Management Plane(M Plane) refers to one of the three entities in the ATM reference model. The M plane addresses the management functions of network elements such as switches for their Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OA&M). The other two entities are user plane for the actual data transmission and the control plane for signaling. The concept and model of user plane, control plane and management plane have been extended to other telecommunication technology groups beyond the ATM technology.
M2PA: MTP2 Peer-to-peer user Adaptation
MTP2 Peer-to-peer user Adaptation layer (M2PA), a protocol in the SIGTRAN protocol suite, enables SS7 signaling messages over IP using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). M2PA is intented to be used on a Peer-to-Peer basis and replace the functionality provided by a traditional SS7 link. M2PA is for an OpenSS7 Network Device.
M2UA: MTP2-User Adaptation layer
MTP2-User Adaptation layer (M2UA), a protocol in the SIGTRAN protocol suite, is for backhauling of SS7 MTP2-User signaling messages over IP using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). M2UA is intended to be used on a Provider/User basis where MTP Level 2 resides on a Signalling Gateway (SG) and MTP Level 3 resides on an Application Server (AS). It is not intended for peer-to-peer operation: that is, it is not intended to emulate a signalling link between two SCTP endpoints
M3UA: MTP3-User Adaptation layer
MTP3-User Adaptation layer (M3UA), a protocol in the SIGTRAN protocol suite, supports transport of SS7 MTP3-User signaling over IP using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). M3UA is intented to be used on a Provider/User basis where MTP Level 3 resides on a Signalling Gateway (SG) and MTP Users reside on an Application Server (AS).
Main Feeder is the first facility cable coming from the central office. The feeder cable runs to cross connect points in the network where the second facility cable feeds are connected.
Main PBX refers to the initial PBX that interfaces with the public telephone network via central office trunk lines.
Manuel Ring-Down Line is a number of phones connected together by a pair of wires and a talk battery.
The Mobile Application Part (MAP), one of the protocols in the SS7 suite, allows for the implementation of the mobile network (GSM) signaling infrastructure. The premise behind MAP is to connect the distributed switching elements, called mobile switching centers (MSCs), with a master database, called the Home Location Register (HLR). The HLR dynamically stores the current location and profile of a mobile network subscriber. The HLR is consulted during the processing of an incoming call.
MAPOS: Multiple Access Protocol over SONET / SDH
Multiple Access Protocol over SONET/SDH (MAPOS) is a protocol extension to SONET/SDH that has high performance, supports multiple access, broadcast and multicast transmission. MAPOS is connection-less, like IP, with simple design and seamless interconnectivity for LAN and WAN.
Marine Telephone is a radio telephone manufactured by Tellabs which the FCC gives certain frequencies. The marine telephone is not cellular; It will broadcast further and with greater power.
Master refers to the side in telecommunications that initiates and controls the session. The "slave" refers to the other end (side) that responds to the master's commands.
Maximal-ratio Combiner is a diversity combiner in which: (a) the signals from each channel are added together, (b) the gain of each channel is made proportional to the rms signal level and inversely proportional to the mean square noise level in that channel, and (c) the same proportionality constant is used for all channels.
MCU: Multipoint Conferencing Unit
Multipoint Conferencing Unit (MCU) is a device that menages a multipoint conference by connecting the multiple sites and stations in the same videoconference. The MCU can be used in conjunction with a Gateway to connect H.320 and H.324 videoconference end-points. The MCU combines video, audio and data streams from multiple conference end-points into one multi-location, interactive session.
Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) refers to a device in a telecommunication system that establishes conference calls between three or more people for converged voice, video and data conferences. Often referred to as a bridge, an MCU can provide audio-only services or any combination of audio, video and data, depending on the capabilities of each participant's terminal.
Mediation Device provides protocol translation and concentration of telemetry information originating from multiple network elements and transport to an Operations Support System (OSS).
MDC: Modification Detection Code
Modification Detection Code (MDC) is synonym for manipulation detection code that is a bit string, in cryptosystems, that is a function of data to which it is attached for the purpose of manipulation detection. The resulting message (data plus MDC) may then be encrypted to achieve secrecy or data authentication. The function used to generate the MDC must be public.
Mechanical Splice refers to an alternative fiber-optic splice packaged as a kit, which connects the ends of fibers.
Mediation function refers to a function in telecommunications network management, that routes or acts on information passing between network elements and network operations such as communication controls.
MEDR: Maximum Engineering Data Rate
Maximum Engineering Data Rate (MEDR) is a term primarily used by telephone companies to refer to the maximum data throughput supportable over targeted copper wire. MEDR is actually a theoretical measure of the amount of data throughput a line can handle, but does not necessarily refer to the amount of data available to the customer at the end of said copper wiring. The data throughput that can actually be presented to the end user is measured by AIDR or As Is Data Rate.
Mesochronous network is a kind of telecommunication network in which the clocks of all nodes in the network run with the same frequency but unknown phases. Thus, all timing is exactly the same (truly synchronous).
