UNCLASSIFIED

ACP 167(I)

GLOSSARY OF
COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS
TERMS

ACP 167(I)

MARCH 2005

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FOREWORD

1. The Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) is comprised of the five member

nations, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States and is the Sponsoring
Authority for all Allied Communications Publications (ACPs). ACPs are raised and issued under
common agreement between the member nations.

2. ACP 167(I), GLOSSARY OF COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS TERMS, is an

UNCLASSIFIED CCEB publication.

3. This publication contains Allied military information for official purposes only.

4. It is permitted to copy or make extracts from this publication.

5. This ACP is to be maintained and amended in accordance with the provisions of the current
version of ACP198.

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THE COMBINED COMMUNICATION-ELECTRONICS BOARD

LETTER OF PROMULGATION FOR ACP167 (I)

1. The purpose of this Combined Communication Electronics Board (CCEB) Letter of Promulgation
is to implement ACP167 (I) within the Armed Forces of the CCEB Nations. ACP167 (I),
GLOSSARY OF COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS TERMS, is an UNCLASSIFIED
publication developed for Allied use and, under the direction of the CCEB Principals. It is promulgated
for guidance, information, and use by the Armed Forces and other users of military communications
facilities.

2. ACP 167(I) is effective on receipt for CCEB Nations and when by the NATO Military Committee
(NAMILCOM) for NATO nations and Strategic Commands

EFFECTIVE STATUS

Publication Effective for Date Authority

ACP167 (I) CCEB When directed LOP

3. All proposed amendments to the publication are to be forwarded to the national coordinating
authorities of the CCEB or NAMILCOM.

For the CCEB Principals

Warren Quennell
Squadron Leader, RNZAF
Permanent Secretary to CCEB

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RECORD OF MESSAGE CORRECTIONS

Identification of Message Correction and date,

time group Date Entered By Whom Entered
DTG Correction

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE......................................................................................................... i
FOREWORD....................................................................................................... ii
LETTER OF PROMULGATION FOR ACP167 (I) .............................................iii
RECORD OF MESSAGE CORRECTIONS ...................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... v

CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................... 1-1

GENERAL....................................................................................................... 1-1
PURPOSE........................................................................................................ 1-1
SCOPE ............................................................................................................ 1-1
PRESENTATION............................................................................................. 1-1
ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS.............................................................. 1-2

CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................................... 2-1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS................................................................................. 2-1
A...................................................................................................................... 2-1
B .................................................................................................................... 2-14
C .................................................................................................................... 2-22
D.................................................................................................................... 2-50
E..................................................................................................................... 2-62
F..................................................................................................................... 2-70
G.................................................................................................................... 2-79
H.................................................................................................................... 2-82
I...................................................................................................................... 2-84
J ..................................................................................................................... 2-91
K.................................................................................................................... 2-93
L..................................................................................................................... 2-94
M ................................................................................................................... 2-99
N...................................................................................................................2-110
O...................................................................................................................2-115
P....................................................................................................................2-118
Q.................................................................................................................. 2-128
R .................................................................................................................. 2-129
S................................................................................................................... 2-140
T................................................................................................................... 2-158
U.................................................................................................................. 2-169
V.................................................................................................................. 2-170
W ................................................................................................................. 2-172
X.................................................................................................................. 2-174
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Z................................................................................................................... 2-175

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CHAPTER 1

GENERAL

PURPOSE

101. The purpose of this publication is to list and define terms essential to:

a. Effective communication between Allied operational/staff personnel.

b. Enhance the interoperability of Allied military communications and electronic warfare

systems.

c. Provide a generally acceptable definition of common day-to-day terms used by

communications electronic warfare operational staffs in their requirements for Allied networks.

d. Provide the primary source reference for communication-electronic and electronic

warfare terminology common within Allied communication Publications (ACPs) and
supplements thereto.

102. When terms are employed in ACPs and supplements which are not defined in this publication,
they must be defined within that publication. Authors of ACP’s are to include new abbreviations and
definitions as amendments to this publication, as detailed in the Letter of Promulgation.

SCOPE

103. The terms listed in this publication are in no way exhaustive. Use may frequently have to be
made of terms not defined herein. For example, Federal Standard 1037, Glossary of
Telecommunication Terms, used by the United States and Allies.

104. When use is made, during the preparation of orders, letters, messages, of communications-
electronics or electronic warfare terms not defined in this publication, care must be taken to ensure that
their exact meaning will be clearly understood by all recipients.

PRESENTATION

105. All terms are listed in alphabetical order (based on the primary word in the term) irrespective of
subject, to facilitate easy reference. Additional information regarding the application or restricted use of
term is only provided where ambiguity might otherwise occur.

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ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

106. Some of the following abbreviations appear in the terms and definitions contained in chapter 2.
Use both chapters to obtain an full understanding of an abbreviation or term:

AA See Attribute Authority

ABCC Airborne Battlefield Command and Control
ABM Apogee Boost Motor
AARL See Attribute Authority Revocation List
ACDF Access Control Decision Function
ACI Access ACCAP ACE CIS Contingency Assets Pool
ACCIS Allied Command and Control Information
ACIXS Allied Communication Information Exchange System
ACCS Air Command and Control System
ACE Allied Command Europe
ACEC (US) ADA Compiler Evaluation Capability
ACEIEP ACE Information Exchange Plan
ACELIP ACE Long-term Infrastructure Plan
ACGE ADP/Comms Gateway Element (AWHQ)
AcomP-1 List of English/French Communications Abbreviations (NATO)
ACP Allied Communications Publication
ACRL See Attribute Certificate Revocation List
ACS Advanced Communications Service
ACSE Application Control Service Element
ACT ALLIED Command Transformation
ACU Audio Coding Unit
ADatP Allied Data Publication
ADCCP Advanced Data Communications Control Procedures
AdatP Allied Data Publications
ADNC Air Defence Notification Cell.
ADNS Automated Digital Network System
ADOC Air Defence Operations Centre.
ADP See Data Processing, Automatic
ADPE See Data Processing Equipment, Automatic
ADPS See Data Processing System, Automatic
ADUA Administrative Directory User Agency
ADV Air Defence Variant/Air Defence Vehicle.
ADY 1993 Directory Application Profile
AEW Airborne Early Warning; see Airborne Early Warning Set
AFC See Automatic Frequency Control
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AF OPS Air Force Operations Centre.
AGC See Automatic Gain Control
AIG See Address Indicating Group
AIG Address Indicator Group (ACP123(A)/133(B))
AIS Automated AIFS Allied Information Flow System
AITS-JPO Advanced Information Technology Services-Joint Program Office
AIMS (NATO) Armaments Information Management System (replaced CAPS)
AIS Automated (Communications and) Information Systems
AJ See Anti-Jamming
AL Address List
AJP Allied Joint Publication
ALE/ALM Automatic Link Establishment/Automatic Link Management (HF)
ALI Address List Indicator
ALIS Acquisition Logistics Information System (based on NCDM)
ALP Arithmetic and Logic Processor
AMH Allied Message Handling
AMHS Automated Message Handling System
AMPS See AMPS - Access Monitoring and Policing System
AMRS Active Message Retrieval System
ANDVT Advanced Narrow Band Digital Voice Terminal
ANSA Advanced Networked Systems Architecture
ANSI See ANSI -American National Standards Institute
AO Atlantic Ocean
AOR/AOI Area of Responsibility/Area of Interest
AOTN Automatic Operational Telephone Network
AP See Anomalous Propagation
APP Allied Publications Procedures
APP Allied Procedural Publication
ARM Anti-Radiation Missile
ARQ Automated Response to Query (HF automated request for repeat)
ASN1 Abstract Syntax Notation One
ARPA See ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency
ARQ Automatic Repeat Request
ARQ See Automatic request for transmission.
AS Autonomous System
ASAT Anti-Satellite
ASBR Autonomous System Boundary Router
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ASE Application Service Element
ASK Amplitude Shift Keying
ASN Autonomous System Number
ASN.1 Abstract Syntax Notation One
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ASR See Automatic send/receive teleprinter.
ASR Air Staff Requirement
ASVR See Aircraft to Surface Vessel Radar
ATCRBS Air Traffic Control Radio Beacon System
ATCRU Air Traffic Control Radar Unit
ATDM See ATDM - asynchronous time-division multiplexor
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
ATO Air Tasking Order
ATO Authority to Operate
ATO Air Tasking Organisation (ACP200)
ATW See ATW - Advanced Tactical Workstation
AU Access Unit
AU Australia
AUS Australia
AUTODIN Automatic Digital Network
A/V Anti- Virus
AUTOKO (German Area Tactical Comms System)
AVC See Automatic Volume Control
AWR Alerting, Warning and Response
AX See Station, Aeronautical, Fixed

BABS See Beam Approach Beacon System

BAC Basic Access Control
BC See Station, Broadcasting.
BCA See Broadcast Control Authority
BCC See block check character
BCD See binary-coded decimal.
BCI See Station, International Broadcasting
BCP Business Continuity Plan
BCS See Broadcast Control Station
BER Basic Encoding Rules
BER Bit Error Rate
BERT Bit Error Rate Test
BIND Berkeley Internet Name Domain
BGP Border Gateway Protocol
BIT See BIT - Binary Digit
BITE Built-in test equipment
BGP Border Gateway Protocol
BGP4 Border Gateway Protocol Version 4
BIU Black Interface Unit (Crypto)
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BLOS Beyond Line of Sight
BNC See BNC - bayonet-locking connector
BPD Boundary Protection Device
BPS Boundary Protection Service
BPSK Binary phase Shift Keying
BRAMIS Battle Readiness and Management Information System
BRASS Broadcast and Ship - Shore
BRS See Broadcast Radiating Station
BSC See BSC - Binary Synchronous Communications
BTAM See Basic Telecommunications Access Method

C2 Command and Control

C2RA Command and Control Requirements Analysis
C3 Consultation, Command and Control (NATO)
C3 Command, Control and Communications
C4 Command, Control, Communications and Computer
C4I Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence
C4ISR Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Surveillance &
Reconnaissance
CA Certificate Authority (Certification Authority)
CA Canada
CAD Collective Address Designator
CAN Canada
C&M Control and Monitor
CAP Channel Access Processor
CARB See - Channel Availability and Receipt Broadcast
CARL Certification Authority Revocation List
CAS Collaboration At Sea
CATF Commander Amphibious Task Force
C&A Certificate and Accreditation
CAEC Coalition Accreditation Endorsement Certificate
CAST Computer Assisted Supervision of Transmission Media
CAST Comsec Area Servicing Team (UK)
CATV See CATV - community antenna television.
CB See Exchange, Central Battery
CBA Control Block Address
CBS See Exchange, Central Battery Signalling
CBT Computer Based Training aid
CCE Circuit Conditioning Equipment
CCEB Combined Communications-Electronics Board
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CCI Controlled Cryptographic Item
CCEP Commercial COMSEC endorsement Programme (USA)
CCIR Comité Consultatif International des Radiocommunications (Now ITU-R)
CCIS Command and Control Information System
CCITT Consultative Committee International Telegraph and Telephone (Now ITU-T); see
CCITT
CCPC Civil Communications Planning Committee (NATO)
CCS Common Channel Signalling
CCTV See CCTV - Closed-circuit television.
CCU See CCU - communications control unit
CD See CD - Carrier Detect
CDE Concept Development and Experimentation (linked with Nation-Centred Activities)
CELT Crypto Equipment for Low speed Telegraphy
CEMCON Centralized EMCON
CEPAS Crypto Equipment for Packet Switched Networks
CESG Communications Electronics Security Group (UK)
CDMA See CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access
CDRU Clock Distribution Receiver Unit
CDTU Clock Distribution Transmitter Unit
C-E Communications - Electronics
C-EG CFBLNet Executive Group
CELP Code Book Excited Linear Predictive
CEN See CEN/CENELEC
CENTRIXS Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System
CEPT See CEPT
CFBL Combined Federated Battle Laboratory
CFBLNet Combined Federated Battle Laboratory Network
CFE CENTRIXS Four Eyes
CFLCC Coalition Force Land Component Commander
CFMCC Coalition Force Maritime Component Commander
CID Channel Identifier
CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing
CIK Crypto Ignition Key
CII Combined Information Infrastructure
CIM Console interface Module
CIM Common Information Model
CJCSI Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction
CJTF Commander Joint Task Force
CIS Communication and Information Systems
CJCCC Combined Joint Communication Control Centre
CJM3IEM Combined Joint Multilateral Master Military Information Exchange Memorandum of
Understanding
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CM Configuration Management
CMDE Common Messaging and Directory Environment
CMI Certificate Management Infrastructure
CMIP Common Management Information Protocol
CMS Cryptographic Message Syntax
CMM CFBLNet Management Meeting
CN Common Name
CND Computer Network Defence
CNOC Combined Network Operations Centre
CNR Combat Net Radio
CNRI Combat Net Radio Interface
CNRMIS Combat Net Radio Management Information System (SD-UK Army)
CNRWP Combat Net Radio Working Party
CNSC Communications Network Sub-Committee (NC3B Sub-Committee 6)
COAST CRONOS Operational Assessment of Security Technology

COB Centre of Boresight

CODS Coalition Data Server
CODEC See CODEC - Coding and Decoding Equipment.
COI Communities of Interest
COINS Communications and Information System (see also SHED COINS)
COMAG Combined Agreement
COMMCEN Communication Centre
COMFEP Communications Front End Processor
COMINT See Communications Intelligence
COMJAM See Communications Jamming
COMPUSEC Computer Security
COMSEC See Communications Security
CONOPS Concept of Operations
COOP Concept of Operations Plan
COP Common Operational Picture
CORBA Common Object Request Broker Architecture
COSINE Organization for Cooperation for OSI Networking in Europe
COTS Commercial Off the Shelf
COWAN Coalition Operations Wide Area Network
CPI See CPI - Computer-PABX Interface
CPIGS Coalition Portal for Imagery & Geo-spatial Services
CPS Certificate Practice Statement
CPU See CPU - Central processing unit
CR See CR - Carriage Return; also see Function Key
CRC See CRC - cyclic redundancy check, also Control and Reporting Office
CRD Capabilities Requirements Document
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CRFL See - Combined Restricted Frequency List (CRFL)
CRIU CAP to Router Interface Unit
CRL Certificate Revocation List
CRONOS Crisis Open NATO Operation System
CRP Control and Reporting Post
CRT See CRT - cathode-ray tube
CRYPTOSEC Cryptographic Security
CSMA See CSMA - carrier sense multiple access.
CSMA/CA See CSMA/CA - CSMA with collision detection
CSMC See - Combined Spectrum Management Cell (CSMC)
CSN Channel Sequence Number
CSP Common Security Protocol
C-SSG CFBLNet Senior Steering Group
CSS See CSS - Command Support System.
CSS Cascading Style Sheets
CST COP Synchronization Tool
CSU See CSU - channel service unit
CSU Crypto Support Unit
CT Cipher Text
CTF Combined Task Force
CTF Commander Task Force
CTG Commander Task Group
CTCPEC Canadian Trusted Computer Product Evaluation Criteria
CTS See CTS - clear to send.
CT2 See CT2.
CUG See CUG - closed user group
CULR Common Upper Layer Requirements
CVSD Continuously Variable Slope Delta Modulation
CW See Continuous Wave
CWAN Coalition/Combined Wide Area Network

DAA See DAA - Data Access Arrangement

DAC Discretionary Access Control
DAG DSSCS Address Group
DAA Designated Accrediting Authority
DAMA Demand Assigned Multiple Access (Satcom)
DAP Directory Access Protocol
DASS See DASS - Digital access signalling system
DBS Direct Broadcast Services
DCD Data Carrier Detect
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DCE See DCE - data communications equipment
DCID Director of Central Intelligence Directive
dCRL Delta Certificate Revocation List
DCP Distributed Collaborative Planning
DCM Deployable CIS Module
D&CP Deflection and Colour Processor
DCS Data Communications Sub-system
DCTS Defense Collaboration Tool Suite
DDCMP See DDCMP - Digital Data Communications Message Protocol
DDD See DDD - direct distance dialling
DDI Description, Discovery, and Integration
DDMS DoD Discovery Metadata Standard
DDN Digital Data Network/Node
DDS See DDS - Dataphone Digital Service
DDP Digital Data Path
DEC See DEC - Digital Equipment Corporation
DECX DEC Exerciser
DED Differential Encoded Data
DEP Distributed Engineering Plant
DER Distinguished Encoding Rules
DEU Germany
DEW Direct Energy Weapon (Laser)
DF See Radio Direction Finding
DFSK See Double Frequency Shift Keying
DFTS Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service
DGS&S Director General of Security and Safety
DIO Defensive Information Operations
DISBEE Digital Intermediate Speed Bulk Encryption Equipment
DML Data Manipulation Language
DMRM Data Management Reference Model (ISO)
DITSWG Defence Information Technology Security Working Group (now defunct)
DJCIS Directorate of Joint Command, Control, Communications Service Information Systems
DHS Data Handling Sub-System
DIB Directory Information Base
DIM SECUR Director Information Management Security
DIP See DIP - dual in-line pins
DISA Defence Information System Agency
DISBEE Digital Intermediate Speed Bulk Encryption Equipment
DISN Defence Information System Network
DISP Directory Information Shadowing Protocol
DISSP Defence Information Systems Security Program
DIT Directory Information Tree
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DITSCAP Defense Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process
DL Distribution List
DL Digital Data Link.
DLC See DLC - data link control
DMA Directory Memory Access
DMD Directory Management Domain
DME See Distance Measuring Equipment
DMI See DMI - Digital Multiplexed Interface
DML Data Manipulation Language
DMRM Data Management Reference Model (ISO)
DN Directory Name
DN Distinguished Name
DNIC See DNIC - Data Network Identification Code
DNS Domain Name Server
DNS Domain Name Service
DODAAC Department of Defense Activity Accounting Code
DoD AF Department of Defense Architecture Framework
DoDI Department of Defense Instructions
DOP Directory Operational Binding Management Protocol
DPNSS See DNPSS - Digital Private Network Signalling System
DPS Dual Port Service
DPSK See DPSK - differential phase shift keying
DR Delivery Report
DRDF See DRDF - Digital Resolution Direction Finding
DS Directory Service
DSA Directory System Agent
DSA Defence Security Authority
DSE DSA-Specific entry
DSML Directory Services Markup Language
DSN Defense Switched Network
DSSO Defence Security Standards Organisation
DSP Directory System Protocol
DSR See DSR - Data Set Ready
DSSCS Defence Special Security Communications Systems
DSTL Defence Science & Technology Laboratory
DSU See DSU - data service unit
DTD Data Transfer Device
DTD Document Type Definition
DTE See DTE - data terminal equipment
DTG See Date-Time Group
DTMF See DTMF - dual-tone multiple-frequency
DTR See DTR - Data Terminal Ready
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DUA Directory User Agent
DVCS Display and Voice Communications Sub-System
DVMRP Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol

EA External Agency
EA Electronic Attack, also called Electronic Warfare (EW)
EA Extended Authorisation (See DTG)
EAL Evaluated Assurance Level (Common Criteria)
EARL End-entity Attribute Certificate Revocation List
EASTPAC East Pacific Satellite (DSCS USA)
EBCDIC See EBCDIC - Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
ECC Error Correcting Code
ECCMO Electronic Counter Counter Measures Officer
ECM Electronic Counter Measures
ECMA European Computer Manufacturers’ Association
ECSG EUROCOM Crypto Sub Group
EDC See Automatic Error Detection and Correction System
EDD Electronic Data Display
EDDS European Data Distribution System
EDI Electronic Data Interchange
EEPROM See EEPROM - electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
EG Executive Group
EHF Extremely High Frequency; see Frequency, Radio
EIGP Extended Interior Gateway Protocol
EIRP Effective Isotropically-Radiated Power
EIT Encoded Information Type
EKMS Electronic Key management System
ELINT See Electronic Intelligence
ELOS Extended Line -of -Sight (ie out to 300nm)
ELSEC Electronics Security
E-MAIL Electronic Mail
E-M Electromagnetic
EMC See Electromagnetic Compatibility
EMCON Electromagnetic control; see Electromagnetic Emission Control
EMCON Emission Control
EME Electromagnetic Environment - was EW Environment
EMI Electro Mechanical Interference
EMIDS Electronic Message Information Distribution System
EMP Electromagnetic Pulse
EMSEC Electronic Emission Security
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ENQ See ENQ - Enquiry
EOB Edge of Boresight
EOCM Electro-Optic Countermeasures.
EOM See Indicator, End Of Message (EOM) NNNN
EoS Elements of Service
EOT See End Of Transmission
EOW Engineering Order Wire
EPM See Electronic Protection Measure (EPM)(was called ECCM)
EPRL End-entity Public-key certificate Revocation List
EPROM See EPROM - erasable programmable read-only memory
ERCS ECM Resistant Communications
ERP See Power, Effective Radiated
ESM Electronic support Measures; see Electronic Warfare Support Measures
ESMNetOps Enterprise Service Management NetOps Service
ESP Spain
ESS Extended Security Services
ETD Electronic Transfer Device (Crypto variable)
ETF Engineering Training Facility
ETSI See ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETX See ETX - End of text
EUDAC European Distribution and Accounting Agency (UK staffed)
EUSEC European Communications Security and Evaluation Agency (UK staffed)
EW See Electronic Warfare
EWCP See EWCP - EW Control Panel
EWRRF EW Rapid Reaction Facility
EX See Station, Experimental

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F

FA See Station, Aeronautical

FAB See Station, Aeronautical Broadcast
FAC See Station, Airdrome Control
FAT See Station, Flight Test
FAX See Facsimile
FB See Station, Base
FBE-K Fleet Battle Experiment Kilo
FC See Station, Coast
FCB See Station, Marine Broadcast
FCS See FCS - frame check sequence
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
FDDI See FDDI.
FDM See FDM - frequency division multiplexing/multiplexor
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
FDY 1993 Directory Interchange Format and Representation Profile
FEC See Forward Error Correction
FEK See Frequency Exchange Keying
FEP Front end processor - see communications control unit
FF Fire Fly
FF See FF - form feed.
FH See Frequency Hopping
FIFO First In, First Out
FIGS See FIGS - figures shift; also see Function Key
FL See Station, Land
FLDSA Fist-level DSAFLE See Station, Telemetering Land
FLH See Station, Hydrological and Meteorological Land
FM See FM - Frequency Modulation; also see Modulation
FMSC NATO Frequency Management Sub-Committee (NC3B Sub-Committee 3)
FOSP See FOSP - Fleet Ocean Surveillance Product
FOT See Frequency, Optimum Traffic
FOTC Force Over The Horizon Track Coordinator
FPA Floating Point Accelerator.
FPIS Forward Propagation Ionospheric Scatter; see Scattering, Forward and
Scatter, Ionospheric. Synonymous with TFS
FPTS Forward Propagation Tropospheric Scatter; see Scattering, Forward and Scatter,
Ionospheric. Synonymous with TFS
FRA France
FSCS Fixed Satellite Communications Station
FSK See FSK - Frequency shift keying
FTP File Transfer Protocol
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FVA Final Video Amplifier
FX See Station, Fixed
FXE See Station, Telemetering Fixed
FXH See Station, Hydrological and Meteorological Fixed

G2G Gateway-to-Gateway
G3 Group 3 Facsimile
G4 Group 4 Facsimile
G5E Griffin 5 Eyes Domain (AUSCANNZUKUS Nations)
GAFCCIS German Air Force Command & Control Information System
Ga As Fet Gallium Arsenide Field Effect Transistor
GBR Great Britain/ United Kingdom
GBS Global Broadcast System
GAP Guaranteed Action Point
GCA See Ground Controlled Approach (GCS) System
GCCS-M Global Command Control System – Maritime
GCN Global Communications Network
GCI See Ground Controlled Interception
GCTF-1 Global Coalition Task Force One
GD Graphics Display.
GEM General Dynamics Encryptor Management
GENSER General Service
GFI See GFI - Group Format Identifier
GHP Gateway Handling Policy
GHz Gigahertz (109 Hz)
GIF Graphic Interchange Format
GIM Graphics Interface Module
GMT See Time, Greenwich Mean
GOTS Government-off-the-Shelf (ie Government-approved equipment)
GP General Purpose
GPTN General Purpose Telephone Network
GSM See GSM - Group Special Mobile
GSTN See GSTN - General switched telephone network
GUI Graphical User Interface

HAG High Assurance Guide

HAIPE High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption
HCI Human Computer Interface
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HDL High Speed Data Link.
HDLC See HDLC - high-level data link control
HDR High Data Rate
HDX See HDX - half-duplex transmission
HF High Frequency; see Frequency, Radio
HIT See HIT - HF High Interest Track Broadcast
HOB Hierarchical Operational Binding
HOJ See Home-On-Jam
HPO See HPO - High-performance option
HQ Headquarters
HSD High Speed Data
HTML HyperText Markup Language (Internet)
HTTP Hyper Text Transport Protocol
Hz See Hz - hertz

IA See Information Assurance

IA5 International Alphabet No. 5
IANA Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
IAS Information Assurance and Security Measure
IBAC Identity-based Access Control
IC Intelligence Community
I&W Indications and Warnings
ICAO See International Civil Aviation Organisation
ICE Imagery Compression Engine
ICCWG International Computer Network Defence (CND) Coordination Working Group
ICM Inter Console Marker
ICRL Indirect Certificate Revocation List
ICW Interrupted Continuous Wave
IDMIDNX Integrated Digital Nodal Exchange
IDP Information Dissemination Plan
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IED Improvised Explosive Device
IEG Information Exchange Gateway
IEP Information Exchange Project
IER Information Exchange Requirement
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force
IFF Identification, Friend or Foe; see Radar Recognition and Identification
(IFF - Identification, Friend or Foe and ACP 160)
IFF-PI See Identification, Friend or Foe - Personal Identifier
IFS Ionospheric Forward Scatter; see Scattering, Forward and Scatter, Ionospheric.
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Synonymous with FPIS
IGMP Internet Group Management Protocol
IGP Interior Gateway Protocol
IIS Internet Information Service
ILS See Instrument Landing System
ILS Integrated Logistics Support
IM Information Management
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol
IMI Information Management Infrastructure
IMPP Instant Massage and Presence Protocol
INE In-line Network Encryptors
IMSM International Military Staff Memorandum
IMSWM International Military Staff Working Memorandum
INFOSEC Information Security
INMARSAT International Maritime Satellite Organization
IO Information Operations
IO Indian Ocean (Satellite Coverage)
I/O Input/Output.
IO-ICS Information Object Implementation Conformance Statement
IP Interpersonal
IP Internet Protocol
IPKI Internet Public Key Infrastructure
IPM Interpersonal Message
IPMS Interpersonal Message System
IPRA Internet Policy – Registration Authority
IPv6 Internet Protocol Version 6
ISDN See ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network
ISME International Subject Matter Experts
IRI Incident Response and Investigation
IS Information System
ISSO Information System Security Officer
ISO See ISO - International Standards Organisation
ISP International Standardised Profile
ISU See ISU - Integrated Service Unit
IT See IT - Information Technology
ITA International Telegraphic Alphabet; see Mark (Marking Signal)
ITA Italy
ITD Interactive Tabular Display.
ITI See ITI - Interactive Terminal Interface
ITSEC Information Technology Security Evaluation Criteria (UK)
ITU See International Telecommunication Union
ITU-R International Telecommunications Union - Radio (previously CCIR)
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ITU-T International Telecommunications Union – Telecommunications Standardization Sector
(previous CCITT)
IU Interface Unit
IXS Information eXchange System
IVSN Initial Voice Switched Network (to be replaced by the NATO Core Network)

JACS Joint Area Communications System

J/S See Jamming-to-Signal
JAFPUB Joint Armed Force Publication
JANAP Joint Army, Navy, Air Force Procedure
JCSS Joint Command Support System (Australia)
JDEP Joint Distributed Engineering Plant
JFT See Julian Filing Time (JFT).
JITDS See JTIDS - Joint Tactical Information Distribution System
JMUG JMCIS Multicast Gateway
JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group
JOC See Joint Operations Centre
JOIIS Joint Operations/Intelligence Information System
JOTID Joint Operations Tactical Interoperability Database
JOTS See JOTS - Joint Operational Tactical System
JRFL Joint Restricted Frequency List.
JTA Joint Technical Architecture
JWID Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstrations

kbps Kilo bits per second (103 bps)

KDC Key Distribution Centre (Crypto)
KV Key Variable (Crypto)
kHz Kilohertz (103 Hz)
KMIDKMS Key Management Identification System
KSR See KSR - Keyboard send/receive
KVM Keyboard/Video/Mouse
KV Key Variable (Crypto)

L Locality
LAD See LAD - Local Area Data (Channel)
LAN See LAN - Local Area Network
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LAP See LAP - Line Access Procedure
LAPB See LAPB - Line Access Procedure, Balanced
LATA See LATA - Local Access and Transport Area
LCC Local Control Centre
LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
LDET Local Data Entry Terminal
LED See LED - Light-Emitting Diode
LEP List of Effective Pages
LES Land Earth Station
LF Low Frequency; see Frequency, Radio
LF Line Feed; see Function Key and LF
LIU Line Interface Unit
LMD/KP Local Management Device / Key Processor
LMF Language Media Format
LNA Low Noise Amplifier
LOP Letter of Promulgation
LOS See Line-Of-Sight
LP Line Processor
LPE See Limited Probability of Exploitation
LPI See Limited Probability of Intercept
LRC See LRC - Longitudinal Redundancy Check
LRI See Limited Range of Intercept
LRU Line Replacement Unit or Lowest Repairable Unit.
LSA Link State Advertisements
LSD Large Screen Display.
LSDD Large Screen Display Driver.
LSI See LSI - Large-Scale Integration.
LSU Line Switch Unit
LTRS See LTRS - Letters shift

MA See Station, Aircraft

MAC Media Access Control
MAG Maritime Air Group
MAN See MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
MAP See MAP - Manufacturing Automation Protocol
MAS Main Access Switch
MCAP Medium Data Rate Channel Access Processor
MCOIN Maritime Command Operations Information Network (Canada)
MCS Message Conversion System
MATELO Maritime Air Telecommunications Organisation (NATO)
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MBS Maritime Broadcast System
MCCAP Maritime CIS Contingency Assets Pool
MCCIS Maritime CCIS
MCU Main Cryptographic Unit
MERCS Merchant Shipping Crypto System
MD Management Domain
MDI MIPROC DEC Interface
MDP Multicast Dissemination Protocol
MDR Medium Data Rate
MDS See Minimum Discernible signal
METOC Meteorological/Oceanographic
MF Medium Frequency; see Frequency, Radio
MF See Multiple Frequency Signalling.
MFM Modified Frequency Modulation
MFTP Multicast File Transfer Protocol
MGD MIC Griffin Domain (MIC Nations)
MH Message Handling
MHS See MHS Message Handling System
MHTML MIME HTML
MHz Megahertz (106 Hz)
MIB Management Information Base
MIDS See MIDS - Multifunctional Information Distribution System
MIME Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions
MIPS See MIPS - Millions of instructions per second
ML See Station, Land Mobile
MLA Mail List Agent
MLS Multi-level Secure
MM Military Messaging
MM Management Monitor
MM-AU Military Messaging Access Unit
MMF Multi-National Marine Force
MMC Malicious Mobile Code
MMHS Military Messaging Handling System
MMI Man Machine Interface
MM-MS Military Messaging Message Store
MMS Military Messaging System
MM-UA Military Messaging User Agent
MNE Multi-National Experiment
MNTG Multi-National Naval Task Group
MO See Station, Mobile
MOE See Station, Telemetering Mobile
MOH See Station, Hydrological and Meteorological Mobile
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MOP Maintenance Operation Protocol
MOS Metal Oxide Semi-conductor
MOSPF Multicast Open Shortest Path First
MOTIS Message Oriented Text Interchange System
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MPDU Message Protocol Data Unit
MPJ See Multi-purpose Jammer
MPL See MPL - Multi-schedule Private Line
MPLS Multi-Protocol Label Switching
MRL Maritime Rear Link
MS Message Store
MS See Station, Ship
MSAB Multi-national Security Accreditation Board
MSeG Multicast Service Gateway
MSF Master Synchronising Frequency
MSI See MSI - Medium Scale Integration
MSK Minimum Shift Keying
MSL Multi- Security Levels
MT Message Transfer
MTA See MTA - Message Transfer Agent
MTBF See MTBF - Mean-Time Between Failures
MTBF Mean Time Before Failure
MTF Message Text Format
MTI See Moving Target Indicator
MTS Message Transfer System
MTSE Message Transfer Service Element
MTTR See MTTR - Mean Time To Repair
MTWAN Maritime Tactical Wide Area Network
MUF See Frequency, Maximum Usable
MUX See MUX and multiplexor

NACAA National ACP Coordinator Accreditation Authority

NABS NATO Airbase SATCOM System (US)
NACS Nodeless Area Communications System
NAEC National Accreditation Endorsement Certificate
NAK See NAK - Negative Acknowledgment
NAMILCOM NATO Military Committee
NASIS NATO Subject Indicator System
NAS National Affiliated System
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
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NAVCOMPARS Naval Communication Processing and Routing System
NBSV(S) Narrow Band Secure Voice (System)
NC3A NATO Consultation, Command & and Control Agency
NCOW RM Net-Centric Operations Warfare Reference Model
NCWNC3B NATO Consultation, Command and Control Board
NC3O NATO C3 Organisation
NETSEC Network Centric Warfare Security
NDN Non-Delivery Notification
NDR Non-Delivery Report
NEC Network Enabled Capability
NES Network Encryption System
NETOPS Network Operations
NII National Information Infrastructure
NILE NATO Approved Link 11
NLD The Netherlands
nm Nanometre (10-9m). See nm, Nanometre
NM Network Management
NNEMP Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse
NNOC National Network Operations Centre
NNTP Network News Transport Protocol
NOC Network Operations Centre
NOR Norway
NOT Node Organisation Table
NOTAM See NOTAM - Notice to Airmen
NRN Non-Receipt Notification
NRS Naval Radio Station
NRPL NATO Recommended Product List
NRZI See NRZI - Non Return to Zero Inverted
NSAP Network Service Access Protocol
NSWCDD Naval Surface Warfare Centre Dahlgren Division
NTP Network Time Protocol
NTN See NTN - Network Terminal Number
NTRA Norwegian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
NTTS NATO Terrestrial Transmission System
NUI See NUI - Network User Identification
NWDC Naval Warfare Development Command
NZ New Zealand
NZL New Zealand
NVIS Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (HF)

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O Immediate; see Precedence Designations
O Organisation
OCP Operational Computer Program
OID Object Identifier
ONA OIER Operational Net Assessment
OPCOM Operational Control
OPGEN Operational General Messages
OPTASK Operational Tasking Messages
OR Originator/Recipient
OSPF Open Shortest Path First
OTCIXS Officer in Tactical Command Information eXchange System Exchange Requirements
OU Organisational Unit
OV Operational Views
OPSEC Operations Security
ONA Open Network Architecture
OSCA Open Systems Cabling Architecture (BT)
OSI See OSI model - Open System Interconnection (ISO Data Comms Standard)
OST Outer Space Treaty

P Priority; see Precedence Designations

P1 Message Transfer Protocol
P2 Interpersonal Messaging - 1984 Content Type
P22 Interpersonal Messaging - 1988 Content Type
P3 Submission and Delivery Protocol
P7 Message Store Access Protocol
P772 Military Messaging Protocol
PABX See PABX - Private Automatic Branch Exchange
PACOM Pacific Command
PACRIM Pacific Rim
PAD See PAD - Packet Assembler/Disassembler
PAN Publicly Accessible Network(s), such as Internet
PAX Physical Address Extension
PBX See PBX and Exchange, Private Branch
PC Personal Computer
PCA Policy Certification Authority
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PCL Parallel Communications Link
PCM See PCM - Pulse Code Modulation; Also see Telegraphy
PCM See PCM - Plug Compatible Machine
PDA Personal Digital Assistant
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PDAU Physical Delivery Access Unit
PDL Position Description Language
PDN See PDN - Packet Data Network
PDN See PDN - Public Data Network
PDP Programmable Data Processor
PDS Physical Delivery Service
PDU Protocol Data Unit
PEM Privacy Enhanced Mail
PEP See Power, Peak Envelope
PER Packed Encoding Rules
PfP Partnerships for Peace
PICS Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement
PIM Protocol Independent Multicast
PK Public Key
PKCS Public Key Cryptography Standards
PKI Public Key Infrastructure
PL See Station, Radio Positioning Land
PLA Plain Language Address. See Signal Message Address
PLAD Plain Language Address Designator See Signal Message Address
P_MUL Protocol Multicast
PM See Station, Radio Positioning Mobile
PM Protectively Marked
PMI Privilege Management Infrastructure
POC Point Of Contact
POL Poland
POP Point of Presence
POP3 Post Office Protocol Version 3
POTS See POTS - Plain Old Telephone Service
PPI Plan Position Indicator; see Display Scope/Display
PPK Pre-Placed Keys
PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
PRB Project Review Board
PPLI Precise Position, Location and Identification
PRF See Pulse Repetition Frequency/Rate
PRK Phase Reverse Keying
PRMD Private Management Domain
PRN Packet Radio Network
PROM See PROM - Programmable Read Only Memory
PRR See Pulse Repetition Frequency/Rate
PS Permanent Secretary
PSC Peripheral Switch Card
PSK See PSK - Phase Shift Keying
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PSTN See PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network
PSU Power Supply Unit
PT Plain Text
PTFS Precise time and frequency standards
PTO See PTO - Public Telecommunications Operator
PTT See PTT - Post Telephones and Telegraphy Authority
PVC See PVC - Permanent Virtual Circuit

QAM See QAM - Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

QMM Quarterly Management Meeting
QOS Quality of Service
QPSK See Quadrature Phased Shift Keying
QUARTET Quiet and Ready to Encrypt Terminal (Desk top Crypto)

R Routine; see Precedence Designations

R GENSER Community
RA Registration Authority
RADAR RAdio Detection And Ranging equipment. See Radar
RAM See Radar Absorbent Material
RAM See RAM - Random Access Memory
RAN Release Authority Name
RASP Recognized Air and Surface Picture
RATT See RATT - Radio Teletypewriter
RBAC Rule-Based Access Control
RCRU Radio Clock Receiver Unit
RCU Remote Control Unit (Crypto)
RD See RD - Received Data
RDA Remote Database Access Protocol (ISO)
RDC Resource Data Catalogue
RDET Remote Data Entry Terminal
RDN Relative Distinguished Name
RDO Regional Defence Organization
RDT&E Research, Development, Test & Evaluation
RED Random Early Drop
REST Representational State Transfer
RF See Frequency, Radio
RFC Request for Comments
RFI Radio Frequency Interference
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RG See Station, Radio Direction-Finding
RHI Range Height Indicator; see Display Scope/Display
RHOB Relevant Hierarchical Operational Binding
RI See Indicator, Routing
RI See RI - Ring Indicator
RID Remote Interface Device
RIP Rolling Interoperability Programme
RIP Routing Information Protocol
RID Remote Interface Device
RIP Rolling Interoperability Programme
RIU Red Interface Unit (Crypto)
RJE See RJE - Remote Job Entry
RL See Station, Radionavigation Land
RLA See Station, Aeronautical Marker Beacon
RLB See Station, Aeronautical Radio Beacon
RLG See Station, Glide Path/Slope
RLG Ring Laser Gryo
RLL See Station, Localizer
RLM See Station, Marine Radio Beacon
RLO See Station, Omnidirectional Range
RLR See Station, Radio Range
RLS See Station, Surveillance Radar
RLSD See RLSD - Received Line Signal Detector
RMU Range Measurement Unit
RN Receipt Notification
RO See RO - Read Only
RO See Station, Radionavigation Mobile
ROA See Station, Altimeter
ROSE Remote Operation Service Element
ROM See ROM - Read Only Memory
RTSE Reliable Transfer Service Element
RTT See RATT
RP Reporting Post or Relaying Party
RP Rendezvous Point
RSX Real-time System Executive
RTF Rich Text Format
RTS See RTS - Request To Send
RW See RW - Telegraphic code signal

