M
MAC (Media Access Control)
A system of rules used to move data from one physical medium to another. MAX -- Media Access Exchange. The Ascend MAX is a system-level network access unit, with a cage and backplane into which Multiband or Pipeline cards can be inserted to configure it for various application requirements. It supports up to 32 host ports or direct Ethernet connection and up to 8 Mbit/s to the network. It supports multiple applications, including remote LAN access, leased line backup and individual videoconferencing units, as well as connecting videoconference MCUs to the digital dial-up network.
MAC Address
The address of a device identified at the media access control (MAC) layer of the network architecture.
MB
Megabytes
MBONE
Multimedia Backbone
MCU
See Multipoint Control Unit.
MDU
Multiple dwelling units. Apartment and condominium complexes, hospitals, dormitories.
MHRP
Mobile Host Routing Protocol
MHz
Megahertz. Refers to a frequency equal to one million hertz.
MIB
Management Information Base. A directory listing the logical names of all information resources residing in a network and pertinent to the network's management. A key element of SNMP management systems.
MICP
Mobile Internetworking Control Protocol
MIF
Machine-to-Machine Interface Format
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. The standard for attaching non-ASCII files to Internet mail messages. These files include graphics, spreadsheets, formatted word-processor documents, audio files, and other binary data.
MP
Multilink PPP. A proposed standard for inverse multiplexing, a method of combining individually dialed channels into a single, higher speed data stream. MP is an extension of PPP that supports the ordering of data packets across multiple channels.
MPP
Multichannel Point-to-Point Protocol. A protocol that extends the capabilities of MP to support inverse multiplexing, session management, and bandwidth management. MPP allows you to combine up to 30 individual channels into a single high-speed connection.
MRU
Maximum Receive Unit
MSC
In cellular communications, the Mobile Switching Center. It contains all the control and switching elements for a cellular system; housed by the Mobile Telephone Switching Office.
MSO
Multiple System Operator
MTP
Multicast Transport Protocol
MTTR
1) Mean time to recovery. The average amount of time a device will spend in corrective maintenance over a given period of time. 2) Mean time to repair. The average amount of time needed to repair a failed unit.
MTU
Maximum Transfer Unit
MUX
Multiplex or Multiplexer. A device that performs multiplexing.
Main Distributing Frame
A framework used to connect outside plant cable pairs to central office switching equipment, but also carrier facility equipment.
Manager
An application that receives Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) information from an agent. An agent and manager share a database of information, called the Management Information Base (MIB). An agent can use a message called a traps-PDU to send unsolicited information to the manager. A manager that uses the Lucent Enterprise MIB can query the Lucent unit, set parameters, sound alarms when certain conditions appear, and perform other administrative tasks.
Mask
In chip design, a glass or quartz plate that contains the desired patterns of an integrated circuit, which have been designed on a computer. Each pattern consists of opaque and transparent areas that define the size and shape of circuit and device elements. Ultra-violet light is projected through the mask to expose selected areas of resist overlaying the surface of the wafer, defining areas to be etched. See for more info.
Mb
Megabit(s). 1,048,576 bits or 1,204 kilobits.
Mbps
A measurement of the speed of digital communications channel; one million bits per second.
Mechanized Loop Test System
The operations systems that analyzes loop problems. The system is highly automated, drawing on expert systems so most tests are handled without crafts person intervention.
Megabit
Mega is the Greek prefix for "big." A megabit is one million bits.
Megabit (Mb)
A megabit, defined as one million bits.
Megabytes
A megabyte, defined as one million bytes.
Memory chip
A chip that holds programs and data. Flash memory chips hold information temporarily. Other kinds of memory chips are random access memory chips (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) chips.
Message
Data transmitted from one location to another with a header field, information field, and trailer. Often used interchangeably with packet and frame.
Metallization
in chip manufacturing, the process of depositing a thin film of conductive metal, like aluminum, onto a chip to connect the devices (such as transistors) that make up the chip. See for more info.
Metropolitan Area Network
A series of local area networks at multiple sites within a local serving area often interconnected by public links. See LAN.
Metropolitan Service Area
FCC designated areas that determine the service boundaries for cellular service providers.
Mhz
Abbreviation for Megahertz (one million Hertz).
Microbending Loss
In fiber optics, the loss of light attributed to large bends in a fiber.
Microcomputer
Computer hardware, in the form of a disk, chip, or magnetic tape, that stores information in electrical or magnetic form.
Micron
A unit of measurement, equaling one-millionth of a meter. A human hair is about 1000 microns thick; today's transistors measure .25 micron wide and getting smaller.