Microfilter is a device that prevents data noice from traveling over the telephone line and interfering with telephone calls. For example, a microfilter is a small device that plugs into the normal BT telephone socket and splits the line into both a standard BT telephone socket and a ADSL broadband socket. Failure to have a microfilter correctly installed on all BT socket you use may result in interference (buzzing noises etc.) on your telephone and/or reduced performance and possible loss of service on your broadband access. Also, in a burglar alarm that uses the telephone line, it is important to use a microfilter to reduce noice in the phone line.
MIC: Medium Interface Connector
Medium Interface Connector (MIC) refers to the connector at the interface point between the bus interface unit and the terminal, i.e., the medium interface point.
Micron is a unit of length measurement that is equal to 1/1000 of one millimeter or 1/25000 of an inch. Cladding and core of fiber optics are measured with this unit.
Mid-Span is a telephone service wire which runs from a pole to a hook attached to a cable strand, then to a house or building.
Mini Connector refers to a physical connector utilized for PC and telecommunication hardware-interface applications.
Modal Dispersion refers to the behavior of individual light rays taking different paths as they travel down a fiber optic.
Modal Loss refers to the attenuation of a light signal as it moves through a fiber optic because of tight bends.
Modem, a word constructed from modulator and demodulator, is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over, for example, telephone or cable lines. Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. Modem translates information between analog and digital world.
Modular Adapter is a mechanism used to interconnect one wire/cable type to another, without using termination blocks.
Modular Jack is a kind of jack or connector which is equipped with a plug so that devices can be simply attached or detached.
Mean Opinion Score (MOS) is a method of providing a numerical measure of the quality of human speech at the destination end of the circuit typically in voice telecommunications particularly internet telephony. The scheme uses subjective tests (opinionated scores) that are mathematically averaged to obtain a quantitative indicator of the system performance.
MSLT Adjustment: Minimum Scan Line Time Adjustment
Minimum Scan Line Time (MSLT) Adjustment is an alternative to Scan Line Fix Up meant to eliminate fax failures caused by an excessive number of received page errors because of data loss. MSLT adjustment sets a minimum MSLT value that an ingress gateway communicates to a sending fax machine. This value overrides an MSLT of lesser value that is supplied by a receiving fax machine.
Minimum Scan Line Time (MSLT) is the time set by the receiving fax machine and sent to the sending machine during the initial handshaking. MSLT defines how much time the receiving machine requires to print a single scan line.
MSDSL: Multi-Rate Symmetric DSL
Multi-rate Symmetric DSL (MSDSL) refers to a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) with a maximum distance of 8,800 m or 29,000 ft. It is capable of multiple transfer rates, as set by the internet service provider, typically based on the service and/or price. The maximum speed in both download and upload directions is 2 Mbit/s.
MSN: Multiple Subscriber Number
Multiple Subscriber Number (MSN) is an incoming call routing method in which a group of phone numbers is assigned to a particular PRI ISDN line by the telephone company. A PRI ISDN line is usually assigned multiple numbers in the US and in Europe.
MSO: Multiple Service Operator
Multi-Services Operator (MSO) is a service provider which provides multiple services such as voice (mobile and fixed line), data and video. Very often, a cable service provider is a MSO.
MSO: Multiple Systems Operator
Multiple Systems Operator (MSO) is a term used to describe cable operators that own more than one franchises.
MSTE: Multiplex Section Terminating Equipment
Multiplex Section Terminating Equipment (MSTE) refers to the element that terminates a SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) multiplex section.
Message Signal Unit (MSU) is an SS7 signal unit that contains service information and signaling information fields and is retransmitted by the signaling link control if it is received in error. The value of a length indicator is always greater than 2.
MTIE: Maximum Time Interval Error
Maximum Time Interval Error (MTIE) is the maximum error for all possible measurement intervals within the measurement period.
Message Transfer Part (MTP), a protocol in the SS7/C7 protocol suite, transfers signal messages and performs associated functions, such as error control and signaling link security. Message Transfer Part (MTP) also provides reliable routing within a network. MTP has has three layers: Layers 1 (physical), 2 (data), and 3 (network).
MTP1: Message Transfer Part Level 1
Message Transfer Part Level 1 (MTP1), a SS7 physical layer unit, defines the physical, electrical, and functional characteristics of the digital signaling link.
MTP2: Message Transfer Part Level 2
Message Transfer Part Level 2 (MTP2) is the signalling protocol at the data link layer of SS7/C7 protocol suite. MTP2 provides error detection, sequence checking, and initiates retransmission in case of erroneous reception of messages. MTP Level 2 uses packets called signal units to transmit SS7 messages. There are three types of signal units: Fill-in Signal Unit (FISU), Link Status Signal Unit (LSSU), Message Signal Unit (MSU).
MTP3: Message Transfer Part Level 3
Message Transfer Part level 3 (MTP3) is the signalling protocol at the network layer of SS7/C7 protocol suite. MTP3 provides routing functionality to transport signaling messages through the SS7 network to the requested endpoint. Each network element in the SS7 network has a unique address, the Signaling Point Code (SPC). Message routing is performed according to this address.