SA Signal Address
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SA Security Authority
SAC Simplified Access Control
SADOC Standby Air Defence Operations Centre
SAGOP See SAGOP
SAML Security Assertion Markup Language
SATCOM Satallite Communications
SAVE Systematic Approach to Vehicle Electronics
SBI Synchronous Backplane Interconnect
SC System Control (Module)
SCF Satellite Control Facility (USA)
SCIF Secure Compartmented Information Facility
SCOT Satellite Communications On-board Terminal (RN)
SCOTT Single Channel Objective Tactical Terminal (US Satcom)
SCRA Single Channel Radio Access
SDA Sensitive Discussion Area
SDC System Development Centre
SDLC See SDLC - Synchronous Data Link Control
SDN Secure Data Network
SDP Small Devices Processor
SHD Special handling Designator
SECAN Communications and Information Systems Security and Evaluation Agency (MC)
(US staffed)
SEM Standard Electronic Modules
SFAF See - Standard Frequency Action Format (SFAF)
SGS Satellite Ground Station
SGT Satellite Ground Terminal
SHED COINS Special Handling and Evaluation Detachment, Communications Information System
SHF Super High Frequency; see Frequency, Radio
SHORAN See SHORAN - Short Range Navigation System
SI Special Intelligence
SIC System Indicator Code
SID Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance
SIE Standard Interface Equipment
SIF See - Selective Identification Feature
SIGAD SIGINT Address
SIGINT See Signal Intelligence
SIGSEC See Signal Security
SIPRNET Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (United States)
SLA Service level Agreements
SM Stores Management (Module)
SMA See Signal Message Address and SMA
SMADEF See - Spectrum Management Allied Data Exchange Format (SMADEF)
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SME Subject Matter Expert
SMG Secure Mail Guard
SMI Secure Managed Interface
SMIB Security Management Information Base
S/MIME Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNA/SDLC See SDLC
SNAPS Ships Navigation Processing System
SNIPL Secondary Node Inter Processor Link
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol
SNR SubNet Relay
SOA See SOA Source of Authority
SOAP simple Object Access Protocol
SOA System Operating Authorities
SOH See SOH - Start Of Header
SOM See Indicator, Start Of Message (SOM) ZCZC
SOPS Standard Operating Procedures
SRCT Security Release Control Tools
SS See Station, Standard Frequency
SSA Secure SIGINT Area
SSB See Single Sideband (SSB) Transmission
SSI See SSI - Small Scale Integration
SSIXIS Submarine Satellite Information Exchange System
SSP System Security Policy
SSSB Ship-Shore-Ship Buffer
ST&E Security Test and Evaluation
STAMINA Standard Automated Message Interface for NATO ACCIS
STANAG Standardised NATO Agreement
STU Secure Telephone Unit
STX See STX - Start of Text
SV System Views
SVC See Prefix - Service Message
SVC See SVC - Switched Virtual Circuit
SWG Security Working Group
SYN See SYN - Synchronous Idle

TA Technical Arrangement
TACAN See TACAN - Tactical Air Navigation System
TADPOLE Tactical Crypto Equipment for Land, Maritime and Air Forces
TARE Telegraph Automatic Relay Equipment (NATO) (to be replaced by NATO MMHS)
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TBS Theatre Broadcast Systems
TASI Time Assignment Speech Interpolation (NICS)
TCAM See TCAM - Telecommunications Access Method
TCB Trusted Computing Base
TCC Transmission Control Code
TCCG Transmission Control Code Group
TCIS Technical Common Interface Standards
TCM Transformational Communications MILSATCOM
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
TCP/IP See TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
TCS Traffic Characteristics Security
TCS Telemetry and Command Station
TCSEC Trusted Computing System Evaluation Criteria (US)
TCU See TCU - Transmission Control Unit
TD See TD - Transmitted Data
TDTG See True Date-Time Group
TDM See TDM - Time Division Multiplexor
TDMA See TDMA - Time Division Multiple Access
TEK Transmission Encryption Key
TELEX See Teleprinter Exchange Service
TF Task Force
TFS Tropospheric Forward Scatter; see Scattering, Forward and Scatter, Tropospheric.
Synonymous with FPTS
TG Task Group
TGAN Task Group Area Network
THz terahertz (1012 Hz)
TI See Transmission Identification
TNBSVE Tactical Narrow-Band Secure Voice Equipment (crypto)
TNC See TNC - Threaded-Neill-Concelman (Co-ax Connector)
TNR Times New Roman
ToA Target of Accreditation
TNN Trunk Node Network
TOD Time Of Day
TOIS Technical Operating Instructions
TOM See Teleprinter-on-Multiplex
TOPCOP Top Common Operational Picture
TOS Type of Service
TPPU Task, Post, Process, Use
TPR See Teleprinter-on-Radio
TR Technical Report
TRA Threat and Risk Assessment
TRANSEC See Transmission Security (TRANSEC)
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TRAP See TRAP - Tactical Related Applications
TRC Transmission Release Code
TRE See TRE - Tactical Receive Equipment
TREE Transient Radiation Effect on Electronics
TRF Test Rig Facilities
TRN Test Rig Node
TSGCE Tri-Service Group of Communications and Electronics
TT&C Telemetry, Tracking and Command
TTCP The Technical Cooperation Program
TSGT Tactical (Transportable) Satellite Ground Terminal
TSI Technical Security Inspection
TSMS Tactical Spectrum Management System
TSP Telecommunications Service Priority (System) (US)
TTD Tote Tabular Display
TTL Transistor Transistor Logic
TTL Time To Live
TTP Tactics, Techniques & Procedures
TUR Turkey
TTY See Teletypewriter Communications
TV Technical Views
TVI Transec Validity Interval (NIS dead time)
TVP Television Processor (Module)
TWBSVE Tactical Wide-Band Secure Voice Equipment (crypto)
TWX See TWX - Also see Teleprinter Exchange Service

UA See UA - User Agent

UBA Unibus Adaptor
UC Universal Console
UDDI Universal Description, Discovery and Integration
UDP User Datagram Protocol
UHF Ultra High Frequency; See Frequency, Radio
UID Unit Identifier
UK United Kingdom
UKM User Key Material
ULSI See ULSI - Ultra Large Scale Integration
UMR Unique Message Reference
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
URI Uniform Resource Identifier
URL Uniform Resource Locator
URN Uniform Resource Name
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US United States
USA United States of America
USASCII See ASCII
USC Universal Multiple-octet Code Chapter Set
USMCEB United States Military Communications-Electronics Board
USMTF United States Message Text Format
USS United States Sip
UTC Universal Time Coordinate

VA Vulnerability Analysis
VAN See VAN - Value Added Network
VAX Virtual Address Extension
VCC Voice Communications Controller (Module)
VDT See VDT - Video Display Terminal
VDU See VDU - Video display Unit
VFTG Voice Frequency Telegraphy; see Telegraphy, Voice Frequency
VHF See Frequency, Radio - Very High Frequency
VHF See VHF Omni Range - Aviation applications
VLF See Frequency, Radio - Very Low Frequency
VLSI See VLSI - Very Large Scale Integration
VPN Virtual Private Network
VOCODER See VOCODER - Telecommunications device
VOGAD See Voice Operated Gain Adjusting Device
VOR See VHF Omni Range
VSAT Very small aperture terminal
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
VTAM See VTAM - Virtual Telecommunications Access Method
VTP Virtual Terminal Protocol (ISO)

W3C World -Wide Web Consortium

WAN See WAN - Wide Area Network
Web-DAV Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning
WFQ Weighted Fair Queuing
WARC World Administrative Radio Conference
WBSVS Wideband Secure Voice System
WESTPAC West Pacific Satellite (DSCS USA)
WG Working Group
WRED Weighted Random Early Drop
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WSDL Web Services Description Language
WS-I Web Services Interoperability
WXD See Station, Meteorological Radar
WXR See Station, Radiosonde

XLink SML Lining Language

XML eXtensible Mark-up Language
XNS/ITP See XNS/ITP - Xerox Network Systems' Internet Transport Protocol
Xpath XML Path Language
XSD XML Schema Definition
XSL eXtensible Stylesheet Language
XSLT eXtensible Style Language Transformations
XTAL See Crystal
X.400 See X.400 - ISO Electronic Mail System
X.435 See X.435
X.500 See X.500
X.509 See X.509

Y SI Community

Z Flash; see Precedence Designations

Z Cryptographic Device

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CHAPTER 2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Abbreviated addressing. (In packet-switched networks) Addressing in which a simple mnemonic

code is used in lieu of the complete addressing information; the cross reference to the complete address
is stored in the PAD.

Abbreviated dialling. See speed dialling.

ABR, autobaud, automatic baud rate detection. A process by which a receiving device determines
the speed, code level, and stop bits of incoming data by examining the first character - usually a pre-
selected sign-on character. ABR allows the receiving device to accept data from a variety of
transmitting devices operating at different data rates without needing to configure the receiver for each
specific data rate in advance.

Accepted Interference. Interference at a higher level than that defined as permissible interference
and which has been agreed upon between two or more administrations without prejudice to other
administrations.

Access. A discrete RF carrier reaching and translated by a Satellite Transponder, within its acceptance
bandwidth
Access Control. The prevention of unauthorized use of a resource, including the prevention of use of a
resource in an unauthorized manner. (NATO)
Access group (In LAN technology) All stations which have identical rights to make use of computer,
network, or data PABX resources.

Access method 1. (In IBM environments) A host program managing the movement of data between
the main storage and an input/output device of a computer system; STAM, TCAM, VTAM are
common data communications access methods.

Access method 2. (In LAN technology) A means to allow stations to gain access to - to make use
of - the network's transmission medium; classified as shared access (which is further divided into
explicit access or contended access) or discrete access method.

AMPS - Access Monitoring and Policing System. A processor based system which provides a
range of facilities. Carries out system supervisory function in monitoring system parameters, eg traffic
quality, access power balancing and checking for illegal access on SKYNET

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Accountability. The property that ensures that the actions of an entity may be traced uniquely to the
entity. (NATO)

Accreditation
a. The authorization and approval granted to a data processing system network to process
classified information in its operational environment. (NATO)

b. Accreditation is the official management authorisation to operate a CIS or network:

(1) for a specified period of time;

(2) in a particular security mode;

(3) with a prescribed set of administrative, environmental and technical security

safeguards;

(4) against a defined threat and with stated vulnerabilities and countermeasures;

(5) in a given operational environment;

(6) under a stated operational concept;

(7) with stated interconnections to other CIS or networks; and

(8) at an acceptable level of risk for which the accrediting authority has formally
assumed responsibility. (CA)

Accounting Symbol. A combination of letters used in the message heading to identify the agency,
service or activity which is financially accountable for the message.

ACK, acknowledgment. A control character used (with NAK) in BSC communications protocol to
indicate that the previous transmission block was correctly received and that the receiver is ready to
accept the next block. Also used as a ready reply in other communications protocols, such as Hewlett-
Packard's ENQ/ACK protocol and the ETX/ACK method of flow control.

Acknowledgement. A message from the addressee informing the originator that his communication
has been received and is understood.

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Acoustic coupler, acoustical coupler. A device that converts electrical signals into audio signals,
enabling data to be transmitted over the public telephone network via a conventional telephone handset;
it also converts the audio signals back into electrical signals at the receiving end. A kind of modem.

ACP, Allied Communications Publication. ACPs contain communications instructions and are
issued for the guidance and use of Allied Forces.

ACS, Advanced Communications Service. AT&T’s proposed packet-switched network.

Adaptive equalizer. An equalizer that adjusts to meet varying line conditions; most operate
automatically.

Adaptor, Homing. A device which, when used with an aircraft radio receiver, produced aural and/or
visual signals which indicate the direction of a transmitting radio station with respect to the heading of the
aircraft.

Adaptor, Panoramic. An attachment designed to operate with a search receiver to provide a visual
presentation on an oscilloscope screen of a band of frequencies extending above and below the centre
frequency to which the search receiver is tuned.

ADCCP, Advanced Data Communications Control Procedures. The USA Federal Standard
communications protocol.

Additional facilities. (In packet-switched networks). Standard network facilities which are selected
for a given network but which may or may not be selected for other networks. Contrast with essential
facilities.

Address.1. (Noun) A unique designation for the location of data or the identity of an intelligent device.
Multiple devices on a single communications line must have unique addresses to allow each to respond
to its own messages (see polling).

Address.2. (Verb) To add or include the coded representation of the desired receiving device (as in to
address a message).

Address.3 A character or sequence of characters designating the terminal equipment which is the origin
or destination of data being transmitted

Address Designator. A plain language name (full or abbreviated), routing indicator, call sign or
address group of a unit, activity or other authority used to indicate the originator and/or addressee(s).

Address Group. A group of four letters assigned to represent command(s), authority(ies),

activity(ies), unit(s) or geographic location(s); used primarily for the addressing of communications.
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Address Group, Collective. An address group which represents two or more commands, authorities,
activities, units or any combination thereof and includes the commander of the organisation or group and
all subordinate commanders therein.

Address Indicating Group (AIG). An address group which represents a specific set of action and/or
information addressees. The identity of the originator may also be included.

Address, Multiple. See Message, Multiple Address.

Address, Single. See Message, Single Address.

Addressee. The activity or individual to whom a message is directed by the originator. Addressees are
indicated as either ACTION, INFORMATION or EXEMPT.

Addressee, Action. The activity or individual to whom a message is directed by the originator for
action.

Addressee, Exempted. An addressee included in the collective address designation of a message but
for which the message is not intended for action or information.

Addressee, Information. The activity or individual to whom a message is directed by the originator
for information.

Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service. An aeronautical mobile-satellite service reserved for

communications relating to safety and regularity of flight, primarily along national or international civil air
routes.

Aggregate input rate. The sum of all data rates of the terminals or computer ports connected to a
multiplexor or concentrator; burst aggregate input rate refers to the instantaneous maximum.

Aided Tracking. A system of tracking a target in azimuth, elevation or range, or all three variables
together, in which a constant rate of motion of the tracking mechanism is maintained.

Air Surveillance. The systematic observation of air space by electronic, visual or other means,
primarily for the purpose of identifying and determining the movements of all aircraft and large missiles,
friendly or enemy, in the air space under observation.

Airborne Early Warning (AEW). Airborne radar equipment providing long range detection and
identification and relaying of the radar signals to ground or shipborne stations.

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Aircraft Control and Warning System. A system established to control and report the movement of
aircraft. It consists of observation facilities (radar, passive electronic, visual or other means), control
centres and necessary communications.

Aircraft to Surface Vessel. Radar to detect surface targets from aircraft.

Alarm Indication Signal (AIS). A signal that is used to replace the normal traffic signal when a
maintenance alarm indication has been activated. Generally all binary '1's.

Allocated. In reference to a circuit or channel, indicates the exclusive use by one or more specified
authorities.

Allocation (of a frequency band). Entry in the Table of Frequency Allocations of a given frequency
band for the purpose of its use by one or more terrestrial or space radio communications services or the
radio astronomy service under specified conditions. This term shall also be applied to the frequency
band concerned.

Allotment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel). Entry of a designated frequency
channel in an agreed plan, adopted by a competent conference, for use by one or more administrations
for a terrestrial or space telecommunication service in one or more identified countries or geographical
areas and under specified conditions.

Alphabet. A table of correspondence between a set of characters and the signals which represent
them. As in International Alphabet Number 5.

Alphanumeric. Describing a character set that contains letters, numerals (digits), and other characters
such as punctuation marks.

Alternate Mark Inversion (AMI). A pseudo-ternary signal, conveying binary digits, in which
successive 'marks' are normally of alternating positive and negative polarity but equal in amplitude and in
which 'space' is of zero amplitude.

Alternate Routing. 1. A method for varying the route of the traffic in a network in the event of circuit
failure or to optimise loading and use of channels.

Alternate Routing. 2. (In PABX technology) A method of completing calls that uses another path
when the primary circuit is unavailable, out of service or busy.

Alternative Routing. A method of routing traffic in which, when a call cannot be connected to a free
circuit on the normal route, it is directed to an alternative route, either automatically or by an operator..

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AM, Amplitude Modulation. One of three basic ways (see also FM and phase modulation) to add
information to a sine wave signal: The magnitude of the sine wave, or carrier, is modified in accordance
with the information to be transmitted. See Modulation.

Amplifier. Electronic component use to boost (amplify) signals. Performance (called gain) measured
in decibels.

Amplitude distortion. An unwanted change in signal amplitude, usually caused by non-linear elements
in the communications path.

Amplitude Shift Keying. Modulation in which each significant condition in a modulating discrete
signal is represented by a specified value of the amplitude of a carrier oscillation.

Analogue. Continuously variable as opposed to discretely variable. Physical quantities such as

temperatures are continuously variable and so are described as analogue; analogue signals vary in
accordance with the physical quantities they represent. The public telephone network was designed to
transmit voice in analogue form. Contrast with digital.

Analogue loopback. A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the modem's telephone line interface;
(refer to loopback).

Analogue Signal. A signal that represents information by varying a quantity, such as amplitude or
frequency, continuously between upper and lower limits.

Analysis. In Electronic Warfare, a step in the intelligence cycle in which information is subjected to
review in order to identify significant facts. The examination of the product of intercept and DF to
obtain ELINT and SIGINT and Target Intelligence. See Signal Analysis.

Anisochronous Data Channel. A communications channel capable of transmitting data but not timing
information. Sometimes called an "asynchronous" data channel.

Anomalous Propagation (AP). The transmission of electromagnetic radiation along other than the
normal expected path, usually tending to follow the earth’s curvatures, because of refractive effects such
as ducting, unusual reflections or unusual scattering of energy from discontinuities in the path.

ANSI. The American National Standards Institute (a voluntary organisation) is the national clearing
house and coordinating organisation for voluntary standards in the USA and represents the USA in the
ISO; defined USASCII (now ASCII). ANSI does not directly develop standards but accredits other
groups to do so. Membership includes manufacturers, common carriers, and other standards
organisations such as the IEEE. ANSI also produces Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)
for the DoD.

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Answer. The transmission made by the station called in response to the call received.

Answerback. The method used in telex to ensure that the calling telex is connected to the correct
destination telex. All telex terminals are equipped with an answerback code. When a connection is
made, the calling terminal sends a "who are you" code and the destination replies with its answerback.
The answerback is usually requested at the beginning and end of the message and printed on the
hardcopy.

Answering tone. A signal sent by the called modem (the "answer" modem) to the calling modem (the
"originate" modem) on public telephone networks, that indicate the called modem's readiness to accept
data.

Answering. The process of responding to a calling station to complete the establishment of a

connection between stations.

Antenna Array. Antenna elements assembled in such a manner that the resulting radiation is
concentrated in one or more directions.

Antenna/Aerial. A device used to radiate or collect radio waves.

Antenna, Active. Receive aerial with an integrated wideband amplifier. Thus a very weak signal is
amplified immediately as it is received at the antenna before it ever reaches the receiver.

Antenna, Dipole Array. A number of parallel dipoles producing a pattern with a main beam and
many sidelobes and nulls.

Antenna Figure of merit (G/T). An antenna performance parameter equalling the Antenna Gain G,
divided by the Antenna Noise Temperature T, measured at the Antenna’s terminals

Antenna Gain (Directive Gain). The ratio of the radiation intensity, in a given direction, to the
radiation intensity that would be obtained if the power accepted by the Antenna were radiated
isotropically

Antenna, Gain. The ratio, usually expressed in decibels, of the power required at the input of a loss-
free reference antenna to the power supplied to the input of the given antenna to produce, in a given
direction, the same field strength or the same power flux-density at the same distance. When not
specified otherwise, the gain refers to the direction of maximum radiation. The gain may be considered
for a specified polarization. Depending on the choice of the reference antenna a distinction is made
between: (1) Absolute or isotropic gain (Gi), when the reference antenna is an isotropic antenna
isolated in space. (2) Gain relative to a half-wave dipole (Gd), when the reference antenna is a half-
wave dipole isolated in space whose equatorial plane contains the given direction. (3) Gain relative to a
short vertical antenna (Gv), when the reference antenna is a linear conductor, much shorter than one
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quarter of the wavelength, normal to the surface of a perfectly conducting plane which contains the given
direction.

Antenna, Log Periodic Array. An array of driven dipoles parallel to each other and is directional like
a YAGI array (but these dipoles are of different lengths and so this array is broadband).

Antenna Multicoupler. Permits the use of several equipments (receivers) simultaneously on one
antenna.

Antenna, Rhombic. A non-resonant broadband antenna with a rhombic shape which produces an
interface pattern with a main beam axis in line with the diagonal joining the feed point to the terminal
point.

Antenna, YAGI Array. A dipole and a number of parasites in one place; used as a directional antenna
with considerable gain.

Anti-Jamming (AJ). Measures to minimize the effects of jamming.

Apogee. The most distant point from the centre of the Earth to an orbit around it

Application layer. Highest (seventh) layer in OSI model, containing all user or application programs.

Application program. 1. (In general) A program that is designed to perform a specific user function.

Application program. 2. (In data communications) A program (that frequently resides in data
communications equipment) used to connect the communicate with terminals that performs a set of
specified activities for terminal users.

Approval to Operate. A temporary approval, granted normally when the certification and
accreditation process has been followed, but staffing, certification activities, documentation, or testing is
incomplete or outstanding. There may or may not be a higher residual risk to be assumed by the
Departmental Security Official. Implicit in the approval to operate is an agreement by the operational
authority to action the outstanding items prior to the expiry of the approval to operate (CA).

Architecture. The manner in which as system (such as a network or a computer) or program is

structured. See also closed architecture, distributed architecture, and open architecture.

Area Radar Prediction Analysis. Radar target intelligence study designed to provide radar
significant data for use in the preparation of radar target predictions.

ARPA, Advanced Research Projects Agency. Agency that developed the first major packet-
switched network, ARPANET.
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ARQ, automatic request for transmission. An error control method in which the receiving device
informs the transmitting device which transmission blocks were received successfully; the transmitting
device retransmits any blocks not successfully received.

ASCII terminal. A terminal that uses ASCII; usually synonymous with asynchronous terminal and
with dumb terminal.

ASCII, American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A 7-bit-plus-parity character set
or code established by ANSI to achieve compatibility between data services; sometimes called
USASCII, the USA standard Code for Information Interchange; normally used for asynchronous
transmission. Equivalent to the ISO 7-bit code.

ASR, automatic send/receive teleprinter. Teleprinter equipped with paper tape, magnetic tape, or
a solid state buffer that allows it to transmit and receive data unattended. Compare with KSR and RO.

Assignment (of a radio frequency or a radio frequency channel). Authorisation given by an

designated authority for an electromagnetic emitter to use a radio frequency or radio frequency channel
under specified conditions.

Assurance. The confidence that a system or product or a feature of a system or product is free from
vulnerability. (NATO)

Async. Short for asynchronous or for asynchronous transmission

Asynchronous character. A binary character used in asynchronous transmission which contains

equal-length bits, including a start bit and one or more stop bits which define the beginning and end of
the character.

Asynchronous modem. A modem that uses asynchronous transmission and, therefore, does not
require timing synchronization with its attached DTE or the remote modem; also used to describe a
modem which converts asynchronous inputs from the DTE to synchronous signals for modem-to-
modem transmission.

Asynchronous terminal. A terminal that uses asynchronous transmission; usually synonymous with
ASCII terminal and dumb terminal.

Asynchronous transmission. Method of sending data in which the interval between characters may
be of unequal length; since asynchronous characters are used, no additional synchronizing or timing
information need be sent. Also called start-stop transmission. Contrast with synchronous transmission.

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Asynchronous. A communications channel capable of transmitting data but not timing is called
"asynchronous". Strictly speaking, the correct terminology is "anisochronous".

ATDM, asynchronous time -division multiplexor. A TDM that multiplexes asynchronous signals by
Oversampling; also, infrequently used to mean concentrator.

Attenuation. Deterioration of signals as they pass through a transmission medium; generally,

attenuation increases (signal level decreases) with both frequency and cable length. Measured in terms
of levels or deciBels. Contrast with gain.

Attitude. The aspect of a satellite orbital plane with respect to Earth

Attribute Authority (AA). An authority, which assigns privileges by using attribute, certificates

Attribute Authority Revocation List (AARL). A revocation list containing a list of references to
attribute certificates issued to AAs that are no longer considered valid by the issuing authority.

Attribute certificate. A data structure digitally signed by an AA, which binds some attribute values
with identification about its holder.

Attribute Certificate Revocation List (ACRL). A revocation list containing a list of references to
attribute certificates that are no longer considered valid by the issuing authority.

ATW, Advanced Tactical Workstation. The name of the PC workstation and software which
displays near real-time ELINT information from US Satellite systems (the broadcast is called TRAP)

Audio Frequency. A frequency which can be detected as a sound by the human ear. The range of
audio frequencies extends from approximately 20 to 20,000 hertz.

Audio Visual. A generic term pertaining to application and utilization technology of electro, chemical,
mechanical and optical media to record and/or reproduce audible signals or visual images or
combinations thereof, and the materials that permit their use.

Audit. The process of conducting an independent review and examination of system records and
activities in order to test for adequacy of system controls, to ensure compliance with established policy
and operational procedures, and to recommend any indicated changes in controls, policy, or procedures
(CA).

Authenticate. A verb commanding or requesting validation of a communication by use of an

appropriate authenticator. See Authenticator.

Authentication 1. Evidence of proper signature or seal that a document is genuine and official.
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Authentication 2. A security measure designed to protect a communication system against fraudulent

transmissions.

Authentication 3. Measures designed to provide protection against fraudulent transmission and

imitative communication deception by establishing the validity of a transmission, message, station, or
individual. (CA)

Authentication System. A system designed for the purposes of authentication, i.e. to serve as a
secure means of establishing the authenticity of a transmission or message or of challenging the identity
of a station.

Authentication Test Element. An element employed in an authentication system for deriving an

authenticator.

Authentication token. Information conveyed during a strong authentication exchange, which can be
used to authenticate its sender.

Authentication, Message. A security measure designed to establish the authenticity of a message by

means of an authenticator within the transmission derived from certain pre-determined elements of the
message itself.

Authentication, Net. An authentication procedure by which a net control station authenticates itself,
and all other stations in the net systematically establishing their authenticity.

Authentication, Station. A security measure designed to establish the authenticity of a transmitting or

receiving station, either by the challenge and reply or transmission authentication method.

Authentication, Transmission. A collective term which includes self authentication, station

authentication, and sometimes message authentication. By this procedure, a station may establish the
authenticity of its own transmission.

Authenticator. A letter, numeral or group of letters or numerals (or both), attesting to the authenticity
of a message or transmission.

Authority. An entity, responsible for the insurance of certificates. Two types are defined in this
Specification; certification authorities which issues public-key certificates and attribute authority witch
issues attribute certificates.

Authority certificate. A certificate issued to an authority (eg either to a certification authority or to an

attribute authority).

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Auto-answer. A type of modem used on the public telephone network that automatically sends an
answering tone in response to an incoming call.

Auto-dial. A type of modem used on the public telephone network that automatically
originates calls (dials the desired number).

Automatic Data Processing Network. See Data Processing Network.

Automatic Error Detection and Correction System (EDC). A system employing an error-
detecting code and so conceived that any false signal initiates a repetition if the transmission of the
character is incorrectly received.

Automatic Error Detection. A method of transmission in which the aim is to detect and automatically
indicate a mutilation of the sent signal.

Automatic Frequency Control (AFC). A circuit or device which maintains a receiver or transmitter
on a desired frequency.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC). A circuit or device which regulates the gain of a receiver or
amplifier so that the output tends to remain constant though the incoming signal may vary in strength.

Automatic Landing Systems. Systems in which the automatic devices land aircraft without pilot
assistance.

Automatic Message Switch. See Switching, Communications system and Switching, Automatic.

Automatic Number Equipment. A type of equipment which automatically transmits a transmission

identification.

Automatic RQ. An automatic error detection-correction technique employed in telegraph systems

whereby the return channel is used to obtain repetition of corrupted received signals until they are
received uncorrupted.

Automatic Search Jammer (Search Lock Jammer). A system comprising a search receiver and a
jamming transmitter which first searches for signals having specific characteristics and then automatically
jams them.

Automatic Tracking. Tracking in which the servo mechanism follows a signal or target automatically.

Automatic Volume Control (AVC). See Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

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Availability 1. A measure of equipment, system, or network performance - usually expressed in
percent; the ratio of operating time to the sum of operating time plus down time. Based on MTBF and
MTTR.
Availability 2. The property of being accessible and usable upon demand by an authorized entity.
(NATO)
Axis of Signal Communications. The line or route on which lies the starting position and probable
future location of the command post of a unit during a troop movement. The main route along which
messages are relayed or sent to and from combat units in the field.

Azimuth. 1. A direction expressed as a horizontal angle usually in degrees or mils and measured
clockwise from north. Thus, azimuth will be true azimuth, grid azimuth, or magnetic azimuth depending
on which north is used.

Azimuth. 2. The angle at the zenith between the observer's celestial meridian and the vertical circle
through a heavenly body.

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B

Back-up Facility. A resource which provides alternate means of maintaining communications should
the on-line resource fail.

Backbone. (In packet -switched networks) The major transmission path for a PDN.

Bagpipes. In Electronic Warfare. A type of electronic jamming signal consisting of a series of tones
repeated continuously.

Balloon Reflector. In Electronic Warfare. A balloon-supported confusion reflector to produce

fraudulent echoes.

Band splitter. A Multiplexor (commonly an FDM or TDM) designed to divide the composite
bandwidth into several independent, narrower bandwidth channels, each suitable for data transmission
at a fraction of the total composite data rate.

Bandwidth. The range of frequencies available for signalling; a measure of information-carrying

capacity; the difference, expressed in Hz, between the highest and lowest frequencies in the range.
Utilised subject to specific conditions of signal loss or distortion; commonly defined at the points where
the response is 3db less than the reference value.

Bandwidth, Necessary. For a given class of emission, the width of the frequency band which is just
sufficient to ensure the transmission of the information at the rate and with the quality required under
specific conditions.

Bandwidth, Occupied. The width of a frequency band such that, below the lower and above the
upper frequency limits; the mean powers emitted are each equal to a specified percentage B/2 of the
total mean power of a given emission. Unless otherwise specified for the appropriate class of emission,
the value of B/2 should be taken as 0.5 percent.

Barrage Jamming. Simultaneous electronic jamming over a broad band of frequencies.

Base CRL. A CRL that is used as the foundation in the generation of dCRL

Baseband. The band of frequencies occupied by the Signal before it modulates the carrier (or
subcarrier) frequency to form the transmitted line or radio signal

Baseband modem. Line driver or local dataset.

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Baseband, baseband transmission. Direct transmission method used for short distances (less than
10 miles); uses a bandwidth whose lowest frequency is zero (dc level) - that is, transmission of raw
(carrier-less) binary data. The transmission medium carries only one signal at a time.

Basic Grade Messaging. The Basic Grade Service is the electronic mechanism for exchanging
routine information between persons throughout Defence and its partners, in a manner optimised to
deliver a basic capability in the cheapest way consistent with basic requirements for security.
(CCEB/NATO)

Batch processing. A data processing technique in which input data is accumulated and prepared off-
line and processed in batches.

Battery. An apparatus which may comprise a group of two or more cells used for the conversion of
chemical energy into electrical energy.

Baud. 1. Unit of signalling speed. The speed in baud’s is the number of discrete conditions or signal
events per second. If each signal event represents only one bit, the baud rate is the same as bps; if each
signal even represents more than one bit (such as in a bidit), the baud rate is smaller than bps.

Baud 2. The unit of modulation rate or the unit of transfer rate of signal elements of constant duration
in a discretely-timed or digital signal; the number of baud’s is equal to the reciprocal of the duration in
seconds of the shortest signal element or of the unit interval in such signal.

Baudot Code. A code (named after Emile Baudot, a pioneer in printing telegraphy) for asynchronous
transmission of data in which 5 bits represent a single character. Use of Letters shift and Figures Shift
enables 64 alphanumeric characters to be represented. Used mainly in teleprinter systems which add
one start bit and 1.5 stop bits. Contrast with ASCII and EBCDIC.

BCC, block check character. A character added to the end of a transmission block for the purpose
of error detection - such as a CRC or LRC.

BCD, binary-coded decimal. A digital system that uses binary codes to represent decimal digits.

Beacon. A light or electronic source which emits a distinctive or characteristic signal used for the
determination of bearings, courses or location.

Beacon. A discrete RF signal produced and radiated by a Satellite for Earth Station antenna tracking
purposes, usually modulated by an identification frequency

Beacon, Fan Marker. A type of radio beacon the emissions of which radiate in a vertical fan shaped
pattern. The signal can be keyed for identification purposes.

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Beacon, Homing. See Beacon, Radio.

Beacon, Radar. A radio navigation transponder which transmits in response to a specific received
signal a, pulsed radio signal with specific characteristics whereby the bearing and/or range of the
transponder from the interrogator may be determined, and which in some cases also be used to identify
the transponder.

Beacon, Radio Range. See Station, Radio Range (RLR).

Beacon, Radio-Marker. See Station, Aeronautical Marker Beacon (RLA).

Beacon, Radio. A radio transmitter which emits a distinctive or characteristic signal used for the
determination of bearings, courses or location.

Beam (Radio). A radio transmission concentrated into a sector narrow in either azimuth or elevation,
or in both.

Beam Approach Beacon System (BABS). A secondary radar system of radio navigation which
provides to an aircraft, during its approach, lateral guidance and distance from the optimum point of
landing.

Beam Lobe Switching. A method of determining the direction of a target by successive comparison
of the signals corresponding to two or more beam directions differing slightly from the direction of the
target. The motion of the beam may be either: a. Continuous and periodic or b. Discontinuous.

Beam Rider. A missile guided by a radar or radio beam.

Beam Width. The angle between the directions, on either side of the axis, at which the intensity of the
radio frequency field drops to one half the value it has on the axis.

Bearing Class ‘A’. A bearing which a direction finding operator may reasonably consider to be
accurate to within plus or minus two degrees.

Bearing Class ‘B’. A bearing which a direction finding operator may reasonably consider to be
accurate to within plus or minus five degrees.

Bearing Class ‘C’. A bearing which a direction finding operator may reasonably consider to be
accurate to within plus or minus ten degrees.

Bel. Equal to 10 deciBels.

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Bell 103. An AT&T, 0-300 bps modem providing asynchronous transmission with originate or answer
capability; also often used to describe any Bell 103-compatible modem.

Bell 113. An AT&T, 0-300 bps modem providing asynchronous transmission with originate or answer
capability (but not both); also often used to describe any Bell 113- compatible modem.

Bell 201. An AT&T, 2400 bps modem providing synchronous transmission; Bell 201 B was designed
for leased line applications (the original Bell 201 B was designed for public telephone network
applications); Bell 201 C was designed for public telephone network applications; also often used to
describe any Bell 201-compatible modem.

Bell 202. An AT&T, 1800 bps modem providing asynchronous transmission that required 4-wire
circuit for full-duplex operation; also an AT&T 1200 bps modem providing asynchronous transmission
over 2-wire, full duplex, leased line or public telephone network applications; often used to describe any
Bell 202-compatible modem.

Bell 208. An AT&T, 4800 bps modem providing synchronous transmission; Bell 208 A was designed
for leased line applications; Bell 208 B was designed for public telephone network applications; also
often used to describe any Bell 208-compatible modem.

Bell 209. An AT&T, 9600 bps modem providing synchronous transmission over 4-wire leased lines:
Also often used to describe any Bell 209-compatible modem.

Bell 212, Bell 212A. An AT&T, 1200 bps full-duplex modem providing asynchronous transmission
or asynchronous transmission for use on the public telephone network; also often used to describe any
Bell 212-compatible modem.

Bell 43401. Bell Publication which defines requirements for transmission over telco-supplied circuits
that have DC continuity (that are metallic). See also local dataset.

Bi-phase Shift Keying (BPSK). This is widely used for data transmission and for digitized speech
using PCM. A constant period and constant amplitude has its phase shifted by 180 degrees to represent
one binary state or not shifted at all to represent the other binary state. See FSK.

Binary Digit. See Bit.

Binary. Digital system with 2 states, 1 and 0; contrast with octal, decimal and hexadecimal.

Bipolar transmission. Method of sending binary data in which negative and positive states alternate;
used in digital transmission facilities such as DDS and T1. Sometimes known as polar transmission.

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Birdnesting. In Electronic Warfare, a clustering of window strips causing them not to separate and
disperse after being dispensed.

Bit. Contraction of binary digit; smallest unit of information and basic unit in digital data
communications. A bit can have a zero or a one value (a mark or space in data communications
terminology).

Bit stuffing. See zero insertion.

Bit-oriented. Used to describe communications protocols (such as SDLC) in which control

information may be coded in fields as small as a single bit in length. Contrast with character-oriented.

Black Box, Black Box Corporation. The leading data communications and computer device mail-
order company; publishes and distributes the BLACK BOX Catalogue .

Blip. The display of a received pulse on a cathode ray tube. See Radar Echo.

Blip/Scan Ratio. The ratio of the number of observed echo pulses from a target to the number of
radar sweeps during the period in which the target is in the antenna beam.

Block. Same as transmission block.

Blocking. 1. The process of grouping data into transmission blocks.

Blocking 2. (In LAN technology). The inability of a PABX to service connection requests, usually
because its switching matrix can only handle a limited number of connections simultaneously. Blocking
occurs if a call request from a user cannot be handled due to an insufficient number of paths through the
switching matrix; blocking thus prevents free stations from communication.

Block-multiplexor channel. (In IBM systems) A multiplexor channel that interleaves with bytes of
data; also called byte-interleaved channel. Contrast with selector channel.

Blooming. 1 (In Electronic Warfare) The dispersal of Chaff after launching.

Blooming 2. The expansion of the echo on a radar display due to the dispersal of Chaff after
launching

BNC. A bayonet-locking connector for miniature coax; BNC is said to be short for bayonet-Neil-
Concelman (see N connector and C connector). Contrast with TNC.

Boehme Equipment. 1. Transmitting. Used for sending International Morse Code characters by
passing Wheatstone tape through a keying head.
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Boehme Equipment. 2. Receiving. Used for recording International Morse Code characters by ink
siphon equipment on a moving paper tape.

