool by allowing source ports in TCP connections or UDP conversations to be translated. Different local addresses then will map to the same global address, with port translation providing the necessary uniqueness. When translation is required, the new port number is picked out of the same range as the original following the convention of Berkeley Standard Distribution (SD).

This prevents end stations from seeing connection requests with source ports apparently corresponding to the Telnet, HTTP, or FTP daemon, for example. As a result, Cisco IOS PAT supports about 4000 local addresses that can be mapped to the same global address.

Software running on a MICA technologies HMM or DMM.

priority queueing/class-based weighted fair queueing (PQ/CBWFQ). Feature that brings strict priority queueing to CBWFQ. Strict priority queueing allows delay-sensitive data such as voice to be dequeued and sent first (before packets in other queues are dequeued), giving delay-sensitive data preferential treatment over other traffic.

Reliable multicast transport protocol for multicast applications that require reliable, ordered, duplicate-free multicast data delivery from multiple sources to multiple receivers.

Determines which value of an option is applied to a cable modem. Options defined in the most specific option set scopings take precedence over the same options defined in more general scopings. Within an option set, common options always have a lower precedence order than a specific service tuple if the cable modem has an associated service package. If a service package is not associated with the cable modem, the TFTP server uses the common options.

Cloning a specified number of virtual access interfaces from a virtual template at system startup or when the command is configured.

Shared secret that is used during IKE authentication.

Routing feature in which frames in an output queue are prioritized based on various characteristics such as packet size and interface type.

Each subscriber/account pair is associated with a single cable modem, which services one or more CPEs also associated with the subscriber/account.

Router that is part of a service provider's network and that is connected to a customer edge (CE) router.

Creation of an active subscriber account, or modification of parameters for an existing subscriber account. Provisioning of a subscriber account includes subscriber account registration and device activation.

Intermediary program that acts as both a server and a client for the purpose of making requests on behalf of other clients. Requests are serviced internally or by passing them on, possibly after translation, to other servers. A proxy interprets, and, if necessary, rewrites a request message before forwarding it.

protection switching count-line.

power supply unit. Unit that converts the -48 Vdc power supply to 3.3, 5, and ± 12 V for the Admin shelf.

Registration, Admission, and Status Protocol. Protocol that is used between endpoints and the gatekeeper to perform management functions. RAS signalling function performs registration, admissions, bandwidth changes, status, and disengage procedures between the VoIP gateway and the gatekeeper.

MICA technologies interface mode in which no framing takes place. The other interface modes are PPP and SLIP. In raw mode, data is forwarded immediately without interpretation of individual characters.

robbed bit signalling.

receive. Direction of signal moving from the high-speed receiver to the low/medium speed interface.

remote defect indication. Indication that a failure has occurred at the far end of the network. Unlike FERF (far-end remote failure), the RDI alarm indication does not identify the specific circuit in a failure condition.

Process of re-enabling network access and privileges for a subscriber device and reclaiming device attributes for other subscriber devices.

Process of supplying the personal information needed to establish a subscriber account.

remote error indication-line.

Total number of system failures, regardless of whether a given failure results in system down time. Compare with availability.

yellow alarm.

Set of interfaces that allows Cisco IOS software to control the operation of a remote ATM switch through a control protocol, such as VSI.

End system or router that is attached to a remote access network and that is either the initiator or recipient of a call.

Block maintained by RSVP to store a reservation.

Customer premises equipment running XGCP that has connections to the VoIP network and connections to user telephony equipment.

Dial service for cable subscribers that require access away from their cable modem.

ROM Monitor.

Ultimate CA, which signs the certificates of the subordinate CAs. The root CA has a self-signed certificate that contains its own public key.

Several contiguous lines that allow a connection to be made to the next free line in the group. Also called a hunt group.

An 8-byte value that is concatenated with an IPv4 prefix to create a unique VPN IPv4 prefix.