Microprocessor
A central processing unit on a single microchip. It performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations, customarily with the help of internal memory, also on the chip.
Microwave
Line of sight, point-to-point transmission of signals at high frequency.
Middleware
Software that acts as an interface between a WindowsTM-based application and the computer. [Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.]
Mobile Data Intermediate System
In cellular communications, this system handles authentication, directory services, packet switching, and gateway services to landline data networks.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Mobile Switching Center contains all of the control and switching elements for a networking system; housed by the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO).MSC: Mobile Switching Center
Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO)
Site of the switch and other processing equipment serving a cellular system.
Mode
A discrete electromagnetic field pattern within a fiber. Only one mode propagates in a single-mode fiber whereas several hundred modes propagate in a multimode fiber.
Modem
Modulator/Demodulator. A DCE (Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment) installed between a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and an analog transmission channel, such as a telephone line. A DTE refers to a device that an operator uses, such as a computer or a terminal.
Modem Speed
The data rate for analog-modem transmissions. Most modem users currently receive data and voice across the local loop by means of a modulation process based on protocols such as V.32bis or V.34. These protocols limit users to connection speeds between 14.4 Kbps and 33.6 Kbps. Recently introduced 56K technology enables analog-modem users to download data at 56 Kbps over the local loop.
Modulate
To vary a carrier wave to transport an information signal containing voice, data, or image over transmission media in a network. See Carrier. In communications technology, to merge information an signal containing voice, data, or images with an electrical carrier wave in order to transmit the information over a network.
Modulation gain
The efficiency with which the laser converts input injection current to light output power coupled into the fiber.
Molecular-Beam Epitaxy
Invented at Bell Labs in 1968, MBE is a way of producing crystals or other materials by growing successive, single atomic layers on a substrate by irradiating it with beams of atoms.
Moore's Law
Formulated by Intel Corp. founder, Gordon Moore in 1965. It predicts that chip designers will be able to double the number of transistors they can squeeze on a chip every 18 months. Moore recently predicted that by the year 2000, that number would soar to one billion transistors - up from today's 7 million.
Motion Picture Expert Group
Standard for compressing full-motion video signals for storage or transmission over visual communications links.
Multi-Function Operations System
The operations systems that gathers and processes key network data from distributed digital network elements to support the performance management of large multivendor network elements. It performs remote alarm surveillance and processing, and switch database administration.
Multi-Services Distant Terminal
Device that terminates broadband services, including video, at the end user's location.
MultiDSL
A family of products that provides multiple digital subscriber line (DSL) services at speeds ranging from 128 Kbps to 6 Mbps. Supporting high-bandwidth applications such as remote access, Internet access, and telecommuting, MultiDSL includes Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), ISDN Digital Subscriber Line (IDSL), Rate-Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL), and Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL).
MultiRate
A data service on a circuit consisting of multiple B channels. The bandwidth of the circuit must be a multiple of 64 Kbps. For example, a user can dial a first call at 384 Kbps (using 6 B channels), and then dial a second call at 512 Kbps (using 8 B channels). MultiRate service is available over T1 PRI lines only. MultiRate is also known as the switched Nx64 data service.
MultiVPN
Lucent strategy for addressing the key concerns of service providers and enterprise subscribers about virtual private networks (VPN). This strategy establishes a provider/subscriber architecture that uses the public networks infrastructure for private enterprise communications and provides management capabilities, assured levels of service and availability, and compatibility and security. The MultiVPN strategy goes beyond the traditional approach to VPNs and encompasses Internet Protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and frame relay (FR) technologies.
MultiVoice
Our strategic architecture provides a totally integrated solution for network service providers to offer combined voice/fax, and data network services on a single packet network infrastructure. This product and technology strategy includes the first transparent integration of existing voice networks with voice/fax over IP, frame relay, and ATM networks.
MultiVoice For The MAX
The set of hardware and software components for MAX WAN access switches that enable network service providers or enterprises to add real-time voice transport services to their IP backbone network. MultiVoice for the MAX enables ordinary telephones to connect to other telephones over a public or private packet network, using a standard voice-over-IP gateway.
MultiVoice Gateway
A MultiVoice component that supports the International Telecommunication Union–Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) H.323 standard for transmitting voice over an IP network. When a voice call is received at a local MultiVoice Gateway, the voice signal is packetized, compressed, and transmitted over the packet network using standard protocols and voice compression technologies. At the remote gateway, the process is reversed and the call is delivered over the remote packet network to its intended destination.
