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Glossary
77
modem: A device for transmitting computer information over telephone
lines. A modem converts (mo
dulates) digital information for
transmission and also converts (dem
odulates) information it
receives back to digital format. Many modems also interpret and
execute commands received from the computer.
modem port: The port to send and receive data to and from the modem of
a remote station.
MNP: A protocol developed by Microcom, a modem manufacturer in
the United States, which with an error correcting function built into
the modem itself corrects errors in the modem.
N
Normal mode: Error correction is not made by MNP or V.42, but even if
serial port speed is different from modem port speed, the buffers in
the modem and its flow control function permit communication
without changing their speeds.
O
on line: A functional state in which a device is ready to receive or
transmit information.
online: Available through the computer. Online may refer to information
on the hard disk, such as online documentation or online help, or a
connection, through a modem, to another computer or the Internet.
On hook/Off hook: On hook means the “handset is on the telephone,”
and off hook means it is off. The line is disconnected from the
internal modem when the handset is on hook, and connected to the
internal modem when it is off hook.
P
parity: A method in serial communications of making sure that the
information received is the same as the information that was sent. It
consists of adding an error detection bit to a group of data bits,
making the sum of the bits either odd or even. When you’re using a
modem to connect to another computer, you can set parity to none,
odd or even. In general, you should set parity to none, unless you’re
requested to do otherwise.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX): An automatic digital telephone
switching system that enables users within an organization to place
calls to each other without going through the public telephone
network. Users can also place calls to outside numbers. Do not
connect the Toshiba internal modem to a digital PBX line, or the
modem will be damaged.