Links to other Reference Manual pages:
- Active Profile
- The current settings the modem is using to operate.
- Adaptive Answer
- Allows a modem to discriminate between incoming fax or
data calls, and answer appropriately.
- Analog Signals
- Continuous, varying waveforms such as the voice tones
carried over phone lines.
- ANSI
- American National Standards Institute.
- ASCII
- American Standards Committee on Information Interchange.
A standard used by IBM and compatibles to represent
numbers and characters in binary form.
- Asymmetric Data Rates
- In asymmetric transmissions, the send and receive speeds
may be different. Having the ability to have differing
send and receive speeds allows you to take advantage of
the line conditions, giving the best performance
possible.
- Asynchronous
- In asynchronous transmissions, the length of time between
transmitted characters is not uniform. The receiving
modem must be signaled with Start and Stop bits as to
when the data bits of a character begin and end.
- Audio Frequencies
- The frequencies which the human ear can detect (usually
in the range of 15 to 20,000 Hertz). Only those from 300
to 3,000 Hertz are transmitted through the phone.
- AT Commands
- The commands used to control the modem in terminal mode.
The characters AT are typed in to start the command.
- Audio, Full Duplex
- An audio mode in which data can be sent and received at
the same time. This mode must be supported by the audio
hardware you are using. If you have the option of using
it, you will probably find that it is more like natural
conversation than using half duplex.
- Audio, Half Duplex
- An audio mode in which data can travel only in one
direction at a time. This mode is determined by the kind
of audio hardware you are using.
- Authoring Systems
- Authoring systems are used to create multimedia
applications. They combine existing presentation
information (texts, images and sound) and control the
flow of these during the multimedia show. The dialogue
with the user is controlled with this software. The
individual information must have already been created and
saved with special programs.
- AUTOEXEC.BAT
- A batch file that directs the activities performed by the
computer during system startup.
- AutoReliable Mode
- The mode in which the modem makes the best possible
connection, either Reliable or Normal.
- Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
- Program code in your PCs ROM (Read-Only Memory)
that provides the power-on self test and other operating
functions for hardware such as disk drives, keyboard and
monitor.
- Baud Rate
- The number of signal events per second occurring on a
communications channel. Although not technically
accurate, baud rate is commonly used to mean bit rate.
- bps
- bits per second
- BIOS
- See Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).
- Bit Rate
- The number of binary digits or bits transmitted per
second.
- Bits Per Second (bps)
- The number of binary digits or bits transmitted per
second. See also Bit Rate.
- BLTZ
- British Telecom Lempel-Ziv. Data compression protocol
BTLZ connections require LAPM error correction.
- Central Office (CO)
- The place where your local phone company switches (or
connects) all of your phone calls.
- Class 1 (Fax)
- A protocol for transmitting image data by a faxmodem and
fax software. Class 1 fax software uses the computer's
processor for handling all the encoding and decoding of
the fax image.
- CNG Tone
- The 1100Hz "beeping" tone a fax machine or
faxmodem emits when calling out. When the receiving fax
detects this tone, it automatically connects. It is this
tone which allows a call-switching device to recognize an
incoming fax call and transfer the call to the fax
machine or modem. SupraSonic and SupraFAXModems using
"Silent Answer" can recognize the CNG tone to
receive a fax.
- Command State
- When your modem will accept AT commands. Synonym: Escape
State. See also Online State.
- Computer Rate
- The rate at which a modem (DCE) and a computer (DTE)
communicate. This is what changes when you set rate in
your telecom software. Synonyms: Serial Port Rate,
Modem-to-Computer Speed, DTE-DCE Rate, Communications
Rate.
- Config.sys
- In MS-DOS, an ASCII text file in the root directory that
contains configuration commands. MS-DOS consults this
file at system startup.
- Connection Rate
- The rate at which modems communicate over a phone line.
Synonyms: Transmission Speed, Line Speed, Carrier Rate,
Modem-Modem Speed, DCE-DCE Rate.
- CTS - Clear to Send Signal
- See Hardware Handshaking.
- Data Carrier Detect (DCD)
- Signal from the modem or printer (DCE) to the DTE (your
computer) to indicate that the modem is receiving a
carrier signal from the modem at the remote end of the
telephone circuit.
- Data Compression
- The process of reducing the size of data parcels to
transmit more data in less time. See also Error
Correction/Data Compression Protocols.
- Data Rate
- The speed at which a channel carries data, measured in
bits per second (bps).
- Data Terminal Ready (DTR)
- Data Terminal Ready. Control signal from the DTE
(computer) to the DCE (modem or printer) to indicate that
the DTE is on and ready. Also used for hardware flow
control.
- DCE
- Data Communications Equipment. Your modem. See also DTE.
- Digital Signals
- Discrete, uniform signals.
- Direct Connection
- Any standard modem connection, without error correction,
data compression, or flow control. Computer rate must
equal connection rate.