Multiband
The name of a product family of network access equipment manufactured by Ascend Communications.
Multiband LSU
LAN Service Unit. The Ascend Multiband LSU is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. It allows LAN bridges and routers to be interconnected, creating WANs, using a combination of dedicated leased circuits and digital dial-up circuits. By creating such hybrid networks, users can match bandwidth to real-time traffic loads, saving money and maximizing performance.
Multiband Plus
The Ascend Multiband Plus is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. Like all members of the Multiband family, it provides application access to digital dial-up bandwidth on demand. It supports up to four simultaneous applications (video, LAN, backup, imaging, etc.) and up to 3 Mbit/s to the network.
Multiband RPM
Remote Port Module. The Ascend Multiband RPM is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. A device used to extend data, control, and management data ports from a Multiband to application equipment located elsewhere in a facility. An RPM might be thought of as a sophisticated repeater, converting high-speed data and control signals for transmission using simple unshielded twisted pair wiring over extended distances (typically up to 3400 feet).
Multiband VSU
Video Service Unit. The Ascend Multiband VSU is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. It allows videoconference users to initially purchase a VSU for use as a dual 56 (112 kbit/s) CSU/DSU, and then easily upgrade the VSU to a full-fledged 384 kbit/s inverse multiplexer at a later date as requirements dictate. The upgrade process is performed by remotely downloading new software from Ascend Communications.
Multicast
In communications technology, the ability to distribute signals from a single source to many destinations at the same time. Voice mail and email can be multicast.
Multicast Backbone
The MBONE is a virtual network layered on top of the Internet to support IP multicast routing across point-to-point links. Because multicasting is a fast and inexpensive way to communicate information to multiple hosts, the MBONE is used for transmitting audio and video on the Internet in real time.
Multicast Group
A group of subscribers to whom a device sends multicast transmissions. Membership in a multicast group is voluntary. Using Internet Group Membership Protocol (IGMP), you can configure an application on your PC to declare itself a member of a multicast group.
Multicast Network
A network in which a router sends packets to all addresses on a subscriber list. This type of network is different from both a unicast network (in which the router sends packets to one user at a time) and a broadcast network (in which the router sends packets to all users, whether they appear on a subscription list or not). The Multicast Backbone (MBONE) is an example of a multicast network.
Multimedia
The technology that transmits and exchanges information in different formats such as text, graphics, sound, and full-motion video.
Multimode Fiber
A fiber whose core diameter is large compared with the wavelength of light and therefore propagates more than one mode.
Multipath Route
A static route that distributes the traffic load across multiple interfaces to a single destination.
Multiple system operator
Cable television company that operates more than one cable system.
Multiple-user
The ability to have simultaneous users.
Multiplex
To transmit multiple signals over a single communications line or computer channel by interleaving the messages.
Multiplexer
At one end of a communications link, a device that combines several lower-speed transmission channels into a single high-speed channel. A multiplexer at the other end reverses the process. A multiplexer is sometimes called a mux.
Multiplexer/Demultiplexer
A multiplexer transmits multiple separate signals over a single communications line or computer channel by interleaving the signals. A demultiplexer converts a transmission that contains multiple intermixed signals back into the original separate signals.
Multiplexing
The process of combining a number of individual channels into a common frequency band or into a common bit stream for transmission. The converse equipment or process for separating a multiplexed stream into individual channels is called a de-multiplexer.
Multipoint Control Unit (MCU)
Videoconferencing equipment which allows multiple individual videoconference units to connect together to form a multiparty videoconference session.
Multipoint Link
A connection that links multiple hosts on a single line.
Multipoint Mode
A telephone service that provides a way for a single interface to have multiple telephone numbers.
Multiprotocol Routing
The ability to route multiple network protocols, including IP, IPX, and AppleTalk.
mA
A unit of measure for current equal to one one-thousandth of an Ampere.
mW
Milliwatt. A unit of measure for power equal to one one-thousandth of a Watt.
mechanical splicing
An optical fiber splice accomplished by fictures or material rather than thermal fusion.
metro
Metropolitan fiber ring. High-speed local network that connects local telephone users to long distance networks.
micron
A unit of measurement, equaling one-millionth of a meter.
A system of rules used to move data from one physical medium to another. MAX -- Media Access Exchange. The Ascend MAX is a system-level network access unit, with a cage and backplane into which Multiband or Pipeline cards can be inserted to configure it for various application requirements. It supports up to 32 host ports or direct Ethernet connection and up to 8 Mbit/s to the network. It supports multiple applications, including remote LAN access, leased line backup and individual videoconferencing units, as well as connecting videoconference MCUs to the digital dial-up network.
MAC Address
The address of a device identified at the media access control (MAC) layer of the network architecture.
MB
Megabytes
MBONE
Multimedia Backbone
MCU
See Multipoint Control Unit.
MDU
Multiple dwelling units. Apartment and condominium complexes, hospitals, dormitories.
MHRP
Mobile Host Routing Protocol
MHz
Megahertz. Refers to a frequency equal to one million hertz.
MIB
Management Information Base. A directory listing the logical names of all information resources residing in a network and pertinent to the network's management. A key element of SNMP management systems.
MICP
Mobile Internetworking Control Protocol
MIF
Machine-to-Machine Interface Format
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. The standard for attaching non-ASCII files to Internet mail messages. These files include graphics, spreadsheets, formatted word-processor documents, audio files, and other binary data.
MP
Multilink PPP. A proposed standard for inverse multiplexing, a method of combining individually dialed channels into a single, higher speed data stream. MP is an extension of PPP that supports the ordering of data packets across multiple channels.
MPP
Multichannel Point-to-Point Protocol. A protocol that extends the capabilities of MP to support inverse multiplexing, session management, and bandwidth management. MPP allows you to combine up to 30 individual channels into a single high-speed connection.
MRU
Maximum Receive Unit
MSC
In cellular communications, the Mobile Switching Center. It contains all the control and switching elements for a cellular system; housed by the Mobile Telephone Switching Office.
MSO
Multiple System Operator
MTP
Multicast Transport Protocol
MTTR
1) Mean time to recovery. The average amount of time a device will spend in corrective maintenance over a given period of time. 2) Mean time to repair. The average amount of time needed to repair a failed unit.
MTU
Maximum Transfer Unit
MUX
Multiplex or Multiplexer. A device that performs multiplexing.
Main Distributing Frame
A framework used to connect outside plant cable pairs to central office switching equipment, but also carrier facility equipment.
Manager
An application that receives Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) information from an agent. An agent and manager share a database of information, called the Management Information Base (MIB). An agent can use a message called a traps-PDU to send unsolicited information to the manager. A manager that uses the Lucent Enterprise MIB can query the Lucent unit, set parameters, sound alarms when certain conditions appear, and perform other administrative tasks.
Mask
In chip design, a glass or quartz plate that contains the desired patterns of an integrated circuit, which have been designed on a computer. Each pattern consists of opaque and transparent areas that define the size and shape of circuit and device elements. Ultra-violet light is projected through the mask to expose selected areas of resist overlaying the surface of the wafer, defining areas to be etched. See for more info.
Mb
Megabit(s). 1,048,576 bits or 1,204 kilobits.
Mbps
A measurement of the speed of digital communications channel; one million bits per second.
Mechanized Loop Test System
The operations systems that analyzes loop problems. The system is highly automated, drawing on expert systems so most tests are handled without crafts person intervention.
Megabit
Mega is the Greek prefix for "big." A megabit is one million bits.
Megabit (Mb)
A megabit, defined as one million bits.
Megabytes
A megabyte, defined as one million bytes.
Memory chip
A chip that holds programs and data. Flash memory chips hold information temporarily. Other kinds of memory chips are random access memory chips (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) chips.
Message
Data transmitted from one location to another with a header field, information field, and trailer. Often used interchangeably with packet and frame.
Metallization
in chip manufacturing, the process of depositing a thin film of conductive metal, like aluminum, onto a chip to connect the devices (such as transistors) that make up the chip. See for more info.
Metropolitan Area Network
A series of local area networks at multiple sites within a local serving area often interconnected by public links. See LAN.
Metropolitan Service Area
FCC designated areas that determine the service boundaries for cellular service providers.
Mhz
Abbreviation for Megahertz (one million Hertz).
Microbending Loss
In fiber optics, the loss of light attributed to large bends in a fiber.
Microcomputer
Computer hardware, in the form of a disk, chip, or magnetic tape, that stores information in electrical or magnetic form.
Micron
A unit of measurement, equaling one-millionth of a meter. A human hair is about 1000 microns thick; today's transistors measure .25 micron wide and getting smaller.
Microprocessor
A central processing unit on a single microchip. It performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations, customarily with the help of internal memory, also on the chip.
Microwave
Line of sight, point-to-point transmission of signals at high frequency.
Middleware
Software that acts as an interface between a WindowsTM-based application and the computer. [Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.]