MTS: Message Telecommunications Service
Message Telecommunications Service (MTS) is a non-private-line intrastate and interstate long-distance service that uses, in whole or in part, the PSTN (public switched telephone network).
Message Toll Service (MTS) is switched service, also called message service, furnished to the general public (as distinguished from private line service). This includes exchange switched services and all switched services provided by inter-exchange carriers and completed by a local telephone company's access services.
Mu-Law(μ-law) is the standard codec (compression/decompression) algorithm for pulse code modulation (PCM) from the CCITT (Consultative Committee for International Telephone and Telegraph). A companding (compression/expanding) method, mud-Law makes it possible to improve the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring the addition of more data. Mu-Law, as a term, was derived from μ-Law, because the Greek letter μ is pronounced myoo. The term is sometimes seen as u-Law, although the pronunciation remains the same. Mu-Law is used in the United States and Japan. The other type of codec algorithm, A-Law, is the standard used in Europe and elsewhere.
Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service
Multichannel multipoint distribution service is a broadcasting and communications service that operates in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) portion of the radio spectrum between 2.1 and 2.7 GHz. Multichannel multipoint distribution service is also known as wireless cable. It was conceived as a substitute for conventional cable television (TV). However, it also has applications in telephone/fax and data communications.
Multifrequency Signaling is an in-band signaling method that uses multi-tone signals to represent the signaling traffic. A Multifrequency Signaling contains two or more frequencies out of an "n" pre-determined frequency set. Multifrequency Signaling is also called Multifrequency Code Signaling .
Multilevel Precedence and Preemption
Multilevel precedence and preemption is a feature or service of telephone system that allows properly validated users to place priority calls. If necessary, users can preempt lower-priority phone calls. Precedence designates the priority level that is associated with a call. Preemption designates the process of terminating lower-precedence calls that are currently using the target device, so a call of higher precedence can be extended to or through the device. An authenticated user can preempt calls either to targeted stations or through fully subscribed time division multiplexing (TDM) trunks. This capability assures high-ranking personnel of communication to critical organizations and personnel during network stress situations, such as a national emergency or degraded network situations.
Multi-level Signal refers to a digital signal which has (2N+1) voltage levels (e.g., +Nv, +(N-1)v, +(N-2)v,….,+1v, 0v, -1v, ……-(N-1)v, and -Nv).
Multiline Telephone is a telephone that incorporates visual displays and switches (keys) that permit the station user to access more than one central office or other line and to perform other desired functions. Typical functions include answering or originating a call on a selected line, putting a call on hold, operating an intercom feature, a buzzer, etc. Displays can indicate busy, ringing and message waiting status.
Multimedia refers to communication applications that use graphics, video, and audio in addition to text.
Multiple access refers to the following definitions: (1) The connection of a user to two or more switching centers by separate access lines using a single message routing indicator or telephone number. (2) In satellite communications, the capability of a communications satellite to function as a portion of a communications link between more than one pair of satellite terminals concurrently. (3) in computer networking, a scheme that allows temporary access to the network by individual users, on a demand basis, for the purpose of transmitting information.
Multiple homing refers to the following definitions: (1) In telephone systems, the connection of a terminal facility which may use a single directory number so that it can be served by one or several switching centers. (2) In telephone systems, the connection of a terminal facility to more than one switching center by separate access lines. Separate directory numbers are applicable to each switching center accessed.
A multiplexer, also known as mux or muldex, is a device that encodes information from two or more data sources (usually a power of two) into a single channel. The multiplexer has a single output, which has the same value as the selected data input. They are used in situations where the cost of implementing separate channels for each data source is more expensive than the cost and inconvenience of providing the multiplexing/demultiplexing functions.
Multiplexing is a technique of combining multiple channels over a transmission path and then recovering or de-multiplexing the separate channels at the receiving end. Using multiplexing, multiple logical signals can be transmitted simultaneously across a single physical channel. The multiplexing process may following one of the principles such as TDM, FDM, CDM, or WDM, etc. Multiplexing may take placing in software, where multiple threads of information streams are delivered to a device or process at the same time.
Multipoint Videoconference is one of the videoconference with more that two sites. The sites must connect via a video bridge.
Must-Carry is a US cable regulation, also called Must-Carry rules. Must-Carry mandate that cable companies carry various local and public television stations within a cable provider's service area. It originated in 1972 and designed to insure that local television stations did not lose market share with increased competition from cable networks competing for a limited number of cable channels, must-carry rules have, over time, been ruled unconstitutional and gone through numerous changes.
Multiple Virtual Line (MVL), a technology pioneered by Paradyne, enables service provider a quick and easy way to offer multiple services over phone lines. It's low power, 768 kb/s symmetrical data rate and bandwidth utilization technique make it a variation of DSL technology at its most basic level. A low power DSL alternative, Multiple Virtual Line works over twisted copper pair, requires a one-to-one modem connection and supports voice and data transmissions simultaneously. But Multiple Virtual Line technology is unique in several ways. For one, it works over untwisted copper pair. That eliminates installation problems at customer locations with unpredictable wiring configurations, and helps service providers reach a wider scope of subscribers.