Boltzmann’s Constant. A physical constant; K=1.38x10-23 watt - Sec/oK

Boresight. An imaginary line passing through the optical centre and focus of a antenna sub-system

Boresight Tower. A signal radiator mounted on a tower providing a fixed target at known azimuth
and elevation angles to an Earth station

Boundary Protection Device 1. Any device placed at the edge of a network designed to perform
one or more Barrier Functions (BF) to control the nature of interconnection between domains, including
what are colloquially referred to as “Firewalls”, Multi-level Secure (MLS) / Multi Security Level (MSL)
devices, as man-in-the-loop-sanction Security Release Control Tools (SRCT) and one-way regulators.
(UK)

Boundary Protection Device 2. A controlled and continuously managed device that mediates all
information flow and provides security services at the security boundary between a trusted system and
an other system. Examples: firewall, encryption device, guard, proxy server.(NATO)

Boundary Protection Service (BPS). A mandatory capability, which is to be established between

networks and at national boundaries to protect messaging systems by accepting or rejecting messages
or attachments in accordance with national policy.

bps, bits pe r second. A measure of speed or data rate. Often combined with metric prefixes as in
kbps for thousands of bits per seconds (k for kilo-), in Mbps for millions of bits per second (M for
mega-) and Gbps for billions of bits per second.

BREAK. A space (or spacing) condition that exists longer than one character time (typical length is
110 milliseconds). Often used by a receiving terminal to interrupt (break) the sending device’s
transmission, to request disconnection, or to terminate computer output.

BPSK, Bi-Phase Shift Keying

Breakout box. A device that provides access for testing of circuits in a cable or connector.

Bridge. The interconnection between 2 networks using the same communications method, the same
kind of transmission medium, and the same addressing structure; also the equipment used in such an
interconnection. Bridges function at the data link layer of the OSI model. Contrast with gateway.

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Broadband. 1. (In general) Communications channel having a bandwidth greater than a voice-grade
channel and potentially capable of much higher transmission rates; also called wideband.

Broadband. 2. (In LAN technology) A system in which multiple channels access a medium (usually
coaxial cable) that has a large bandwidth (50 Mbps is typical) using radio-frequency modems.

Broadcast. 1. Transmission of a message intended for general reception rather than for a specific
station.

Broadcast 2. (In LAN technology) A transmission method used in bus topology networks that sends
all messages to all stations even though the messages are addressed to specific stations.

Broadcast 3. A method of transmitting messages on predetermined schedules, when, normally, no

acknowledgement for the message is required.

Broadcast Control Authority. The authority under whose control a specific broadcast is operated.
The BCA directs the implementation of an approved broadcast and provides direction and guidance
concerning its employment, configuration and content. The BCA may control the broadcast completely
or assign certain responsibilities for operation to a subordinate command.

Broadcast Control Station (BCS). The station that technically controls the broadcast to ensure that
all associated circuits are properly aligned in accordance with previously agreed upon configurations or
as directed by the BCA or other competent authority.

Broadcast Radiating Station (BRS). The station responsible for radiating a broadcast signal
supplied by the BCS.

BSC, Bisync, Binary Synchronous Communications. A byte or character-oriented IBM

communications protocol which has become an industry standard. It uses a defined set of control
characters and sequences for synchronized transmission of binary-coded data between stations in a data
communications system.

BTAM, Basic Telecommunications Access Method. An IBM software routine; the basic access
method for 3270 data communications control.

Buffer. A temporary storage device used to compensate for a difference in either the rate of
data flow or the time of occurrence of events in transmissions from one device to another.

Bull Horn/Loudhailer. High power directional loudspeaker.

Burn-through Range. That range at which a radar target, until then masked by jamming, becomes
detectable to the radar.
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Bus, buss. 1. (In general) A data path shared by many devices such as the input/output bus in a
computer.

Bus, buss 2. (In LAN technology) A linear network topology; contrast with ring star.

Byte. A collection of bits operated upon as a unit; most are 8 bits long; and most character sets use
one byte per character. The capacity of storage devices is frequently given in bytes or in K bytes (K
meaning 1024 bytes). See also nibble.

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Cabinet. A physical enclosure for rack-mount equipment; standard cabinets have 1¾ inches vertical
spacing between mounting holes and 19 inches - wide horizontal spacing between mounting rails.

Cable-based LAN. A shared-medium LAN that uses a cable for its transmission medium.

Cable system, cabling system. (In LAN technology) The medium used to interconnect stations:
Often called the premises network.

CA-certificate. A certificate for one CA issued by another CA.

Call 1. A transmission made for the purpose of identifying the transmitting station and the station for
which the transmission is intended.

Call 2. A request for connection or the connection resulting from such a request. See also mini-call
and virtual call.

Call accounting, call accounting record. (In packet-switched networks) The process of
accumulating data on individual calls or of reporting such data; usually includes start and end times,
NTN or NUI, and number of data segments and packets transmitted for each individual call.

Called, calling, or called/calling channel. (In LAN technology and packet-switched networks) A
called channel is a channel that can receive but not originate calls; a calling channel can originate but not
receive calls; and finally, a called/calling channel can both originate and receive calls.

Call request packet. (In packet-switched networks) The packet sent by the originating DTE
showing requested NTN or NUI, network facilities, and call user data.

Call Sign. Any combination of characters or pronounceable word(s) which identifies a communication
facility(ies), command(s), authority(ies), activity(ies) or unit(s); used primarily for establishing and
maintaining communications.

Call Sign, Basic Group. A call sign assigned to a merchant ship specifically to form the basis for
obtaining an encrypted callsign.

Call Sign, Collective. Any call sign which represents two or more facilities, commands, authorities or
units. The collective call sign for any of these includes the commander thereof and all subordinate
commanders therein.

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Call Sign, Encrypted. A call sign which has been encrypted by means of an appropriate encryption
system.

Call Sign, International. A call sign assigned in accordance with the provisions of the International
Telecommunication Union to identify a radio station. The nationality of the radio station is identified by
the first or the first two characters. When used in visual signalling, International Call Signs are referred
to as Signal Letters.

Call Sign, Military. A call sign assigned to a military ship specifically to form the basis for obtaining
an encrypted call sign.

Call Sign, Net. A call sign which represents all stations within a net.

Call Sign, Tactical. A call sign which identifies a tactical command(s) or tactical communication
facility(ies).

Call Sign, Visual. A call sign provided primarily for visual signalling,

Call Sign, Voice. A call sign provided primarily for voice communications.

Called Station. The station to which a message is routed (in Message Relay) or a transmission is
directed.

Calling Station 1. General term. The station initiating a transmission.

Calling Station 2. In Message Relay. The station preparing the message for transmission.

Call user data. (In packet-switched networks) User information transmitted in a call request packet
to the destination DTE.

Cambridge ring. (In LAN technology) An empty slot ring LAN. It has not yet achieved a great deal
of popularity outside its country of origin, England - where several near-Cambridge Ring systems are
being marketed.

Camp-on, camp-on-busy. (In LAN technology) A PABX or cable-based LAN facility that allows
users to wait on line (in queue) if the requested resource is busy and that connects the users in queue -
on a first-come, first-served basis - when the requested resource becomes available.

Card module. A printed-circuit board that plugs into an equipment chassis.

Carrier 1. A continuous signal which is modulated with a second, information-carrying signal.

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Carrier 2. An oscillator or wave, usually periodic, some of the characteristics of which are intended to
be constrained by modulation to follow the variations of a signal or of other oscillation.

Carrier, Full. Carrier wave emitted at a power level between 8db and 6db below the peak envelope
power.

C/N. Carrier to Noise power ratio

Carrier, Reduced. Carrier wave emitted at a power level between 6db and 32db (preferably
between 16db and 26db) below the peak envelope power.

Carrier, Suppressed. Carrier restricted to a power level more than 32db (preferably more than
40db) below the peak envelope power.

CATV, community antenna television. (In LAN technology) One of the most common facilities
found on broadband networks; standards exist for allocating channels on a CATV system.

CCIR, Comité Consultatif International des Radiocommunications. An international consultative

committee that sets international radiocommunications recommendations. Membership includes PTTs,
scientific and trade associations, and private companies. CCIR is part of the International
Telecommunication Union (a United Nations treaty organization in Geneva). (Note. This organization
has now been incorporated into the ITU Telecommunications Standardization Sector (ITU-T)).

CCITT, Comité Consultatif Internationale de Télégraphique et Téléphonique. An international

consultative committee that sets international communications recommendations, which are frequently
adopted as standards, develops interface, modem and data network recommendations (see following
table and selected entries - such as V.22, V.27 and X.25). Membership includes PTTs, scientific and
trade associations, and private companies. CCITT is part of the International Telecommunication Union
(a United Nations treaty organization in Geneva). (Note: This organization has now been incorporated
into the ITU Telecommunications Standardization Sector (ITU-T)).

SUMMARY OF CCITT RECOMMENDATIONS

V Series recommendations, covering data transmission over telephone circuits.

V1 Equivalence between binary notation symbols and the significant conditions of a
2 condition code.
V2 Power levels for data transmission over telephone lines.
V3 International Alphabet No 5.
V4 General structure of signals of International Alphabet No 5 code for data
transmission over public telephone networks.
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V5 Standardisation of modulation rates and data signalling rates for

synchronous data transmission in general switched networks.
V6 Ditto, on leased telephone-type circuits.
V7 Definition of terms concerning data communication over the telephone network.
V10 Electrical characteristics for unbalanced double-current interchange circuits for
general use with integrated circuit equipment in the field of data communications.
V11 Ditto, but for balanced double-current interchange circuits.
V13 Answerback unit simulator.
V15 Use of acoustic coupling for data transmission.
V16 Recommendation for modems for transmission of medical analogue data.
V19 Modems for parallel data transmission using telephone signalling
frequencies.
V20 Parallel data transmission modems standardised for universal use in the general
switched network.
V21 300 baud modem standardised for use in the switched telephone
network.
V22 1200 bps full-duplex 2-wire modem standardised for use in the general
switched telephone network.
V22bis 2400 bps full-duplex 2-wire modem standardised for use in the general
switched telephone network.
V23 600/1200 bps modem standardised for use in the general switched telephone
network.
V24 List of definitions for interchange circuits between data terminal
equipment and data circuit-terminating equipment (i.e. Modem).
V25 Automatic calling and/or answering equipment on the general switched
telephone network.
V25bis Automatic calling and/or answering equipment on the general switched
telephone network using the 100 series interchange circuits.
V26 2400 bps modem for use on 4-wire point-to-point circuits.
V26bis 2400/1200 modems standardised for use in the general switched
telephone network.
V26ter 2400 bps duplex modem using the echo cancellation technique
standardised for use on the general switched telephone network and on point-
to-point 2-wire leased telephone type circuits.
V27ter 4800/2400 bps modem standardised for use in the general switched telephone
network.
V28 Electrical characteristics for unbalanced double-current interchange circuits.
V29 9600 bps modem for use of leased circuits.
V31 Electrical characteristics for unbalanced double-current interchange circuits.

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V32 A family of 2-wire duplex modems operating at data signalling rates up to 9600
bps for use on the general switched telephone network and on 2-wire leased
telephone type circuits.
V35 Data transmission at 48 kilobits per second using 60 kHz - 108 kHz group
band circuits.
V36 Modems for synchronous data transmission using 60 kHz - 108 kHz group
band circuits.
V37 Synchronous data transmission at a data signalling rate higher than 72 kilobits
per second using 60 kHz - 108 kHz group band circuits.
V40 Error indication with electromagnetic equipment.
V41 Code-independent error control system.
V50 Standard limits for transmission quality of data transmission.
V51 Organisation of the maintenance of international telephone-type
circuits used for data transmission.
V52 Characteristics of distortion and error rate measuring apparatus for data
transmission.
V53 Limits for the maintenance of telephone-type circuits used for data transmission.
V54 Loop test devices for modems.
V55 Specification for an impulsive noise measuring instrument for
telephone-type circuits.
V56 Comparative tests for modems for use over telephone-type circuits.
V57 Comprehensive data test set for high data signalling rates.

X Series recommendations covering data networks.

X1 International user classes of service in public data networks.
X2 International user facilities in public data networks.
X3 Packet assembly/disassembly facility (PAD) in a public data network.
X4 General structure of signals of International Alphabet No 5 code for data
transmission over public data networks.
X15 (withdrawn) Definitions of terms concerning public data networks.
X20 Interface between data terminal equipment and data circuit-
terminating equipment for start/stop transmission services on public data
networks.
X20bis V21 compatible interface between data terminal equipment and data circuit-
terminating equipment for start/stop transmission services on public data
networks.
X21 General purpose interface between data terminal equipment and data circuit-
terminating equipment for synchronous operation on public data networks.
X21bis Use on public data networks of data terminal equipment which is designed for
interfacing to synchronous V-series modems.
X22 Multiplex DTE/DCE interface for user classes 3-6.
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X24 List of definitions of interchange circuits between data terminal

equipment and data circuit-terminating equipment on public data
networks.
X25 Interface between data terminal equipment and data circuit-
terminating equipment for terminals operating in the packet mode on public data
networks.
X26 Electrical characteristics for unbalanced double-current interchange circuits for
general use with integrated circuit equipment in the field of data communications
(identical to V10).
X27 Electrical characteristics for balanced double-current interchange circuits for
general use with integrated circuit equipment in the field of data communications
(identical to V11).
X28 DTE/DCE interface for a start/stop mode data terminal equipment accessing the
packet assembly/disassembly facility (PAD) on a public data network
situated in the same country.
X29 Procedures for exchange of control information and user data between a packet
mode DTE and a packet assembly/disassembly (PAD) facility.
X30 Support of X21 and X21bis based DTEs by an ISDN.
X31 Support of Packet Mode Terminal Equipment by an ISDN.
X32 Interface between data terminal equipment and data circuit terminating
equipment for terminals operating in the packet mode and accessing a packet
switched public data network through a public switched network.
X50 Fundamental parameters of a multiplexing scheme for the
international interface between synchronous data networks.
X50bis Fundamental parameters of a 48kbps user data signalling rate
transmission scheme for the international interface between
synchronous data networks.
X51 Fundamental parameters of a multiplexing scheme for the
international interface between synchronous data networks using
10-bit envelope structure.
X60 Common channel signalling for circuit switched data applications.
X61 Signalling System no 7 - Data user part.
X70 Terminal and transit control signalling for start/stop services on
international circuits between synchronous data networks.
X71 Decentralised terminal and transit control signalling system on
international circuits between synchronous data networks.
X75 Terminal and transit call control procedures and data transfer
system on international circuits between packet switched data
networks.
X80 Interworking of inter-exchange signalling systems for circuit switched data
services.
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X87 Principles and procedures for realisation of international user facilities and
network utilities in public data networks.
X92 Hypothetical reference connections for public synchronous data
networks.
X95 Network parameters in public data networks.
X96 Call progress signals in public data networks.
X110 Routing principles for international public data services through
switched public data networks of the same type.
X121 International numbering plan for public data networks.
X130 Provisional objectives for call set-up and clear-down times in public
synchronous data networks (circuit switching).
X132 Provisional objectives for grade of service in international data
communications over circuit switched public data networks.
X150 DTE and DCE test loops for public data networks.
X180 Administrative arrangements for international closed user
groups(CUGs).
X244 Procedure for the exchange of protocol identification during virtual call
establishment on packet switched public data networks.

I series recommendations for ISDN

I110 General structure of the I-Series Recommendations.
I111 Relationship with other recommendations relevant to ISDNs.
I112 Vocabulary of terms of ISDNs.
I120 ISDN concept.
I210 Principles of telecommunication services supported by an ISDN.
I211 Bearer services supported by an ISDN.
I212 Tele-services supported by an ISDN.
I300 ISDN functional principles.
I310 Network functional principles.
I320 ISDN protocol reference model.
I32X ISDN functional architectural model.
I325 ISDN connection types
I330 ISDN numbering and addressing principles.
I340 ISDN connection types.
I410 General aspects and principles relating to recommendations on ISDN user-
network interfaces.
I411 ISDN user-network interfaces - reference configurations.
I412 ISDN user-network interfaces - interface structures and access
capabilities.
I420 Basic user-network interface.
I421 Primary rate user-network interface.
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I440 Specification of the ISDN user-network interface data link layer

protocol.
I450 General aspects of the ISDN user-network interface layer 3 functions and
protocols.
I451 Specification of the ISDN user-network interface layer 3 protocol.
I461 Support of X21 and X21bis based DTEs by an ISDN (X30).
I462 Support of packet mode terminal equipments by an ISDN (X31).
I463 Support of DTEs with V-series type interfaces by an ISDN.
I46X Support of 56kbps information streams on an ISDN.
I472 Interworking services and protocols.

G700 series recommendations.

G701 Framework of the series G700,G800 and G900 recommendations.
G702 Vocabulary of pulse code modulation (PCM) and digital
transmission terms.
G703 General aspects of interfaces.
G704 Maintenance of digital networks.
G705 Integrated services digital network (ISDN).
G711 Pulse code modulation (PCM) of voice frequencies.
G712 Performance characteristics of PCM channels at audio frequencies.
G721 Hypothetical reference digital paths.
G722 Interconnection of digital paths using different techniques.
G731 Primary PCM multiplex equipment for voice frequencies.
G732 Characteristics of primary PCM multiplex equipment operating
at 2048kbps.
G733 Characteristics of primary PCM multiplex equipment operating
at 1544kbps.
G734 Characteristics of 2048kbps frame structure for use with digital
exchanges.
G735 Characteristics required to terminate 1544kbps digital paths on a digital
exchange.
G736 Characteristics of synchronous digital multiplex equipment operating at
1544kbps.
G737 Characteristics of primary PCM multiplex equipment operating at 2048kbps
and offering synchronous 64kbps digital access options.
G738 Characteristics of a synchronous digital multiplex equipment
operating at 2048kbps.
G739 Characteristics of an external access equipment operating at 2048kbps and
offering synchronous digital access at 64kbps.
G741 General considerations of second order multiplex equipments.

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G742 Second order digital multiplex equipment operating at 8448kbps and using
positive justification.
G743 Second order digital multiplex equipment operating at 6312kbps and using
positive justification.
G744 Second order PCM multiplex equipment operating at 8448kbps.
G745 Second order digital multiplex equipment operating at 8448kbps and using
positive/zero/negative justification.
G746 Characteristics of 8448kbps frame structure for use with digital
equipment.
G751 Digital multiplex equipments operating at the third order bit rate of 34,368kbps
and the fourth order bit rate of 139,264kbps and using positive justification.
G752 Characteristics of digital multiplex equipments based on a second order bit rate
of 6312kbps and using positive justification.
G753 Third order digital multiplex equipment operating at 34,368kbps and using
positive/zero/negative justification.
G754 Fourth order digital multiplex equipment operating at 139,264kbps and using
positive/zero/negative justification.
G791 General considerations on transmultiplexing equipments.
G792 Characteristics common to all transmultiplexing equipment.
G793 Characteristics of 60-channel transmultiplexing equipments.

C connector. A bayonet-locking connector for coax; C is named after Carl Concelman. See also
BNC and TNC.

CCTV, closed-circuit television. (In LAN technology) One of the many services often found on
broadband networks.

CCU, communications control unit. (In IBM 3270 systems) A communications computer, often a
minicomputer associated with a host mainframe computer. It may perform communications protocol
control, message handling, code conversion, error control, and application functions.

CD, Carrier Detect. An RS-232 control signal (on pin 8) which indicates that the local modem is
receiving a signal from the remote modem. Also called Received Line Signal Detector (RLSD) and
Data Carrier Detect (DCD).

CDMA. Code Division Multiple Access. Simultaneous reception by a Satellite transponder of multiple
signals overlapping in frequency and time, each uniquely identified by a discrete modulation code,
making the whole bandwidth available to each user all of the time. Each access uses direct sequence
spread spectrum modulation and a different pseudo-random spreading and de-spreading sequence or
code. Used with digital signalling only

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CDRU, Clock Distribution Receiver Unit.

CDTU, Clock Distribution Transmitter Unit.

Cellular. A technique used in mobile radio telephony to use the same radio spectrum many times in
one network. Low power radio transmitters are used to cover a limited area or “cell” such that the
frequencies in use can be re-used in other parts of the network.

CEMCON, Centralized Emcon.

CEN/CENELEC. CEN(Comité Europeene de Normalisation Electrotechnique) are two official

European standards organisations responsible for standardisation in the field of information technology.
CEN and CENELEC are effectively the European subsets of the members of ISO and the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) respectively.

Central office. The building where common carriers terminate customer circuits and where the
switching equipment that interconnects those circuits is located. Sometimes also known as the central
exchange - or just simply as exchange.

Centronics. Printer manufacturer that set the defacto interconnection standards for parallel printers,
using a 36-pin, byte-wide connector.

CEPT. Conférence Europeene des Adminstrations des Postes et des Télécommunications (CEPT).
The European Conference of Posts and Telecommunication Administrations. CEPT is an association of
European PTT’s (Postal Telephone and Telegraph Administrations) and network operators from 43
countries.

Certificate Policy. A named set of rules that indicates the applicability of a certificate to a particular
community and/or class of application with common security requirements. For example, a particular
certificate policy might indicate applicability of a type of certificate to the authentication of electronic
data interchange transaction for the trading of good within a given price range.

Certificate Revocation List (CRL). A signed list indicating a set of certificates that are no longer
considered valid by the certificate issuer. In addition to the generic term CRL, some specific CRL types
are defined in CRLs that cover particular scope.

Certificate User. An entity that needs to know, which certainty, the public key of another entity.

Certificate serial number. An integer value, unique within the issuing authority, which is
unambiguously associated with a certificate issued by that CA.

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Certificate-using system: An implementation of those functions defined that are used by a certificate-
user.

Certificate validation. The process of enduring that a certificate was valid at a given time, including
possible the construction and processing of a certification path, and ensuring that all certificates in that
path were valid (i.e. were not expired or revoked) at that given time.

Certification. The formal technical evaluation of security features and other safeguards of an CIS
Automated Information System (AIS). Certification supports the accreditation process and establishes
the extent to which a particular AIS design and implementation meet a set of specified security
requirements.

Certification Authority (CA). An authority trusted by one or more users to create and assign public-
key certificates. Optionally the certification authority may create the users’ keys.

Certification Authority Revocation List (CARL). A revocation list containing a list of public-key
certificates issued to certification authorities that are no longer considered valid by the certificate issuer.

Certification path. An ordered sequence of certificates of objects in the DIT which, together with the
public key of the initial object in the path, can be processed to obtain that of the final object in the path.
Chaff. Strips of frequency-cut metal foil, wire or metallised glass fibre used to reflect electromagnetic
energy, usually dispensed by shells or rockets as a radar countermeasure.

Challenge. Any process carried out by one unit or person with the objective of ascertaining the
friendly or enemy character or the identity of another. The answer to a challenge is a Reply.

Challenge and Reply. 1. In authentication, a procedure by means of a prearranged system whereby

one transmitter requests authentication of another transmitter (the Challenge) and the latter by a proper
reply establishes its authentication (the Reply).

Challenge and Reply. 2. In establishing identity, the challenge and the reply is a prearranged method
whereby one station identifies itself and requests the identity of another (the Challenge) and the latter
identifies itself (the Reply).

Channel. 1. (CCITT standard) A means of 1-way transmission. Compare with circuit.

Channel. 2. (Tariff and common usage) As used in tariffs, a path for electrical transmission between
2 or more points without common carrier-provided terminal equipment such as a local connection to
DTE. Also called circuit, line, data link path, or facility.

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Channel. 3. (in all IBM host systems) A high-speed data link connecting the CPU and its peripheral
devices. See also block-multiplexor channel, multiplexor channel, and selector channel.

Channel Availability and Receipt Broadcast - CARB. A facility utilised by the RN, which
provides demand access availability to ship-borne terminals working through the CDMA pathways,
together with a receipted broadcast facility

Channel (Frequency). Part of the frequency spectrum intended to be used for the transmission of
signals and which may be defined by two specified limits, or by its centre frequency and the associated
bandwidth, or by an equivalent indication. Note 1. A frequency channel may be time-shared in order to
allow communication in both directions by simplex operation. Note 2. The use of the term channel to
mean circuit is depreciated.

Channel (Transmission). A transmission path suitable for a specific mode.

Note 1. Several channels may share a common path; for example, each channel is allocated a particular
frequency band or a particular time slot. Note 2. In some countries the term ‘communications channel’
or its abbreviation ‘channel’ is also used to mean ‘telecommunications circuit’ i.e., to encompass the two
directions of transmission. This usage is depreciated. Note 3. A transmission channel may be qualified
by the nature of the transmitted signal, or by its bandwidth, or by its rare bit rate. Examples:
Telephone channel, data channel, 10 MHz channel, 34Mbit/s channel

Channel Designation (Message Relay). One or more letters used to identify a station in
conjunction with a channel number.

Channel Identifier (CID). Three letters which identify a specific channel between two stations

Channel interface. See channel and interface.

Channel Letter (Message Relay). A letter assigned to identify a channel when two or more
channels are maintained between two stations.

Channel loopback. A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the multiplexors channel interface (refer to
loopback).

Channel Number. 1. Engineering term. A number allotted to identify a particular channel of a circuit
or system.

Channel Number. 2. Message Relay. A combination of letters and figures identifying a station, a
channel and a transmission.

Channel Restoration. The repair or reconnection of an existing channel.

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Channel Sequence Number (CSN). Three numerical characters which serve to sequentially number
each transmission over a particular channel and which starts at 001 daily and is not to exceed 999.

Character. Letter, number, punctuation, or other symbol contained in a message. See also control
character.

Character-oriented. Used to describe communications protocols (such as BSC) in which control

information is coded in character-length fields. Contrast with bit-oriented.

Character set. A collection of characters, such as ASCII or EBCDIC used to represent data in a
system. Usually includes special symbols and control functions. Often synonymous with code.

Characteristics, Military. Those characteristics of equipment upon which its ability to perform
desired military functions depend. Military characteristics include physical and operational
characteristics but not technical details.

Cifax. 1. The cryptography of facsimile signals or

Cifax. 2. Encrypted facsimile signals.

CIM, Console interface Module.

Cipher Device. See Cipher Equipment.

Cipher Equipment. Equipment which converts plain text to cipher and vice versa; generally, the term
cipher device is used to describe manually-operated equipment and the term "cipher machine" is used to
describe equipment requiring an external source of power.

Cipher Machine. See Cipher Equipment.

Cipher System. Any cryptosystem which, by means of a key, converts , unit by unit, plain or encoded
text or signals into unintelligible form and vice versa.

Cipher, Combat. See Code, Combat.

Cipher, Off-Line. See Off-Line Cipher.

Cipher, On-Line. The use of crypto equipment that is directly connected to a signal line, making
encryption and transmission (or reception and decryption, or both together) a single continuous process.

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Ciphony. 1. The cryptography of telephone communications or

Ciphony. 2. Enciphered speech signals.

Circuit 1. (In data communications) A means of 2-way communications between 2 points, consisting
of transmit and receive channels.

Circuit 2. (In electronic design) One or more components that act together to perform one or more
functions.

Circuit 3. Communications term. An electronic path between two or more points capable of
providing a number of channels.

Circuit 4. Engineering term. A number of conductors connected together for the purpose of carrying
an electrical current.

Circuit, Approved. A circuit which has been authorized by a responsible authority for the transmission
in plain language of information of a specific security classification.

Circuit, Commander’s Vital. A circuit required in order to maintain the absolute minimum of
communication for a Commander in order that he can carry out his operational mission under all
circumstances. Such a circuit must be as secure as possible and with an alternative routing capable of
immediate activation without further orders in the event of a breakdown likely to exceed four hours.

Circuit, Conference. A circuit permitting simultaneous communications between two or more stations
for conference purposes. All stations can originate and receive messages.

Circuit Discipline. The component of transmission security which includes the proper use of
communications equipment, the adherence to the prescribed frequencies and operating procedure,
remedial action, net control, monitoring and training.

Circuit, Permanent. A circuit which is permanently provided and used in peacetime and which
normally continues to be used in wartime.

Circuit Restoration. The process by which a communications circuit supplier provides a circuit path
between two user stations after disruption or loss of the existing circuit path, in accordance with pre-
planned procedures and priorities.

Circuit-switching. A technique in which physical circuits (as opposed to virtual circuits) are
transferred (switched) to complete connections. Contrast with packet-switched networks.

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Circuit, Temporary. A circuit which is required for a limited period to meet a special requirement.

Circuit (Telecommunication). A telecommunication facility to transmit signals between message

source and message link by electric, electromagnetic, acoustic or visual means.

Circuit, Dedicated. A circuit provided for the sole use of certain specified users to serve a pre-
assigned purpose.

Circuit, Engineering. An auxiliary circuit or channel (radio or wire) for use by operating and/or
maintenance personnel for communications incident to the establishment, operation, maintenance and
control of communication facilities. (An Engineering/Maintenance circuit includes the functions of an
"Order Wire").

Circuit, Internal. A circuit the whole length of which lies within the boundaries of one nation.

Circuit, International. A circuit the routing or terminals of which lie within more than one nation.

Circuit, Safety. A circuit which for operational reasons has been guarded against failure by the
provision of an immediate restoration capability.

Circuit, Trunk. A circuit directly connecting two distant exchanges.

CIRVIS. Communications Instructions for Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings.

C/KT or C/No. Carrier to Noise power density ratio

Classified information. Information related to the national interest, the compromise of which would
reasonably be expected to cause injury to the national interest.

Clear Text. See Plain Language (Plain Text).

Clock. 1. The timing signal used in synchronous transmission.

Clock. 2. The source of such timing signals.

Closed architecture. An architecture that is compatible only with hardware and software from a
single vendor. Contrast with open architecture.

Close-Up (Flag Signalling). A flag hoist is said to be "close-up" when its top is touching the block at
the top of the hoist.

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Cluster. A collection of terminals or other devices in a single location.

Cluster control unit. (In IBM 3270 systems) A device that controls the input/output operations of a
group (cluster) of display stations. Also called terminal control unit.

Clutter. Collective term for unwanted echoes on a radar display.

Code Division Multiple Access - CDMA. Simultaneous reception by a Satellite transponder of

multiple signals overlapping in frequency and time, each uniquely identified by a discrete modulation
code

Coalition. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, and other nations as
applicable, collaborating as peers in a coalition operation.

Coax, coaxial cable. A transmission medium noted for its wide bandwidth and for its low
susceptibility to interference; signals are transmitted inside a fully enclosed environment - an outer
conductor; the conductors are commonly separated by a solid insulating material.

Coaxial converter. (In IBM 3270 systems) A protocol converter designed to be used between 3270
control units and attached asynchronous devices; uses coaxial cable to connect to the control unit.

Coaxial Line. A transmission line consisting of two coaxial cylindrical conductors.

Code. 1. A set of unambiguous rules specifying the manner in which data may be represented in a
discrete form, such as ASCII or EBCDIC.

Code. 2. In telecommunications, a set of rules and conventions according to which the signals
representing data can be formed, transmitted, received and processed.

Code. 3. A set of items, such as abbreviations, representing the members of another set.

Code. 4. A system of unambiguous rules defining how information can be represented by characters,
symbols or signal elements.

Code Book. A book (or publication) used as a code, arranged in systematic form, containing a
vocabulary made up of arbitrary meanings (letters, syllables, words, phrases or sentences), each
accompanied by one or more groups of symbols as equivalents for the plain text of messages.

Codec, coding and decoding equipment. (In LAN technology) PABX equipment or circuits that
digitally code and decode voice signals.

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Code Group. A group of letters or numbers, or a combination of both, assigned (in a code system) to
represent a plain text element.

Code level. The number of bits used to represent character.

Code Word 1. A word which has been assigned a classification and a classified meaning to safeguard
intentions and information regarding a classified plan or operation.

Code Word 2. A cryptonym used to identify sensitive intelligence data.

Code, Brevity. A code which provides no security but which has as its sole purpose the shortening of
messages rather than the concealment of their content.

Code, Combat. A code or cipher, the purposes of which are simplicity and speed in addition to as
much security as is possible without prejudicing unduly such simplicity and speed.

Code, International Morse. A code in which letters and numbers are represented by specific
groupings of dots and/or dashes. The International Morse Code is used especially in radio telegraph
and visual communication.

Code, International Signal. A code adopted by many nations for international communication. The
code uses combinations of letters to stand for words, phrases and sentences. The letters are transmitted
by the hoisting of international alphabetic flags or International Morse Code.

Code, Panel or Surface. A prearranged code designed for visual communications between ground
units and friendly aircraft.

Code, Prearranged Message. A code adapted for the use of organisations which require special or
technical vocabulary and composed almost exclusively of groups representing complete or nearly
complete messages.

Code, Privacy. A code employed to protect the contents of a message from casual reading by
unauthorized individuals (eg the press or communications staff) but which does not afford (and is not
intended to afford) any security against organised cryptanalysis.

Code, Pyrotechnics. A prearranged code in which meanings are assigned to the various colours and
arrangements of pyrotechnics.

Codress Message. A type of message in which the entire address is contained only in the encrypted
text.

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Codress Procedure. A procedure in which the entire address (including the true date-time group, if
required, the originator and action addressee and information addressee(s) if any) is contained only in
the encrypted text.

Collision 1. (In LAN technology) The result of 2 stations attempting to use a shared transmission
medium simultaneously.

Collision 2. (In a half-duplex system) The result of both ends trying to transmit at the same time.

Combined CIS. Combined CIS are those that process, store, distribute or communicate information
shared among two or more nations.

Combined Information Infrastructure (CII). The shared or interconnected system of

telecommunications networks, computers, databases and electronic systems serving the Combined Joint
Task Forces (CJTF) information needs. It comprises components of the member nation’s National
Information Infrastructure (NII), and includes the people who manage and serve the infrastructure, and
the information itself. (AU)

Combined Restricted Frequency List (CRFL). An approved list of frequencies used to provide
different levels of protection to those frequencies, which if disrupted by harmful, friendly interference,
would have a detrimental impact on the operation. Within a single nation/multiple component context,
this is referred to as a Joint Restricted Frequency List (JRFL).

Combined Spectrum Management Cell (CSMC). The office containing the staff supporting the
Combined Task Force (CTF), with delegated responsibility for spectrum management.

Command. An order transmitted to a Satellite to initiate an operation. Commands may be encrypted

for secure transmission

Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems. A self-explanatory term used to

define a wider scope of responsibilities than communications or signals which embraces the flow of
information in support of command and control.

Command Port. The console used to control and monitor a network or system; also, the interface to
which the console is connected .

Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS). Pertaining to a commercially marketed product which is readily

available for procurement and normally used without modification.
Note 1: A COTS product is often provided in large quantities and at relatively low cost to meet the
demands of a wide range of user needs

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Note 2: Normally, for COTS software, source code is not provided and maintenance is provided by the
manufacturer under licence. (CA).

Common carrier. A private date communications utility company or a government organisation that
furnishes communications services to the general public and that is usually regulated by local, state or
federal agencies. Often, PTTs provide these services outside the USA; telcos inside.

Common Use(r). In reference to a circuit or channel, indicates service for any number of users.

Commonality. A quality which applies to materiel or systems possessing like and interchangeable
characteristics enabling each to be utilised or operated and maintained by personnel trained on the
others without additional specialised training and/or having interchangeable repair parts and/or
components; and applying to items interchangeably equivalent without adjustment.

Communication. The transfer of intelligence or knowledge according to agreed conventions.

Communication and Information Systems (CIS). Assembly of equipment, methods and

procedures (and if necessary personnel), organised so as to accomplish specific information conveyance
and processing functions.

Communication Guard, Radio. A communication system designated to listen for and record
transmission and to handle traffic on a designated frequency for a certain unit or units.

Communications protocol. The means used to control the orderly exchange of information between
stations on a data link or on a data communications network or system. Also called line discipline - or
protocol, for short.

Communication Security (COMSEC). The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny
to unauthorized persons information of value which might be derived from the possession and study of
telecommunications, or to mislead unauthorized persons in their interpretation of the results of such a
study. Communications Security includes:
a. Transmission Security.
b. Crypto Security.
c. Physical Security of Communications and Security Materials and information

Communication, Interior/Internal. Rapid communication facilities, electrical, acoustical or

mechanical, interconnecting the various operational spaces of a naval vessel, aircraft or other activity.

Communication, Joint. Common use of communication facilities by two or more services of the same
nation.

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Communication, Line/Wire. The use for communication purposes of a physical path, such as wire or
waveguide, between terminals,

Communication, Radio. The use of radio for communication purposes. It is technically described as
telecommunication using radio waves not guided between the sender and receiver by physical paths
such as wire or waveguides.

Communication, Sound. See Sound Signalling.

Communication, Visual. The use for communications purposes of optical signs such as flags, lights
etc.

Communications, Agency of. A facility which embraces personnel and equipment necessary to
provide communications by any means or combination thereof.

Communications, Air-Ground. A method or means of conveying information between aircraft in flight

and ground stations.

Communications Countermeasures. All electronic countermeasures taken against communications.

Communications Deception. The deliberate introduction of deceptive emissions into friendly or

enemy radio communications channels with the intention of misleading the enemy.

Communications Electronics (C-E). The specialised field concerned with the use of electronic
devices and systems for the acquisition or acceptance, processing, storage, display, analysis, protection
and transfer of information. Note: It applies to and includes the wide range of responsibilities and
actions relating to the electronic devices and systems that are used in the transfer of ideas and
perceptions, to those electronic sensors and sensory systems that are used in the acquisition of
information devoid of semantic influences, and to those electronic devices and systems that are intended
to allow friendly forces to operate in a hostile environment and to deny to hostile forces the effective use
of electromagnetic resources.

Communications Intelligence (COMINT). Technical material and intelligence information derived

from electromagnetic communications and communications systems (eg morse, voice, teleprinter,
facsimile) by other than the intended recipients.

Communications Jamming (COMJAM). That portion of electronic jamming directed against

communications circuits,

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Communications Network. An organisation, geographically disseminated, of communications

stations interconnected to communicate information, and comprising of the stations communication
equipment and the physical means that link them up.

Communications Security (COMSEC) Monitoring. The protection resulting from the application
of crypto security, transmission security and emission security measures to telecommunications and from
the application of physical security measures to COMSEC information. These measures are taken to
deny unauthorised persons information of value which might be derived from the possession and study
of such telecommunications, or to ensure the authenticity of such telecommunications.

Communications, Signal. The means of conveying information of any kind from one person or place
to another except by direct unassisted conversation or correspondence.

Communications/Signal Centre (COMMCEN). An agency charged with the responsibility for

receipt, transmission and delivery of messages. It normally includes a message centre, transmitting and
receiving facilities (Transmitting, Receiving and Relay Stations are not necessarily located in the
Communications Centre but facilities for the remote control thereof must terminate therein).

Communications, Teletypewriter. The use of teletypewriter for communications purposes. RATT

designates teletypewriter communications over a radio link (see RATT). TTY designates teletypewriter
communications over other than a radio link.

Compaction. See compression.

Compandor. A single device that combines the functions of a compressor and expandor.

Compatibility. Capability of two or more items or components of equipment or material to exist or

function in the same system or environment without mutual interference. See also Interchangeability.

Component. A software process or a combination of software process and its hardware platform
which performs a service in the preparation, transmission, or translation of messages.