- Distinctive Ring
- Distinctive Ring is the ability to have multiple phone
numbers on a single phone line. Each phone number has a
unique ringing pattern. Most U.S. phone companies offer
this service.
- Driver
- Part of a software module that interfaces with a
particular piece of equipment in your computer system
(i.e. modem video board, printer, or keyboard) and your
computers operating system. Drivers are often
loaded by your config.sys at system boot.
- DTE
- Data Terminal Equipment. Your computer or terminal.
- DTR
- See Data Terminal Ready.
- Duplex
- Indicates a communications channel capable of carrying
signals in both directions.
- Echo Canceling
- A technique that causes modems to distinguish between
actual signals and their echoes. Echoes are a serious
problem on standard phone lines during high-speed data
transmission.
- Error Correction
- The process of verifying the accuracy of transmitted data
and retransmitting data that did not transfer
successfully.
- Error Correction/Data Compression Protocols
- Protocols that increase the amount of data that can be
transferred (data compression) and/.or improve the
accuracy of transmissions (error correction). Some are
MNP 2-5, V.42, V.42bis.
- Even Parity
- Adding a bit value (either 0 or 1) to each transmitted
character, to make the total number of 1s in the
character even.
- Fax Protocols
- Protocols (defined by the international ITU standards
committee) that serve as standards to let fax devices
(faxmodems and fax machines) communicate at specific
rates. Some are ITU V.17, V.29, and V.27ter.
- Flow Control
- A buffering system that optimizes throughput by allowing
your computer and connection rates to be different.
- Flash ROM
- A memory device that stores digital data even when the
computer is powered off. Allows you to upgrade your
modem's ROM using software. SupraSonic, 56K SupraExpress
modems have this feature.
- Flow Control
- A buffering system that optimizes throughput by allowing
your computer and connection rates to be different.
- Full Duplex
- Signal flow in both directions.
- Group 1, 2, and 3 Faxes
- There are three internationally accepted specifications
for fax equipment protocols. Most fax machines today are
Group 3, as are SupraFAXModems. Many older fax machines
do not support Group 3 faxing -- these machines typically
won't be able to send to a Group 3 machine (or modem).
- Half Duplex
- Signal flow in both directions, but only one way at a
time.
- Hardware Handshaking (RTS/CTS)
- A method of flow control used between the modem and the
computer in which it is installed. When ready to send
data, the computer will send a Request to Send (RTS)
signal, to which the modem will reply with a Clear to
Send (CTS) signal when it is ready to receive. CTS/RTS
prevents the computer from sending more data than the
modem can handle.
- Initialization
- In modems, the establishment of an active configuration
that, in whole or in part, supersedes the factory
configuration. By using an initialization string, you can
configure the modem to work well with your communications
program. See initialization string.
- Initialization string
- (Also referred to as init. string.) In modems, a
group of AT commands issued to the modem by a
communications program at the beginning of a
communication session, that establishes an active
configuration. Initialization strings enable
communications programs to work smoothly with a variety
of modems, and often you can choose an initialization
string appropriate for your modem from a list provided in
your communications program. See initialization.
- Interrupt Request (IRQ)
- Signal used by a device, such as a mouse, to inform the
CPU that it is present and functioning.
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- A company that provides end users access to the Internet.
- ITU (also ITU-T)
- International Telecommunications Union (also known as
ITU-T, International Telecommunications Union
-Telecommunications section). An organization sponsored
by the United Nations that sets standards for
communications technology. In computers, ITU standards,
such as the widely used V.32bis protocol that governs
some high speed modem communications, enable modems from
different manufacturers to communicate with one another.
The ITU is the successor of the Comite Consultatif
International Telephonique et Telegraphique (CCIT).
- ITU-TSS V.42
- The international standard protocols for error correction
(MNP 2-4 and LAPM).
- ITU-TSS V.42bis
- The international standard protocols for error correction
(MNP 2-4 and LAPM) and 4:1 data compression (BTLZ).
- LAPM
- Link Access Procedure for Modems. The error correction
protocol preferred by the V.42bis modem protocol. BTLZ
connections require LAPM error correction.
- Local Echo
- A modem feature that enables the modem to send copies of
keyboard commands and transmitted data to the screen.
- Local Modem
- Your modem.
- MNP
- Microcom Networking Protocol. Protocols providing error
correction (MNP 2-4, MNP 10) and 2:1 data compression
(MNP 5).
- Modem/Fax Modem
- A modem (MODulator/DEModulator) is a device that can take
computer data (a series of "1"s and
"0"s) and convert it to tones that can be
transmitted/received through a communications channel
such as radio or telephone lines. Another modem at the
other end can decode the tones back into the original
data. Fax modems are modems that can also communicate
with fax machines in addition to their data
communications.
- NVRAM
- Nonvolatile Random Access Memory. User-programmable
memory whose data is retained if the device is turned
off.
