Terms

The following terms are used when describing serial devices and the TTY system:

TTY: The near-classic abbreviation for teletypewriter. The term covers the whole area of access between the IRIX system and peripheral devices, including the system console. It shows up in commands such as getty and stty, in the names of device special files such as /dev/ttyd1, and in the names of files such as /etc/gettydefs, which is used by getty.
TTY line: The cable connecting the computer to the serial device.
port: The connector on the computer where the TTY line attaches.
line settings: A set of characteristics for data transmission over the line.
baud rate: The speed at which data is transmitted over the line. A part of the line settings.
mode: The characteristics of the terminal interface, and a part of line settings. The TTY line and the terminal must be working in the same mode before communication can take place. Described in termio(7).
hunt sequence: A series of line settings such as different baud rates. During the login sequence, a user looking for a compatible connection to the computer can go from one setting to the next by sending a BREAK signal. Also referred to as a rotary.
terminal options: Selectable settings that define the way a given terminal operates. Described in termio(7).