Composite. The line side signal of a concentrator or multiplexor that includes all the multiplexed data.

Composite loopback. A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the line side (output) or a multiplexor;
(refer to loopback).

Compression. Two types are available: Data compression, which reduces the number of bits
required to represent data (accomplished in many ways, including using special coding to represent
strings of repeated characters or using fewer bits to represent the more frequently used characters); and

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analogue compression, which reduces the bandwidth needed to transmit an analogue signal. Also called
compaction.

Compressor. A device that performs analogue compression. See also Compandor.

Compromise. A violation of the security system such that an unauthorized disclosure, modification, or
destruction of sensitive or classified information may have occurred or that a denial of service condition
has been induced. (NATO)

Compromise, Cryptographic. Recovery of cryptographic information or plain text of messages by

unauthorised persons through cryptanalytic methods.

Compromise equalizer. An equalizer set for best overall operation for a given range of line
conditions; often fixed, but may be manually adjustable.

Compromise, Physical. The availability of material or the disclosure of information to unauthorised

persons through loss, theft, capture, recovery by salvage, defection of individuals, unauthorised viewing,
photography, or by any other physical means.

COMPUSEC. The application of hardware, firmware, and software security features to a computer
system in order to protect against, or prevent, the unauthorized disclosure, manipulation, modification or
deletion of information, or denial of service. (NATO)

Concentration. Collection of data at an intermediate point from several low and medium speed lines
for transmission across one high speed line.

Concentrator. A device used to divide a data channel into two or more channels of average lower
speed, dynamically allocating space according to the demand in order to maximize data throughput at all
times. Also called an intelligent TDM, ATDM, or statistical multiplexor.

Conditioning. The "tuning" or addition of equipment to improve the transmission characteristics or

quality of a leased voice-grade line so that it meets specifications for data transmission.

Cone of Silence. An inverted cone-shaped space directly over the aerial towers of some forms of
radio beacons in which signals are unheard or greatly reduced in volume. See also "Beacon Z Marker".

Confidentiality. The property that information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized
individuals, entities, or processes. (NATO)

Confusion Reflector. A reflector of electromagnetic radiation’s used to create echoes for confusion
purposes. Radar confusion reflectors include such devices as Chaff, Rope and Corner Reflectors.
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Connection 1. An established data communications path.

Connection 2. The process of establishing that path.

Connection 3. A point of attachment for that path.

Connector. An electrical device for making one or more connections.

Connect time 1. A measure of system usage: The interval during which the user was on-line for a
session.

Connect time 2. The interval during which a request for a connection is being completed.

Connectionless service. In a connectionless service, no circuit is set up between sender and

recipient. Every unit of data that is exchanged is totally self contained and contains within it all of the
necessary control information (eg addresses of destination and sender) to ensure correct delivery.

Connection-oriented service. In a connection-oriented service, a dedicated circuit (real or virtual) is

set up between two points and maintained for as long as the connection is required. A connection-
oriented service has three phases; establishment, data transfer, release.

Console 1. A long-range radio aid to navigation, the emissions of which, by means of their audio
frequency modulation characteristics, enable bearings to be determined.

Console 2. The device used by the operator, system manager, or maintenance technician to monitor or
control computer, system, or network performance.

Contact Point. In air operations, the position at which a flight leader makes radio contact with an air
control agency.

Contact Report. A report of visual, radio, sonar or radio contact with the enemy. The first report,
giving the information immediately available when the contact is first made, is known as the Initial
Contact Report. Subsequent reports containing additional information are referred to as Amplifying
Reports.

Containment. Containment is the act of stopping the intrusion and preventing or limiting the damage
caused by an intrusion. Damage refers to any violation of security policy and includes any unauthorized
disclosure, removal, destruction, modification or interruption of information, CIS or assets. The nature
of the containment activity will depend upon the type of threat, the potential access to information and
resources, and the sensitivity or criticality of the CIS. (AU)
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Contended access. (In LAN technology) A shared access method that allows stations to use the
medium on a first-come, first-served basis. Contrast with explicit access.

Contention. The facility provided by the dial network or a data PABX which allows multiple terminals
to compete on a first-come, first served basis for a smaller number of computer ports.

Continuous Carrier. A signal wherein transmission of the carrier is continuous, not pulsed on and off.
A continuous carrier signal may be amplitude, phase or frequency modulated.

Continuously variable. Capable of having one of an infinite number of values, differing from each
other by an arbitrary small amount; usually used to describe analogue signals or analogue transmission.

Continuous Wave (CW). A continuous signal, not pulsed on and off. A CW signal may be amplitude,
phase or frequency modulated.

Control character. A non-printing character used to start, stop, or modify a function; CR is an

example to a control character.

Control signal. A modem interface signal used to announce, start, stop, or modify a function; for
example, CD is an RS-232 control signal that announces the presence of a carrier.

Control Tower. A facility provided for the control of aircraft and vehicles, operating on and around a
landing area.

Control unit. In an IBM host system, equipment coordinating the operation of an input/output device
and the CPU. See cluster control unit, CCU and TCU.

Coordination Area. The area associated with an earth station outside of which a terrestrial station
sharing the same frequency band neither causes nor is subject to interfering emissions greater than a
permissible level.

Coordination Contour. The line enclosing the coordination area.

Coordination distance. Distance on a given azimuth from an earth station beyond which a terrestrial
station sharing the same frequency band neither causes nor is subject to interfering emissions greater
than a permissible level.

Copy (Radio Communication). To maintain a continuous receiver watch keeping a complete log.
See Cover (Radio Communication) and Guard (Radio Communication).

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Corner Reflector. A device, normally consisting of two metallic surfaces or screen perpendicular to
one another, designed to act as a radar target or marker.

Correlate 1. To associate radar data with target position in active or passive tracking.

Correlate 2. To coherently compare jamming signals from two receivers to obtain a time delay and
thus a line of target position.

Correlation Techniques. In Electronic Warfare. The comparison of two or more signals emanating
from a single source (but separated by transmission path or time) for the purpose of differentiating
between real targets and clutter or jamming.

Counterpoise. A conductor or group of conductors placed above the earth, used in association with
an aerial system, insulated from the earth and replacing an earth system.

Couriergram. A message which would normally be sent by electrical means (but which cannot be so
sent because circuits are not available) and which will be carried over all or part of its route by an
authorised conveying agency which need not be part of the communications system.

Cover (Radio Communication). The act of maintaining a continuous receiver watch with transmitter
calibrated and available, but not necessarily available for immediate use. See Copy (Radio
Communication) and Guard (Radio Communication).

Coverage Diagram. A diagram showing the areas in the horizontal or vertical plane within which a
radio transmitting installation is effective to a given standard.

CPI, Computer-PABX Interface. (In LAN technology) A voice/data PABX standard (supported
by DEC) for using T1 transmission that involves 56 kbps channels, representing a move toward an open
architecture. Compare with DMI.

CPU, central processing unit. Actually the heart of a computer, but often used as a synonym for
computer.

CR, carriage return. An ASCII or EBCDIC control character used to position the print mechanism
at the left margin on a printer - or the cursor at the left margin on a display terminal.

CRC, cyclic redundancy check. An error detection scheme in which the block check character is
the remainder after dividing all the serialized bits in a transmission block by a predetermined binary
number - or polynomial based on the transmitted data.

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CRL distribution point. A directory entry or other distribution source for CRLs; a CRL distributed
through a CRL distribution point may contain revocation entries for only a subset of the full set of
certificates issued by on CA or may contain revocation entries for multiple CAs.

Cross-bar switch. (In PABX technology) In older PABXs, a switch having multiple vertical paths,
multiple horizontal paths, and electromagnetically operated mechanical means for connecting any vertical
path with any horizontal path. Modern PABXs often use an electronic version of the cross-bar switch.

Cross Modulation. The modulation of the carrier of the desired signal by an undesired signal.

Crosstalk. The unwanted transfer of a signal from one circuit, called the disturbing circuit, to another,
called the disturbed circuit.

Crossover Range (Point). See Burn-through Range.

CRT, cathode-ray tube. A television-like picture tube used in terminals; CRT is commonly used as a
synonym for CRT terminal.

Cryptocentre. An establishment maintained for the encryption and decryption of messages.

Cryptogram. An encrypted communication in visible writing.

Cryptographic System, High Grade. A system designed to provide lasting security, i.e. inherently
resisting solution for a comparatively long period (or indefinitely).

Cryptographic System. Low Grade. A system designed to provide temporary security.

Cryptography. The art or science which treats the various means and methods for rendering plain text
unintelligible and reconverting cipher text into intelligible form or the application thereof by means other
than cryptanalysis.

Cryptonet. An organisation of stations capable of direct communications on a common cryptochannel.

Crypto Operating Instructions. Instructions prescribing the methods to be employed in the

operation of a cryptosystem. This includes a description of the cryptosystem, as well as the method of
application of specific keys.

Cryptosecurity. That component of communication security which results from the provision of
technically sound cryptosystems and their proper use.

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CRYPTOSEC. The application of security measures, including the application of physical security
measures to the cryptographic equipment and associated key material, in order to protect against the
exploitation of information during transmission. (NATO)

Cryptosystem. The associated term of cryptomaterial which are used as a unit and which provide a
single means of encryption and decryption.

Crystal (XTAL) 1. A slice of mineral (such as quartz or tourmaline) which exhibits piezo-electric
characteristics. It has the property of responding markedly to a given frequency when cut to a given
thickness.

Crystal (XTAL) 2. A detector using the asymmetrical conducting properties of certain crystal-crystal
or crystal-metal contacts.

Crystal Control. Control of the frequency or an oscillator by means of a piezo-electric crystal.

CSC. Communications System Control. The part of an Earth station containing the communications
equipment controls, monitoring and Supervisory consoles, and traffic patching and channelling
equipment

CSMA, carrier sense multiple access. (In LAN technology) A contended access method in which
stations listen before transmission, send a packet, and then free the line for other stations. With CSMA,
although stations do not transmit until the medium is clear, collisions still occur; two alternative versions
(CSMA/CA and CSMA/CD) attempt to reduce both the number of collisions and the severity of their
impact.

CSMA/CA, CSMA with collision detection. (In LAN technology) CSMA that also listens while
transmitting to detect collisions. See also Ethernet and IEEE 802.3.

CSS, Command Support System. Replacement for PFSS.

CSU, channel service unit. A digital DCE unit for DDS lines; interfaces with DSU on customer’s
premises.

CTS, Clear-To-Send. An RS-232 modem interface control signal (sent from the modem to the DTE
on pin 5) which indicates that the attached DTE may begin transmitting; issued in response to the DTEs
RTS. Called Ready-For-Sending in CCITT V24.

CT2. The new digital standard for cordless telephones being deployed in the UK. CT2 is being
offered as a public service as well as for use in the home.

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CUG, closed user group. (In public data networks) A selected collection of terminal users that do
not accept calls from sources not in their group; also, often restricted from sending messages outside the
group.

CUTG. Common User Telegraph. (UK)

Current loop 1. (Single-current signalling, used in USA) Method of interconnecting Teletype

terminals and transmitting signals that represent a mark by current on the line and a space by the
absence of current.

Current loop 2. (Double-current signalling, used everywhere else) A mark is represented by current
in on direction and a space by current in the other direction.

Cursor 1. A movable underline, rectangular-shaped block of light, or an alternating block of reversed

video on the screen of a display device, usually indicating where the next character will be entered.

Cursor 2. Part of an indicating instrument or display that may be moved to establish a reference line.
Most common use is on RHI displays for height-finding purposes.

Cycle. One complete positive and once complete negative alternation of a current or high voltage.

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D

D bit, delivery confirmation bit (In an X25 packet-switched network) Used to request end-to-end
acknowledgment.

DAA, Data Access Arrangement. DCE furnished or approved by a common carrier that permits
privately-owned DCE or DTE to be attached to the common carriers network; all modems now built
for the public telephone network have integral DAAs.

DASS. Digital Access Signalling System (DASS) is a signalling standard designed for use between
PABXs and public exchanges in the UK.

Data. Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalised manner suitable for

communications, interpretation, or processing by humans by automatic means. Any representations such
as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is, or might be, assigned. (AU)

Data base. A large, ordered collection of information.

Data collection. Procedure in which data from various sources is accumulated at one location (in a
file or queue) before being processed.

Data communications. The processes, equipment, and/or facilities used to transport signals from one
data processing device at one location to another data processing device at another location.

Data confidentiality, This service can be used to provide for protection of data from unauthorized
disclosure. The authentication framework supports the data confidentiality service. It can be used to
protect against data interception.

Data integrity 1. A measure of data communications performance, indicating a scarcity (or, ideally,
the absence) of undetected errors.

Data integrity 2. Protection against the unauthorized modification of data, whether by change,
deletion or insertion.

Data integrity 3. The property that data is being handled as intended and has not been exposed to
accidental or intentional modification or destruction. (INFOSEC)

Data link layer. Second layer in OSI model; takes data from the network layer and passes it on to
the physical layer; responsible for transmission and reception of packets, datagram service, local
addressing, and error detection (but not error correction).

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Data Link 1. The means of connecting one location to another for the purpose of transmitting and
receiving data.

Data Link 2. The assembly of parts of two data terminal equipments that are controlled by a link
protocol, and the interconnecting data circuit.

Data Link 3. Telecommunication facility joining two data stations.

Data Network. An arrangement of data circuits and switching facilities for establishing connections
between data terminal equipments. Synonymous with data transmission network.

Data PABX, data-only PABX. A PABX used solely for data; a device whose main purpose is to
furnish connectivity - to set up and break connections on demand - between computers, terminals, and
peripherals.

Data Processing Equipment, Automatic (ADPE). Data processors, associated input-output

devices, and auxiliary equipment using electronic circuitry to perform arithmetical and logical operations
automatically by means of internally-stored programme instructions.

Data Processing Network. An organisation, geographically disseminated, of data processing systems

interconnected to exchange data, and comprising the components of the interconnected data systems
and their interface with the supporting data or communication network. Note: A data processing
network can use the services of one or several communication networks; several data processing
networks can use the services of one common communication network. A data processing network is
called ‘local’ if it links several computers together in the same site. Synonymous with computer network,
automatic data processing network. Contrast with data (transmission) network.

Data Processing System. Functional unit for data processing and storage. Note: Data processing
comprises the execution of mathematical, converting, transferring and storing operations.

Data Processing, Automatic (ADP) 1. Strictly speaking, the handling of data by means of the
information technique.

Data Processing, Automatic (ADP) 2. Generally speaking (besides the definition above), all
operations concerning collection/input, storage and output of data. Note: Handling comprises merging,
sorting, computing assembling and compiling of data.

Data rate, data signalling rate. A measure of how quickly data is transmitted, expressed in bps.
Also commonly, but often incorrectly expressed in baud. Synonymous with speed.

Data set. A synonym for modem (coined by AT&T).

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Data Signalling Rate. In data communication, the data transmission capacity of a single channel or of
a set of parallel channels. The data signalling rate is expressed in bits per second.

Data stream. The collection of characters and data bits transmitted through a channel.

Data Transmission Network. See Data Network.

Data Transmission. The movement of data in real time by electronic means without human
intervention.

Data-over-voice. An FDM technique which combines data and voice on the same line by assigning a
portion of the unused bandwidth to the data; usually implemented on the twisted pair cables used for in-
house telephone system wiring.

Datagram. (In packet-switched networks) An abbreviated, connectionless, single-packet message

from one station to another; rarely, if ever, implemented on current PDNs; see minicall.

Dataset. See local dataset.

Date-time Group (DTG). A group of six digits with a zone time suffix and the standardised
abbreviation for the month. The first pair of digits represent the day, the second pair the hour and the
third pair the minutes. The last two digits of the year may be added after the month.
Example: 090559Z JUL 56.

dB, deciBel. Comparative (logarithmic) measure of signal power (strength or level): +10dB (or +1
Bel) represents a gain of 10:1; -3dB represents a 50% loss of power. Contrast with dBm.

dBm. Absolute measure of signal power where 0dBm is equal to one milliwatt. Contrast with dB.

DCD, Data Carrier Detect. See CD.

DCE, data communications equipment, or data circuit-terminating equipment. In common

usage, synonymous with modem; the equipment that provides the functions required to establish,
maintain, and terminate a connection as well as the signal conversion required for communications
between the DTE and the telephone line or date circuit.

DCN, Defence Communications Network. UK Military (Tri Service) strategic communications

organisation covering all areas of Defence interest.

DDCMP, Digital Data Communications Message Protocol. A communications protocol used in

DEC computer-to-computer communications.

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DDD, direct distance dialling. A telephone service in North America which enables users to call
their subscribers outside their local area without operator assistance. In the United Kingdom and some
other countries, this service is known as STD, (Subscriber Trunk Dialling).

DDS, Dataphone Digital Service. A communications service offered in the form of leased lines by
AT&T that transmits data in digital rather than analogue form, eliminating the need for modems.

Dead Space. The area or zone which is within the range of a radio transmitter, but in which a signal is
not received.

DEC, Digital Equipment Corporation. A leading manufacturer of minicomputers and related

hardware and software.

Deception Jammer. A specialised type of jammer used to induce false indications in the system or
systems being jammed.

Deception Repeater. A device that receives a signal, amplifies, delays or otherwise manipulates and
retransmits the signal for the purpose of deception.

Deception, Meaconing. See Meaconing.

Decimal. A digital system that has 10 states, 0 through 9.

DECnet. Trademark for DEC’s communications network architecture that permits interconnection of
DEC computers using DDCMP.

Decode 1. To convert an encoded message into its equivalent plain language text (this does not
include solution by cryptoanalysis).

Decode 2. That section of a code book in which the code groups are in alphabetical, numerical or
other systematic order.

Decoy. In Electronic Warfare, a device used to simulate a genuine target.

Decrypt. To convert cipher text into plain text by reversal of the encryption process (this does not
include solution by cryptoanalysis). The term "decrypt" covers the meaning of "decipher" and "decode".

Dedicated Circuit. See Circuit, Dedicated.

Dedicated line. Same as leased line.

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Dedicated Security Mode of Operation. A security mode of operation in which all individuals with
access to the data processing system or network are cleared to the highest classification level of
information stored, processed, or transmitted within the data processing, and with a common need-to-
know for all of the information stored, processed, or transmitted within the data processing system or
network. (NATO)

Defensive Information Operations (DIO). Processes, synergised with wider activities and plans,
designed to ensure effective decision-making by protecting friendly information, information processes
and CIS from deliberate attack, and from accidental and naturally occurring events. The DIO process
integrates and coordinates policies and procedures, operations, personnel and technology to protect
information and to defend CIS. DIO are conducted through IA, physical security, operations security,
counter deception, counter psychological operations, counter intelligence, electronic protection and
special information operations. (AU)

Delegation. Conveyance of privilege from one entity that holds such privilege, to another entity.

Delegation path. An ordered sequence of certificates which, together with authentication of a

privilege asserter’s identity can be processed to verify the authenticity of a privilege asserter’s privilege.

Delta-CRL (dCRL). A partial revocation list that only contains entries for certificates that have had
their vocation status changed since the issuance of the referenced base CRL.

Denial of Service. The prevention of authorized access to resources, or the delaying of time-critical
operations. (NATO)

Demodulation. The process of retrieving data from a carrier; the reverse of modulation.

Demultiplexing. The process of breaking a composite signal into its component channels; the reverse
of multiplexing.

Detect Attack. Ability to detect and identify threats, attacks or other degrading conditions. Detection
may initiate both restoration and response processes and must include accurate threat assessments,
indications and warnings (I&W) of potential attacks, an ability to disseminate warnings of adverse
conditions, and timely current intelligence support in the event of an actual attack. This support will
involve the ongoing monitoring of appropriate networks and systems to detect disruptions, intrusions
and attacks. (AU)

Detection. Detection is the component that looks for anomalous activity that might indicate intrusions,
which are unauthorized personnel or, in the case of CIS, unauthorized programs such as malicious code
(eg masquerade attempts, viruses, Trojan horses, etc.) attacking the system. Intrusions are a series of
activities that attempt to compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of a resource. Detection

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can be performed through a variety of means, including surveillance activities, the use of intrusion
detection systems and review of audit logs. (AU)

Disruption. Denial of service or corruption of information resulting from a single event, cause, or
source; whether direct or indirect, accidental or intentional, rare or common. (AU)

Destination group. Same as rotary.

Deviation Ratio. In a frequency modulation system, the ratio of the maximum frequency deviation to
the maximum modulating frequency of the system under specified conditions.

Diagnostics. Programs or procedures used to test a piece of equipment, a communications link or

network, or any similar system.

Dial network. Synonymous with public telephone network.

Dial-up line, dial-in line, dial line. A circuit or connection on the public telephone network.

Dibit. A group of 2 bits. In 4-phase phase modulation such as DPSK, each possible value of a dibit is
encoded as a unique carrier phase shift; the 4 possible values of a dibit are 00, 01, 10 and 11.

Differential modulation. A type of modulation in which the absolute state of the carrier for the
current signal element is dependent on the state after the previous signal element. See DPSK.

Digital loopback. A diagnostic test that forms the loop at the modem’s DTE interface; (see
loopback.)

Digital Signal. A signal that represents information by varying a quantity, such as amplitude or
frequency, in two or more discrete steps. In the case of two discrete steps, the digital signal is called a
binary signal.

Digital Signature. A non-forgeable transformation of data that allows proof of source, non-
repudiation, and verification of data integrity.

Digital. Discretely variable as opposed to continuously variable. Data characters are coded in
discrete, separate pulses or signal levels. Contrast with analogue.

DINA Jammer. A type of barrage jammer using the principle of DIrect Noise Amplification. See also
Noise Jamming.

DIP, dual in-line pins. Term used to describe the pin arrangement on an integrated circuit (IC) or a
multiple (electric) switch.
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Dip, At The (Flag Signalling). A flag hoist is said to be "at the dip" (dipped) when hoisted two-thirds
of the way up to the block at the top of the hoist.

Diplexer. A device to enable simultaneous RF signal transmission and reception using a common
antenna feed

Dipole. An antenna consisting of two elements, each approximately one quarter-wavelength in length
and fed with radio frequency energy of opposing polarity at adjacent ends of the elements.

Direct Mode. The operation of the several transmitters of a navigation system as a system without
consideration to the value of individual transmitters as beacons. See Indirect Mode.

Directory. The electronic database of authoritative information required for the correct operation of
the service. It is to include address details, information management tags and capability descriptions for
each user. (UK)

Direct Wave. A wave that travels directly between the transmitter and receiver antenna without
reflections from any object.

Direction Finding (DF). The process of determining the bearing of an electromagnetic emission.

Disc. See disk.

Discrete access. (In LAN technology) An access method used in start LANs: Each station has a
separate (discrete) connection through which it makes use of the LAN’s switching capability. Contrast
with shared access.

Discretely variable. Capable of one of a limited number of values; usually to describe digital signals
or digital data transmission. Contrast with continuously variable.

disk. An electromagnetic storage medium for digital data.

Display converter. (In IBM 3270 systems) A coaxial converter that allows asynchronous display
terminals to emulate IBM 3278 Display Stations.

Display Scope/Display. A cathode-ray tube used to display a variety of information or data as

follows:
A-Scope/Display Horizontal or vertical sweep depicting range only.

B-Scope/Display Horizontal sweep depicting azimuth, vertical sweep

depicting range.
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C-Scope/Display Horizontal sweep depicting azimuth, vertical sweep

depicting elevation.

D-Scope/Display Basic C-Scope/Display, but broken into horizontal strips in

which trace (or pip) position roughly depicts range.

E-Scope/Display Horizontal sweep depicting range, vertical sweep depicting

elevation.

EO-PPI-Scope/Display A double gun cathode-ray tube that presents a normal PPI

display from which a circular centre section has been
blanked out. In the centre section, a dot moving in azimuth
with the rotating sweep line indicates present elevation by
its distance from the scope/display centre.

F-Scope/Display Horizontal displacement of spot (fated signal) depicting

azimuth error angle or relative bearing, vertical sweep
depicting elevation.

G-Scope/Display Basic C-Scope/Display, with wings on the target trace

which grow as range decreases.

H-Scope/Display Horizontal sweep depicting azimuth, vertical sweep

depicting range, and signal trace is bright line whose slope is
proportional to line of elevation angle.

I-Scope/Display Radial sweep synchronized with antenna conical scan.

Trace appears as variable diameter circle whose radius
indicates range and whose circumference brightens most at
axial angle or maximum response. When ‘on target’, entire
circumference is brightened.

J-Scope/Display Circular sweep depicting range only with radial deflection of

video signal. Basic A-Scope/Display.

K-Scope/Display Double target trace representing lobe signal strengths and

hence error by relative amplitudes of trace. Basic A-
Scope/Display with horizontal displacement of alternate
scans for lobe switching.
L-Scope/Display Same as K-Scope/Display with video response on alternate
sweeps placed back-to-back, forming an envelope.
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M-Scope/Display Vertical deflection of horizontal range sweep. Basic A-

Scope/display with moveable range ‘step’ or ‘notch’ for
rematching an accurate range reading.

N-Scope/Display Combination of K- and M-Scope/Displays.

PPI-Scope/Display Revolving radial sweep depicting azimuth and

(Plan Position Indicator) range.

R-Scope/Display Expansion of small portion of range sweep of A-

Scope/Display.

RHI-Scope/Display - Expansion of one dimension of polar display with

(Range Height Indicator) horizontal sweep depicting range and expanded vertical
sweep depicting height.

Display station, display terminal. A device consisting of a keyboard and video or CRT display. (In
the IBM 3270 Information Display System, a 3278 is an example of a display station; an ASCII CRT
terminal is an example of a display terminal).

Display. A visual presentation of data

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). A radionavigation aid in the aeronautical radionavigation

service that determines the distance of radiated electromagnetic energy caused by abnormal change of
the refractive index with altitude. See Anomalous Propagation (AP).

Distortion 1. The unwanted changes in signal or signal shape that occurs during transmission between
2 points.

Distortion 2. The amount by which the output wave form differs from the input wave form. Note:
Distortion may exist in amplitude, frequency or phase modulation.

Distributed architecture. (In LAN technology) A LAN that uses a shared communications medium;
used on bus or ring LANs; uses shared access methods.

Distributed computing. The name of the trend to move computing resources such as minicomputers,
or personal computers closer to individual workstations. See also distributed processing.

Distributed processing. An arrangement that allows separate computers to share work on the same
application program. Often erroneously used to mean distributed computing.

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Distribution block, distribution frame. Centralized connection equipment where telephone or data
terminal wiring is terminated and cross-connections are made.

Diversity System. A system of communication in which a single received signal is derived from a
combination of, or selections from, plurity of transmission channels or paths.

DLC, data link control. A communications protocol that sets up, controls, checks, and terminates
information transfer between stations on a data link. See also HDLC and SDLC.

DMI, Digital Multiplexed Interface. (In LAN technology) A voice/data PABX standard
(supported by AT&T) for using T1 transmission that involves 64 kbps channels, representing a move
toward an open architecture via ISDN. Compare with CPI.

DNIC, Data Network Identification Code. (In a packet-switched network) A 4-digit PDN
identifier.

DoD, DOD, Department of Defense. Part of USA government executive branch that handles
military matters, including data communications; responsible for some LAN-associated protocols and
standards, such as TCP/IP, as well as selected FIPS.

Doppler Effect. The phenomenon evidenced by the change in the observed frequency of a wave
caused by a time rate of change in the effective length of the path of travel between the source and the
point of observation.

Doppler Radar. Any form of radar which detects radial motion of a distant object relative to a radar
apparatus by means of the ‘Doppler Effect’.

DOS, disk operating system. A program or set of programs that instruct a disk-based computing
system to schedule/supervise work, manage computer resources, and operate/control peripheral
devices.

Double Frequency Shift Keying (DFSK). A multiplex system in which two telegraph signals are
combined and transmitted simultaneously by a method of frequency shifting between four radio
frequencies.

Double Hop. The re-transmission of a communications link received from one satellite to another
using an independent ground terminal

Double Sideband Transmission. That method of communication in which the frequencies produced
by the process of modulation are symmetrically spaced both above and below the carrier frequency and
are all transmitted.
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Downline loading. The process of sending configuration parameters, operating software, or related
data from a central source to individual stations.

Down Link. A transmission link carrying information from a satellite or spacecraft to earth. Typically
down links carry telemetry, data and voice

Downtime. Period when all or part of a system or network is not available to end users due to failure
or maintenance. See availability

DPNSS. Digital Private Network Signalling System (DNPSS) is a UK signalling standard for use
between PABXs in a private network.

DPSK, differential phase shift keying. The modulation technique used in Bell 201 modems; see
also dibit.

Drafter. The person who actually composes a message for release by the originator or releasing
officer.

DRDF. Digital Resolution Direction Finding. A precision position fixing system.

Driver 1. A software module that controls an input/output port or external device.

Driver 2. Short for line driver.

Drop. Individual connections (sometimes called nodes) on a multipoint (also called multidrop) circuit.

DSCS. Defense Satellite Communications System. US Military (Army and Air Force) world-wide
strategic and tactical Satellite Communications system, part of the DCS and currently used by the
UKMSCS

DSR, Data Set Ready. An RS-232 modem interface control signal (sent from the modem to the
DTE on pin 6) which indicates that the modem is connected to the telephone circuit. Usually a
prerequisite to the DTE issuing RTS.

DSU, data service unit. DCE which replaces a modem in connections to DDS; a baseband device,
often included in the cost of the DDS circuits.

DTE, data terminal equipment. The equipment serving as the data source, the data sink, or both.
Refers to both terminals and computer ports.

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DTMF, dual-tone multiple-frequency. Term used to describe the audio signalling frequencies on
Touch-tone push-button telephones.

DTR, Data Terminal Ready. An RS-232 modem interface control signal (sent from the DTE to the
modem on pin 20) which indicates that the DTE is ready for data transmission and which requests that
the modem be connected to the telephone circuit.

Ducting. Trapping and refraction of radiated electromagnetic energy caused by abnormal change of
the refractive index with altitude. See Anomalous Propagation (AP).

Dumb terminal. A term used to describe a Teletype or Teletype-compatible terminal. The dumb
terminal is an asynchronous terminal that may operate at speeds as high as 9600 bps or higher. The
dumb terminal is an ASCII terminal that, although it may be “intelligent” in many of the functions it
provides, uses no communications protocol.

Dummy Message. A message sent for some purpose other than its content, which may consist of
dummy groups or may have a meaningless text.

Duplex. Designating or pertaining to a mode of operation or the equipment concerned, by which

information can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously between two points.

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E

E3. Electromagnetic Environmental Effects. The impact of the electromagnetic environment upon
the operational capability of military forces, equipment, systems and platforms. It encompasses all
electromagnetic disciplines, including electromagnetic compatibility, electromagnetic interference,
electromagnetic vulnerability, electromagnetic pulse, hazards of electromagnetic radiation to personnel,
ordnance and volatile materials, and natural phenomena effects of lightning and static.

Earth Cover. The portion of the earth’s surface viewed by a satellite from Geosynchronous, see also
Orbits

Earth-Return Circuit. A circuit which has a conductor (or a number of conductors in parallel)
between two points, and which is completed through earth at these two points.

EBCDIC, Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. An 8-bit character code used
primarily in IBM equipment. The code provides for 256 different bit patterns.

Eb/No. Ratio of Energy Received per information Bit and Noise Power Spectral Density

ECC, Error Correcting Code.

ECCMO, Electronic Counter Counter Measures Officer.

Echo Area. See Scattering Cross-Section (of a target).

Echo suppressor. A device used by telcos or PTTs that blocks the receive side of the line during the
time that the transmit side is in use.

Echo. The return of transmitted data.

Echoplex. A method of checking data integrity by returning characters to the sending station for
verification of data integrity.

ECM, Electronic Counter Measures.

ECMA, European Computer Manufacturers Association. A western European trade organisation

that issues its own standards and belongs to ISO. Membership include western European computer
suppliers and manufacturers.

ECP, Engineering Control Position, also Engineering Change Proposal.

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EDD, Electronic Data Display.

EEPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. An EPROM that can be

cleared with electrical signals rather than the traditional ultraviolet light.

EHF - Extremely High Frequency. A range of frequencies extending from 30GHz to 300GHz

EIRP - Effective Isotropic Radiated Power. The effective power supplied by a satellite
transponder or a ground station transmitter to its associated antenna multiplied by the gain of the
Antenna

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 1. The condition which prevails when telecommunications

(communications-electronics) equipment is collectively performing its individually designed functions in a
common electromagnetic environment without causing or suffering unacceptable degradation due to
electromagnetic interference to or from other equipments/systems in the same environment.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 2. The ability of an equipment or system to function

satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic
disturbances to anything in that environment. (NATO)

Electromagnetic Emission Control (EMCON). See Emission Control (EMCON).

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Any electromagnetic disturbance which interrupts, obstructs,

or otherwise degrades or limits the effective performance of electronics/electrical equipments. It can be
indeed intentionally, as in some forms of electronic warfare, or unintentionally as a result of spurious
emission responses, intermodulation products and the like.

Electromagnetic Signature. The electromagnetic energy radiated by personnel, equipment or

vehicles that may provide a means of recognition and identification.

Electromagnetic Spectrum. The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation from zero to infinity.

Electromagnetic Surveillance. Electromagnetic search applied to some geographical area. The

surveillance is called exploratory when applied to an unknown or little-known environment. It is called
verification surveillance when it aims to ensure that no new element has modified a given and known
environment.

Electronic. A generic term to describe that branch of electrical science and technology which treats
the behaviour of free electrons in vacuous or gaseous space and in semi-conductors and the circuitry
associated therewith

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Electronic Camouflage. The use of electronic means, or exploitation of electronic characteristics, to
reduce, submerge or eliminate the radio echoing properties of a target.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). The ability of systems, equipment, and devices that utilise
the electromagnetic spectrum to operate in their intended operational environments without suffering
unacceptable degradation or causing unintentional degradation because of electromagnetic radiation or
response.

Electronic Countermeasures (ECM). That division of Electronic Warfare involving actions taken to
prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, through the use of
electromagnetic energy. There are three sub-divisions of ECM: Electronic Jamming, Electronic
Deception and Electronic Neutralization.

Electronic Countermeasures Target List. A compilation of enemy electromagnetically-dependent

surveillance, weapons control and communications devices which should be temporarily nullified by
ECM actions in support of a commander’s battle plans.

Electronic Deception. The deliberate radiation, re-radiation, alteration, absorption or reflection of

electromagnetic energy in a manner intended to confuse, distract or seduce an enemy or his electronic
systems.

Electronic Emission Security (EES). Those measures taken to protect all transmissions from
interception, direction finding and electronic analysis.

Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Technical material and intelligence information derived from
electromagnetic non-communications transmission (eg radar, navigational aids, jamming transmissions)
by other than intended recipients.

Electronic Jamming. The deliberate radiation, re-radiation or reflection of electromagnetic energy,

with the object of impairing the effectiveness of electronic devices, equipment or systems being used by
an enemy.

Electronic mail. Messages sent between subscribers electronically via a public or private data
communications system.

Electronic Neutralization. The deliberate use of electromagnetic energy to either temporarily or

permanently damage enemy devices which rely exclusively on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electronic Protective Measures (EPM). That division of Electronic Warfare involving actions taken
to ensure friendly effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum despite the enemy’s use of
electromagnetic energy. There are two sub-divisions of EPM: 1. Active EPM. Detectable measures,
such as altering transmitter parameters as necessary, to ensure friendly effective use of the
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electromagnetic spectrum. 2. Passive EPM. Undetectable measures, such as operating procedures
and technical features of equipment, which are meant to ensure friendly effective use of the
electromagnetic spectrum.

Electronic Search. An investigation of the electromagnetic spectrum (or portions thereof), in order to
determine the existence, sources and pertinent characteristics of electromagnetic radiation’s.

Electronic Security (ELSEC). The protection resulting from all measures designed to deny to
unauthorized persons information of value which might be derived from their interception and study of
non-communications electromagnetic radiation’s, eg RADAR.

Electronic Warfare (EW). Military action to exploit the electromagnetic spectrum which
encompasses the interception and identification of electromagnetic emissions, the employment of
electromagnetic energy to reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum and actions to
ensure its effective use by friendly forces.

Electronic Warfare Expendables. Electronic Warfare devices such as chaff, flares, non-recoverable
unmanned vehicles and decoys, and unattended jammers.

Electronic Warfare Support Measures. That division of Electronic Warfare involving

actions taken to search for, intercept and identify electromagnetic emissions and locate their sources for
the purpose of immediate threat recognition. It provides a source of information required for immediate
decisions involving ECM, EPM and other tactical actions.

EME, Electromagnetic Environment. Was EW Environment.

Emission Control (EMCON). The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic or other
emitters to optimise command and control capabilities whilst minimizing, for operations security
(OPSEC) reasons, detection by enemy sensors; to minimize mutual interference amongst friendly
systems and/or to execute a military deception plan.

Emission Control Policy (EP). The policy which states what electromagnetic and acoustic emissions
may be used.

Emission Security (EMSEC). The component of COMSEC that results from all measures taken to
deny unauthorized persons information that might be derived from interception and analysis of
compromising emanations from crypto equipment, information processing equipment and
telecommunications systems.

Emission, Out-of Band. Emission on a frequency or frequencies immediately outside the necessary
bandwidth which results from the modulation process, but excluding spurious emissions.

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Emission, Spurious. Emission on a frequency or frequencies which are outside the necessary
bandwidth and the level of which may be reduced without affecting the corresponding transmission of
information. Spurious emissions include harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions, intermodulation
products and frequency conversion products, but exclude out-of-band emissions.

Empty slot ring. (In LAN technology) A ring LAN in which a free packet circulates past (or, more
precisely, through) every station; a bit in the packet’s header indicates whether it contains any messages
(if it contains messages, it also contains source and destination addresses).

Emulation. Computer representation of a real-time situation which is constrained to respond in a

predicted manner.

Encode. To convert data by the use of a code or a coded character set in such a manner that
reconversion to the original form is possible. Note: The term is sometimes loosely used when
complete reconversion is not possible.

Encrypt. To convert a plain text message into disguised form by means of a cryptosystem. The term
"encrypt" covers the meanings of "encipher" and "encode".

End entity. A certificate subject that uses its private key for purposes other than signing certificates or
and entity that is a relying party.

End-entity Attribute Certificate Revocation List (EARL). A revocation list containing a list of
attribute certificates issued to holders, that are not also AAs, that are no longer considered valid by the
certificate issuer.

End-entity Public-Key Certificate Revocation List (EPRL). A revocation list containing a list of
public-key certificates issued to subjects, that are not also CAs, that are no longer considered valid by
the certificate issuer.
End of Transmission (EOT)(1). A standardised uninterrupted sequence of character and machine
functions used to terminate a transmission and disconnect the circuit and transmitting equipment.

End of Transmission (EOT)(2). A prosign used in manual systems to signify the completion of a
transmission.

Ending. The part of a message containing all components following the text.

ENQ, enquiry. A control character (control E in ASCII) used as a request to obtain identification or
status.

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ENQ/ACK protocol. A Hewlett-Packard communications protocol: The HP3000 computer follows
each transmission block with ENQ to determine if the destination terminal is ready to receive more data;
the destination terminal indicates its readiness by responding with ACK.