The process by which a stub-bridged segment is terminated on a point-to-point routed interface. Specifically, the router is routing on an IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet header carried over a point-to-point protocol such as PPP, RFC 1483 ATM, or RFC 1490 Frame Relay.

Restore Path request. The RPR is a WaRP request sent using a Restore Path packet that is used to establish a virtual path between two nodes. The request is sent by a source node, or proxy source node, to establish an intra-zone path for a VWP. The packet is usually sent during failure recovery procedures but can also be used for provisioning new VWPs. The node that sends the request is called the originating node. The node that terminates the request is called the target node.

RAS message sent as a registration rejection.

RAS message sent as a registration request.

ReStart In Progress.

MGCP command: ReStart In Progress - used to indicated that a span (or collection of spans) has come into service, has gone out of service, or is about to go out of service

Portion of a transmission facility, including terminating points between a terminal NE and a regenerator or two regenerators. A terminating point is the point after signal regeneration at which performance is monitored or can be monitored.

A SONET-embedded operations channel that is processed by each STE node in a network. It provides many data channels for maintenance and operations functions, such as orderwire, performance monitoring, and craft/OS data communication channel (DCN) extension.

Protocol that provides a secure remote connection to a router through a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) application.

An instance of security policy and keying material applied to a data flow. Both IKE and IPSec use SAs, although SAs are independent of one another. IPSec SAs are unidirectional and are unique in each security protocol. An IKE SA is used by IKE only, and unlike the IPSec SA, it is bidirectional. IKE negotiates and establishes SAs on behalf of IPSec. A user can also establish IPSec SAs manually. A set of SAs are needed for a protected data pipe, one per direction per protocol. For example, if you have a pipe that supports ESP between peers, one ESP SA is required for each direction. SAs are uniquely identified by destination (IPSec endpoint) address, security protocol (AH or ESP), and security parameter index (SPI).

severely errored framing second. A PM parameter that counts out-of-frame seconds.

severely errored framing second-section.

Serial unit. Unit that interfaces with the MBCs and the NMS.

Collection of service types required for a specific service offered. Each service class includes the attributes and values that define the type or quality of service associated with a given class. For example, data connectivity is a service class you might define that includes the service type data-bandwidth.

Various levels and quality of services defined for each service type. For example, the service type called quality of sound might have service levels defined for telephone, broadcast, and digital CD.

Quality of service that a cable provider offers subscribers. For example, Basic Student, Family Plus, and Internet are possible service packages. Subscribers may choose one or more service packages. A service class is selected for each service package, defining which service types make up the service package.

Customizable Web-based application that works with the Cisco SSG to allow end customers to login to and disconnect from proxy and passthrough services through a standard Web browser. After the customer logs in to the network of the service provider, an HTML Dashboard is populated with the services authorized for that user.

Gateway that offers service providers a means for menu-based service selection. End users can select services from the Dashboard menu, and the Cisco SSG will set up and tear down proxy and passthrough network connections based on a selection of a user. The Cisco SSG will account for the services selected so that service providers can bill for individual services.

Service type and level pair. For example, the service tuple data-bandwidth=45 Mbps consists of the service type data-bandwidth and the service level 45 Mbps.

A component of a service that cable providers offer subscribers. For example, devices-supported might be a service type defined for the home networking service, indicating the number of computers the subscriber can connect to the cable network from home. One or more service levels is defined for each service type.

severely errored second. Second during which the bit error ratio is greater than a specified limit and transmission performance is significantly degraded. A PM parameter is measured on a per-channel basis.

Logically ordered list of sessions based on priority of the sessions. All of the sessions in the session group should be configured to connect the same physical machines.

Protocol developed by the IETF MMUSIC Working Group as an alternative to H.323. SIP features are compliant with IETF RFC 2543, published in March 1999. SIP equips platforms to signal the setup of voice and multimedia calls over IP networks.

Manages all the sessions in a specific client.

