Analog Signal A continuously variable signal. Voice signals on telephone lines are usually analog (i.e., transmitted electronically in a form analogous to the spoken form). A representation of an analog signal is a sine wave.
Attendant The "operator" of a phone system console. Usually directs incoming calls to the proper person or department. May also assign outgoing lines or trunks. The operator may be a person or an automated system.
Automatic call distribution A system used to systematically distribute incoming calls to a number of operators (called agents). Agents are usually sales or service people.
Call Forwarding A service which allows a call to be directed to an extension other than the one that was dialed. This is accomplished by the called party programming into the phone system the extension the incoming calls should be forwarded to.
DID Direct Inward Dialing - The capability to dial an extension (inside the PBX system) without going through the attendant.
Digital Signal A discontinuous signal. One whose state consists of discrete elements representing specific information. Logically, a digital signal can be thought of as a pattern of ones and zeros representing a specific value.
Handset the part of the telephone held in the hand. Contains a transmitter and a receiver.
Hold Temporarily leave a phone call without disconnecting. You can return to it at any time.
Hunt The process of a call reaching a group of lines. If the first line is busy, it will be forwarded to the second line. If the second line is busy, it will be forwarded to the third line, and so on.
Hybrid System A term used to describe a telephone system that has attributes of both Key Systems and PBXs. Usually means that incoming lines (trunks) appear on the phone set, and outbound calls require the use of an access code (typically a "9").
KTS Key Telephone System - A telephone system in which the station sets have multiple keys permitting the user to select outgoing or incoming CO phone lines. You do not have to dial an access code (typically "9") to access CO lines.
KSU Key Service Unit - The main cabinet which contains all the electronics to run a Key Telephone System.
LCD Liquid Crystal Display - An alphanumeric display using liquid crystals sealed between two pieces of glass. Usually a gray background with black characters.
LED Light Emitting Diode - A diode which emits light. Can be used as a single indicator or combined with other LEDs to create an alphanumeric display.
Line Card A plug-in electronic printed circuit board for a PBX or KSU that operates lamps, ringing, holding, and other features associated with several telephone lines.
On-hook When the handset is resting in its cradle. The phone is not connected to any line.
Off-hook When the handset is lifted from its cradle. Alerts the CO (or PBX) that it is ready (usually ready to receive a dial tone).
On-hook Dialing A feature that allows the caller to dial without lifting the handset. After dialing, the caller can listen to the progress of the call through the built-in speaker.
PBX Private Branch Exchange - A private phone system allowing communications within a business and between the business and the outside world. Outside lines are not accessible to the station set. An access code (typically "9") is required to connect to an outside line.
Speakerphone A telephone that has a speaker and a microphone for hands-free conversation
Station Set A telephone used with a PBX or KTS.
TDM Time Division Multiplex - A technique used for transmitting separate data, voice, or video messages simultaneously over one phone line by interleaving elements of each message in fast time sequences.
Tip and Ring Another way of saying plus and minus, or positive and ground, in electrical circuits.
Trunk A telephone communication path or channel between two points, one being a CO and the other a PBX or KSU.
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