Environmental variables. Those aspects of policy required for an authorization decision, that are not
contained within static structures, but are available through some local means to a privilege verifier (eg
time of day or current account balance).EOCM, Electro-optic countermeasures.

EOMF, End of Message Functions. See Indicator, End of Message.

EOW. Engineering Order Wire. An exclusive circuit for use by operations or maintenance personnel.
See also Circuit, Engineering.

Ephemeris. A table indicating the daily positions of selected celestial bodies, together with other
astronomical data

EPROM, erasable programmable read-only memory. A non-volatile semi conductor PROM that
can have its current contents cleared (usually through exposure to ultraviolet light - but see EEPROM)
and then accept new contents for storage.

Equalization. The process of compensating for line distortions.

Equalizer. A device used by modems to compensate for distortions caused by telephone line
conditions.

Equipment, Terminal. Communications equipment in place at each end of a circuit to permit the
stations involved to accomplish the mission for which the circuit was established.

Error control. An arrangement that combines error detection and error correction.

Error Controller. A device that provides error control, usually installed in pairs between the modem
and DTE at each end of a data link.

Error correction. An arrangement that restores data integrity in received data, either by manipulating
the received data or by requesting retransmission from the source (see ARQ).

Error detection. An arrangement that senses flaws in received data by examining parity bits, verifying
block check characters, or using other techniques

Error Detection. Error control making use of an appropriate code by which the presence of
mutilation can be discovered at reception.

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Error rate. A measure of data integrity, given as the fraction of bits which are flawed. Often
expressed as a negative power of 10 - as in 10-6 (a rate of one error in every one million bits).

Essential facilities. (In packet-switched networks) Standard network facilities which are on all
networks. Contrast with additional facilities.

Ethernet. (In LAN technology) A defacto standard, developed first by Xerox and then sponsored by
Xerox, Intel, and DEC. An Ethernet LAN uses coaxial cables and CSMA/CD. Ethernet is similar to an
IEEE 802.3 LAN (they can share the same cable and communicate with each other).

ETSI. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is an autonomous body with
CEPT and was formed to undertake the standards writing activities of CEPT. The membership of ETSI
is open and there are currently 135 member organisations including national administrations, public
network operators, manufacturers, users and research bodies.

ETX, end of text. A control character used to indicate the conclusion of a message; it immediately
precedes the block check character (BCC) in transmission blocks.

Evasion. In Electronic Warfare, tactics that are designed to take advantage of the limitations of radar
to prevent or postpone radar detection, or to avoid revealing the true position of an attacking force.

EWCP. EW Control Panel. Aim to improve the survivability of a platform by more accurate and
timely deployment of Softkill countermeasures and by generally improving the EW contribution to
AWW.

Exchange, Automatic. An exchange at which communication between subscribers is effected without

the intervention of an operator, by means of switches set in motion by the operation of a dial on the
originating subscriber’s instrument.

Exchange, Central Battery or Common Battery (CB). A manual exchange that provides, from a
battery situated at the exchange, the current needed for operating supervisory signals and subscribers’
calling signals and also the current required to enable the subscriber to speak over his line. Also known
as Common Battery Exchange.

Exchange, Magneto Switchboard. See Switchboard, Magneto.

Exchange, Manual (Telephone). A telephone exchange providing only manual telephone operation.

Exchange, Private Branch (PBX). A switchboard, or automatic apparatus, installed at a

headquarters or establishment to provide facilities for making outside calls and for intercommunication
for all subscribers at the headquarters or establishment.

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Exchange, Telecommunication. See Switching Entity.

Exchange, Trunk. An exchange (manual or automatic), the principal function of which is to control
the switching of trunk traffic.

Exchange. A room or building equipped so that the telephone lines terminating there may be
interconnected as required. The equipment may include a switchboard or automatic switching
apparatus.

Exchange. A unit established by a common carrier for the administration of communications services
in a specified geographical area such as a city. It consists of one or more central offices together with
the equipment used in providing the communications services. Frequently used as a synonym for central
office.

Executive Method. The method by which the transmitting station directs the addressees of a
message to execute (take action on) its purport at a given moment.

Executive Signal. The transmission which indicates the instant at which messages are to be executed.

Exercise, Communications. Any transmission or reception of information directed specifically to

evaluate the efficiency of communications facilities, procedures and training.

Expandor. A device that reverses the effect of analogue compression. See also Compandor.

Expendable Jammer. An electronic jamming transmitter, normally designed for one-time and
unattended operation, to be placed in the vicinity of the enemy’s radio or radar receiving antenna
through clandestine, airdropped or other means.

Explicit access. (In LAN technology) A shared access method that allows stations to use the
transmission medium individually for a specific time period; every station is guaranteed a turn, but every
station must also wait for its turn. Contrast with contended access.

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Facility Switching. A communications facility which effects the onward transmission of information,
through interconnection of circuits, loops, channels or trunks.

Facility 1. (In general) A feature or capability offered by as system, item of hardware or software.

Facility 2. (In telco environments) Line and equipment used to furnish a completed circuit.

Facility 3. (In packet-switched networks) See national facilities and network facilities.

Facsimile. A communications technology originally developed for the communication of graphic

images, now widely used in business as a message communications medium.

Fading. A variation in strength of received signals due to variation with time in the conditions of
propagation.

Fan Beam. A type of radar beam pattern with large vertical and narrow horizontal coverage, used
normally with search radar’s.

Fast select. (In packet-switched networks) A calling method which allows the user to expedite the
transmission of a limited amount of information (usually 128 bytes): The information is sent along with
the call request packet; therefore, the information arrives faster than in other call methods (which send
the information in the packets that follow the call request packet).

FCS, frame check sequence. Usually a 16-bit field used for error detection in bit-oriented
communications protocols.

FDDI. A high speed LAN standard being developed by an ANSI committee. Employs token passing
on dual 100 Mbps fibre optic rings.

FDM, frequency division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexor. 1. A multiplexing

technique that partitions the composite bandwidth into channels, assigning a specific range of frequencies
to each channel.

FDM, frequency division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexor. 2. A device that

performs this frequency partitioning.

Feedback. The return of energy from one point in a system to an earlier point.

FEP, front-end processor. See communications control unit.

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FF, form feed. An ASCII or EBCDIC printer control character used to skip to the top of the next
page (or form).

Fibre optic cable, fibre optics. A transmission medium composed of small strands of glass each of
which provides a path for light rays which acts as a carrier.

Fidelity. The degree of accuracy with which a system (or portion of a system), reproduces in its
output the essential characteristics of the signal which is impressed on its input.

Field. A group of bits that describes a specified characteristic; displayed on a reserved area of a CRT
or located in a specific part of a record.

FIGS, figures shift 1. A physical shift in a terminal using Baudot Code that enables the printing of
numbers and symbols.

FIGS, figures shift 2. The character that causes the shift.

File server protocol. (In LAN technology) A communications protocol that allows application
programs to share files.

File. A collection of related data records.

Filing Time/Time Handed In. The date and time a message is received from an originator by the
communication centre for transmission. The filing time for refile messages is the date and time the
message is received by a communications centre for refile. See Julian Filing Time.

Filter. An arrangement of electronic components designed to pass signals in one or several frequency
bands and to attenuate signals in other frequency bands.

Final Modulation (Carrier Wave of Radio Link Transmitter). Final modulation of a carrier wave
is modulation applied to the transmitted carrier. A transmitter may be modulated either directly by
multiplex telephony or by signals for premodulation. There are two types of final modulation; Amplitude
Modulation (from all or nothing in the case of pulses) and Frequency Modulation (or phase modulation).

Fire Control Radar. A radar for the continuous tracking of a selected target to provide accurate
positional data for the purpose of directing weapons.

Fire Support Coordination Centre. A single location in which are centralized communications
facilities and personnel incident to the coordination of all forms of fire support.

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Firewall. A specific type of Boundary Protection Device (BPD), being a software application or a CIS
system that acts as a security barrier between two network segments and mediates access between
those two networks according to an approved set of rules (CA).

Firmware. A computer program or software stored permanently in PROM or ROM or semi-

permanently in EPROM or EEPROM.

Flags, Alphabet. Flags used on an international basis in visual communications to represent the letters
of the alphabet.

Flags, Numeral. Flags used in visual communications to represent numerals 0 through 9.

Flank Communications. See Lateral Communications.

Flares. In Electronic Warfare, an infra-red decoy device used to deceive infra-red homing weapons.

Flash. See Precedence Designations.

Flow control. The procedure for controlling the transfer of messages or characters between 2 points
in a data network - such as between a protocol converter and a printer - to prevent loss of data when
the receiving device’s buffer begins to reach its capacity

FM, frequency modulation. One of 3 basic ways (see also AM and phase modulation) to add
information to a sine wave signal: The frequency of the sine wave, or carrier, is modified in accordance
with the information to be transmitted.

4-wire circuit, 4-wire line. A circuit using 2 pairs of conductors, one pair for the transmit channel and
the other pair for the receive channel.

Formal Military Message. A formal military message is legally binding in Civil and Military Law and
is subject to formal release and commitment. In addition, other national laws, treaties, MOUs and
bilateral agreements may apply when personnel are operating in other countries or messages cross
international boundaries. Formal military messages using Precedence, require guaranteed delivery and
are handled within the HGM domain. (UK)

Footprint. The area of the earth’s surface which is covered by a satellite’s antenna. The size and
shape of this area is determined by the altitude of the satellite and the width and shape of the satellite’s
beam. The footprint is also known as the Cone of Earth View.

Forward Error Correction (FEC). A system allowing detection and correction of an error without
reference to the transmitting station.
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Forward Scatter. The reflected radiation of electromagnetic energy away from the emitting source.

FOSP. Fleet Ocean Surveillance Product. The generic term for the communications that carry the
information that makes up the RMP. Software runs on outfit PDT.

Four-Frequency Duplex Telegraphy. Frequency shift telegraphy used in radiotelegraphy in which

each of the four possible combinations of signal elements to two telegraph channels is represented by a
separate frequency.

Fox message. A diagnostic test message that uses all the letters (and that sometimes includes
numerals): “THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER A LAZY DOG’S BACK 1234567890”.
(In French, “VOYEZ LE BRICK GEANT QUE J’EXAMINE PRES DU WHARF”). Often run
continuously during system testing and fault isolation.

Frame 1. Same as transmission block.

Frame 2. The sequence of bits and bytes in a transmission block.

Frame 3. The overhead bits and bytes which surround the information bits in a transmission block.

Framing. Process of inserting control bits to identify channels; used in TDM signals such as the
formatted version of T1.

Free-Space Path Loss. The Loss between 2 isotropic radiators in free space, expressed as a power
ratio.
Note: Free-space path loss is not due to dissipation, but rather due to the fact that the power pulse
density decreases with the square of the separation distance. It is usually expressed in dB’s and is given
by the formula 20 Log (4π D/λ). Where D is the separation of the 2 antennas and λ is the wavelength

Frequencies, Distress. Frequencies allotted by international agreement to distress calls.

Frequency. The number of recurrences of a periodic phenomenon in a unit of time. In specifying the
electrical frequency, the unit of time is the second, for example, the frequency is 15,000 hertz (Hz).
Radio frequencies are normally expressed in kilohertz (kHz) at and below 30,000 kilohertz, and in
megahertz (MHz) above this frequency.

Frequency Agility 1. (Radio). The ability of a radio set to change frequency according to an
algorithm programmed into all component radios on the net.

Frequency Agility 2. The ability of a radar to change frequency within its operating band on a pulse-
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to-pulse basis.

Frequency Allotment Plan. A plan which shows the frequencies to be used in particular areas or by
particular countries without specifying the stations to which the frequencies are to be assigned.

Frequency, Alternative. A frequency or a group of frequencies which may be assigned for use on
any channel (or on a particular channel), at a certain time or for a certain purpose to replace or
supplement the frequencies normally used on that channel.

Frequency, Assigned. The centre of the frequency band assigned to a station.

Frequency Assignment Plan. A plan which shows the frequencies to be used by specified stations.

Frequency, Authorized. A portion of the radio spectrum the width of which is the necessary
bandwidth of an emission plus twice the prescribed frequency tolerance.

Frequency Band, Assigned. The frequency band within which the emission of a station is authorized;
the width of the band equals the necessary bandwidth plus twice the absolute value of the frequency
tolerance. Where space stations are concerned, the assigned frequency band includes twice the
maximum Doppler shift that may occur in relation to any point on the Earth’s surface.

Frequency, Characteristic. A frequency which can easily be identified and measured in a given
emission. A carrier frequency may, for example, be designated as the characteristic frequency.

Frequency, Combat Scene of Action. A simplex channel for tactical communications in combat
operations in which two or more elements of the same or different arms are employed in circumstances
precluding the prior agreement of a communication plan.

Frequency Deviation (of a frequency-modulated wave). The maximum value of the frequency shift
corresponding to the maximum modulation amplitude.

Frequency Diversity. Diversity obtained by the use of two or more radio frequencies conveying the
same intelligence.

Frequency Division Multiplex Access (FDMA). A method of several independent users using the
same bandwidth at the same time. The frequency bandwidth is divided into segments or bands. These
need not necessarily be of equal value. Each band is an access used for digital and analogue
communications and data nets.

Frequency Division Multiplex. See Multiplex, Frequency Division.

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Frequency Evasion. An electronic counter-countermeasure which consists of changing frequency to

avoid jamming.

Frequency Exchange Keying (FEK). Telegraphy by amplitude modulation of two tones which are
separated by a predetermined value. There is no phase continuity between the tones. These tones can
be used to modulate a radio frequency carrier. (See Sub-carrier Frequency Shift).

Frequency Hopping. A method of changing frequency in a random fashion as an anti-jam measure

within a given frequency band. This is achieved by using carefully synchronized equipment in both the
receiver and the transmitters. Hopping rates vary in speed, but are referred to as: a. Slow (tens of hops
per second) or b. Fast (thousands of hops per second.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). A modulation technique used for ECCM and/or for
multiple access. Selection of the particular frequency to be transmitted is normally achieved in a pseudo-
random manner from a set of frequencies covering a wide bandwidth. The receiver frequency hops in
the same manner as the transmitter in order to retrieve the desired information

Frequency Management (Operational/Tactical) 1. The function of planning, coordinating, and

managing use of individual frequencies through tactical operational, engineering, and administrative
procedures.

Frequency Management (Operational/Tactical) 2. Frequency management and engineering - the

function whereby requirements for use of the radio frequency spectrum are presented, reviewed and
satisfied, initially and on a continuing basis, and whereby control of the use of the spectrum is exercised.
(AComP-01).

Frequency, Maximum Usable High (MUF). The highest frequency that can be used at a particular
time for propagation between two specified points by ionospheric reflection.

Frequency Modulation. See Modulation.

Frequency Nomenclature, Bands. The radio spectrum is subdivided into nine frequency bands
which are designated by progressive whole numbers in accordance with the following table:

Band Adjectival Frequency Range Metric Subdivision

Number Designation (Lower limit exclusive, upper limit
inclusive)

4 VLF 3 to 30 kHz Myriametric Waves

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5 LF 30 to 300 kHz Kilometric Waves

6 MF 300 to 3000 kHz Hectometric Waves

7 HF 3 to 30 MHz Decametric Waves

8 VHF 30 to 300 MHz Metric Waves

9 UHF 300 to 3000 MHz Decimetric Waves

10 SHF 3 to 30 GHz Centimetric Waves

11 EHF 30 to 300 GHz Millimetric Waves

12 300 to 3000 GHz (or 3 THz) Decimillimetric Waves

Frequency Nomenclature, Electronic Warfare Frequency Band Letter Designators. The

following broadband letter designators may be used as a matter of convenience to designate frequency
bands in the Electronic Warfare and Intelligence environments. However, they are NOT to be used in
official correspondence, publications or instructions pertaining to frequency planning.

Letter Band Frequency in MHz Channel Width (MHz)

A 0-250 25

B 250-500 25

C 500-1000 50

D 1000-2000 100

E 2000-3000 100

F 3000-4000 100

G 4000-6000 200

H 6000-8000 200

I 8000-10000 200

J 10000-20000 1000

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K 20000-40000 2000

L 40000-60000 2000

M 60000-100000 4000

Note: 1. Each band is divided into 10 numbered channels with width as shown
eg A5 = 100 - 125 MHz
H7 = 7200 - 7400 MHz

Note: 2. The exact frequency may be identified by defining the band, the channel (base or lowest
frequency) and adding the MHz required
eg D4 plus 15 = 1315 MHz

Frequency, Optimum Traffic. The most effective frequency at a specified time for ionospheric
propagation of radio waves between two specified points (commonly taken as 85% of the monthly
median value of MUF for the specified time and path.

Frequency, Primary. A frequency assigned for normal use on a particular circuit.

Frequency, Reference. A frequency having a fixed and specified position with respect to the
assigned frequency. The displacement of this frequency with respect to the assigned frequency has the
same absolute value and sign that the displacement of the characteristic frequency has with respect to
the centre of the frequency band occupied by the emission.

Frequency Scanning 1. Conducting an electronic search over a frequency band by means of an

automatically-tuned receiver, the tuning rate being fixed or variable, and mechanical (low speed) or
electronic (high speed).

Frequency Scanning 2. A technique used to enable a radar to transmit on a clear frequency be

searching a frequency band then tuning the system to a clear portion of that band.

Frequency, Scene of Air-Sea Rescue. A simplex channel for intercommunication between aircraft
and surface vessels (including submarines) engaged in and at the scene of an air-sea rescue operation.

Frequency, Secondary. A frequency assigned for use on a particular radio circuit when primary
frequency becomes unusable for any reason.

Frequency Series. A group of several harmonically-related radio frequencies.

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Frequency Shift Keying. (FSK). An FM technique in which one frequency represents a mark and a
second frequency represents a space.

Frequency Shift Telegraphy. Telegraphy by frequency modulation in which each significant condition
is represented under steady-state conditions by a sinusoidal signal of specified frequency.

Frequency Stability. The ability of an oscillator to maintain its operation at a constant frequency.

Frequency Tolerance. The maximum permissible departure by the centre frequency of the frequency
band occupied by an emission from the assigned frequency or, by the characteristic frequency of an
emission from the reference frequency. The frequency tolerance is expressed in parts per 106 or in
hertz.

Full CRL. A complete revocation list that contains entries for all certificates that have been revoked
for the given scope.
Full-duplex transmission. Simultaneous 2-way independent transmission in both directions.
Compare with half-duplex transmission. Also used to describe terminals in the Echoplex mode.

Fullerphone. An instrument which employs a very low direct current in the line, but converts this
direct current into an intermittent current of audible frequency at the receiver and thus enables hand-
speed morse telegraphy over good or bad lines with the least chance of remote reception.

Function Key. A term associated with specific keys on a teletypewriter (eg. CR, LF, FIGS, LTRS
etc.), which when operated, cause the teletypewriter to perform mechanical functions in order that a
message may be received in proper form. A term also associated with specific keys on a computer
keyboard which, when pressed, cause the computer to perform predefined operations.

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G

Garbage. An information term used to refer to corrupted data.

Garble Table. Any table, chart or other aid which may be used to correct a garble.

Garble. An error in transmission, reception or encryption which renders the message or a portion
thereof incorrect or undecryptable.

Gateway 1. The interconnection between 2 networks with different communications protocols: Two
examples are PADs and protocol converters. Gateways operate at the 4th through 7th layers of the OSI
model. Contrast with bridge.

Gateway 2. An interface between two different service provision systems or sub-systems, such as a
gateway conforming to ACP 145 standards. Gateways often adapt a message format to make it
consistent with the receiving system. In the case of HGM, a gateway between these systems is
expected to preserve the ‘High Grade’ capability.

Guardband. A narrow frequency band between 2 channels to provide a safety margin against mutual
interference

Gee. A VHF system of radio navigation by which interrelated pulses transmitted from ground stations
are received in a craft. The position of the craft can be determined by observing the interval between
pulses from pairs of stations and plotting them on a map or navigational chart over-printed with the Gee-
lattice.

Geostationary Satellite. A special case of Geosynchronous satellite with an orbital inclination of

zero

Geosynchronous Satellite. A satellite with a mean sidereal period of rotation about the primary
body equal to the sidereal period of rotation of the primary body
about its own axis. Remains in a fixed position above the primary body at 35,786km or 22,366 nautical
miles

GFI, Group Format Identifier. (In X25 packet-switched networks) The first 4-bits in a packet
header; contains the Q bit, D bit and modulus value.

Grass. On a radar display, deflection from the time-base of a range amplitude display due to random
electrical noise.

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Ground Clutter. An area of heavy returns extending for a few miles in all directions from a radar site,
caused by radar reflections from the earth’s surface. The pattern on a PPI scope is relatively circular
and constant.

Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) System. A system of radionavigation comprising a

surveillance radar element (SRE) and a precision approach radar (PAR and SPAR) element for the
operation of a ground controlled approach.

Ground Controlled Interception (GCI). In aviation, the technique of directing an aircraft towards
another from a ground radar, both being observed on the same display. The information is transmitted
to the aircraft by radio.

Ground Returns. Wanted echoes received from the ground by an airborne radar.

Ground Segment. Comprises of the communications sub-system’s which controls the

communications traffic through the satellite. See also Space Segment

Ground Wave 1. A radio wave which travels between a transmitting and a receiving aerial situated
above the earth which includes the direct wave, the ground-reflected wave and the surface wave; the
ground-reflected wave and the surface wave are affected by the properties of the ground; the direct
wave and the ground reflected wave may be refracted in the troposphere.

Ground Wave 2. In radar, (a) The direct transference of radio-frequency energy from a radar
transmitter to its associated receiver. (b) The term is also used to describe the effect on the display of
this transference of energy from the associated transmitter.

Ground/Earth. The term applied to any conductor common to a number of circuits and which serves
to maintain a constant potential, or to provide a bond of very small impedance between the points of
connection to it. In many cases, the Earth itself is used as the conductor.

Group, Address. See Address Group.

Group, Check. See Check Group.

GSM. Group Special Mobile (GSM) is a pan European standard for cellular mobile telephone
networks.

GSTN, general switched telephone network. Same as public telephone network.

Guard (Radio Communication). To maintain a continuous receiver watch with transmitter ready for
immediate use. A complete log is to be kept. See Copy (Radio Communication) and Cover (Radio
Communication).

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Guard, Radio Communication. See Communication Guard, Radio.

Guard band. The unused bandwidth separating channels to prevent crosstalk in an FDM system.

Guarded Frequency. In Electronic Warfare, an enemy frequency used as a source of intelligence.

Gull. In Electronic Warfare , a floating radar reflector used to simulate a surface target at sea for
deceptive purposes.

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Half-Duplex Operation. Communication between two points in a single direction only. A half duplex
facility is exactly half of a full-duplex facility, and is not the same as a simplex facility.

Handset. Part of telephone containing mouthpiece and receiver.

Handshake, handshaking. A preliminary procedure, usually part of a communications protocol, to

establish a connection.

Hardware. Equipment (as opposed to a computer program or a method of use), such as mechanical,
electrical, magnetic or electronic devices. Compare with firmware and software.

Harmonic. An integral multiple of a fundamental frequency.

Hash function. A (mathematical) function which maps values from a large (possibly very large)
domain into a smaller range. A “good” hash function is such that the results of applying the function to a
(large) set of values in the domain will be evenly distributed (and apparently at random) over range.

HDLC, high-level data link control. The international standard communications protocol (similar to
SDLC). Defined by ISO 3309.

HDX, half-duplex transmission. Transmission in either direction but not in both directions
simultaneously. Compare with full-duplex transmission.

Head-end unit. (In LAN technology) An item of hardware on a single or dual cable broadband
network using split frequency bands to provide multiple services.

Header. The control information added to the beginning of a message - either a transmission block or
a packet.

Heaviside Layer. One of the layers of the Ionosphere.

Heliograph. A mirror device for signalling by means of the sun’s rays.

hertzian Waves. Electromagnetic waves having frequencies below those of infra-red waves.

Hexadecimal. A digital system that has 16 states, 0 through 9 followed by A through f. Any 8-bit
byte can be represented by 2 hexadecimal digits.

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Hierarchical switching. (In LAN technology). Similar to star switching; the switching is done in
stages.

High Grade Messaging. A HGM Service is the mechanism for exchanging critical information and
official correspondence throughout Defence Organisations and with its partners, in a manner optimised
to meet stringent requirements for assurance of delivery, survivability, reliability, ease of use, security,
integrity, non-repudiation and archiving commensurate with a general purpose service. (CCEB/NATO)

HIT, HF High interest Track Broadcast. All source non real-time broadcast compiled by the HIT
Broadcast Active Unit using JOTS1 terminal from RMP, data links, command systems and signal traffic.

Holder. An entity to whom some privilege has been delegated either directly from the Source of
Authority or indirectly through and another Attribute Authority.

Home-on-Jam. An adaptation of active or semi-active radar guidance systems to give them a homing
guidance system capability when their normal radar guidance capability is disrupted by jamming.

Homing Station (Homer). A radio aid to navigation incorporating DF facilities.

Homing. 1. The technique whereby a mobile station directs itself, or is directed, towards a source of
primary or reflected energy, or to a specified point.

Homing. 2. In automatic telephony, the operation of a selector or similar device in returning to a

predetermined normal condition following the release of the connection.

Host computer. The central computer (or one of a collection of computers) in a data communications
system which provides the primary data processing functions such as computation, data base access, or
special programs or programming languages; often shortened to "host".

HPO, high-performance option. Same as D1 conditioning.

Hub. (In LAN technology) The centre or a star topology network or cabling system.

Hunt group. Same as rotary

Hydrazine. A colourless liquid used as a propellant for the initial positioning and subsequent altitude
and/or orbital control manoeuvres of a space vehicle

Hz, hertz. A measure of frequency or bandwidth equal to one cycle per second. Named after
experimenter Heinrich Hertz.

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I-Band. The range of frequencies extending from 8.0GHz to 10GHz

IC, integrated circuit. A multi-function semi-conductor device; see table following LSI.

Identification, Friend or Foe. Personal Identifier (IFF-PI) - The discrete IFF code assigned to a
particular aircraft, ship or other vehicle for identification by electronic means.

Identification. The indication by an act or means of your own friendly character, or individuality. See
also Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF).

Idle character. See null character and SYN.

IEEE 802.2 (In LAN technology) A data link layer standard used with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.4 and
IEEE 802.5.

IEEE 802.3. (In LAN technology) A physical layer standard that uses the CSMA/CD access method
on a bus topology LAN. Similar to Ethernet.

IEEE 802.4 (In LAN technology) A physical layer standard that uses the token-passing access
method on a bus topology LAN. Nearly identical to MAP.

IEEE 802.5 (In LAN technology) A physical layer standard that uses the token-passing access
method on a ring topology LAN.

IEEE Project 802. (In LAN technology) An IEEE team that developed the IEEE 802 of LAN
standards.

IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. An international professional society that
issues its own standards and is a member of ANSI and ISO; created IEEE Project 802.

Imagery. Collectively, the representations of objects reproduced electronically or by optical means on

film, electronic display devices, or other media.

Imitation. The introduction into enemy systems of radiation’s imitating the enemy's own emissions.

Imitative Communications Deception. The transmission of messages in the enemy's radio channels
by our operators with the intention of deceiving the enemy.

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Immediate. See Precedence Designations.

Incident. In information operations, an assessed event of attempted entry, unauthorised entry, or an

information attack on an automated CIS. It includes unauthorised probing and browsing; disruption or
denial of service; altered or destroyed input, processing, storage, or output of information; or changes to
CIS hardware, firmware, or software characteristics with or without the users' knowledge, instruction,
or intent. (DOD)

Independent Sideband Transmission (Twin Sideband) 1. A method of operation in which each

sideband corresponds to one or more modulating signals independent of the modulating signals(s) for
the other sideband. NOTE: In practice, the carrier is either partially or wholly suppressed.

Independent Sideband Transmission (Twin Sideband) 2. A method op operation in which the two
sidebands correspond to two independent modulating signals.

Indicator, Collective Routing. A group of letters which identifies all communication stations of a
Service message relay network, all communications of a Service relay network in a specific
geographical area, or all minor relay and tributary stations of a major relay station.

Indicator, End of Message (EOM) NNNN. An indicator used to terminate a transmission in

message relay systems.

Indicator, Routing (RI). A group of letters assigned to identify a station within a message relay
network to facilitate routing of traffic. It indicates the status of the station and may indicate its
geographical area. Routing indicators are composed in accordance with the Routing Indicator Plan
described in the ACP 121 series.

Indicator, Start-of-Message (SOM) ZCZC. An indicator employed to activate automatic message

switching equipment. It is required on messages passing into or through automatic systems to indicate
the start of the message.

Indirect CRL (iCRL). A revocation list that at least contains revocation information and certificates
issued by authorities other than that which issued this CRL.

Indirect Mode. Indirect mode is the operation or use of individual transmitters of a navigational
system as radio beacons rather than as part of the system. See direct mode.

Information Assurance (IA). The application of security measures to protect information processed,
stored or transmitted in communication, information and electronic systems by ensuring their availability,
integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation. This includes providing for restoration of
CIS by incorporating protection, detection and reaction capabilities. (CCEB)

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Information bit. A data bit, as opposed to an overhead bit.

Information Environment. The aggregate of individuals, organisations or systems that collect,

process or disseminate information. It also includes the information itself. (AU)

Information Operations 1. Actions taken to defend and enhance one’s own information and CIS
and to affect adversary information and CIS. (AU)

Information Operations 2. Continuous military operations within the military information

environment that enable, enhance, and protect the commander's decision-action cycle and mission
executive to achieve an information advantage across the full range of military operations. They include
interacting within the Global Information Environment and exploiting or attacking an adversary's
information and decision system. (CA)

Information Processing System. See Data Processing System.

Information Security, (INFOSEC). A generic term covering the following aspects of security: (a)
Personnel security. (b) Physical security. (c) Radiation security. (d) Transmission security. (e)
Crypto security. (f) Computer security.

Information System. Assembly of equipment, methods of procedures and, if necessary, personnel

organized so as to accomplish specific information processing requirements.

Infra-Red. In visual communications. Transmission of signals by light outside the visual spectrum.
This method necessitates the use of special equipment and affords greater security than normal visual
means.

Instrument Landing System (ILS). A system of radio navigation, intended to assist aircraft in
landing, which provides lateral and vertical guidance, including indications of distance from the optimum
point of landing.

Integrated Communications Systems. Communications systems which are designed and installed to
provide part or all of the communications requirements of two or more member Nations.

Integrity 1. In messaging, the assurance that a message or other data has not been altered or
destroyed in an unauthorized manner while in the messaging system.

Integrity 2. The accuracy and completeness of information and assets and the authenticity of
transactions. See also data integrity and system integrity.

Intel. A semiconductor (chip) manufacturer, one of the sponsors of Ethernet.

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Intelligence, intelligent. A term for equipment (or a system or network) which has a built-in
processing power (often furnished by a microprocessor) that allows it to perform sophisticated tasks in
accordance with its firmware.

Intelligent port selector. Same as data PABX.

Intelligent TDM. Same as concentrator.

Intercept Method. A method in which one transmitting station sends to as second station, the latter
obtaining necessary repetitions to ensure correct reception, and repeating back, if so directed by the
first station, or if so prescribed. The messages thus transmitted are addressed to other stations who are
required to copy the transmission, but are not permitted to receipt for messages thus received, or to use
their transmitters for any other purpose directly in connection with these transmissions.

Intercept Posts. Term currently used to denote the activities of intercepting, and recording in the field
of communications intelligence. Also used to designate the units, stations (centres), and organisations
responsible for (conducting) such activities.

Intercept Receiver. A receiver designed to detect and provide visual and/or aural indication of
electromagnetic emissions occurring within the particular portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to
which it is tuned.

Interception. The act of searching for and listening to and/or recording communications and/or
electronic transmissions for the purpose of obtaining intelligence.

Interchange circuit. In any interface, a circuit with an associated pin assignment on the interface
connector that is assigned a data, timing, or control function.

Interchangeability. A condition which exists when two or more items possess such functional and
physical characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability and are capable of being
exchanged one for the other without alteration of the items themselves or of adjoining items, except for
adjustment and without selection for fit and performance. See also Compatibility.

Interface 1. A shared boundary between two functional units defined by common physical
interconnection characteristics, signal characteristics and functional characteristics of the interchange
circuits.

Interface 2. The equipment which provides this shared boundary.

Interference, Accepted. Interference at a higher level than that defined as permissible interference
and which has been agreed upon between two or more administrations without prejudice or other
administrations.
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Interference, Harmful. Interference which endangers the functioning of a radio navigation service or
of other safety services or seriously degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts a radio communication
service operating in accordance with the current ITU Radio Regulations.

Interference, Permissible. Observed or predicted interference which complies with quantitative

interference and sharing criteria contained in these Regulations or in CCIR Recommendations or in
special agreements as provided for in the current ITU Radio Regulations.

Interference. The effect of unwanted energy due to one or a combination of emissions, radiation’s, or
induction’s upon receipt in a radio communication system, manifested by any performance degradation,
misinterpretation, or loss of information which could be extracted in the absence of such unwanted
energy.

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). An international organisation established to

provide standardised flight rules and regulations on a worldwide basis.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The telecommunications agency of the United

Nations, established to provide standardised communications procedures and practices, including
frequency allocation and radio regulations, on a worldwide basis. ITU-T was created on 1 Mar 1993,
replacing the former International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) whose
origins go back to 1865. The public and the private sectors cooperate within ITU-T for the
development of standards that benefit telecommunication users worldwide. See also CCIR and
CCITT.

Internet Protocol (IP). Standard that allows dissimilar hosts to connect to each other through the
Internet.

Internetwork router. (In LAN technology) A device used for communications between sub-
networks; only messages for the corrected sub-network are transmitted by this device. Internet routers
function at the network layer of the OSI model.

Interoperability. The ability of systems, units or forces to provide services to and accept services
from other systems, units or forces and to use the services so exchanged to enable them to operate
effectively together.

Interphone/Intercom. A telephone apparatus by means of which personnel can talk to each other
within an aircraft, tank, ship or activity.

Interrogator. A pulse transmitter used exclusively for exciting a transponder.

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Ion Motor. A propulsion system applicable to satellites in which charged particles are accelerated
electrically, providing thrust

Ionosphere. The part of the earth's outer atmosphere where free electrons arising from ionization are
normally present in quantities sufficient to modify the propagation characteristics of radio waves
traversing it. Note: For purposes of reference the ionosphere is divided into three regions, designated
by letters D, E and F whose boundaries are approximately spherical and concentric with the surface of
the earth.

Ionospheric Prediction 1. A forecast, often in chart form, of ionospheric conditions relevant to

communication service.

Ionospheric Prediction 2. The forecasting of ionospheric conditions and the preparation of radio
propagation data derived there from.

IRON - Inter-Range Orbit Number. Allocated to each object launched by the US space and
missile agencies

ISDN, integrated services digital network. A CCITT standard, currently under development, that
will cover a wide range of data communications issues but primarily the total integration of voice and
data. Already having major effects on exchange and multiplexor design.

ISO, International Standards Organisation. An international and voluntary standards organisation,

closely aligned with CCITT; its OSI model is widely quoted, and its OSI communications protocols are
widely accepted. Membership includes standards organisations from participating nations (ANSI is the
USA representative).

Isochrone Determination. Radiolocation in which a position line is determined by the difference in

the transmit times of signals along two paths.

Isochrone. A line (on a map or chart) joining points associated with a constant time difference in
reception of radio signals.

Isochronous. A form of data transmission in which individual characters are only separated by a
whole number of bit-length intervals. Contrast with asynchronous transmission in which the characters
may be separated by random length intervals.

ISU, integrated service unit. A single device that combines the functions of both a CSU and a DSU.

IT, Information Technology. A catch-all term used to describe the techniques used for the
automation of information handling and retrieval, including computing, telecommunications and office
systems.
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ITI, interactive terminal interface. (In packet-switched networks) A PAD that supports network
access by asynchronous terminals.

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Jabber, jabbering. (In LAN technology) Continuously sending random data (garbage); normally
used to describe the action of a station (whose circuitry or logic has failed) that locks up the network
with its incessant transmission.

Jammer Area Coverage. The ground or sea area over which an electronic jammer is capable of
producing a jamming signal of effective strength.

Jammer Steerage. Any action taken to ensure the alignment of jamming transmissions accurately and
promptly onto selected enemy signals.

Jammer. A transmitter designed specifically to prevent or reduce the enemy's effective use of the
electromagnetic spectrum.

Jamming-to-Signal. (J/S) Ratio. The ratio, at a designated point in space or in the circuits of an
electronic system, of jamming power to a signal power.

Jamming. The deliberate radiation of own, re-radiation or reflection of enemy's electromagnetic

energy with the object to prevent or reduce the use of electromagnetic devices or systems by the enemy.

Jitter. Short term variations of the significant instants of a digital signal from their ideal positions in
time.

Joint Operations Centre (JOC). A jointly manned facility of a joint force commander's headquarters
established for planning, monitoring and guiding the execution of the commander's decisions.

JOTS, Joint Operational Tactical System. Designed to support Maritime Command, Control and
intelligence requirements. Can read and display any OTH Gold formatted messages and Link 14 data.

JTIDS, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System. An advanced radio system which
provides information distribution position location and identification capabilities in an integrated form for
application to military tactical operations.

Julian Filing Time (JFT). A 7 figure number comprising of the Julian date and the time (Z) that the
subject message was accepted for transmission by the Commcen.

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Junction Stages. A junction stage represents a characteristic point in the electrical layout of a system,
accessible from the point of view of interconnection to a similar point in another system: Examples: (a)
Stage of voice frequency channels. (b) Intermediate frequency stage.
(c) Stage of groups of channels (primary group or secondary group, etc.). (d) Radio frequency stage.

Justifiable Digit Time Slot. A digit time slot that may contain either an information concerning the
status of the justifiable digit time slots.

Justification. A process of changing the rate of a digital signal in a controlled manner so that it can
accord with a rate different from its own inherent rate, usually without loss of information.

Justifying Digit. A digit inserted in a digit time slot when that time slot does not contain an information
digit.

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kbps. 103 bits per second (bps).

Key agreement. A method for negotiating a key value on-line without transferring the key, even in an
encrypted form.

KSR, keyboard send/receive. A combination teleprinter transmitter and receiver with transmission
capability from the keyboard only. Compare with ASR and RO.

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L-Band. The range of frequencies extending from 0.39GHz to 1.55GHz

LAD (Local Area Data) Channel. Same as Bell 43401 circuit.

LAN, local area network. A data communications network confined to a limited geographic area
(up to 6 miles or about 10 kilometers) with moderate to high data rates (100 kbps to 100 Mbps). The
area served may consist of a single building, a cluster of building, or a campus-type arrangement. It is
owned by its user, includes some type or switching technology, and does not use common carrier
circuits - although it may have gateways or bridges to other public or private networks.

Landline. A general term applied to metallic conductors used for conveyance of intelligence.

Language Media Format (LMF). Consists of two alpha characters which define the input media
and the preferred output media.

LAP, Line Access Procedure. (In packet-switched networks) Superseded by LAPB.