- Negotiation
- The process where your modem and the remote modem
determine what type of connection to make. Synonyms:
Detection, Detection Phase.
- Normal Connection
- Same as a Direct connection, but with the addition of
flow control, which allows the computer and connection
rates to be different. A Normal connection does not
support error correction or data compression.
- Off-hook
- A description of the telephone line when it is being
used.
- Online State
- When you can communicate with the remote computer. See
also Command State.
- Parity
- A form of error correction that attaches a bit to the
standard 8 bits of data transferred. The extra bit helps
the computer determine if the data sent is accurate.
Parity types include: even, odd, space, mark and none.
- PCMCIA
- Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
This organization defines the specifications for PCMCIA
devices such as the Supra PC Card.
- Protocol
- A set of rules governing the electronic signals used to
communicate over phone lines. For example, Bell 103/212A,
ITU V.34, or K56flex. To communicate successfully, two
computers must use the same protocol. Synonym:
Transmission Protocol.
- Plug and Play
- Plug and Play automatically manages the communication
between the system and the new device. Windows™ 95
takes over all necessary work from loading the correct
drivers to the most optimal connection between hardware
and software.
- Pulse Dialing
- A means of telling the Central Office the number to be
reached. Pulse dialing can be recognized by clicks,
instead of beeps, when dialing. Not all phone systems
support touch tone dialing; pulse dialing is the
alternative. All Supra modems can use tone or pulse
dialing.
- RAM
- Ramdom Access Memory. See also NOVRAM.
- Reliable Connection
- A connection that uses one of the error correction or
data compression protocols available.
- Remote Modem
- The modem to which you connect.
- Result Code
- The message displayed by your modem on your computer
screen to acknowledge the command.
- RJ11
- A six conductor modular jack, a North American standard.
Also a standard connector in telecommunications equipment
worldwide.
- ROM
- Read Only Memory. Retains its contents if modem is
powered off. Read only cannot be used for storage.
- REN (Ringer Equivalence Number)
- A number indicating the amount or quantity of ringers (or
products) which may be connected to a single phone line
and still ring. The total of all RENs connected to a
single line may not exceed the value of five (5) or some
or all of the ringers may not work. In some cases the
maximum REN may be lower. Check with your local phone
company if you are interested in the exact maximum REN
for your line. Most Supra modems have a REN of 0.3 (REN
is also called the "Load Number" in some
cases).
- RTS/CTS
- Request to Send/Clear to Send. See Hardware
Handshaking.
- S Registers
- S Register values can be set or displayed using AT
Commands; each setting controls a unique aspect of the
modems operation.
- Silent Answer
- Silent Answer allows your modem to "listen in"
on an incoming phone call and determine whether or not
the incoming call is a voice call or a fax call. After
the call is answered by you or your answering machine,
the modem listens for CNG tones. If they are detected,
the modem will take the call. If they are not detected,
the modem will ignore the call.
- Synchronous
- In synchronous transmission, blocks of data are sent at
strictly timed intervals. The timing is uniform and no
Start/Stop bits are required.
- Telephone Answering Device (TAD)
-
- Terminal Mode
- (Also, Command Mode.) Data communications software
that allows for direct communication with the modem.
- Terminal Stay Resident (TSR)
- Programs that are run once then remain in memory in order
to be activated by a sequence of key strokes or a hotkey.
It is possible that a TSR may take up too much memory and
cause conflicts with other programs.
- Throughput
- Effective transfer rate. Generally speaking, on a 14,400
bps connection, data will transfer at a maximum of 14,400
bps, so maximum throughput is 14,400 bps. But on a 14,400
bps V.42bis connection, where V.42bis compresses the data
to one-fourth its size, throughput can be four times that
of the non-V.42bis 14,400 bps connection, or 57,600 bps.
- Tone Dialing
- Commonly known as touch tone, tone dialing is a means of
telling phone company equipment the number to be reached
by means of differing tones for each number. Tone
telephones have a dialing keypad, though some keypad
phones use pulse dialing. All Supra modems can use either
tone or pulse dialing.
- Trunk Line
- The path connecting your phone system to the phone
company's Central Office.
- TSR
- See Terminate and Stay Resident.
- UART
- Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter. UART chips
control the serial port/s on personal computers. The UART
is a device, usually a integrated circuit chip that
performs the parallel-to-serial conversion of digital
data that has been transmitted. The UART converts the
incoming serial data from a modem into the parallel form
which your computer handles. UART also does the opposite,
converting the computers parallel data into serial
data suitable for asynchronous transmission on phone
lines.
- Upload
- To transfer a file from your computer to another
computer, using a terminal program.
- XOn/XOff
- A handshake protocol used by computers to control the
flow of data using software flow control.
[Manuals Home Page] [Table of Contents] [Return
to the Top of the Page]
Copyright © 1997 Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
Acrobat and the Acrobat logo are trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated.