Nortel Networks 10292FA - Manual (Page 63)

Glossary 63
Installation and Networking Guidelines for Optical Routing
optical waveguide
See optical fiber.
passive device
A device that does not require a source of energy to function.
passthrough
A signal bypass mechanism that allows the signal to pass through a device
with little or no signal processing.
point-to-point transmission
Carrying a signal between two endpoints without branching to other points.
protocol
The procedure used to control the orderly exchange of information between
stations on a data link or on a data-communications network or system.
Protocols specify standards in three areas: the code set, usually ASCII or
EBCDIC; the transmission mode, usually asynchronous or synchronous; and
the non-data exchanges of information by which the two devices establish
contact and control, detect failures or errors, and initiate corrective action.
provisioning
The process by which a requested service is designed, implemented, and
tracked.
ring architecture
A network topology in which terminals are connected serially point-to-point
in an unbroken circle.
Rx
receive
A terminal device that includes a detector and signal processing electronics. It
functions as an optical-to-electrical converter.
scalable
The ability to add power and capability to an existing system without
significant expense or overhead.