LAPB, Line Access Procedure, Balanced. (In X25 packet-switched networks) A link
initialization procedure which establishes and maintains communications between the DTE and DCE;
LAPB involves the T1 timer and N2 count parameters. All PDNs now support LAPB.

LATA, Local Access and Transport Area. One of 161 USA geographical subdivisions used to
define local (as opposed to long distance) telephone service.

Lateral Communications. Communications between adjacent (on left and/or right)

commands/units/formations, normally of equivalent level of command.

Layer 1. One of the divisions of the OSI model.

Layer 2. One of the divisions of SNA and other communications protocols.

Leased line. A telephone line reserved for the exclusive use of a leasing customer without inter-
exchange switching arrangements. A leased line may be point-to-point or multipoint.

LED, light-emitting diode. Semiconductor device, much more reliable than an incandescent lamp,
used for status display purposes in electronic equipment.

Level 1. Magnitude, as in signal level or power level.

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Level 2. Used as a synonym for layer.

LF, line feed. An ASCII or EBCDIC control character used to move to the next line on a printer or
display terminal.

Light Warning Set (LWS). A mobile lightweight radar early warning apparatus used in air reporting.

Limited distance mode. See line driver.

Limited Probability of Exploitation (LPE). All those measures and techniques, both operational
and technical, that may be used to restrict the unauthorized exploitation of acoustic and electromagnetic
radiation’s.

Limited probability of Intercept (LPI). All those measures and techniques, both operational and
technical, that may be used to restrict the unauthorized intercept of own acoustic and electromagnetic
radiation’s.

Limited Range of intercept (LRI). All those measures and techniques, both operational and
technical, that may be used to restrict the range at which unauthorized intercept may be made of own
acoustic and electromagnetic radiation’s

Limiter. Any device which sets (or tends to set) some boundary value or value upon a signal. In
particular, a Limiter may be a device which, for varying inputs below a certain instantaneous value gives
a proportional output, but, for inputs whose instantaneous amplitude is higher than a predetermined
value, gives a constant peaks output.

Limiting (Hard). Hard Limiting is a limiting action with negligible variation in output in the range
where the output is limited. Normal TWTs are hard limiting when driven into saturation

Line discipline. Archaic term for communications protocol.

Line driver. A signal converter which conditions the digital signal transmitted by an RS-232 interface
to ensure reliable transmission beyond the 50-foot RS-232 limit and often up to several miles; it is a
baseband transmission device. Also see local dataset.

Line of Sight (LOS). In communications, a direct propagation path that does not go below the radio
horizon.

Line turnaround. The reversal of transmission direction on a half-duplex circuit.

Linearity. The property of a transmission medium or of an item of equipment that allows it to carry
signals without introducing distortion.
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Link. A telecommunication facility with specified characteristics between two points.

Note: (1) The type of transmission path or capacity is normally indicated.
(2) Synonymous with Transmission path.

Link. Communications circuit or transmission path connecting 2 points.

Link Budget. The power budget of a given communication channel which enables the received signal
of quality to be evaluated controlled by AMPS

Listening Watch (Radio Communication). A continuous receiver watch established for the
reception of traffic addressed to, or of interest to, the unit monitoring the watch, with complete log
optional. See Guard (Radio Communication).

LNA - Low Noise Amplifier. An amplifier whose primary characteristic is the ability to output a high
signal-to-noise ratio, thus low noise temperature contribution to a receiver

Loaded line, loading coils. A telephone line equipped with coils (called loading coils) which
minimize voice-frequency amplitude distortion by restoring the response at the higher frequencies with
the voice bandwidth. Not generally suitable for line driver or local dataset applications.

Lobe Switching. See Beam Lobe Switching.

Local analogue loopback. An analogue loopback test that forms the loop at the line side (analogue
output) of the local modem.

Local attachment. (In IBM environments) The connection of a peripheral device or control unit
directly to a host channel.

Local channel loopback. A channel loopback test that forms the loop at the output (composite side)
of the local multiplexor.

Local dataset. A signal converter which conditions the digital signal transmitted by a RS-232 interface
to ensure reliable transmission over a dc continuous metallic circuit without interfering with adjacent
pairs in the same telephone cable. Normally conforms with Bell 43401. Also erroneously called
baseband modem, limited distance modem, local modem, or short-haul modem; also see line driver.

Local digital loopback. A digital loopback test that forms the loop at the DTE side (digital input) of
the local modem.

Local exchange, local central office. The exchange or central office in which the subscriber’s lines
terminate.
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Local line, local loop. A channel connecting the subscriber’s equipment to the line terminating
equipment in the central office, usually a metallic circuit (either 2-wire or 4-wire).

Local Loop. A circuit connecting an end instrument to a switching facility or distribution point.

Localizer Beacon. In aviation. A directional radio beacon, associated with the instrument landing
system, which provides an aircraft, during approach and landing, with an indication of its lateral position
relative to the runway in use. Note: When a beacon having a similar function is used as part of the
standard beam approach system (SBA) it is called an Approach Beacon.

Log, Operator’s. A chronological record of events relating to the operation of a particular circuit.

Log, Station. A chronological record of station events i.e. entries relating to message handling,
equipment difficulties, personnel etc.

Logarithmic Receiver. A special type of receiver having a large dynamic range of automatic gain
control which gives considerable protection against receiver saturation by strong jamming or interference
signals. Useful against weather, clutter, chaff and spot jamming.

Logical channel number. (In packet-switched networks) A number assigned when a virtual call is
placed; up to 4095 independent logical channels may exist on a single link.

Logical channel, logical connection. See virtual circuit.

Logical group, logical group number. (In packet-switched networks) Logical channels are divided
into one of 16 logical groups.

Long Lines. Long lines include all forms of physical conductors used for communication purposes
such as open wire systems, underground and overhead cables, and submarine cables, but do not include
local circuits. They also may contain radio relay systems when they are integrated with the wire system.

Look-Through. A technique whereby the jamming emission is interrupted irregularly for extremely
short periods in order to allow monitoring of the victim signal during jamming operations.

Loop disconnect. A signalling system used between a subscriber and the local exchange which
transmits the digits of the required telephone number from the calling subscriber to the local exchange by
making and breaking the local loop. Now being superseded by MF.

Loopback, loopback test. Type of diagnostic test in which the transmitted signal is returned to the
sending device, after passing through all of or a portion of a data communications link or network; this
allows a technician (or a built-in diagnostic circuit) to compare the returned signal with the transmitted
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signal. This comparison provides the basis for evaluating the operational status of the equipment and the
transmission paths through which the signal travelled.

LOS - Line-of-sight. Alternative term for point-to-point transmission and reception between two
antennae not masked by the earth’s surface

Loud Hailer. See bull Horn/Loud Hailer.

LRC, longitudinal redundancy check. An error detection method in which the BCC consists of bits
calculated on the basis of odd or even parity for all the characters in the transmission block. The first bit
of the LRC is set to produce an odd (or even) number of first bits that set set to 1 the second through
eighth bits are set similarly. Also called horizontal parity check.

LSI, large-scale integration. A term used to describe a multi- function semiconductor device, such
as a microprocessor, with a high density (up to 1,000 circuits) of electronic circuitry contained on a
single silicon chip. See following table for comparison of circuit density ranges.

Small (SSI) 2 to 10 circuits

Medium (MSI) 10 to 100 circuits
Large (LSI) 100 to 1,000 circuits
Very large (VLSI) 1,000 to 10,000 circuits
Ultra large (ULSI) Over 10,000 circuits

Approximate Integration Ranges

LTRS, letters shift 1. A physical shift in a terminal using Baudot Code that enables the printing of
alphabetic characters.

LTRS, letters shift 2. The character that causes the shift.

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M

Mainframe, mainframe computer. A large-scale computer (such as those made by IBM, Univac,
Control data, Burroughs and others) normally supplied complete with peripherals and software by a
single large vendor, often with a closed architecture. Also called host or CPU. Contrast with
minicomputer.

MAN. A Metropolitan Area Network is a geographically extended high speed LAN designed to
interconnect users within a city or metropolitan area.

Management information System. An information system designed to aid in the performance of

management functions. Note. This term covers operational and administrative management systems,
office automation systems and scientific systems.

Manchester encoding. A binary signalling mechanism that combines data and clock pulses.

Manipulation. The alteration of friendly electromagnetic emission characteristics, patterns or

procedures to covey misleading telltale indicators that may be used by hostile forces.

Manipulative Communication Deception. Regulated insertion of misleading material into our own
communications channels for the purpose of presenting a false traffic picture to the enemy.

Map, Line Route/Route Diagram. A map or overlay for signal communication operations that
shows the actual routes and types of construction of wire circuits in the field.

MAP, manufacturing automation protocol. (In LAN technology) A token-passing bus designed
for factory environments by General Motors; standard IEEE 802.4 is nearly identical to MAP.

Mark (Marking Signal). The signal corresponding to the inactive condition in a teleprinter.
Normally MARK is the signalling condition which produces a STOP signal (ITA No 2).

Mark 1. (In single-current telegraph communications) Represents the closed, current-flowing

condition.

Mark 2. (In data communications) Represents a binary 1; the steady-state, non-traffic state for
asynchronous transmission.

Mark 3. The idle condition; contrast with space.

Maskings. The use of additional transmitters to hide a particular electromagnetic radiation as to

location of source and/or purpose of the radiation.

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Master station 1. (In multipoint circuits) The unit which controls/polls the nodes.

Master station 2. (In point-to-point circuits) The unit which controls the slave station.

Master station 3. (In LAN technology) The unit on a taken-passing ring that allows recovery from
error conditions, such as lost, busy or duplicate tokens; a monitor station.

Mbps. Millions of bits per second (bps).

Meaconing. A system of receiving beacon signals and rebroadcasting them on the same frequency to
confuse navigation. The Meaconing stations cause inaccurate bearings to be obtained by aircraft or
ground stations.

Medium. Any material substance that can be used for the propagation of signals in the form of
electrons, modulated radio, light or acoustic waves from one point to another such as optical fibre,
cable, wire, air or free space.

Medium Grade Messaging. A MGM Service is the mechanism for exchanging important information
between individuals throughout Defence and its partners, in a manner optimised to meet assurance of
delivery and security. It is differentiated from HGM by its emphasis on the originator accepting
responsibility for ensuring delivery having been achieved. (CCEB/NATO)

Message. All of the information that is sent from an originator to a recipient, including header
information, content, any attachments and the envelope information. (UK)

Message Attachments. Data corresponding to an accepted pre-defined format (file extension), which
is carried within a message. (UK)

Message Authentication. See Authentication, Message.

Message Centre. An agency charged with the responsibility for acceptance, preparation for
transmission, receipt and delivery of messages.

Message Envelope. The part of the message carrying the necessary data for the system to route the
message efficiently and securely. This data could include; an address, precedence and security labels.
(UK)

Message Header. The part of a message that contains the protective marking, precedence, the
criticality and the subject of the message. In addition, it includes the addressees to whom the message is
to be sent. (UK)

Message Heading. The part of a message containing all components preceding the text.
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Message identification. A combination of letters and figures used to identify a message between
communication centres. It will normally consist of the following components in sequence taken from
format line 3: A. The routing indicator. B. The station serial number. C. The Julian Filing Time. eg.
RPDLE 0123 2571215

Message Switching. A message communications technique in which a complete message is stored

and then forwarded to one or more destinations when the destination(s) are free to receive traffic.
Frequently used in conjunction with telex to automate large telex installations.

Message Text Handling. Manual or automated administrative actions carried out on a message text
such as identification, distribution, storage and retrieval.

Message Text Processing. Manual or automated exploitation of information in a message text

comprising actions such as correlation, deduction and associated decision making.

Message, Book. A book message is one which is destined for two or more addressees and is of
such nature that the originator considers that no addressees need to be informed on any other
addressees. Each addressee must be indicated as action or information.

Message, Drill. Message intended for training communications personnel.

Message, Drop. See Drop Message.

Message, Exercise. Message sent during and relating to training exercises, command post exercises,
tactical exercise and manoeuvres.

Message, General. Messages which have a wide standard distribution are termed General
Messages. They are assigned an identifying title and usually a sequential serial number.

Message, Misrouted. A message bearing an incorrect routing instruction.

Message, Missent. A message which bears the correct routing instruction but has been transmitted
to a station other than that indicated.

Message, Multiple Address. A multiple address message is one which is destined for two or more
addressees each of whom is informed of all addressees. Each addressee must be indicated as action or
information.

Message, Procedure. See Procedure Message.

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Message, Q. A classified message relating to navigational dangers, navigational aids, mined areas and
searched or swept channels.

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Message, Service. A brief, concise message between operating or supervisory personnel at
communication/signal centres or relay stations pertaining to any phase of traffic handling, status of
communication facilities, circuit conditions or other matters affecting communication operation.

Message, Single Address. A single address message is one destined for only one addressee.

Message. 1. A complete transmission; used as a synonym for packet, but a message is often made
up of several packets.

Message. 2. Any thought or idea expressed briefly in plain or secret language, prepared in a form
suitable for transmission by any means of communication.

Message. 3. The document containing the information to be transmitted and any reproduction thereof
made in the course of transmission or delivery to the addressee. Also known as signal.

Messaging Grades. See Very High Grade Messaging, High Grade Messaging, Medium Grade
Messaging, Basic Grade Messaging and Public Grade Messaging.

Messaging System. Any system used for the electronic exchange of either organizational or
individual messages.

Metric prefixes. A series of terms and their associated abbreviations used in the metric system to
indicate multiples or portions of quantities which can be expressed as positive or negative power of 10.

MF. See Multiple frequency signalling.

MHS, Message Handling System. A general term for the Application Layer standards being
defined by X.400.

Microcomputer. 1. A desktop (or knee-top) computer; as personal computer. 2. A

microprocessor system.

Microprocessor. A computer-on-a-chip.

Microwave. A sub-classification of the electromagnetic spectrum. Generally covers the wavelength

region from VHF to EHF (3 Meters to .3 cm).

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MIDS, Multifunctional Information Distribution System. An advanced information distribution
system, using JTIDS waveform, that provides navigation, communication and identification capabilities in
an integrated form for application in air, land, and maritime tactical operations.

Minicall. (In packet-switched networks) The process of sending a datagram.

Minicomputer. A small-scale or medium-scale computer (such as those made by DEC, Data

General, Hewlett-Packard and others) usually operated with interactive dumb terminals and often having
an open architecture. Also called mini for short. Contrast with mainframe computer and micro-
computer.

Minimize. A condition wherein normal message and telephone traffic is drastically reduced in order
that messages connected with an actual or simulated emergency shall not be delayed.

Minimum Discernible Signal (MDS). The lower limit of useful signal input to a radar receiver, as
determined by the signal-to-noise at the output. See Radar Sensitivity.

Minimum Jamming Range, (Cross-over Point). See Burn Through Range.

Minimum Shift Keying (MSK). A derivative of QPSK developed for VLF submarine broadcast;
used to increase the information rate in a given frequency band. See QPSK.
MIPS, millions of instructions per second. One measure of processing power.

Mobile Communications Equipment. Communications equipment which is installed in or on a

vehicle and can be operated while the vehicle is in motion. Some member Nations apply this term to
similarly installed equipment which can only be operated while the vehicle(s) is/are stationary.

Mobile Service. A service of radio communication between mobile and land stations, or between
mobile stations.

Modem, (modulator - demodulator). A device that converts serial digital data from a transmitting
terminal to a signal suitable for transmission over a telephone channel and then reconverts the signal to
serial digital data for the receiving terminal. Also called a Data Set (USA).

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Modulation. The process in which the amplitude, frequency or phase of a carrier wave is varied with
time in accordance with the wave form of superimposed intelligence.

Type of
Supplementary
Modulation Type of Transmission Symbols
Characteristics
or Emission
Amplitude Without Modulation N0N
Telegraph without the use of a A1A
modulating audio frequency tone (on/off
keying. CW)
Telegraphy by the on-off keying of a DSB full carrier A2A
modulating audio frequency tone or (MCW)
tones.
Tone shift telegraphy SSB R2A
Telephony DSB full carrier A3E
SSB reduced carrier R3E
ISB B8E
SSB full carrier H8E
SSB suppressed J3E
carrier
Facsimile DSB single channel A3C
Telegraph – multichannel voice SSB reduced carrier R8B
frequency telegraphy
Cases not covered by the above: a Two independent side B9W
combination of telegraphy and bands
telephony

Type of
Supplementary
Modulation Type of Transmission Symbols
Characteristics
or Emission
Frequency Telegraph without the use of a F1A
modulating audio frequency (FSK)
Telegraphy by the keying of a F2A
modulating audio frequency tone or
tones
Telephony F3E
Facsimile F3C
Phase Telephony G3E
Cases not covered by the above FXX
Pulse Pulsed carrier without information P0N
modulation (eg RADAR’s)
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Cases not covered PXX

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Modem eliminator, modem emulator. A device used to connect a local terminal and a computer
port in lieu of the pair of modems that they would expect to connect to: Allows DTE-to-DTE data and
control signal connections otherwise not easily achieved by standard cables or connectors. Modified
cables (crossover cables) or connectors (adapters) can also perform this function.

Modified Clear. A message which contains combinations of clear text or cipher codes.

Modulation Factor. Of an amplitude modulated wave, the ratio of the difference between the
maximum and minimum amplitudes of the wave to the sum of these amplitudes. Note. The modulation
factor is usually expressed as a percentage

Modulation index (in frequency shift modulation). In two-state frequency shift keying, the ratio of
the frequency shift in hertz to the modulation rate in baud’s.

Module 1. (Hardware) Short for card module.

Module 2. (Software) A program unit or subdivision that performs one or more functions.

Modulo. A term used to express the maximum number of states for a counter; this term is used to
describe several packet-switched network parameters, such as packet number (usually set to modulo 8 -
counted from 0 to 7). When the maximum count is exceeded, the counter is reset to 0.

Monitor station. (In LAN technology) On ring networks, the unit responsible for removing damaged
packets and for making sure that the ring is intact.

Monitoring 1. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording the emissions of
one’s own or allied forces for the purpose of maintaining and improving procedural standards and
security, or for reference, as applicable. See also communication security (COMSEC).

Monitoring 2. The act of listening, carrying out surveillance on, and/or recording of enemy emissions
for intelligence purposes.

Morse Code. A two-condition telegraph code in which characters are represented by groups of dots
and dashes, these groups being separated by spaces.

Moving Target Indicator (MTI). A radar presentation which shows only targets which are in
motion. Signals from stationary targets are subtracted out of the return signal by the output of a suitable
memory circuit.

MPL, multi-schedule private line. AT&T’s tariff for a voice-grade leased line.

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MSI, medium-scale integration. A term used to describe a multi-function semiconductor device
with a medium density (up to 100 circuits)or electronic circuitry contained on a single silicon chip. (See
table following LSI for comparison of circuit density ranges).

MTA, Message Transfer Agent. The system responsible for relaying, storage and delivery of
messages in MHS.

MTBF, mean-time-between-failures. A figure of merit for electronic equipment or systems that

indicates the average duration of periods of fault-free operation. Used in conjunction with MTTR to
derive availability figures.

MTTR, mean-time-to-repair. A figure of merit for electronic equipment or systems that indicates the
average time required to fix the equipment or system. Used in conjunction with MTBF to derive
availability figures.

Multicast bit. (In LAN technology) A bit in the Ethernet addressing structure used to indicate a
broadcast message (a message to be sent to all stations).

Multichannel Radio Equipment. A radio equipment designed to provide several channels of

communications simultaneously.

Multifrequency Radio Equipment. A radio equipment capable of operating on any one of a number
of preset carrier frequencies.

Multinational Security Accreditation Board (MSAB). A body authorised jointly by the National
Accreditation Authorities to act on behalf of the coalition for endorsing the nationally accredited
components of combined CIS and approving connections of national affiliated systems to them.

Multiple frequency signalling (MF). A signalling system used between a subscriber and the local
exchange which transmits the digits of the required telephone number from the calling subscriber to the
local exchange by sending a dual tone for each digit of the number.

Multiplex, Frequency Division. Multiplexing in which a separate frequency band is allocated each
tributary channel in the common channel. Abbreviated FDM.

Multiplex. Designating or pertaining to an installation in which a common transmission channel is

divided into several separate tributary channels each capable of transmitting signals independently in the
same direction.

Multiplexing, Multiplexors 1. Division of a composite signal among several channels;

concentrators, FDMs and TDMs are different kinds of multiplexors.

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Multiplexing, Multiplexors 2. A device that allows the simultaneous use of a number of channels on
a single circuit.

Multipoint Circuit. A circuit which connects terminals at more than two points. Sometimes referred
to as a MULTIDROP circuit.

Multipoint line, multipoint connection. A single communications line or circuit interconnecting

several stations supporting terminals in several different locations. Use of this type of line usually
requires some kind of polling mechanism, with each terminal having a unique address. Also called
multidrop line.

Multipurpose Jammer (MPJ). An electronic equipment capable of (1) jamming multiple frequencies
throughout a very broad band of frequencies simultaneously, or (2) combining two or more jamming
roles, eg barrage plus deception.

Mutual Screening. In Electronic Warfare. The protection of a unit not having a jamming capability
by a unit which does have a jamming capability.

MUX. Information for multiplexor.

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N connector. A threaded connector for coax; N is named after Paul Neill. See also BNC and TNC.

N2 count. (In X25 packet-switched networks) Counter for allowable number of retransmission’s.

Nanotechnology. The technology that relates to the manufacture of microscopic objects, or

developments on the nanometre scale.

NAK, negative acknowledgment 1. (In BSC communications protocol) A control character used
to indicate that the previous transmission block was in error and the receiver is ready to accept
retransmission of the erroneous transmission block; contrast with ACK.

NAK, negative acknowledgment 2. (In multipoint systems) The not-ready reply to a poll.

National Affiliated System (NAS). System(s) under a nation’s control connected to a shared CIS,
but not included in it, that process, store or transmit shared information.

National facilities. (In packet-switched networks) Nonstandard facilities selected for a given
(national) network - which may or may not be found on other networks.

National Information Infrastructure (NII). Comprises the nationwide telecommunications

networks, computers, databases and electronic systems. The NII includes the Internet, the public
switched networks, public and private networks, cable and wireless, and satellite telecommunications.
(AUS)

Need-to-Know 1. A criterion used in security procedures that requires the custodians of classified
information to establish, prior to disclosure, that the intended recipient must have access to the
information to perform his/her official duties). (AUS)

Need-to-Know 2. A legitimate requirement of a prospective recipient of data to know, to access, or

to possess any sensitive information represented by these data.

Net (Communications). An organization of stations capable of direct communications on a common

channel or frequency.

Net Authentication. See Authentication, Net.

Net Call Sign. See Call Sign, Net.

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Net Control Station. A station designated to control traffic and enforce circuit discipline within a
given net.

Net, Directed. A net in which no station other than the net control stations may communicate with any
other station, except for transmission of urgent messages, without first obtaining the permission of the net
control station.

Net, Free. A net in which any station may communicate with any other station in the same net without
first obtaining permission from the net control station to do so.

Network 1. A number of inter-related circuits.

Network 2. A circuit, or part of a circuit, containing a number of branches, which is considered as a

unit.

Network 3. A combination of elements.

Network 4. An interconnection of computer systems, terminals or data communications facilities.

Network facilities. (In a packet-switched network) Standard facilities are divided into essential
facilities (found on all networks) and additional facilities (selected for a given network but which may or
may not be selected for other networks).

Network layer. The third layer in the OSI model; responsible for addressing and routing between
subnetworks.

Network Security. The protection of networks and their services from unauthorized modifications,
destruction, or disclosure, providing an assurance that the network performs its critical functions
correctly and there are no harmful side-effects (CA).

Network, Teletypewriter. A network of interconnected teletypewriter stations serving a Command,

Service or Nation.

Neutral current loop. Same as single-current version of current loop; in double-current version, the
no-current condition is illegal and indicates a system failure.

Nibble. The first or last half of an 8-bit byte.

Nickname. Two short separate words which may be formally or informally assigned by an
appropriate authority to an event, project, activity, placename, topographical feature, or item of
equipment for convenience of reference but not for the security of information.
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Night Effect. An effect mainly caused by variations in the state of polarization of reflected waves,
which sometimes result in errors in DF bearings. The effect in most frequent at nightfall.

NILE, Nato Approved Link 11.

Nil Return/No Change Report. Terminology used, particularly in respect of status reports, to
indicate that there has been no alteration.

nm Nanometre (10-9m). A metric measure of length used for measuring the wavelengths of visible
light, gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation.

Node. 1. (In general) A point of interconnection to a network.

Node. 2. (In multipoint networks) A unit that is polled.

Node. 3. (In LAN technology) A unit on a ring; often used as a synonym for station.

Node. 4. (In packet-switched networks) One of the switches forming the network’s backbone.

Noise. Random electrical signals, generated by circuit components or by natural disturbances, that
corrupt the data by introducing errors.

Noise Jamming. Electronic jamming in which the carrier wave is modulated by noise, or in which
noise at the desired output frequencies is amplified and radiated without a carrier.

Noise Level. The noise power density spectrum in the frequency range of interest.

Noise Modulation. The process of using random noise to modulate a carrier frequency.

Noise Power Density. The noise power per unit bandwidth. The product of Boltzmann’s constant
and system noise temperature.

Noise Temperature, Equivalent Satellite Link. The noise temperature referred to the output of the
receiving antenna of the earth station corresponding to the radio frequency noise power which produces
the total observed noise at the output of the satellite link excluding noise due to interference coming from
satellite links using other satellites and from terrestrial systems.

Non-Orthogonal. An antenna support structure drive method whereby the two axis of rotation are
not at right angles, i.e. any changes in elevation bearing results in compensatory movement in the azimuth
and elevation axis.
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Non-persistent. (In LAN technology) A term used to describe a CSMA LAN in which the stations
involved in a collision do not try to retransmit immediately - even if the network is quiet. Compare with
persistent and p-persistent.

Non-repudiation. The ability to prove the identity of the sender and receiver of an electronic
transmission, as well as to verify the transmission and receipt of the message, so that the parties cannot
claim not to have sent or received the transmission. Digital signatures are the current non-repudiation
technique of choice for the CCEB.

Nonvolatile. A term used to describe a data storage device (memory) that retains its contents when
power is lost.

NOT, Node Organisation Table.

NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). A notice, containing information concerning the establishment,

condition or change in any aeronautical facility, service, procedures or hazard. The timely knowledge of
which is essential to personnel concerned with flight operations.

NRZI, non-return to zero inverted. (In SDLC) A binary encoding technique in which a change in
state represents a binary 0 and no change in state represents a binary 1. Also known as invert-on-zero
coding.

NTN, network terminal number. Number identifying the logical location of a DTE connected to a
network; the NTN may contain a sub-address used by the DTE rather than by the network to identify
equipment or circuits attached to it. The NTN can be up to 10 digits long.

NUI, network user identification. (In X25 packet-switched networks) A combination of the
network user’s address and the corresponding password; replaces the NTN in newer networks.

Null character. A character (with all bits set to mark) used to allow time for a printer’s mechanical
actions, such as return of carriage and for feeding, so that the printer will be ready to print the next data
character. Same as idle character.

Null modem. Same as modem eliminator.

Number Tab (Message Relay). A sequential channel number perforated on tape.

Number, Open (Message Relay). A channel serial for which a transmission bearing a corresponding
number has not been received.

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Number, Originator's Reference. The number assigned to a message by an originator to provide a

means of reference.

Number, Station Serial. A message reference number assigned within a Communication/Signal

Centre. It will normally consist only of a number allotted in sequence. However, in those instances
where station serial numbers are allotted at more than one position, as prescribed by in-station
procedure, a single letter designator follows each number eg 107A, 119B.

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1-persistent. (In LAN technology) See persistent.

Object method. An action that can be invoked on a resource (eg a file system may have read, write
and execute object methods).

Octal. A digital system with 8 states, 0 through 7.

Octet. (In packet-switched networks) A grouping of 8 bits; similar but not identical to byte.

Off hook. (In telephone environment) Activated; by extension, a modem automatically answering a
call on the dial network is said to go "off hook".

Off-Line Cipher. A method of operation in which the processes of encryption and transmission (or
reception and decryption) are performed in separate steps rather than automatically and simultaneously.

Off-Line Operation (Cryptographic). Encryption and decryption performed as a self-contained

operation distinct from the transmission of the encrypted text, as by hand or by equipment not
electrically connected to a single line.

Office automation. A term used to describe the process of making wide use of the latest data
processing and data communications technology - electronic mail, work processing, file and peripheral
sharing and electronic publishing - in the office environment, usually involving the installation of LAN.

Orbit. The path described by the centre of mass of a satellite or other

object in space, relative to a specific frame of reference, eg the centre of the Earth

Organisational Message. A message sent on behalf of an organisation, in the name of that

organisation, that establishes a legal commitment under military law. It has been released in accordance
with the policies of the originating nation (eg military orders). Individuals may send organisational
messages to other individuals on behalf of their respective organisations. (UK)

Omnirange. A radio aid to air navigation which creates an infinite number of paths in space throughout
360 degrees of azimuth.

On hook. (In telephone environment) Deactivated; by extension, a modem not in use is said to be "on
hook". Contrast with off hook.

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On-line computer. A computer used for on-line processing.

On-line processing. A method of processing data in which data in input directly from its point of
origin and output directly to its point of use.

On-Line. A method of transmission by which signals from telecommunications equipment are passed
direct to a channel/circuit to operate automatically, compatible equipment at one or more distant stations
(The term must be qualified by the addition of a self-explanatory word or words eg TOP SECRET on-
line cipher operation, on-line cipher, on-line data processing etc.,).

One-way fuction. A (mathematical) function f which is easy to compute, but witch for a general value
y in the range, it is computationally difficult to fined a value x in the domain such that f(x)=y. There may
be a few values y for which finding x is not computationally difficult.

One-Way Operation. One-way operation refers to communications between two points in one
direction only. Note. This is preferred to the term Half-Duplex Operation, which has various
interpretations.

Open architecture. An architecture that is compatible with hardware and software from any of many
vendors. Contrast with closed architecture.

Operations Security (OPSEC). A process of identifying critical information and subsequently

analyzing friendly actions attendant to military operations and other activities to:

a. Identify those actions that can be observed by adversary intelligence systems.

b. Determine indicators hostile intelligence systems might obtain that could be interpreted
or pieced together to derive critical information in time to be useful to adversaries.

c. Select and execute measures that eliminate or reduce to an acceptable level the
vulnerabilities of friendly actions to adversary exploitation. (DOD)

Operating Signal. A three-letter group used as necessary in connection with operations or

communications to convey orders, instructions, requests, reports and information to facilitate
communications.

Optical fibre. One of the glass strands - each of which is an independent circuit - in a fibre optic
cable.

Order Wire. See Circuit, Engineering.

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Originator. The command by whose authority a message is sent. The originator is responsible for the
functions of the drafter and releasing officer.

Oscillator. A device which produces an electrical signal of relatively constant frequency and
amplitude.

Oscilloscope. An instrument for showing, visually, graphical representations of the waveforms

encountered in electrical circuits.

OSI model, Open Systems Interconnection model. A 7-layer hierarchical reference structure
developed by the ISO for defining, specifying and relating communications protocols; not a standard nor
a protocol; short for International Standard Reference Model of Open Systems Inter-connection.

Overhead bit. A non-data bit used in addressing, control, error detection, error control, or
synchronization. Contrast with information bit.

Oversampling. A TDM technique where each bit from each channel is sampled more than once.

Overspeed. Condition in which the transmitting device runs slightly faster than the data presented for
transmission; overspeeds of 0.1% for modems and 0.5% for data PABXs are typical.

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P-persistent. (In LAN technology) A term used to describe a CSMA LAN in which the stations
involved in a collision try to retransmit almost immediately - with a probability p. Compare with non-
persistent and persistent.

PABX, private automatic branch exchange. A user-owned, automatic telephone exchange;

specific types of PABXs include data PABXs and voice/data PABXs.

Packet header. (In packet-switched networks) The first 3 octets of an X25 packet.

Packet type identifier. (In X25 packet-switched networks) The third octet in the packet header that
identifies the packet’s function and, if applicable, its sequence number.

Packet-switched network. A data communications network that transmits packets. Packets from
different sources are interleaved and sent to their destination over virtual circuits. The term includes
PDNs and cable-based LANs.

Packet. A group of bits - including information bits and overhead bits - transmitted as a complete
package on a packet-switched network. Usually smaller than a transmission block. Often called a
message.

PAD, packet assembler/disassembler. (In an X25 packet-switched network) A device used to

interface non-X25 devices to an X25 network; it may be synchronous or asynchronous, single or
multiple channel.

Panel 1. In visual signalling systems. Specially shaped and/or coloured cloth or other material
displayed in accordance with a prearranged code to convey messages. Also see Code.

Panel 2. A sub-division of the jack field of a switchboard section.

Panel 3. A plate or slab upon which apparatus, controls and/or measuring ;instruments are mounted.

Panel 4. A group of apparatus assembled and wired on a mounting plate.

Panoramic Indicator. Auxiliary equipment, used with a receiver, which presents a visual indication of
all signals contained within the frequency coverage of the associated receiver. See also Adapter,
Panoramic.

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Panoramic Receiver. A receiver of very wide frequency coverage with integral or auxiliary
panoramic indicator.

Parabolic Antenna. An antenna provided with a reflector having the characteristic that radio
frequency waves emitted from a focal point will be reflected into space along parallel paths thus creating
a narrow beam.

Parallel transmission. A technique that sends each bit simultaneously over a separate line; normally
used to send data a byte (8 bits over 8 lines) at a time to a high-speed printer or other locally attached
peripheral. Contrast with serial transmission.

Parity bit. The bit which is set to 1 or 0 in a character to ensure that the total number of 1 bits in the
data field is even or odd. Or may be fixed at 1 (mark parity), fixed at 0 (space parity), or ignored (no
parity).

Parity, parity check. Addition of overhead bits to ensure that the total number of 1s in a grouping of
bits is either always even for parity or always odd for odd parity. This permits detection of single errors.
It may be applied to characters, transmission blocks or any convenient bit grouping.

Passive Detection. In Electronic Warfare. The process of detecting an electromagnetic emitter by

using the energy emitted.

Pathfinders. In Communications-Electronics. A radar device used for navigating or homing to an

object when visibility precludes accurate visual navigation.

PAX, Physical Address Extension.

PBX, private branch exchange. A manual, user-owned telephone exchange. Sometimes used in a
general sense to include both PBXs and PABXs.

PCM, plug-compatible machine. Term used to describe a device which can be directly substituted
for an original manufacturer’s device; the PCM device is usually an improvement over the original
device - less expensive, more fully featured, or both.

PCM, pulse code modulation. A modulation technique used to convert analogue voice signals into
digital form. Used for voice multiplexing on T1 circuits and megastream services.

PDN, packet data network. Often used to mean packet-switched network (but see entry below).

PDN, public data network. A network established and operated by a PTT, common carrier, or
private operating company for the specific purpose of providing data communications services to the

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public. May be a packet-switched network or a digital network such as DDS or BT’s Public Data
Network - PDN.

Pennants, Numeral. Pennants used in visual communications to represent the numbers 0 through 9.

Perigee. The least distant point from the centre of the earth to an orbit around it.

Permanent Echo. Any dense and fixed radar return caused by reflection of energy from the earth's
surface. Distinguished from "Ground Clutter" by being from definable locations rather than large areas.

Permutation Table. A table designed for the systematic construction of code groups. It may also be
used to correct garbles in groups of code text.

Persistent. (In LAN technology) A term used to describe a CSMA LAN in which the stations
involved in a collision try to retransmit almost immediately; p-persistent where p=1 (hence, also called
1-persistent). See non-persistent.

Personal computer. A microcomputer with an end user-oriented application program (used by data
processing professionals and non-professionals alike) for an assortment of functions.

Personnel Security. The application of security measures, in order to ensure that all personnel who
have access to information have the required need-to-know and have the appropriate security
clearance. (NATO)

Personal Sign. Signs composed of one or more letters (normally initials) used when endorsing station
records and messages to indicate individual responsibility of operating and supervisor personnel.

Phase modulation. One of 3 basic ways (see also AM and FM) to add information to a sine wave
signal; The phase of the sine wave, or carrier, is modified in accordance with the information to be
transmitted. With only discrete changes in phase, this technique is known as phase shift keying (PSK).

Phase Modulation. See Modulation.

Phase Shift Keying. Angle modulation in which each significant condition in a modulating discrete
signal is represented by a specified phase of a periodic sinusoidal oscillation. Abbreviated PSK.

Phased Array. An array of dipoles in which the phase of the signal feeding each dipole is varied in
such a way that antenna beams can be formed and scanned very rapidly in azimuth and elevation
without requiring physical movement of the antenna. See Antenna Array.

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Physical layer. The lowest (first) layer in the OSI model; responsible for the physical signalling,
including the connectors, timing, voltages and other related matters.

Physical Security. That component of security which results from all physical measures necessary to
safeguard classified equipment, material and documents from access thereto or observation thereof by
unauthorized persons.

Pm, Picometre (10-12m). A metric measure of length used for measuring atomic scale distances.

Pilot (Message Relay). Instructions appearing in message format line 1 relative to the transmission
or handling of the message.

Plain Language (Plain Text). Text or language which conveys an intelligible meaning in the language
in which it is written with no hidden meaning; the intelligible text underlying encrypted text.

Plain Language Address (PLA). See Signal Message Address (SMA).

Plain Operation. The use of a circuit/channel without on-line cipher equipment.

Plain Text. See Plain Language (Plain Text).

Plaindress. A type of message in which the originator and addressee designations are indicated
externally of the text.

Point-to-point connection. See link.

Point-to-Point. A circuit which connects terminals at two (and only two) points.

Polar transmission. See bipolar transmission.

Polarization Diversity. The use or availability of various polarization’s such as horizontal, vertical,
cross, circular or elliptical either simultaneously or singly.

Polarization. The direction of the electrical field component of radiated energy.

Polarized Wave, Left-Hand (Anti-clockwise). An elliptically or circularly-polarized wave, in which

the electric field vector, observed in any fixed plane, normal to the direction of propagation, when
looking in the direction of the propagation, rotates with time in a left-hand or anti-clockwise direction.

Polarized Wave, Right-Hand (Clockwise). An elliptically or circularly-polarized wave, in which the

electric field vector, observed in any fixed plane, normal to the direction of propagation, whilst looking in
the direction of propagation, rotates with time in the right-hand or clockwise direction.
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Policy mapping Recognising that, when a CA in one domain certifies a CA in another domain, a
particular certificate policy in the second domain may be considered by the authority of the first domain
to be equivalent (but not necessarily identical in all respects) to a particular certificate policy in the first
domain.

Poll, polling. A means of controlling terminals on a multipoint line. The computer, acting as the master
station, sends a message to each terminal in turn saying, “Terminal A: Have you anything to send?” If
not, “Terminal B: Have you anything to send?” and so on. Each such message is called a poll.

Port concentrator, port concentration. A device that allows several terminals to share a single
computer port; a concentrator link in which the port concentrator simplifies the software demultiplexing
used in lieu of the demultiplexing normally performed by the computer-site concentrator.

Port selector. See data PABX.