Collection of session groups.

signaling gateway. Gateway that supports only signaling traffic (no bearer traffic.) For example, a gateway that terminates SS7 A-links is a signaling gateway

Secure Hash Algorithm 1. Algorithm that takes a message of less than 264 bits in length and produces a 160-bit message digest. The large message digest provides security against brute-force collision and inversion attacks. SHA-1 [NIS94c] is a revision to SHA that was published in 1994.

Single cable modem servicing multiple CPEs is associated with multiple subscriber/accounts and is administered in the User Registrar Admin UI through a neighborhood.

Ability to support both MPLS functions and ATM Forum protocols on the same physical interface, or on the same router or switch platform. In this mode, the two protocol stacks operate independently.

SS7 MTP 2 function that provides monitoring of signal unit events.

A term that refers to sending call information across a telephone connection. This information can be transmitted by many techniques, such as opening and closing a loop to stop and start the flow of DC loop current (used to indicate on-hook and off-hook state and to transmit dial-pulsing of digits), sending of ringing voltage to alert the other side of an incoming call, sending digit information in the form of DTMF or MF tones, or sending call state information on a DS0 timeslot by using robbed-bits.

SS7 protocol level that provides connectionless and connection-oriented network services, and addressing services. The transport layer for TCAP-based services.

It sends and receives PSTN signalling at the edge of IP/ATM network. It backhauls the signalling to a Media Gateway Controller. The Signaling Gateway function may be coresident with the Media Gateway function to process signaling associated with line or trunk terminations controlled by the Media Gateway.

Standard CCS system used with BISDN and ISDN. Developed by Bellcore (now Telcordia).

subscriber identity module. Component of an MS in a GSM network that contains all of the subscriber information.

DOCSIS option that is a major option number and does not contain suboptions.

Module that is commonly used for internal Flash memory.

DOCSIS option that can occur only once in an option set.

The ratio of the received strength of the desired signal to the received strength of undesired signals (noise and interference).

signaling link terminal for SS7.

satellite master antenna television. Transmission of television programming to a Satellite Master Antenna installed on top of an apartment building, a hotel, or at another central location from where it serves a private group of viewers. The transmission is usually done in C-band to 1.5 or 2 meter dishes.

<Add> 2. Wireless—Special Mobile Group. A standards body within ETSI that develops specifications related to mobile networking technologies such as GSM and GPRS.

signal-to-noise ratio. SNR is the ratio of usable signal being transmitted to the undesired signal (noise). It is a measure of transmission quality.
The ratio of good data (signal) to bad (noise) on a line, expressed in decibels (dB).

The system operating software release for general availability.

Synchronous Optical Network. A standard format for transporting a wide range of digital telecommunications services over optical fiber. SONET is characterized by standard line rates, optical interfaces, and signal formats.

SONET multiplexing byte interlaces the lower-rate payloads, which creates a high-rate synchronous signal.

A source node is the originating node of an end-to-end channel or virtual wavelength path (VWP).

A datagram delivery model that best supports one-to-many applications, also known as broadcast applications. SSM is the core networking technology for the Cisco implementation of the IP Multicast Lite suite of solutions targeted for audio and video broadcast application environments.

Service Platform Card. Provides call processing services, such as tone receivers and conference ports, within the Cisco VCO/4K switch. Available resources include DTMF detection, call progress analysis, MF reception, MFCR2 reception and transmission, tone generation, DTMF and MF outpulsing, and call conferencing.

1. synchronous payload envelope. Payload carrying portion of the STS signal in SONET. The SPE is used to transport a tributary signal across the synchronous network. In most cases, this signal is assembled at the point of entry to the synchronous network and disassembled at the point of exit from the synchronous network. Within the synchronous network, the SPE is passed on intact between NEs on its route through the network.

2. system processing engine. A card that acts as a single-board computer and that runs system software applications such as Cisco ICS 7750 System Manager and Cisco CallManager.

Option that is split across option sets. All single-instance compound options are splitable options. This means that the TFTP server can assemble the suboptions of a single-instance compound option from more than one option set. For example, option 15 is a splitable option.

