Glossary

A device similar to a repeater that includes a receiver and one or more transmitters. The idea is to regenerate the input signal and then send them on. These are used in optical fiber networks.

Lasers are defined by their medium; laser mediums such as gas, (CO2, helium, neon) crystal (ruby) semiconductors, and liquids are used. Almost all lasers create coherent light on the basis of a medium being activated electronically. The stimulation can be electronic or even more vigorous, such as exciting molecular transitions from higher to lower energy states, which results in the emissions of coherent light.

In Token Ring networks, the active monitor is a designated machine and procedure that prevents data frames from roaming the ring unchecked. If a Token Ring frame passes the active monitor too many times, it is removed from the ring. The active monitor also ensures that a token is always circulating the ring.

A process performed with an alignment device, using the light in the core of one fiber to measure the transmittance to the other. Ensures optimal alignment before splicing is completed. The active splicing device allows fusion splicing to perform much better with respect to insertion losses when compared to most connectors and splicing methods. A splicing technician skilled at the use of an active splicing device can reliably splice with an upper limit of 0.03dB of loss.

Antenna Control Unit

An RF network that exists only for the duration of the communication. Ad hoc networks are continually set up and torn down as needed.

With respect to optical fiber, a passive device used to join two connectors and fiber cores together. The adapter is defined by connector type, such as SC, FC, ST, LC, MT-RJ, and FDDI. Hybrid adapters can be used to join dissimilar connectors together, such as SC to FC. The adapter

A device used to change one connector type to another (RJ45 to D Type) or one gender to another (BNC Male to BNC Female).

Acquisition Design and Construction contractor. Contract company with overall responsibility for the delivery of a project.

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An identifier that uniquely identifies nodes or network segments on a network.

An attenuator in which the level of attenuation is varied with an internal adjustment. Also known as variable attenuator.

With respect to structured cabling, the procedures and standards used to accurately keep track of the various circuits and connections, as well as records pertaining to them. The ANSI/TIA/EIA-606 Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings defines specifications for this purpose.

Developed by Bell Communications Research, a telephone network architecture that separates the service logic from the switching equipment. This allows the rapid deployment of new services with major equipment upgrades.

Telecommunications cable installed on aerial supporting structures such as poles, towers, sides of buildings, and other structures.