Port. A computer interface capable of attaching to a modem for communicating with a remote
terminal.

Position Line Determination. See Radio Position Line Determination.

Positive Control. In air traffic control within NATO, a method of regulation of all identified air traffic
within a designated air space, conducted with electronic means by an air traffic control agency having
the authority and responsibility therein.

POTS, plain old telephone service. A reference to the basic service provided by the public
telephone network without any added facilities such as conditioning.

Power (of Radio Transmitter). When not otherwise specified the definition of Peak Power of a
radio transmitter shall be used.

Power Balancing. The adjustment of individual transmitter EIRP levels to achieve optimum reception
at all addressee earth and distant stations. Controlled by AMPS.

Power, Carrier. Of a radio transmitter, the average power supplied to the aerial transmission line or
specified artificial load by a transmitter during one radio frequency cycle under conditions of no
modulation. For each class of emission the condition of no modulation should be specified.

Power, Effective Radiated (ERP) (in a given direction). The product of the power supplied to the
antenna and its gain relative to a half-wave dipole in a given direction.

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Power, Effective Monopole Radiated (EMRP) (in a given direction). The product of the power
supplied to the antenna and its gain relative to a short vertical antenna in a given direction.

Power, Equivalent Isotropically Radiated (EIRP). The product of the power supplied to the
antenna and the antenna gain and given direction to an isotropic antenna (absolute or isotropic gain).

Power, Mean (of a radio transmitter). The average power supplied to the antenna transmission line
by a transmitter during an interval of time sufficiently long compared with the lowest frequency
encountered in the modulation taken under normal operating conditions.

Power, Peak Envelope (of a radio transmitter). The average power supplied to the antenna
transmission line by a transmitter during one radio frequency cycle at the crest of the modulation
envelope taken under normal operating conditions.

Precedence Designations. Precedence Designations and Definitions are as follows:

Precedence Prosign Definition

Reserved for initial enemy contact messages or operational

Flash Z
combat messages of extreme urgency. Brevity is mandatory

Reserved for very urgent messages relating to situations,

Immediate O which gravely affect the security of National/Allied forces or
populace.
Reserved for messages concerning the conduct of
Priority P operations in progress and for other important and urgent
matters when ROUTINE will not suffice.
To be used for all types of messages which justify
Routine R transmission by rapid means but are not of sufficient urgency
and importance to require a higher precedence.

Preamble. One of the components contained in the heading of a message whose elements include the
degree of precedence, the date-time group and message instructions.

Precedence, Dual. Message containing two precedence designations, the higher one for all action
addressees and the lower one for all information addressees.

Precedence. A destination assigned to a message by the originator to indicate to communication

personnel the relative order of handling and to the addressee the order in which the message is to be
noted.

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Prefix. One of the components contained in the heading of a message whose elements may include the
accounting information, group count and SVC.

Premises network. Same as cable system.

Premodulation. Premodulation is the combination of multiplex channel signals prior to the modulation
of the carrier.

Presentation layer. The sixth layer in the OSI model; responsible for format and code conversion.

Prime Contractor. See Control PTT (or Prime Contractor).

Printer converter. A coaxial converter that allows an asynchronous printer to emulate an IBM 3287
printer.

Priority. See Precedence Designations.

Privacy. The rights of individuals to control or influence what information related to them may be
collected and stored, and by whom and to whom that information may be disclosed. (NATO)

Private Key. A cryptographic key used in a dual key system, uniquely associated with an entity and
not made public; it is used to generate a digital signature. This key is linked mathematically with a
corresponding public key.

Private line. Same as leased line.

Privilege. An attribute or property assigned to an entity by an authority

Privilege asserter. A privilege holder is using the attribute certificate or public-key certificate to
assert privilege.

Privilege Management Infrastructure (PMI). The infrastructure, able to support the management
of privileges, in support of a comprehensive authorization service and in relationship with a Public Key
Infrastructure.

Privilege policy. The policy that outlines conditions for privilege verifiers to provided/preform
sensitive services to/for qualified privilege asserters. Privilege policy relates attributes associated with
the service as well as attributes associated with privilege asserters.

Privilege verifier. An entity verifying certificates against a privilege policy

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Procedure Message. A message in which the text contains only prosigns, operating signals,
addressee designation(s), identification of messages, parts of messages, and amplifying data, as
necessary.

Procedure Sign (Prosign). One or more letters or characters or combination thereof, used to
facilitate communication by conveying, in a condensed standard form, certain frequently used orders,
instructions, requests and information related to communications.

Procedure Word (Proword). A word or phrase limited to radio-telephone procedure and used in lieu
of a Prosign.

Profile. (In packet-switched networks) A set of parameter values, such as for a terminal, which can
be defined and stored; the parameters can then be recalled and used as a group by identifying and
selecting the appropriate profile.

Proforma (Message). A standard form of message, the nature of the successive elements of which is
understood by pre-arrangement.

Program. A set of instructions for a computer. See software and firmware.

PROM, programmable read-only memory. Permanently stored data in a non-volatile semi-

conductor device. Compare with EPROM, RAM and ROM.

Propagation delay. The transit time through a link, network, system or piece of equipment.

Propagation Delay (Satellite). The finite time taken by radio waves travelling on the up link and
down link; typically 260 msec for each leg for Geosynchronous Orbit Satellites.

Propagation. The manner in which an electromagnetic emission travels outward from its source.

Prosign. See Procedure Sign (Prosign).

Protected Frequency. A frequency on which interference must be minimized using special

precautions, if necessary. See Taboo Frequency.

Protection Radio (RF). The minimum value of the wanted-to-unwanted signal radio, usually
expressed in decibels, at the receiver input, determined under specified conditions such that a specified
reception quality of the wanted signal is achieved at the receiver output.

Protocol. Hardware and software procedures used to control the transfer of data in communications
networks and between networks and subscriber.

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Protocol Converter. A device that translates from one communications protocol into another, such as
IBM SNA/SDLC to ASCII; compare with gateway.

Protocol. See communications protocol.

Proword. See Procedure Word (Proword).

Pseudo-Noise (Pn) Sequence. A binary sequence with a very desirable transorthogonal auto-
correlation property; commonly used for synchronisation and ranging.

PSK, phase shift keying. A phase modulation technique in which phase shifts represent signalling
elements; Compare with FSK.

PSTN. Public Switched Telephone Network. The familiar telephone system over which calls can be
dialed.

PTO, Public Telecommunications Operator. An organisation empowered to offer

telecommunications services to the public. Often the same as a PTT.

PTT, Post, Telephone and Telegraphy Authority. The governmental agency that functions as the
communications common carrier and administrator in many areas of the world.

Publicly Accessible Network(s). Network accessible to the general public, such as the Internet (UK)

Public Key. A cryptographic key used in a dual key system, uniquely associated with an entity and
made public. It is used to verify a digital signature. This key is linked mathematically with a
corresponding private key.

Public Key Certificate. The public key of a user, together with some other information, rendered un-
forgeable by encipherment with the private key of a certification authority which issued it.

Public Key Infrastructure. (PKI). The infrastructure required to support a scheme utilising the
management of public keys able to support authentication, encryption, scheme for the guarantee of
integrity and confidentiality. PKI also supports recipient and originator non-repudiation services.. (UK)

Public Grade Messaging. Any messaging service which uses the Internet as core infrastructure. It is
optimised for wide accessibility, but characterised by high risk of non-availability and therefore
unsuitable for purposes directly in support of military operations. (UK)

Public switched network. Any switching communications system - such as the Telex, TWX or public
telephone networks - that provides circuit switching to many customers.

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Public telephone network. A telephone network which is shared among many users, any one of
which can establish communications with any other user by use of a dial or push-button telephone;
include DDD service. In the United Kingdom and some other countries, the network is known as the
PSTN, public switched telephone network.

Pulse Analyzer. An equipment used for analyzing pulses in order to determine their time, amplitude,
duration, shape and other characteristics.

Pulse Code Modulation (Telephony) (PCM(T)). A method of converting analogue speech into
digital by sampling the speech many thousands of times each second. Used worldwide by PTTs for
digitized telephone transmissions.

Pulse Length/Width/Duration. The nominal duration of a standard pulse which is the time interval
between the half amplitude points on the rise and decay points of the curve. For pulses and other
shapes, the points on the curve must be stated.

Pulse Modulation. Modification of one or more of the characteristics of a pulse train used as a
carrier. Also, modulation of a continuous wave carrier (whether already modulated or not) by means of
pulses.

Pulse Repetition Frequency/Rate (PRF/PRR). The number of pulses per second.

Pulse Shape. The figure produced by the outline of a pulse when viewed on a cathode ray tube.

Pulse, RF. A train of radio frequency oscillations whose envelope has the form of a pulse.

Pulse. A variation in the value of an electrical quality as a function of time such that the value departs
from a given datum for a time interval and then returns to this datum for a much longer time.

PVC, permanent virtual circuit. In a packet-switched network) A fixed virtual circuit between 2
users; no call setup or clearing procedures are necessary; the PDN equivalent of a leased line.
Contrast with SVC.

Pyrotechnics. Ammunition containing chemicals that produce a smoke or brilliant light in burning, used
for signalling or for lighting up an area at night; fireworks.

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QAM, quadrature amplitude modulation. A modulation technique that combines phase modulation
and AM techniques to increase the number of bits per baud.

Q bit, qualifier bit. (In X25 packet-switched networks). Bit 8 in first octet of packet header; it is
used to indicate if packet contains control information.

Quadrature Phased Shift Keying (QPSK). This is widely used to increase the information rate in a
given bandwidth. Four phases are used which are 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees and 315
degrees. These phases represent four possible combinations of two binary bits, each allowing two
modulations to take place using one baseband frequency. This method is used widely in satellite
communications and on modern link systems. See BPSK.

Quadriphase Modulation. Multiple-Shift-Keying where 4-phase states (in phase Quadrature) of a

sinusoidal carrier convey 4 digital intelligence stream codes.

Queue. A line or list formed by items waiting for service, such as tasks waiting to be performed,
stations waiting for connection, or messages waiting for transmission.

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Rack-mount. Designed to be installed in a cabinet.

Rack. Same as cabinet.

Radar. RAdio Detection And Ranging equipment, that determines the distance and usually the
direction of objects by transmission and return of electromagnetic energy.

Radar Absorbent Material (RAM). Material used in radar camouflage to reduce the echo area of
an object.

Radar Camouflage. The use of radar absorbent or reflecting materials to change the radar echoing
properties of a surface or an object.

Radar Coverage. The limits within which objects can be detected by one or more radar stations.

Radar Echo 1. The radio frequency energy received after reflection from an object.

Radar Echo 2. The term is also used to describe the deflection or change of intensity on a cathode
ray tube display produced by a radar echo.

Radar Height Finder. A radar intended to display the height of a target by measurement of its slant
range and elevation angle.

Radar Horizon. The locus of points at which the rays from a radar antenna become tangential to the
earth's surface. On the open sea this locus is horizontal but on land it varies according to the
topographical features of the terrain.

Radar Navigation. The use of radar to assist in navigation and pilotage.

Radar Recognition and Identification (IFF - Identification, Friend or Foe). A system using radar
transmissions to which equipment carried by friendly forces automatically responds; for example by
emitting pulses, thereby distinguishing themselves form enemy forces. It is the primary method of
determining the friendly or unfriendly character of aircraft and ships by other aircraft or ships and by
ground forces employing radar detection equipment and associated IFF units. See also Recognition and
Identification, Electronic and Selective Identification Feature (SIF).

Radar Reflectivity. That property of an object which causes it to reflect radar waves, usually
expressed in units of equivalent area of a flat reflector placed normal to the radar antenna.

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Radar Relay. The transmission of radar video information to a remote display.

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Radar Repeater. A unit, employing one or more cathode ray tubes, fitted with facilities for display of
selected radar information in positions normally remote from the radar.

Radar Scan. One revolution of a search radar.

Radar Sensitivity. The degree of response of a radar receiver to signals on its frequency. A measure
of the ability of the receiver to amplify and make usable very weak signals.

Radar Shadows. Region obscured from the surveillance of a radar set by obstructions, either natural
or artificial.

Radar Target Simulator. A device for producing a synthetic target on a radar display used for
operator training.

Radar, Navigational. Radar equipment installed on a craft as an aid to its navigation.

Radar, Primary. Radar that determines the distances, the direction and eventually, the height of
objects by using only their reflection of incident radiation.

Radar, Secondary. Radar using automatic retransmission by the object of a special pulse code on a
different radio frequency. E.g. IFF

Radar, Tactical Control. A radar used for target allocation or target selection.

Radiation (in Radio Communication). 1. The outward flow of radio frequency energy from a
source.

Radiation (in Radio Communication). 2. Energy flowing in a medium in the form of radio waves.

Radiation Characteristics. In Electronic Warfare. Features of a radiated signal such as frequency,

pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, beamwidth, polarization, etc.,.

Radio Approach Aids. Equipment making use of radio to determine the position of an aircraft with
considerable accuracy from the time it is in the vicinity of an airfield or carrier until it reaches a position
from which landing can be carried out.

Radio Autocontrol. The control of an object by radio reference from itself to other objects.

Radio Communication. See Communication, Radio.

Radio Control. The control of mechanism of other apparatus by radio waves.

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Radio Detection. The detection of the presence of an object by radio-location without precise
determination of its position. Synonymous with radio-warning.

Radio Determination. The determination of position or the obtaining of information relating to

position, by means of the propagation properties of radio waves. See ITU Art 45.

Radio Direction Finding. Radio location in which only the direction of a station is determined by
means of its emission.

Radio Doppler. The direct determination of the radial component of the relative velocity of an object
by an observed radio-frequency change due to such velocity.

Radio Fix 1. The locating of a radio transmitter by bearings taken from two or more direction finding
stations, the site of the transmitter being at the point of intersection.

Radio Fix 2. The location of a ship or aircraft by determining the direction of radio signals coming to
the ship or aircraft from two or more sending stations, the locations of which are known.

Radio Fixing Aids. Equipment making use of radio to assist a user to determine his geographical
position.

Radio Goniometry. The determination of relative direction of a distant object by means of its radio
emissions, whether independent, reflected or automatically retransmitted.

Radio Homing Aids. Equipment permitting the use of radio to assist in the location of an area with
sufficient accuracy to effect an approach.

Radio landing Aids. Equipment permitting the use of radio to assist an aircraft in carrying out its
actual landing.

Radio Navigational Aid. Any radio facility designed or usable for navigation.

Radio Position Line Determination. Determination of a position line by radio location.

Radio Range Finding. Radio location in which the distance of an object is determined by means of
its radio emissions, whether independent, reflected or retransmitted on the same or other wave length.
See also Radio Determination.

Radio Range. See Station, Radio Range (RLR).

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Radio Recognition. The determination by radio means of the friendly or enemy character, or the
individuality, of another.

Radio Relay. The reception and retransmission by a radio station of signals received from another
radio station or from the line portion of an integrated line and radio communications system.

Radio Relay System. A communications system used to perform a radio relay function. See Radio
Relay.

Radio Silence. A condition in which all or certain radio equipment capable of radiation is kept
inoperative.

Radio Sonobuoy. See Sonobuoy.

Radio Station. One or more transmitters or receivers or a combination of transmitters and receivers,
including the accessory equipment necessary at one location for carrying a radio communications
service.

Radio Tele-Control. The distant control of mechanisms or other apparatus by radio waves.

Radio Warning. The detection of the presence of an object by radiolocation without precise
determination of its position. Note. This function of radio is rarely used apart from others but must be
separately defined. Synonymous with radio detection.

Radio Waves. See hertzian Waves.

Radio. A descriptive term applied to the use of electromagnetic waves between 10 kilohertz and
3,000,000 megahertz. It is used principally as an adjective.

Radiolocation. Determination of relative direction, position or motion of an object, or its detection, by

means of propagation characteristics of radio waves. Note. 1. The characteristics generally
employed are those of approximate constant velocity and/or rectilinearly. 2. The term Radio
determination is used for this concept in Radio Regulations 1959.

Radionavigation. Radio determination used for the purposes of navigation, including obstruction
warning.

Radiosonde. An automatic radio transmitter in the meteorological aid service usually carried on an
aircraft, free balloon, kite or parachute which transmits meteorological data.

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Radiotelegram. A telegram originating in or intended for a mobile station or a mobile earth station
transmitted on all or part of its route over the radio-communication channels of a mobile service or the
mobile-satellite service. See also Telegram.

Railings. Lines, normal to the time-base on a range-amplitude display, produced by a particular type
of jamming.

RAM, random access memory. A storage device into which data can be entered (written) and
read; usually (but not always) a volatile semiconductor memory.

Random Drop. In Electronic Warfare. Non-uniformity of interval between drops in window

dispensing.

Range. The distance between specified radio stations over which effective communications can be
provided.

RASP, Recognized Air and Surface Picture.

RATT. The system of communication by teleprinter over radio circuits. At present, International
Telegraphic Alphabet No 2, as defined by CCITT, is employed. Sometimes referred to as RTT.

Raw Video. The intelligence of a radar echo before it is quantized and digitized.

RD, Received Data. An RS-232 data signal (received by DTE from DCE on pin 3).

Re-Addressal of Messages. A method whereby the originator or the original addressees may add
new addressees, without change in the address or text, to previously transmitted messages.

Redundancy. Equipment or facilities provided in numbers greater than the essential minimum, to
increase overall reliability.

Re-Encrypt. A process of encrypting again a previously encrypted and transmitted message, any of
the plain text thereof, or a paraphrased version.

Readability. The ability to be understood, i.e. the readability of signals sent by any means of
communications.

Real Time. The absence of significant time delay in the acquisition, transmission and reception of
information.

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Real-time system. An on-line computer that generates output nearly simultaneously with the
corresponding inputs. Often, a computer system whose outputs follow by only a very short delay its
inputs. See also transaction processing.

Rebecca-Eureka System. In aviation, a secondary-radar homing and distance measuring system

employing an airborne interrogating installation (Rebecca) and a ground responding beacon (Eureka).

Receipt. A transmission made by a receiving station to indicate that a message has been satisfactorily
received.

Receiver (Radio). A device connected to an aerial or other source of radio signals in order to make
available in some desired form the required information content of the signals.

Reception. Listening to, copying, recording or viewing any form of emission.

Recognition and Identification, Electronic. The determination by electronic means of the friendly
or enemy character or of the individuality of another and the identification of electronic means of your
own friendly character or own individuality. See also Radar Recognition and Identification (IFF -
Identification. Friend or Foe).

Recognition. The determination by any means of the friendly or enemy character or of the
individuality of another, or of objects such as aircraft, ships, or tanks or of phenomena such as
communications-electronics patterns.

Recovery. Recovery is the act of restoring the system to the last known secure state and addressing
the vulnerability to prevent the same intrusion from recurring.

Recovery Time. The time for a part of a receiver to recover to a zero signal condition after receiving
an input signal (eg jamming pulse) of saturation intensity.

Reference Model. See OSI Reference Model.

Refile. The processing of a message into appropriate procedure for transfer to another system which
involves alteration of the message format, eg message relay to radiotelegraph, point to point telegraph
network to message relay network, military to civil/commercial.

Reflector, Confusion. A radio wave reflector used for creating echoes for confusion purposes against
radar’s, proximity fuses and guided missiles.

Reflector, Corner. A device, normally consisting of three metallic surfaces or screens perpendicular
to one another, designed to act as a radar target or marker.

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Relay Station, Major. A message relay station is designated as a major message relay station when:
1. Two or more trunk circuits connected thereto provide and alternate route. 2. To meet command
requirements.

Relay Station, Minor. A message relay station is designated as a minor relay station when it has
message relay responsibility but does not provide an alternate message relay route.

Releasing Officer. The person who may authorize the transmission of a message for and in the name
of the originator.

Remote analogue loopback. An analogue loopback test that forms the loop at the line side
(analogue output) of the remote modem.

Remote composite loopback. A composite loopback test that forms the loop at the output
(composite side) of the remote multiplexor.

Remote digital loopback. A digital loopback test that forms the loop at the DTE side (digital input)
of the remote modem.

Repeater Jammer. A receiver-transmitter device which amplifies, multiplies and retransmits the
signals received, for purposes of deception or jamming.

Repeater. A device used to extend transmission ranges/distances by restoring signals to their original
size or shape. Repeaters function at the physical layer of the OSI model.

Reply 1. A message to the originator of a previous message which asked a question.

Reply 2. An answer to a challenge. Replies promulgated in key lists take the form of identities of
pyrotechnics.

Rerun. The repetition of a message which was previously sent by tape, card or similar stored mode of
communications.

Resolution. The ability of a radar or optical system to distinguish between two adjacent objects and
display them as separate images.

Resource class. (In LAN technology) A collection of computers or computer ports that offer similar
facilities, such as the same application program; each can be identified by a symbolic name.

Responder. An electronic device used to receive an electronic challenge and display a reply thereto.

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Response time. The elapsed time between the generation of the last character of a message at a
terminal and the receipt of first character of the replay (often an echo). It includes all propagation
delays.

Restore Functions. The ability to control the damage that results from an attack and to restore the
protected information environment. (AUS)

Retransmission. The repetition of a message which was previously transmitted by any mode of
communications.

RI, Ring Indicator. An RS-232 modem interface signal (sent from the modem to the DTE on pin 22)
which indicates that an incoming call is present.

Ring. (In LAN technology) A closed loop network topology; contrast with bus and star.

Risk 1. The possibility that a particular threat will exploit a particular vulnerability of a data processing
system.

Risk 2. Acceptable Level of Risk - A judicious and carefully considered assessment by the
appropriate DAA that an information technology (CIS) activity or network meets the minimum
requirements of applicable security directives. The assessment should take into account the value of CIS
assets; threats and vulnerabilities; countermeasures and their efficiency in compensating for
vulnerabilities; and operational requirements. (Based on OPNAVINST 5239.1A)

Risk 3. Residual Risk - The portion of risk that remains after security measures have been applied.
(NATO)

Risk Management. See Security Risk Management.

RJE, remote job entry. Submission of batch processing jobs through an input device (such as an
IBM model 3780) that has access to a computer through a data link.

RLSD, Received Line Signal Detector. See CD; also called DCD.

RO, read-only. A teleprinter receiver without a transmitter. Compare with ASR and KSR.

ROM, read-only memory. Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device manufactured with predefined
contents. Compare with EPROM, PROM and RAM.

Rope -Chaff. Chaff which contains one or more rope elements. See also Chaff, Rope.

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Rope. An element of chaff consisting of a long roll of metallic foil or wire which is designed for broad-
band, low-frequency response.

Rotary. An arrangement of a group of lines, such as telephone or data PABX lines, that are identified
by a single symbolic name or number; upon request, connection is made to the first available (free) line.

Round robin retraining. A method of training in which the receiving modem asks for a training
pattern by sending a training pattern.

Route Diagram. See Map, Line Route/Route Diagram.

Routine. See Precedence Designations.

Routing Indicator (RI). See Indicator, Routing.

Routing line (Message Relay). That procedure line which contains the routing indicators of the
station to which a transmission is routed.

Routing Line Segregation. A method of routing wherein the basic routing line of the message
heading is altered as the message passes through each relay station involved, so that only those routing
indicators pertinent to the onward transmission are left in the routing line (message format line 2).

Routing, Alternative. A method of routing traffic in which, when a call cannot be connected to a free
circuit on the normal route, it is directed to an alternative route, either automatically or by an operator.

Routing 1. The process of determining and prescribing the path or method to be used in forwarding
messages.

Routing 2. The function which ensures that the correct path through a network is selected.

RS-232, RS-232-c. An EIA recommended standard (RS); most common standard for connecting
data processing devices. RS-232 defines the electrical characteristics of the signals in the cables that
connect DTE with DCE; it specifies a 25-pin connector (the DB-25 connector is almost universally
used in RS-232 applications); and it is functionally identical to CCITT V24/V28.

RS-422. An EIA recommended standard for cable lengths that extended the RS-232 50-foot limit.
Although introduced as a companion standard with RS-449, RS-422 is most frequently implemented on
unused pins of DB-25 (RS-232) connectors. Electrically compatible with CCITT recommendation
V11.

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RS-423. An EIA recommended standard for cable lengths that extended the RS-232 50-foot limit.
Although introduced as a companion standard with RS-422, RS-423 is not widely used. Electrically
compatible with CCITT recommendation V10.

RS-449. An EIA recommended standard for the mechanical characteristics of connectors; introduced
as companion standard to RS-422 and RS-423 standards. Specifies two connectors <A> connects (a
37-pin connector and a 9-pin connector); not widely used.

RTS, Request-to-send. An RS-232 modem interface signal (sent from the DTE to the modem on pin
4) which indicates that the DTE has data to transmit.

Runway Approach Aids. System or markings which assist pilots to land their aircraft.

RW. Telegraphic Code Signal implying request for a repeat of signal just received.

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S
S-Band. The range of frequencies extending from 1.55GHz to 5.20GHz.

Safeguard, To The term "to secure" a radio transmission is used to indicate that action is taken to
ensure that it cannot be used by an enemy as a navigational aid. Safeguarding action may take the form
of navigational intelligence given by a system.

Safety Circuit. See Circuit, Safety.

SAGOP. Electronic equivalent of a General Operations Plot.

Satellite, Geostationary. A geosynchronous satellite whose circular and direct orbit lies in the plane
of the earth's equator and which thus remains fixed relative to the earth; by extension, a satellite which
remains approximately fixed relative to the earth.

Satellite, Geosynchronous. An earth satellite whose period of revolution is equal to the period of
rotation of the earth about its axis.

Saturation. The overwhelming of a receiver by an excessively high input signal such as jamming. See
Recovery Time.

Scan Period. The period taken by a radar to complete its scan pattern and return to its starting point.

Scan. In electromagnetic or acoustic search, one complete rotation of the antenna. It may determine a
time basis.

Scatter, Ionospheric (FPIS; IFS). The propagation of radio waves scattering as a result of
irregularities or discontinuities in the ionization of the ionosphere. See Scattering, Back and Scattering
Forward (FPIS; FPTS; IFS; TFS).

Scatter, Troposheric (FPTS; TFS). The propagation of radio waves over the earth by scattering
from irregularities or discontinuities in the atmospheric properties within the troposphere.

Scattering, Back. In radio wave propagation, scattering in which the propagation directions
of the incident and scattered waves under consideration, resolved along a reference direction (usually
horizontal) are oppositely directed. Note. A signal received by back scattering is often referred to as
back scatter.

Scattering, Forward (FPIS; FPTS; IFS; TFS). In radio wave propagation, scattering in which the
propagation directions of the incident and scattered waves under consideration, resolved along a

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reference direction (usually horizontal), are directed in the same sense. Note. A signal received by
forward scatter, for example, ionospheric forward scatter, tropospheric forward scatter.

Scattering. See Scatter, Ionospheric and Scatter Tropospheric.

Scintillation. In a radio transmitter, unwanted momentary rapid fluctuation of the operating frequency.

Scramble. 1. In Telephony. To make telephony unintelligible to casual interception. 2. In

cryptography. To mix in a random or quasi-random fashion.

SDLC, Synchronous Data Link Control. An IBM communications protocol, commonly used in an
SNA environment.

Sea Return. Wanted echoes received from the surface of the sea by a radar set.

Search Receiver. A receiver which can be tuned over a relatively wide frequency range in order to
detect and measure electromagnetic signals.

Secure. A generic term referring to a method of communicating which denies information to

unauthorized recipients. The channel/circuit/net is secured by physical means or by the provision of on-
line crypto equipment (Cryptographic) as appropriate for telegraph, data, facsimile or voice operation
(The term must be qualified by the addition of a self explanatory word or words eg voice, data,
facsimile, telegraph etc.,).

Secure Managed Interface. One or more BPD forming the control point(s) between combined CIS
and NAS. (UK)

Security Architecture. The subset of the CIS or communications system architecture dealing with the
security of that system. (NATO)

Security Clearance. An administrative determination by competent national authority that an individual

is eligible, from a security standpoint, for access to classified information. (AU)

Security Risk Management. The total process of identifying, controlling and minimizing uncertain
events that may affect system resources. (NATO)

Selective Identification Feature (SIF). Airborne pulse-type transponder which provides automatic
selective identification of aircraft in which it is installed, to friend-or-foe identification installations,
whether ground, shipboard or airborne.

Selectivity. The ability of a radar receiver to discriminate, by frequency-dependent selection, between

a desired signal and coexistent undesired signals at other frequencies.
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Selector channel. An input/output (I/O) channel designed to operate with only on I/O device at a
time. Once the I/O device is selected, complete records are transferred in one byte intervals. Compare
with block-multiplexor channel and multiplexor channel.

Selector lightpen. An instrument that can be attached to the display station as a special feature.
When pointed at a portion of the display station’s image on the screen and then activated, the selector
lightpen identifies that portion of the displayed screen for subsequent processing.

Self-Screening Range. In Electronic Warfare. That range at which a target has a certain specified
probability of avoiding detection by the use of its jamming mask.

Self-Screening. In Electronic Warfare. Concealing a target by means of radiating jamming energy

(from self-contained jammers) at sufficient power levels to make the target radar echo indiscernible form
the jamming.

Sensitive information 1. Information that requires protection due to the risk of loss or harm that
could result from inadvertent or deliberate disclosure, modification, or destruction. The term includes
information classified in one of the three security classification categories as well as information about
individuals requiring protection under the Privacy Act and information not releasable under the Access to
Information Act (CA).

Sensitive information 2. Information that, as determined by a competent authority, must be

protected because its disclosure, modification, destruction, or loss will cause perceivable damage to
someone or something.(NATO)

Sensitivity 1. The characteristic of a resource that implies its value or importance, and may include its
vulnerability. (NATO)

Sensitivity 2. The characteristic of a radio receiver which determines the minimum usable input.

Sensitivity 3. The least input which produces an output which satisfies certain specified requirements,
including generally a specified signal-to-noise ratio.

Sensor. An equipment which detects, and may indicate, and/or record objects and activities by means
of energy or particles emitted, reflected, or modified by objects. Note. The energy may be nuclear,
electromagnetic, including the visible and invisible portions of the spectrum, chemical, biological, thermal
or mechanical, including sound, blast and earth vibration.

Serial transmission. A technique in which each bit of information is sent sequentially on a single
channel, rather than simultaneously as in parallel transmission. Serial transmission is the normal mode for

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data communications. Parallel transmission is often used between computers and local peripheral
devices.

Service, Aeronautical Fixed. A fixed service intended for the transmission of information relating to
air navigation, preparation for and safety of flight.

Service, Aeronautical Mobile. A mobile service between aircraft stations and aeronautical stations,
or between aircraft stations.

Service, Aeronautical Radionavigation. A radionavigation service intended for the benefit of

aircraft.

Service, Amateur. A service of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried

on by amateurs; that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio techniques solely with a personal
aim and without pecuniary interest.

Service, Broadcasting. A radio communication service in which the transmissions are intended for
direct reception by the general public. This service includes sound transmission, television transmission
or other types of transmission.

Service, Fixed. A service of radio communication between specified fixed points.

Service, Land Mobile. A mobile service between base stations and land mobile stations, or between
land mobile stations.

Service, Maritime Mobile. A mobile service between ship stations and coast stations or between
ship stations.

Service, Maritime Radionavigation. A radionavigation service intended for the benefit of ships.

Service, Meteorological Aids. A service of emissions of special radio signals intended solely for
meteorological, including hydrological, observations and exploration.

Service, Mobile. A service of radio communication between mobile and land stations, or between
mobile stations.

Service, Radiolocation. A service involving the use of radionavigation.

Service, Radionavigation. A radiolocation service involving the use of radionavigation.

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Service, Safety. Any radio service, the operation of which is directly related, whether permanent or
temporary, to the safety of human life and the safeguarding of property, shall be considered a safety
service.

Service, Standard Frequency. A radio communication service for the transmission of standard and
specified frequencies of known high accuracy intended for general reception.

Session layer. The fifth layer in the OSI model; responsible for establishing, managing, and
terminating connections for individual application programs.

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Session. In SNA communications protocol, a session is a logical network connection between 2

addressable units for the exchange of data. For example, a 3278 Display Station could be a logical unit
in a session with a software application.

Seven layer model. See OSI model.

SHF - Super High Frequency. A range of frequencies extending from 3GHz to 30GHz.

Shared access. (In LAN technology) An access method that allows many stations to use the same
(shared) transmission medium; contended access and explicit access are 2 kinds of shared access
methods. Contrast with discrete access.

Shared CIS. System(s), including interconnecting networks and supporting infrastructure elements,
which process, store and transmit shared information; and over which participating member nations
share responsibility for its operation.

Shift. See FIGS and LTRS.

SHORAN. A precise short-range electronic navigation system which uses the time of travel of pulse-
type transmission from two or more fixed stations to measure slant-range distance from the stations.
Also, in conjunction with a suitable computer used in precision bombing (This term is derived from the
words Short Range Radio Navigation Systems).

Short-haul modem. See line driver and local dataset.

SIC, Subject Indicator Code. A Trigraph of letters and/or letters and figures, comprising of Subject
Area, Subject Sphere and Subject Code, aiding Communication staffs in the distribution of messages
without having to refer to the text.

Side Lobe Jamming. Jamming through a side lobe of a receiving antenna in an attempt to obliterate
the desired signal received through the main lobe of the receiving antenna or to confuse the operator as
to the true azimuth of the jammer by the injection of multiple strobes.

Sideband. A sideband is the frequency band, above or below the carrier, produced by the process of
modulation.

Side-real Period (Side -real Day). The time duration of one orbit measured relative to the stars. For
Earth this equates to a time period of 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.9054 seconds (one Sidereal Day).

Sighting. Actual visual contact. It does not include other contacts which must be reported by type eg
radar and sonar contacts.
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Sign-on character. The first character sent on an ABR circuit; used to determine the data rate.

Signal Analysis. Study of complex electromagnetic radiation's to determine their technical

characteristics and their tactical or strategic use. See Analysis.

Signal Characteristics. See Radiation Characteristics.

Signal Letters. See Call Sign, International.

Signal Message Address (SMA). A unique shortened form of address for use in the address
component of a signal message. It identifies an authority and may contain a geographical location.

Signal Security (SIGSEC). A generic term which includes both communications security and
electronic security.

Signal, Executive. See Executive Signal.

Signal, International Code. See Code, International Signal.

Signal, Operating. See Operating Signal.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio. The ratio, at a selected point in the circuit, of signal power to total circuit-
noise power.

Signal-to-noise ratio. The relative strength of the desired signal compared to the strength of
unwanted noise; usually measured in dB.

Signal 1. As applied to electronics, any transmitted electrical impulse.

Signal 2. Operationally, a type of message, the text of which consists of one or more letters, words,
characters, signal flags, visual display or special sounds, with prearranged meanings and which is
conveyed or transmitted by visual, acoustical, or electrical means.

Signal 3. The document containing the information to be transmitted and or any reproduction thereof
made in the course of transmission or delivery to the addressee. Also known as a message.

Signalling. In telephony, signalling refers to the process and the standards involved for passing control
information between various terminal equipment on a network. E.g. between a PABX and a local
exchange or between networked PABXs.

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Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). The generic term used to describe COMINT and ELINT when
there is no requirement to differentiate between these two types of intelligence, or to represent fusion of
the two.

Silent Zone. See Skip Zone.

Simplex Operation. Simplex operation refers to communication between two points in both
directions, but not simultaneously.

Simplex transmission. Transmission in only one direction.

Simulation. The creation of electromagnetic emissions to represent friendly notional or actual

capabilities to mislead hostile forces.

Single Sideband (SSB) Transmission. That system of carrier transmission in which one sideband is
transmitted and the other sideband is suppressed. The carrier wave may be either transmitted or
suppressed.

Skin Paint. A radar indication caused by the reflected radar signal from an object.

Skin Tracking. The tracking of an object by means of a skin paint.

Skip Distance. For a specified operating frequency, the least distance in a given direction from the
transmitter at which radio waves are received by reflection from the ionosphere. It is customary to
ignore reflection from the sporadic E layer.

Skip Zone. The space or region wherein a transmission is not normally received between the farthest
point reached by the ground wave and the nearest point at which the reflected waves come back to
earth.

Sky Wave. That portion of a radiated wave which travels in space and is returned to earth by
refraction in the ionosphere.

Slave station. (In point-to-point circuits) The unit controlled by the master station.

SM, Stores Management (Module).

SMA. See Signal Message Address. (Also known as a plain language Address (PLAD)).

SNA/SDLC. See SDLC.

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Software. A computer program or set of computer programs held in some kind of storage medium
and loaded into read/write memory (RAM) for execution. Compare with firmware and hardware.

SOH, start of header. A control character used to indicate the beginning of the header.

Sonar Signalling/Supersonic Telegraphy. The process of transmitting and receiving morse signals
by sonar apparatus.

Sonobuoy. An acoustic device, used mainly for the detection of submarines which, when activated,
transmits information by radio.

Sound Powered. A term denoting that a device (eg a microphone) derives its power by converting
acoustic energy to electrical power without the aid of an external power supply.

Sound Signalling. A means of communication which utilizes sound waves. Whistles, sirens, bells and
signal devices are used to transmit sound messages consisting of prearranged signals. Sound may also
be used for emergency communication using international morse code.

Source of Authority (SOA). An Attribute Authority that a privilege verifier for a particular resource
trusts as the ultimate authority to assign a set of privileges
Space (Spacing Signal). The signal corresponding to the active condition in a teleprinter. Normally
SPACE is the signalling condition which produces a START signal (ITA No 2).

Space Diversity (Spaced Serial Diversity). A term used to designate any method of transmission
and/or reception for combating effects of flat or selective fading which employs antennae having
common polarization and spatial separations.

Spare 1. An ASCII or EBCDIC character that results in a 1-character-wide blank when printed.

Spare 2. (In single-current telegraph communications) The open circuit or no-current-flowing

condition.

Spare 3. (In data communications) Represents a binary 0.

Special Handling (SPH). Special Handling is the term applied to control measures implemented to
afford additional security protection and/or limited access to certain communications beyond the
protection normally afforded. These control measures may include user-approved software locks,
security clearance of personnel at terminals and interface areas to relevant levels of access and the use
of off-line cryptographic equipment, special keying variables, dedicated facilities or any combination of
these to protect the passage of such communications through a C-E Network.

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Special Operating Group. A group of four letters, identical in appearance with address groups,
provided for use in the headings of messages to give special instructions.

Spectrum Management Allied Data Exchange Format (SMADEF). A common data exchange
format for frequency management under development by NATO.

Spectrum Management (Strategic/Operational). Planning, coordinating, and managing use of the

electromagnetic spectrum through operational, engineering, and administrative procedures with the
objective of enabling military electronic systems to perform their functions within intended environments
without causing or suffering harmful interference.

Speech plus. Technique used to combine voice and data on the same line by assigning the top part of
the normal voice bandwidth to data.

Speech Scrambler. A device by which speech is converted into unintelligible form before transmission
and is restored to intelligible form at reception to obtain some measure of privacy against casual
overhearing by unauthorized persons.

Speed dialling. Process of using short sequences of digits to represent complete telephone numbers.

Speed. Same as data rate.

Spoiling. The process whereby suitably sited transmitters, operating in a synchronized group, mutually
add to the service coverage of radio system, but reduce or nullify the value of the system as a direction-
finding navigation aid.

