For those in the industry, these terms are used daily. For those who aren't in the industry, these terms sound like a completely different language! We're listing common terms and abbreviations and explaining some basic ideas and principles in the telecommunications industry. If you don't see the term or abbreviation you're looking for, contact us so we can provide that information to you - and add it to our Glossary.
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1FB | Single, flat rate, business telephone line - copper line with no frills. Used for businesses. |
| AA | Auto Attendant - voicemail that answers incoming lines providing various destinations for callers to choose from. |
| Analog | Basic communications technology. Does not require a system to work properly. Most home telephones are analog lines. Analog devices include fax machines and credit card readers. |
| Channel(s) | A line of communication, usually through a T-1 or PRI circuit or SIP trunk. Can also refer to internal communications between separate locations/sites. |
| DBN | Dial By Name - directory in which employees are listed by first name or last name within an Auto Attendant. Allows the caller to contact a specific employee without going through the main switchboard/operator. |
| DID | Direct Inward Dial phone number - an unique number for an extension through the system so callers do not have to go through the switchboard. |
| Digital | Digital communications offer clarity and feature-rich options. One step up from analog communications with a plethora of possibilities. |
| DND | Do Not Disturb - a feature key or button on a desk telephone that when pushed indicates to others that you are not available to take calls or intercoms. |
| DSL | Digital Subscriber Line - digital internet connection providing high bandwidth internet access. Speed varies depending on carrier and location. |
| Hunt Group | Sequence in which calls are routed from extension to extension. |
| LAN | Local Area Network - network within a specific location, such a business, building or campus. Usually private for networking computers, printers, etc. |
| MOH | Music On Hold - music callers hear when placed on hold or in holding queues. |
| PBX | Private Branch Exchange - a fancy way to say telephone system. |
| PoE | Power Over Ethernet - provides power to a device over an ethernet connection, eliminating the need for AC power cords/outlet. |
| POTS Line | Plain Old Telephone Service line - same as the 1FB, but for residential purposes. |
| PRI | Primary Rate Interface - dedicated trunk with 24 channels for voice or data. |
| PSTN | Public Switched Telephone Network - non-dedicated data service, also known as "the cloud." |
| RNA | Ring No Answer - calls ring but no one answers. In the industry, an RNA means the call is not connecting to the telephone for someone to answer the call. |
| Service Provider | Provider of telco communications including dial tone and internet access. |
| SIP Trunk | Session Initiation Protocol - signaling protocol by which multimedia transmissions are conducted utilizing internet protocol. Two-party and multi-party calls, audio, video and data are transmitted in real time. |
| T-1 | Dedication circuit with 24 channels for voice or data. |
| Telco | Telephone Company - a provider of services including dial tone and internet access. |
| Trunk | A communication line between two points, normally between a telecommunications system and the service provider. |
| Unified Communications (UC) | The integration of real-time communications with non-real-time communications. Utilizes multiple products to create a single system across multiple user interfaces, devices and media. Combines UM features with live feeds such as streaming video, conference calls and presentations. |
| Unified Messaging (UM) | The integration of various electronic messaging and communications technologies into a single system that is accessible from various devices. For example, check your voicemail through your email; when you delete the message from your email, it is automatically deleted from your voicemail (and vice versa). |
| VoIP | Voice Over Internet Protocol - the new wave in telecommunications. Works similar to digital communications only using internet technology. |
| VPN | Virtual Private Network - a private network that is configured within a public network, allowing security of a private network with the capabilities and features of the large public network. Remote workers and multiple sites utilize VPN for transferring data as well as calls. |
| WAN | Wide Area Network - network connecting multiple locations/sites. |