Simple Resource Control Protocol. Set of extensions to MGCP to allow the VSC to poll the gateway about its current configuration

shelf sync controller unit. Unit that manages overall shelf operation and timing in the Line and Matrix bays.

1. system switch processor. A card that acts as an Ethernet switch and passes data between all system cards and to any other switches connected to the system.

2. service switching point. Element of an SS7-based Intelligent Network which performs call origination, termination, or tandem switching

Simple Server Redundancy Protocol. The LANE sinple server redundancy feature creates fault-tolerance using standard LANE protocols and mechanisms. Also called SSRP. See also FSSRP.

signal transfer point. Element of an SS7-based Intelligent Network which performs routing of the SS7 signaling

Hierarchical clock reference in the PSTN network, where 1 represents the highest possible quality of clocking.

Precision timing reference that provides a free-run accuracy of plus or minus 4.6 parts per million (PPM), pull-in capability of 4.6 PPM, and holdover stability of fewer than 255 slips during first day. Thorough descriptions can be found in ANSI T1.101-1994 and the Bellcore document GR-1244-CORE.

Required special purpose unit used to associate subnets with the CMTS that services each subnet. The subnet scoping models a physical installation.

Components of a compound DOCSIS option. For example, 4.1 through 4.7 are suboptions of option 4.

Person who obtains network service by self-provisioning using User Registrar.

<Add> 2. Telephony-a general term for any device, such as a PBX, that connects individual phones to phone lines. See also PBX, PSTN.

Plunger or switch where a telephone handset sits when the telephone is on hook, or hung up. When the handset is lifted, the switch hook goes up and the telephone is off hook. Also called hook switch.

Process of taking an incoming frame from one interface and delivering it through another interface. Routers use Layer 3 switching to route a packet, and Layer 2 switches use Layer 2 switching to forward frames. See also Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 switching.

Packets sent into the network that appear to be user data traffic but actually measure network performance. Formerly known as a probe. Also referred to as operation.

Time Protocol (RFC 868). Time clients obtain the current time-of-day within one-second resolution from Time servers.

Pair of wires that provide the electrical connection between a telephone set and the local CO. The more electrically positive side of a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) telephone line (0 V) is the tip. It is designated internationally as black, but in the U.S., it is often designated green. It's counterpart is the ring (the more negative side, 52 v), which is designated red internationally and in the U.S. When tip and ring are terminated on a connecting block, tip usually goes on top (left), and ring usually goes on the right (bottom).

Transport Layer Security. A future IETF protocol to replace SSL.

tunnel identifier. Used to identify a GTP tunnel between two GSNs in a GPRS network. Contains an MM Context ID and an NSAPI. A tunnel is created whenever an SGSN sends a Create PDP Context Request in a GPRS network. See also GTP tunnel.

A formal definition of a rate of transfer. A token bucket has three components: a burst size, a mean rate, and a time interval (Tc). A token bucket is used to manage a device that regulates the of a flow.

A scripting language used for gateway products both internally and externally to Cisco IOS software code.

A combination of a scripting language (Tcl) with a windowing toolkit (Tk). Used for rapid prototyping and application development.

termination point. A termination point is a transmission line or path that terminates or originates on an NE, such as the Line Card unit on the Cisco ONS 15900.

Techniques and processes that cause routed traffic to travel through the network on a path other than the one that would have been chosen if standard routing methods were used.

A label-switched tunnel that is used for traffic engineering. Such a tunnel is set up through means other than normal Layer 3 routing; it is used to direct traffic over a path different from the one that Layer 3 routing could cause the tunnel to take.

In the context of wavelength routing, a trail is the physical connection of two network ports. A single trail is equal to either an OC-48 or OC-192 wavelength between two Cisco ONS 15900s.

SS7 protocol layer that helps exchange noncircuit-related data between applications

A transit node interfaces with other nodes and transfers packet data.

This feature supports connectivity for multiple VLANs bridged between Dot1q interfaces and other interface encapsulations or other types of interface media.