Spoofing. In Electronic Warfare. Creation of false radar targets primarily used for deception. An
alternative name for Deception.

Sporadic E Layer. Clouds of varying size up to several hundred kilometres across appear in the E
layer. These are regions where the electron density is higher than normal for that layer. These occur
most frequently during summer nights and give single hop ranges of 2000 km at frequencies of up to 50
MHz. See Ionosphere.

Spread Spectrum. A communications technique in which the modulated information is transmitted in a

bandwidth considerably greater than the frequency bandwidth containing the original information.
Spread spectrum systems utilise a sequential noise like signal, for example pseudo noise codes, to
spread the normally narrow band information signal over a relatively wide band of frequencies. The
receive correlates these signals to retrieve the original information signal.

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Spread Spectrum Multiple Access (SSMA). General term for a number of modulation methods
such as FHSS and CDMA which utilise spread spectrum techniques for multiple access on a
communications satellite.

Squelch. The reduction or elimination of the noise otherwise heard in a radio receiver when no carrier
signal is present.

SSI, small-scale integration. A term used to describe a multi-function semiconductor device with a
spare density (10 circuits or less) of electronic circuitry contained on a single silicon chip. (See table
following LSI for comparison of circuit density ranges).

Standard Frequency Action Format (SFAF). A common data exchange format for frequency
management developed and implemented by the United States.

Star. (In LAN technology) A network topology where the central control point is connected
individually to all stations.

Start bit. (In asynchronous transmission) The first bit used to indicate the beginning of a character;
normally, a space condition which serves to prepare the receiving equipment for the reception and
registration of the character.

Start-Stop System. A telegraph system in which each group of code elements corresponding to an
alphabetical signal is preceded by a start signal which serves to prepare the receiving mechanism for the
reception and registration of a character, and is followed by a stop signal which serves to bring the
receiving mechanism to rest in preparation for the reception of the next character.

Start-stop transmission. Asynchronous transmission such that a group of signals representing a

character is preceded by a start bit and followed by a stop bit.

Static. See Interference.

Station Experimental (EX). A station utilizing electromagnetic waves between 10 MHz and
3,000,000 MHz in experiments with a view to the development of science or technique. This definition
does not include amateur stations.

Station, Aeronautical (FA). A land station in the aeronautical mobile service carrying on a service
with aircraft stations. In certain instances an aeronautical station may be placed onboard a ship.

Station, Aeronautical Broadcast (FAB). An aeronautical station which makes broadcasts of

meteorological information and notices to airmen.

Station, Aeronautical Fixed (AX). A station in the aeronautical fixed service.

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Station, Aeronautical Marker Beacon (RLA). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical
radionavigation service which provides a signal to designate a small area above the station. In certain
instances an aeronautical marker beacon station may be placed onboard a ship.

Station, Aeronautical Radio Beacon (RLB). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical
radionavigation service, the emissions of which are intended to enable aircraft, or other mobile service,
to determine its bearing or its direction in relation to the aeronautical radio beacon station.

Station, Aircraft (MA). A mobile station installed onboard any type of aircraft and continuously
subject to human control.

Station, Airdrome Control (FAC). An aeronautical station providing communication between

airdrome control tower and aircraft.

Station, Altimeter (ROA). A radionavigation mobile station in the aeronautical radionavigation

service, the emissions of which are intended to determine the altitude of aircraft, aboard which the
altimeter station is located, above the earth's surface.

Station, Amateur. A station in the amateur service.

Station, Base (FB). A land station in the land mobile service carrying on a service with land mobile
stations. A base station may secondarily communicate with other base stations incident to
communication with land mobile stations.

Station, Broadcasting (BC). A station in the broadcasting service.

Station, Coast (FC). A land station in the maritime mobile service carrying on a service with ship
stations. A coast station may secondarily communicate with other coast stations incident to
communication with ship stations.

Station, Fixed (FX). A station in the fixed service. A fixed station may, as a secondary service,
transmit to mobile stations on its normal frequencies.

Station, Flight Test (FAT) An aeronautical station used for the transmission of essential
communications in connection with the test of aircraft or major components of aircraft.

Station, Glide Path/Slope (RLG). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical radionavigation
service which provides vertical guidance in connection with an instrument landing system. In certain
instances a glide path/slope station may be placed onboard a ship.

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Station, Hydrological and Meteorological Fixed (FXH). A fixed station, the emissions of which
are used for the automatic transmission of either hydrological or meteorological data, or both.

Station, Hydrological and Meteorological Mobile (MOH). A mobile station, the emissions of
which are used for the automatic transmission of either hydrological or meteorological data, or both.

Station, International Broadcasting (BCI). A broadcasting station employing frequencies allocated

to the broadcasting service, the transmissions of which are intended to be received directly by the
general public in foreign countries.

Station, Land (FL). A station in the mobile service not intended for operation while in motion. A land
station may communicate, on a secondary basis, with fixed stations or other land stations of the same
category.

Station, Land Mobile (ML). A mobile station in the land mobile service capable of surface
movement within the geographical limits of a country or continent.

Station, Localizer (RLL). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical radionavigation service
which provides signals for the lateral guidance of aircraft with respect to a runway centre line.

Station, LORAN (RLN). A long distance radionavigation land station transmitting synchronized
pulses. Hyperbolic lines of position are determined by the measurement of the difference in the time of
arrival of these pulses.

Station, Marine Broadcast (FCB). A coast station which makes scheduled broadcasts of time,
meteorological and hydrographic information.

Station, Marine Radio Beacon (RLM). A radionavigation land station, the emissions of which are
intended to enable a ship's station to determine its bearing or its direction in r elation to the marine radio
beacon station.

Station, Meteorological Radar (WXD). A station in the meteorological aid service employing radar.

Station, Mobile (MO). A station in the mobile service intended to be used while in motion or during
halts at unspecified points.

Station, Omnidirectional Range (RLO). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical

radionavigation service providing direct indication of the bearings of that station from an aircraft.

Station, RACON (RLC). A radionavigation land station which employs a RACON. In certain
instances a RACON may be placed onboard a ship or aircraft. See also RACON.

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Station, Radio Beacon. A radionavigation station, the emissions of which are intended to enable a
mobile station to determine its bearing or its direction in relation to the radio beacon station.

Station, Radio Direction-Finding (RG). A radiolocation station intended to determine only the
direction of other stations by means of transmission from the latter.

Station, Radio Positioning Land (PL). A station in the radiolocation service other than
radionavigation station not intended for operation while in motion.

Station, Radio Positioning Mobile (PM). A station in the radiolocation service other than a
radionavigation station intended to be used while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.

Station, Radio Range (RLR). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical radionavigation
service providing radio equisignal zones. In certain instances a radio range station may be placed
onboard a ship.

Station, Radiolocation. A station in the radiolocation service.

Station, Radionavigation Land (RL). A station in the radionavigation service intended to be used
while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.

Station, Radionavigation. A station in the radionavigation service.

Station, Radiosonde (WXR). A station in the meteorological air service employing Radiosonde.

Station Serial Number (SSN). See Number, Station Serial.

Station, Ship (MS). A mobile station in the maritime mobile service located onboard a vessel which is
not permanently moored.

Station, Standard Frequency (SS). A station in the standard frequency service.

Station, Surveillance Radar (RLS). A radionavigation land station in the aeronautical

radionavigation service employing radar to display the presence of aircraft within its range. In certain
instances a surveillance radar station may be placed onboard a ship.

Station, Telemetering Fixed (FXE). A fixed station, the emissions of which are used for
telemetering.

Station, Telemetering Mobile (MOE). A mobile station, the emissions of which are used for
telemetering.

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Station, Transfer. A designated relay station of one network that is connected to a designated relay in
another network for the purpose of transferring traffic between the networks.

Station, Tributary. See Tributary Station (Message Relay).

Station. A separate transmitter or receiver or a combination of transmitters and receivers including the
accessory equipment required for carrying on a definite radio communication service. The station
assumes the classification of the service in which it operates permanently or temporarily.

Station. A unit (usually an item of DCE) on a network.

Stepped Tones. See Bagpipes.

Stop bit. (In asynchronous transmission) The last bit used to indicate the end of a character; normally
a mark condition which serves to return the line to its idle or reset state.

Stored Program Control. Generally, the application of computer techniques to the control of private
or public telephone exchanges.

Strobe Triangulation. A method of locating a jammer target by means of plotting the azimuths of the
jammed sectors (strobes) of two or more remotely located radar’s jammed simultaneously by the same
jammer.

Strowger. Named after its inventor, this was the first switching technology used in public telephone
exchanges.

STX, start of text. A control character used to indicate the beginning of a message; it immediately
follows the header in transmission blocks.

Subcarrier Frequency Shift. The conveying of telegraphic information by shifting an audio frequency
carrier which is then used to modulate a radio frequency carrier for radio transmission. Where only two
discrete steps of subcarrier frequency shift are involved, it is also known as Two-Tone Keying.

Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance (SID). In propagation. Follows solar flare by abut two minutes.
Characterized by a sudden fading or quietness across the entire high frequency band.

Super-Synchronous Satellite. A satellite having an orbital period greater than that of a synchronous
satellite.

Surveillance Radar/Warning Search Radar. A radar with the normal functions of: (1) Maintaining
continuous watch or search in its area of employment. (2) Supplying information on all targets with

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sufficient accuracy to permit acquisition by more accurate radar’s or by weapon systems in sufficient
time to allow effective engagements of the targets.

SVC, switched virtual circuit. (In a packet-switched network) A temporary virtual circuit between
2 users.

Sweep Jammer. A transmitter that emits a jamming signal consisting of a carrier wave (unmodulated
or modulated), the frequency of which is continuously varied within a given bandwidth.

Sweep Jamming. A narrow band of jamming that is swept back and forth over a relatively wide
operating band of frequencies.

Sweep. The pattern of light or marking on the face of a cathode ray tube caused by the predetermined
deflection and modulation of the electron beam.

Switch 1. Informal for data PABX.

Switch 2. (In packet-switched networks) The device used to direct packets, usually located at one of
the nodes on the network’s backbone.

Switchboard. In an exchange, a suite of one or more operating positions at which the interconnection
of lines is manually controlled.

Switched line. A communications link for which the physical path may vary with each usage, such as
the public telephone network.

Switching Communications System. In telecommunications, assembly of equipment and

procedures, organized so as to effect automatic interconnection of channels, circuits and trunks, and/or
handing of traffic, through switching facilities.

Switching Matrix. (In LAN technology) The electronic equivalent of a cross-bar switch.

Switching, Automatic. A method of operation which effects automatic interconnection of channels,

circuits and trunks and/or handling of traffic through a switching facility.

Symbolic name. A means used to identify a collection of stations (as in an access group) or computer
ports (as in a resource class).

Synchronous. A satellite with a mean sidereal period of revolution about the primary body equal to
the sidereal period of the primary body about its own axis.
NOTE: A synchronous earth satellite must be synchronised to the sidereal period of the Earth.

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SYN, synchronous idle. (In synchronous transmission) A control character used to maintain
synchronization and as a time fill in the absence of data. The sequence of 2 SYN characters in
succession is used to maintain synchronization following each line turnaround.

Sync. Short for synchronous or for synchronous transmission.

Synchronization, synchronizing. The process of making the receiver be “in step” with the
transmitter; usually achieved by having a constant time interval between successive bits, by having a pre-
defined sequence of overhead bits and information bits, and by having a clock.

Synchronized Group. A synchronized group is several transmitters suitably sited for masking another
transmitter. All transmitters carry the same modulation or keying supplied from a common source. All
operate on exactly the same frequency.

Synchronous data channel. A communication channel capable of transmitting timing information in

addition to data. More properly called an “isochronous” data channel.

Synchronous Operation (Cryptographic). A method of on-line crypto operation in which terminal

cipher equipments have timing systems to keep them in step, synchronism of the system being
independent of the traffic passing on the channel concerned and regardless of circuit conditions.

Synchronous transmission. Transmission in which the data characters and bits are transmitted at a
fixed rate with the transmitter and receiver synchronized. This eliminates the need for individual start bits
and stop bits surrounding each byte, thus providing greater efficiency. Contrast with asynchronous
transmission.

System. An overall term used to describe communication facilities from an engineering aspect
including all the associated equipment.

System Control Point (SCP). A CIS engineering monitor and control point providing quality control
and channel switching facilities.

System Controller. An individual at a technical system control point who is responsible for
maintaining quality control and/or channel switching of telecommunications.

System-High Security Mode of Operation. A mode of operation in which ALL individuals with
access to the data processing system or network are cleared to the highest classification level of
information stored, processed or transmitted within the data processing system or network, but NOT
ALL individuals with access to the data processing system or network have a common need-to-know
for the information stored, processed or transmitted within the data processing system or network.

NOTES
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1. The lack of common need-to-know indicates that there is a requirement for computer
security features to provide selective access to, and separation of, information within the data
processing system or network.

2. Other security features (for example, physical, personnel and procedural) shall conform
to the requirements for the highest classification level and all category designations of the
information stored, processed or transmitted within the data processing system or network.

3. All information stored, processed or being available to an data processing system or

network under this mode of operation, together with any output generated, will be protected as
potentially of the information category designation and of the highest classification level being
stored, processed or transmitted until determined otherwise, unless there is an acceptable level
of trust that can be placed in any labeling functionality present.

4. Contrasts with 'Dedicated security mode' and 'Multi-Level security mode'. (NATO)
System Integrity. System Integrity – The property that a system performs its intended function in an
unimpaired manner, free from deliberate or accidental unauthorized manipulation of the system. (CA)

System X. SPC public telephone exchange technology developed in the UK and now deployed in
most of the UK PSTN.

Systems Control Point, Technical. The place at which those facilities/circuits/technical control
installations and activities telecommunications are situated.

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2-wire circuit, 2-wire line. One pair of wires which can be used for 1-way transmission, half-duplex
transmission, or full-duplex transmission - depending on the type of modem or line driver employed.

3270, 3270 Information Display System. A very popular IBM data entry and display system which
consists of control units, displays stations, printers and other equipment. See display screen following
field.

T1 timer. (In X25 packet-switched networks) Used to measure timeout intervals in link initialization
and data exchanges.

T1. A 1.544 (in the USA and Japan) or 2.048 (elsewhere) Mbps bandwidth, data communications
facility available in many versions, 2 of which are: Formatted (Accunet is a formatted T1 offering),
which requires compliance with both AT&T DSX-1 hardware and DS-1 software standards; and
unformatted, which only requires compliance with the DSX-1 standard. (The formatted version
provides less usable bandwidth).

Taboo Frequency. A frequency on which jamming or other interference is prohibited. See Protected
Frequency.

TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System). 1. An ultra-high frequency electronic air navigation
system which provides a continuous indication of bearing and slant range to the TACAN station. The
term is derived from TACtical Air Navigation.

TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System). 2. A navigation aid, measuring distance and bearing
from the transponder type directional beacon. The craft carries a pulsed interrogating transmitter, a
receiver and display equipment. The combined receive-transmit radiation pattern of the beacon rotates
continuously about a vertical axis and the phase-characteristics of the amplitude modulation so imposed
on the transmitted pulses carries the bearing information. Notes. 1. The amplitude modulation
comprises two components on harmonically related frequencies providing course and fine bearing
accuracy. Reference signals for phase measurements are provided by marker pulses transmitted by the
beacon when its radiation pattern has particular orientations. 2. When not interrogated random pulses
as well as the markers are transmitted by the beacon which thus continues to provide a directional
beacon service.

Tail circuit. A feeder circuit to a network node; normally a leased line.

Tandem Operation. Electrically or mechanically coupled two crypto equipments to produce locally
automatic decryption simultaneous with encryption.
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Tandem Switch. A manual or automatic switch connecting the output terminals of one trunk circuit to
the input terminals of another trunk circuit, thereby connecting both circuits in tandem.

Tap. (In cable-based LANs) A connection to the main transmission medium.

Tape Copy. A message in tape form which is the result of transmission.

Tape Relay, Automatic. A system of tape relay which embodies automatic switching, Being
replaced by the term "Message Relay".

Tape Relay, Semi-Automatic Continuous Tape (Switching). A method of teletypewriter operation

whereby incoming messages are received in continuous printed/perforated tape and given onward
electrical transmission according to routing requirements through the push button panel connection of a
transmitter distributor into the appropriate outgoing channel(s).

Tape Relay, Torn Tape. A Message Relay system in which the perforated tape is transferred by an
operator to the appropriate automatic transmitter position.

Tape Relay. A system of retransmitting traffic from one channel to another in which messages arriving
on an incoming channel are recorded in the form of perforated tape, this tape being fed into an
automatic transmitter on an outgoing channel.

Tape, Chad. A tape used in printing telegraphy/teletypewriter operation. The perforations are severed
from the tape making holes representing the characters. The characters are not normally printed on
Chad tape.

Tape, Chadless. Punched tape that has been punched in such a way that Chad is not formed.

Tape, Wheatstone (Boehme). Tape used for automatic (machine) transmission and reception of
International Morse Code. 1. For Transmission. A tape providing for two unit perforation i.e. two
holes perforated vertically equal a dot and two holes perforated obliquely equal a dash. 2. Ink
Recording Tape. A tape drawn through an ink recorder, the flinger of which draws a continuous ink line.
Dots or dashes are indicated by fluctuations in the ink line.

Target Acquisition. The detection, identification and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit
the effective employment of weapons.

Target Reflectivity. The degree to which a target reflects electromagnetic energy.

Target Tracking and Illuminating Radar. A radar used to track a selected target and at the same
time provide illumination to enable a missile to home on the selected target.
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Tariff. The published schedule of rates for specific equipments, facilities, or services offered by a
common carrier; also, the vehicle by which regulatory agencies approve the rates. Thus, a contract
between the customer and the common carrier.

TB, Terabyte (1012B). A measure of computer storage capacity.

TCAM, Telecommunications Access Method. An IBM software routine; the telecommunications

access method for 3270 control. See display screen following field.

TCP/IP, transmission control protocol/internet protocol. (In LAN technology) A communications

protocol for internetwork routing and reliable message delivery; endorsed by the DoD and found in
ARPANET. TCP/IP functions at the 3rd and 4th layers of the OSI model.

TCU, transmission control unit. A control unit (such as an IBM 2703) whose operations are
controlled solely by programmed instructions from the computing system to which the unit is attached;
no program is stored or executed in the unit. Contrast with communications control unit.

TD, Transmitted Data. An RS-232 data signal (sent from DTE to DCE on pin 2).

TDM, time -division multiplexor. A multiplexor which apportions the time available on its composite
link between its channels, usually inter-leaving bits or bytes or data from successive channels.

TDMA, time -division multiple access. 1. (In LAN technology) A high-speed, burst mode of
operation that can be used to interconnect LANs; first used as a multiplexing technique on shared
communications satellites.

TDMA, time -division multiple access. 2. A method of several independent sources using one
bandwidth at the same time. Restricted to digital transmissions, the bandwidth is used by all users on a
time-sharing basis. The access period (or time slots) need not be of equal duration.

Telecommunication. Any transmission, emission or reception of signals, signs, writing images and
sounds, or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, visual or other electromagnetic systems.

Teleconference. A conference between persons remote from one another but linked by a
telecommunication system.

Telegram. Documentary matter, in written, printed or pictorial form entrusted to a telegraph service
for transmission and delivery to an addressee.
Note. The telegram includes the document entrusted to the telegraph service or delivered to the
addressee. See radiotelegraph.

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Telegraphy, Automatic. Any method of telegraph operation in which, by the use of automatic
apparatus, the manual operations involved are effectively reduced or eliminated.

Telegraphy, Four-Frequency Diplex. See Four-Frequency Diplex Telegraphy.

Telegraphy, Frequency-Shift. See Frequency-Shift Telegraphy.

Telegraphy, Manual. Any method of telegraph operation in which the signal elements are formed
individually by an operator from his knowledge of the code and simultaneously transmitted.

Telegraphy, Morse. Alphanumeric telegraphy using the Morse Code.

Telegraphy, Mosaic. Telegraphy in which the characters are formed as mosaics made up from units
transmitted as individual signal elements.

Telegraphy, Voice Frequency (VFTG). A telegraph transmission within a telephone type channel
using frequency division multiplexing.

Telegraphy 1. A form of telecommunications which is concerned in any process providing

transmission and reproduction at a distance of documentary matter, such as written or printed matter or
fixed images, or the reproduction at a distance of any kind of information in such a form. Unless
otherwise stated, telegraphy shall mean a form of telecommunication for the transmission of written
matter by the use of a signal code. This does not include Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) telephony.

Telegraphy 2. In the modern context, telegraphy generally refers to low speed (less than 200 bits/s)
message and data communications using dedicated low grade circuits and/or telex network.

Telemetering. Automatic radio communication, in a fixed or mobile service, intended to indicate or

record a measurable, variable quantity at a distance.

Telemetry 1. Transmission of coded analogue data, often real-time parameters, from a remote site.

Telemetry 2. Coded State-of-Health transmission from a satellite to a spacecraft operations facility.

Telephony/Voice. A form of telecommunication primarily intended for the exchange of information in

the form of speech.

Teleprinter (Teletypewriter). A start-stop apparatus comprising an alphanumeric keyboard

transmitter with a printing character receiver.

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Teleprinter Exchange Service (TWX or TELEX). A worldwide commercial, low speed data
service, permitting teletypewriter communications on the same basis as the telephone service, operating
through switchboards. This service is limited to subscribers as in the telephone service.

Teleprinter-on-Multiplex (TOM). Similar to TPR but adapted for a multiplex circuit.

Teleprinter-on-Radio (TPR). A designation for a particular system of conversion of the 5 Unit

Teleprinter Code to 7 or more units for radio transmission so as to permit Automatic Error Detection at
the receiving terminal and Automatic RQ.

Teleprinter. A terminal without a CRT that consists of a keyboard and a printer.

Teleprocessing. A form of information handling in which a data processing system utilizes

communication facilities. (Originally, but no longer, an IBM trademark). Synonymous with data
communications.

Teletex. The CCITT standard for text and message communications which was intended to replace
Telex. Teletex operates at a high speed (2400 bps), can accommodate upper and lower case
characters and has a well defined format for transmission and presentation of text.

Teletype, Teletype Corporation. 1. A contraction of “teletypewriter”, the teletype was a simple

hard copy terminal which was widely used as a computer terminal prior to the advent of the visual
display unit.

Teletype, Teletype Corporation. 2. A manufacturer of teleprinters.

TEMPEST. Phenomenon of unintentional emanation of compromising electrical signals from an

equipment, system or unit.

Terminal control unit. See cluster control unit.

Terminal instrument. A telecommunications device which provides a point of origin and/or

termination of a circuit/channel.

Terminal server. (In LAN technology) A device that allows one or more terminals or other devices
to connect to an Ethernet.

Terminal. 1. Any device capable of sending or receiving data over a data communications channel.

Terminal. 2. Communication facilities which constitute a point of origin and/or termination of a

circuit/channel.

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Terrain Avoidance System. A system which provides the pilot or navigator of an aircraft with a
situation display of the ground or obstacles which project above either a horizontal plane through the
aircraft or a plane parallel to it, so that the pilot can maneouver the aircraft to avoid the obstruction.

Test, Communications. Any transmission or reception specifically intended to evaluate the efficiency
of communications media or facilities.

Text. That part of a message which contains the information which the originator desires to be
communicated.

Thin Ethernet. (In LAN technology) An Ethernet LAN or an IEEE 802.3 LAN that uses smaller-
than-normal diameter coax; often used to link IBM personal computers together. Operates at same
frequency as Ethernet but smaller distances; Also known informally as “Cheapernet”.

Threat. Any potential event or act that could cause one or more of the following to occur: unauthorized
disclosure, destruction, removal, modification or interruption of sensitive information, assets or services,
or injury to people. A threat may be deliberate or accidental (CA).

Throughput delay. The length of time required to accept input and transmit it as output.

Throughput. A measurement of processing or handling ability which measures the amount of data
accepted as input and processed as output by a device, link, network or a system.

THz. terahertz (1012Hz) Used as an indicator of the frequency of infrared, visible and ultraviolet
radiation.

Tie Line. See Circuit, Trunk.

Time Division Multiplex. Multiplexing in which a separate periodic time interval is allocated to each
tributary channel in the common channel. See TDM.

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). See TDMA.

Time Handed In. See Filing Time/Time Handed In.

Time of Delivery. the date and time at which a message is delivered to an addressee.

Time of Dispatch. The date and time at which a communication is dispatched to an addressee or
communication agency. Not to be used in connection with messages transmitted by
telecommunications.

Time of origin. See Date-Time Group (DTG).

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Time of Receipt. The date and time at which a communication agency completes reception of a
message transmitted to it by another communication agency.

Time slot. (In LAN technology) An assigned period of time or an assigned position in a sequence.

Time Zones. The description and designation of letters assigned to time zones are given in ACP 127
series.

Time, Greenwich Mean (GMT). Mean solar time at the meridian of Greenwich. (allocated time
zone suffix Zulu).

Timeout 1. The expiration of a predefined interval which then triggers some action - such as a
disconnection that occurs following 30 seconds without any data activity (in a 30-second, no-activity
timeout).

Timeout 2. The length or existence of such an interval.

Timesharing. A method of computer operation that allows several interactive to use a computer and
its facilities; although the terminals are actually served in sequence, the high speed of the computer
makes it appear as if all terminals were being served simultaneously.

TNC. A threaded connector for miniature coax; TNC is said to be short for threaded-Neill-
Concelman (See N connector and C connector). Contrast with BNC.

TOD, Time of Day.

Token bus, token-passing bus (In LAN technology) A bus topology LAN that uses a token for
explicit access. Specified in ISO 8802/4 and IEEE 802.4.

Token ring, token-passing ring. (In LAN technology) A ring topology LAN that uses a token for
explicit access. Specified in ISO 8802/5 and IEEE 802.5.

Token. (In LAN technology) A packet (or part of a packet) used in explicit access LANs; the
station that “owns” the token is the station that controls the transmission medium.

Trace. The visible or recordable path on the screen on target by the moving spot. Also called "line"
and "scan".

Tracer. In message relay. The process by which communications staffs "Trace" a signal message to
ascertain the reason for delay or loss.

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Track Correlation. Correlating track information for identification purposes using all available data.

Track Telling. The process of communicating air surveillance and tactical data information between
command and control systems or between facilities within the systems. Telling may be classified into the
following types: A. Back Tell. The transfer of information from a higher to a lower echelon of
command. B. Cross Tell. The transfer of information between facilities at the same operational level.
Also called lateral tell. C. Forward Tell. The transfer of information to a higher level of command. D.
Lateral Tell. See Cross Tell. E. Overlap Tell. The transfer of information to an adjacent facility
concerning tracks detected in the adjacent facilities area of responsibility. F. Relateral Tell. The relay
of information between facilities through the use of a third facility. This type of telling is appropriate
between automated facilities in a degraded communications environment.

Track-While-Scan. The process whereby a radar system produced tracking data on a target or
targets while simultaneously being used for surveillance or control.

Tracking 1. Precise and continuous position-finding of targets by radar, optical or other means.

Tracking 2. The process of pointing an earth station/terminal antenna at a satellite and accurately
following its drift rate.

Traffic (Communication). All transmitted and received messages.

Traffic Analysis. The analysis of the external characteristics of signal (message) communications and
related material for the purpose of obtaining information concerning the enemy order of battle,
operational activity, plans and the organization of a communications system.

Traffic Flow Security. The protection resulting from features, inherent in some crypto equipment,
which conceal the presence of valid messages on communications circuits, normally achieved by causing
the circuit to appear busy at all times.

Training pattern. The sequence of signals used in training.

Training time. The interval required to complete training.

Training. The process in which a receiving modem achieves equalization with a transmitting modem.

Transaction processing. A real-time of data processing in which individual tasks or items of data
(transactions) are processed as they occur - with no primary editing or sorting.

Transceiver. A single device that combines the function of a transmitter and a receiver.

Transfer. The passing of traffic between networks.

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Transfer Orbit. The path travelled between the parking orbit of a satellite after launching and its
planned operational orbit.

Transmission Authentication. See Authentication, Transmission.

Transmission block. A sequence of continuous data characters or bytes transmitted as a unit, over
which a coding procedure is usually applied for synchronization or error control purposes.

Transmission Identification (TI). A combination of letters and figures used to identify a transmission
of a channel between two stations. It consists of the following components in sequence: A. Station
and Channel Designator. Three letters which identify one or both of the stations and a specific channel
between the two stations. These are as follows: 1. Either two letters to identify one or both of the
stations; one letter to identify a specified channel, or, 2. Three letters to represent collectively one of the
stations and a specific channel. B. Channel Serial. Three numeral characters which serve number each
transmission sequentially and which start at one (001) on a daily basis.

Transmission Medium. Any material substance that can be or is used for the propagation of signals,
usually in the form of modulated radio, light or acoustic waves, from one point to another, such as:
Optical fibre, cable, or bundle; a wire; a dielectric slab; water; or air. By extension, free space can also
be considered as a transmission medium for electromagnetic waves.

Transmission Section (Communications). One of two or more portions of a long message, each of
which is transmitted separately. All transmission sections of the same complete message use the same
Date-Time Group.

Transmission Security (TRANSEC). That component of communications security which results

from all measures designed to protect transmissions from interception and exploitation by means other
than cryptoanalysis.

Transmission System. In telecommunications, assembly of equipment and procedures organized so

as to carry bulk information, independently from their sources and sinks, through a network of channels,
circuits and trunks.

Transmitter (Radio). Apparatus producing radio frequency energy for the purpose of radio
communication.

Transponder 1. A receiver-transmitter which will generate a reply signal upon proper interrogation.
See also responder.

Transponder 2. A component of a secondary radar system which receives pulses from a radar set or
interrogator and, in response to the received pulse, transmits a pulse or sequence of pulses to enable the
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craft or beacon incorporating the transponder to be recognized by the interrogating station.
Synonymous with responder.

Transport layer. The fourth layer in the OSI model; ensures error-free, end-to-end delivery.

Transportable Communications Equipment. Static communications installations or equipment

specifically designed for ease of transportation, rapid assembly and disassembly for operation in a
tactical environment.

TRAP, Tactical Related Applications. Broadcast that allows near real-time ELINT information to
be displayed on ATW.

TRE, Tactical Receive Equipment. Enables the TRAP broadcast to be read direct from the USN
UHF Fleet SATCOM.

Tributary Station (Message Relay). A station electrically connected to a Message Relay network
but normally having no message relay responsibilities.

True Date-Time Group (TDTG). (used in codress messages). The original date and time
assigned to a message for identification purposes. The TDTG, which is not necessarily the Date-Time
Group appearing in the external message heading, remains identified with a message regardless of the
number of transmissions, retransmission’s, re-encryption's or re-addressals.

Trunk. An intelligence carrying multiplexed Baseband.

Trunk Group. A specified combination of trunks between switching facilities.

Trusted Computing Base (TCB). The totality of protection mechanisms within a computer system,
including hardware, firmware and software, the combination of which is responsible for enforcing a
security policy (NATO).

Tuning. The process of adjusting a circuit so that it resonates at a desired frequency.

TVP, Television Processor (Module).

Twisted pair cable. Two wires, usually loosely spun around each other to help cancel out any induced
noise in balanced circuits.

TWTA - Travelling Wave Tube Amplifier. An electron tube in which a stream of electrons interacts
continuously or repeatedly with a guided electromagnetic wave moving substantially in synchronism with
it, and in such a way that there is a net transfer of energy from the stream to the wave.

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TWX, Teletypewriter Exchange Service. A network of teleprinters connected over a North
American public switched network; uses ASCII code.

Tymnet. A common carrier offering an X25 PDN.

Type A Coax. (In IBM 3270 systems) A serial transmission protocol operating at 2.35Mbps which
provides for the transfer of data between a 3274 Control unit and attached display stations or printers.

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UA, User Agent. Within MHS, the system responsible for originating and receiving messages.

ULSI, ultra large-scale integration. A term used to describe a multi-function semiconductor device
with an ultra-high density (over 10,000 circuits) or electronic circuitry contained on a single silicon chip.
(See table following LSI for comparison of circuit density ranges).

Up-Conversion. The process of translating a signal from an IF to an RF by mixing that signal with a
reference frequency. The process may be undertaken in single or double stages.

Up-Converter. A microwave mixer.

Up-Link. A communications and/or command transmission from earth to a satellite.

Uninet. A common carrier offering an X25 PDN.

USASCII. See ASCII.

User Communications System. In telecommunications, assembly of equipment and procedures

which constitute a point of origin and/or termination of a channel or a circuit. Note. A user system may
be a single equipment like a telephone set or a telecopy terminal, as well as a local distributing system or
a message handling system.

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Validation Function. Used in Format Line 15 and is commonly known as the End Of Transmission
Sequence.

VAN, value-added network. A network of data communications facilities leased from a common
carrier - with extra equipment that provides more services. Many PDNs are also VANs.

VDT, video display terminal. CRT terminal.

VDU, video display unit. Same as VDT.

Verify. To ensure that the meaning and phraseology of the transmitted message conveys the exact
intention of the originator.

Very High Grade Messaging. The electronic mechanism for exchanging information of the greatest
strategic importance to national security and is only available to a limited user group. (UK)

VHF Omni-Range 1. In aviation, a short range very-high frequency, omni-directional beacon which
provides an indication in an aircraft of its bearing with respect to the beacon, or left-right indication.

VHF Omni-Range 2. An air navigational radio aid which uses phase comparison of a ground
transmitted signal to determine bearing. This term is derived from the words "very high frequency
Omnidirectional radio range". Abbreviated VOR.

Victim. In Electronic Warfare. The term used to describe the electronic equipment, or user thereof,
against which ECM is being used.

Video Insertion. The technique by which symbol and graphic information may be simultaneously
presented on a cathode ray tube.

Virtual call, virtual circuit. A circuit established only for the duration of the call, which may share a
physical circuit with other virtual circuits.

Visual Aural Radio Range. A type of radio range having four radio range legs, one pair of which is
identified by visual, the other by aural indications at the mobile stations.

VLSI, very large-scale integration. A term used to describe a multi-function semiconductor device
with a very high density (up to 10,000 circuits) of electronic circuitry contained on a single silicon chip.
(See table following LSI for comparison of circuit density ranges).
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VOCODER. A telecommunications device which will convert an analogue voice pattern to a digital
pattern for further processing (eg encryption) and vice versa.

Voice/data PABX. A device which combines the functions of a voice PABX and a data PABX, often
with emphasis on the voice facilities.

Voice Frequency. The frequency of an acoustic oscillation which may be produced by the normal
human voice.

Voice-grade channel, voice-grade line. A channel or line that offers the minimum bandwidth suitable
for voice frequencies, usually 300 bps to 3400 bps.

Voice Operated Gain Adjusting Device (VOGAD). This can be used before or after SSB
modulation. Compresses signal which allows the main power to be increased thus improving the signal-
to-noise ratio at the receiver.

Voice PABX, voice-only PABX. A PABX for voice circuits; a telephone exchange.

Volatile. A term used to describe a data storage device (memory) that loses its contents when power
is lost. Contrast with nonvolatile.

VTAM, Virtual Telecommunications Access Method. An IBM software routine; the virtual access
method for 3270 systems.

Vulnerability. A weakness or lack of controls that would allow or facilitate a threat actuation against a
specific asset or target. (NATO)

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Waiver 1. When a security requirement has been set aside and need not be implemented at all.
Security waivers are only to be granted by the NAA if a compelling operational requirement exists.
(CA).

Waiver 2. A written authorization to accept a configuration item, which during production or after
having been submitted for inspection, is found to depart from specified requirements, but nevertheless is
considered suitable for use 'as is' or after rework by an approved method.

WAN, wide-area network. A network which uses common carrier-provided lines; contrast with
LAN.

Warning Receiver. A special type of intercept receiver having a primary function of alerting the user
to imminent danger.

Warning, Security. A prosign or operating signal used to permit the transmission of unclassified or
off-line encrypted messages over non-approved circuits/channels or to prevent the transmission of
classified messages in plain language over non-approved circuits/channels. Note. 1. The security
warning prosigns are: UU - UNCLASSIFIED or Off-line encrypted transmission; may be transmitted
over non-approved circuits/channels. HH - CLASSIFIED transmission; must be transmitted over
approved circuits/channels only. 2. The relevant operating signals are contained in the ACP 131 series.

Warning Search Radar. See Surveillance Radar/Warning Search Radar.

Waveguide. A transmission line consisting of a system of material boundaries or structures for guiding
electromagnetic waves. Note. The most common form of waveguide is a metallic conductor; other
forms are dielectric rod, or a mixed structure of conducting and dielectric materials.

Wavelength. The distance between two successive points of a periodic wave in the direction of
propagation, in which the oscillation has the same phase.

Wave Trap. A network used to reject certain signals and so to reduce interference with wanted
signals in a receiving system.

Weather Margin. A margin included in the uplink and/or down link budget of a satellite link to ensure
adequate system performance under adverse propagation conditions.

Wideband. See broadband.

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Window. A World War II code name for confusion reflector devices. The primary types of reflectors
designated "Window" are "Chaff", "Rope" and "Corner Reflector". Today Window and Chaff are
generally used synonymously within NATO. Note. Not used within the RN/USN/CN. See CHAFF.

Wire/Line Communication. See Communication, Line/Wire.

Wooding. Undesirable obstruction (ie by the ship’s superstructure) in the path of a steerable antenna
onboard ship.

Word. In computing this is a unit of data, being a set of digits which are treated as a single unit.
Typically it is 8 or 16 bits. Large computers may have words of different lengths depending on their
function, eg data or instructions.

World Cover. Total world-wide coverage (ie a minimum of 3 Geosynchronous satellites are required
for world cover). Note that this is distinct from Earth Cover.

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X-Band. The range of frequencies extending from 5.20GHz to 10.90GHz.

Xerox. The originator of Ethernet.

XNS/ITP, Xerox Network Systems’ Internet Transport Protocol. (In LAN technology)
A special communications protocol used between networks. XNS/ITP functions at the 3rd and 4th layer
of the OSI model. Similar to TCP/IP.

XON, XOFF. Control characters used for flow control.

X.25 (1980), X.25 (1984). The variants of X.25 agreed by CCITT at its plenary meetings in 1980
and 1984, respectively. See CCITT recommendations.

X.400. The International Telecommunications Union - Telecommunications Standardisation Sector

(ITU-T) series of message Handling Service Recommendations for the interchange of text or mixed-
media messages.

X.435. Is designed to support Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Messaging.

X.500. An ISO and ITU standard that defines how global Directory Services should be structured.

X.509. An ITU recommendation that gives the definitive reference for designing applications related to
Public Key Infrastructures.

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Zero insertion. (In SDLC) Process of including a binary 0 in a transmitted data stream to avoid
confusing data and SYN characters; the inserted 0 is removed at the receiving end.

Zeroize. To align cryptographic elements of a cipher machine to a fixed original position.

Z-Marker. A type of radio beacon, the emissions of which radiate in a vertical cone shaped pattern.
Synonymous with beacon Z marker, cone of silence.

Zoom. Zinc Oxide Military Module (brand name). A device with a high speed response to an applied
pulse used for EMP protection.

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