Feature that allows the connection of two PBXs with digital interfaces that use a proprietary or unsupported CCS protocol without the need for interpretation of CCS signalling for call processing. T1/E1 traffic is transported transparently through the data network and the feature preserves proprietary signalling. From the PBX standpoint, this is accomplished through a point-to-point connection. Calls from the PBXs are not routed, but follow a preconfigured route to the destination.

Unique identifier used by both the PGM Host and PGM Router Assist features to identifiy each individual session.

Token Ring Bridge Relay Function. Internal multiport bridge function used to internconnect rings to form a domain.

Token Ring Concentrator Relay Function. A logical ring domain formed by defining groups of ports that have the same ring number.

A phone line between two COs or between a CO and a PBX.

A gateway that supports only bearer traffic (no signaling traffic.) For example, a gateway that terminates T1s (or greater) with no signaling control is a trunking gateway.

An XGCP media gateway that provides call handling between the PSTN and a VoIP network.

Telephony Services Application Programming Interface. A call control model developed by Lucent and Novell.

Time to Live. A field in the Internet Protocol (IP) that specifies how many more hops a packet can travel before being discarded or returned.

A virtual pipe between the LAC and LNS that can carry multiple L2TP sessions.

A two-octet value that denotes a tunnel between an L2TP access concentrator (LAC) and L2TP Network Server (LNS). An L2TP device that the client directly connects to and whereby PPP frames are tunneled to the L2TP network server (LNS). The LAC need only implement the media over which L2TP is to operate to pass traffic to one or more LNSs. It may tunnel any protocol carried within PPP. The LAC initiates incoming calls and receives outgoing calls. Analogous to the Layer 2 Forwarding (L2F) network access server (NAS).

Transactional traffic. Typically, this is conversational traffic exchanged between a host and its ASCUs for terminal queries and responses for another form of type A traffic is called host-to-host traffic.

Messaging traffic. Typically, this is e-mail application traffic in IATA-compliant format.

Universal Call Model. Used Interchangeably with LCM.

Universal Mobile Telephone Service. A 3G mobile wireless telecommunications system whose standards are being developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

See UAS.

Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure.

Feature that allows the authentication of outgoing Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone connections, using the Open Settlement Protocol (OSP).

A data link layer protocol that runs in full-duplex mode over synchronous serial (V.24) lines and uses the ASCII character set.

unidirectional path-switched ring

A client application that initiates the SIP request.

A server application that contacts the user when a SIP request is received, then returns a response on behalf of the user. The response accepts, rejects, or redirects the request.

Cisco UCP is a carrier-class service policy administration system that enables personalized IP services. The Cisco UCP distributed, fault-tolerant architecture integrates authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA); roaming; and address management services into operations support systems of a service provider.

In the context of wavelength routing, a user port is a port that originates or terminates on a node; in other words, it is a port on the NE that points to a non-wavelength router NE.

An optional special purpose unit used to manage cable modems manufactured by specific vendors.

An attribute that has been implemented by a particular vendor. It uses the attribute Vendor-Specific to encapsulate the resulting AV pair: essentially, Vendor-Specific = protocol:attribute=value.

Voice interface card. Connects the system to either the PSTN or to a PBX. Compare with WIC. See also PBX, PSTN.

Instance of a unique virtual interface that is created dynamically and exists temporarily. Virtual access interfaces can be created and configured differently by different applications, such as virtual profiles and virtual private dialup networks.Virtual access interfaces are cloned from virtual template interfaces.

A system that permits dial-in networks to exist remotely to home networks, while giving the appearance of being directly connected. VPDNs use L2TP and L2F to terminate the Layer 2 and higher parts of the network connection at the home gateway, instead of the NAS.

A logical interface configured with generic configuration information for a specific purpose or configuration common to specific users, plus router-dependent information. The template takes the form of a list of Cisco IOS interface commands that are applied to virtual access interfaces, as needed.

A portion of a physical interface that has the following characteristics: address space containing only one VPI and all VCIs underneath, bandwidth that is rate limited by hardware (VI), and ownership by a controller that uses it to interface to another peer controller.

See VWP.

See VWP.

The identification of the VLAN, which is used by the standard 802.1Q. Being on 12 bits, it allows the identification of 4096 VLANs.

See VIC.

Voice over IP. In telephony, the ability to carry voice signals over an IP-based internet with POTS-like functionality, reliability, and voice quality. See also IP telephony, POTS.

A VPN routing/forwarding instance. A VRF consists of an IP routing table, a derived forwarding table, a set of interfaces that use the forwarding table, and a set of rules and routing protocols that determine what goes into the forwarding table. In general, a VRF includes the routing information that defines a customer VPN site that is attached to a PE router.

A VSI master process implementing the master side of the VSI protocol in a VSI controller. Sometimes the whole VSI controller might be referred to as a VSI Master, but this is not strictly correct.

1. A device that controls a VSI switch, for example, a VSI label switch controller.

2. A process implementing the master side of the VSI protocol.

Voice Services Provisioning Tool. Provides end-to-end configuration for IP, trunk groups, trunks, routes, and dial plans for VSC3000 and VISM. Also known as Dart.

voice telephony over ATM (VTOA).

voice telephony service provider.

virtual wavelength path. A VWP is a group of one or more channels between source and destination nodes. The term virtual indicates that the signal path can actually travel on different physical wavelengths throughout the network. All channels of the VWP transit the same path through the network.

virtual wavelength path. A VWP is a group of one or more channels between source and destination nodes. The term virtual indicates that the signal path can actually travel on different physical wavelengths throughout the network. All channels of the VWP transit the same path through the network.

The VSC Execution Environment, a layer of software providing shared services for all application software on the VSC; and isolating higher-level software from operating system dependencies

Xternal Media Gateway Control Protocols includes SGCP and MGCP.

Extended Markup Language is a form of HTML.

Cisco ***hardware or software or IOS or what kind of feature??*** feature that includes all the components involved in transporting airline protocol data across a TCP/IP-based network to mainframe reservation systems.

Cisco Connection Online. The name of Cisco Systems' Web site.

Cisco Craft Terminal.

40- and 56-bit Data Encryption Standard (DES) network layer encryption available since Cisco IOS Software Release 11.2.

The Cisco Optical Network Planner is the trademarked network planning tool designed by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is designed for use with Cisco ONS 15900 Series Wavelength Router network elements to optimize available optical network bandwidth.

See Cisco ONP.

See Cisco WRM.

Cisco's element management system designed for use with the Cisco ONS 15900 Series Wavelength Router.

Cisco's World-Wide Technical Assistance Center. It is the focal point of all Cisco software and hardware maintenance and support services. Contact the Cisco WW TAC for help with installation and testing, performance, training, documentation, equipment repair Return Material Authorization (RMA) service, and equipment specifications. Refer to the About This Guide section of the user guides for additional information.

Cisco MGC Node Manager. The management system providing fault, performance, and security management for the VSC3000 (MGC) node. Also known as Rambler.

Cisco Network Registrar; same as NR (see NR).

Cisco Networking Services for Active Directory, which consists of a port of Active Directory to Solaris and HP/UX, and an NT and Unix client implementation of the LDAP API and GSS-API.

Cisco Subscriber Registration Center. An integrated solution for data-over-cable service providers to configure and manage broadband modems, and enable and administer subscriber self-registration and activation.

Cisco Web Application Framework. The underlying framework that manages the Web GUI for User Registrar and Modem Registrar.

The Cisco Wavelength Router Manager is Cisco's trademarked element management system.

open peripheral interface. CISCO proprietary interface between Peripheral Gateways (PGs) and the ICM's Central Controller.

peripheral interface Mmnager. The Cisco proprietary interface between a peripheral and the Peripheral Gateway (PG).

Cisco policy server application for dynamically managing network traffic flows.