Mobile Data Intermediate System
In cellular communications, this system handles authentication, directory services, packet switching, and gateway services to landline data networks.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Mobile Switching Center contains all of the control and switching elements for a networking system; housed by the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO).MSC: Mobile Switching Center
Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO)
Site of the switch and other processing equipment serving a cellular system.
Mode
A discrete electromagnetic field pattern within a fiber. Only one mode propagates in a single-mode fiber whereas several hundred modes propagate in a multimode fiber.
Modem
Modulator/Demodulator. A DCE (Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment) installed between a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and an analog transmission channel, such as a telephone line. A DTE refers to a device that an operator uses, such as a computer or a terminal.
Modem Speed
The data rate for analog-modem transmissions. Most modem users currently receive data and voice across the local loop by means of a modulation process based on protocols such as V.32bis or V.34. These protocols limit users to connection speeds between 14.4 Kbps and 33.6 Kbps. Recently introduced 56K technology enables analog-modem users to download data at 56 Kbps over the local loop.
Modulate
To vary a carrier wave to transport an information signal containing voice, data, or image over transmission media in a network. See Carrier. In communications technology, to merge information an signal containing voice, data, or images with an electrical carrier wave in order to transmit the information over a network.
Modulation gain
The efficiency with which the laser converts input injection current to light output power coupled into the fiber.
Molecular-Beam Epitaxy
Invented at Bell Labs in 1968, MBE is a way of producing crystals or other materials by growing successive, single atomic layers on a substrate by irradiating it with beams of atoms.
Moore's Law
Formulated by Intel Corp. founder, Gordon Moore in 1965. It predicts that chip designers will be able to double the number of transistors they can squeeze on a chip every 18 months. Moore recently predicted that by the year 2000, that number would soar to one billion transistors - up from today's 7 million.
Motion Picture Expert Group
Standard for compressing full-motion video signals for storage or transmission over visual communications links.
Multi-Function Operations System
The operations systems that gathers and processes key network data from distributed digital network elements to support the performance management of large multivendor network elements. It performs remote alarm surveillance and processing, and switch database administration.
Multi-Services Distant Terminal
Device that terminates broadband services, including video, at the end user's location.
MultiDSL
A family of products that provides multiple digital subscriber line (DSL) services at speeds ranging from 128 Kbps to 6 Mbps. Supporting high-bandwidth applications such as remote access, Internet access, and telecommuting, MultiDSL includes Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), ISDN Digital Subscriber Line (IDSL), Rate-Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line (RADSL), and Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL).
MultiRate
A data service on a circuit consisting of multiple B channels. The bandwidth of the circuit must be a multiple of 64 Kbps. For example, a user can dial a first call at 384 Kbps (using 6 B channels), and then dial a second call at 512 Kbps (using 8 B channels). MultiRate service is available over T1 PRI lines only. MultiRate is also known as the switched Nx64 data service.
MultiVPN
Lucent strategy for addressing the key concerns of service providers and enterprise subscribers about virtual private networks (VPN). This strategy establishes a provider/subscriber architecture that uses the public networks infrastructure for private enterprise communications and provides management capabilities, assured levels of service and availability, and compatibility and security. The MultiVPN strategy goes beyond the traditional approach to VPNs and encompasses Internet Protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and frame relay (FR) technologies.
MultiVoice
Our strategic architecture provides a totally integrated solution for network service providers to offer combined voice/fax, and data network services on a single packet network infrastructure. This product and technology strategy includes the first transparent integration of existing voice networks with voice/fax over IP, frame relay, and ATM networks.
MultiVoice For The MAX
The set of hardware and software components for MAX WAN access switches that enable network service providers or enterprises to add real-time voice transport services to their IP backbone network. MultiVoice for the MAX enables ordinary telephones to connect to other telephones over a public or private packet network, using a standard voice-over-IP gateway.
MultiVoice Gateway
A MultiVoice component that supports the International Telecommunication Union–Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) H.323 standard for transmitting voice over an IP network. When a voice call is received at a local MultiVoice Gateway, the voice signal is packetized, compressed, and transmitted over the packet network using standard protocols and voice compression technologies. At the remote gateway, the process is reversed and the call is delivered over the remote packet network to its intended destination.
Multiband
The name of a product family of network access equipment manufactured by Ascend Communications.
Multiband LSU
LAN Service Unit. The Ascend Multiband LSU is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. It allows LAN bridges and routers to be interconnected, creating WANs, using a combination of dedicated leased circuits and digital dial-up circuits. By creating such hybrid networks, users can match bandwidth to real-time traffic loads, saving money and maximizing performance.
Multiband Plus
The Ascend Multiband Plus is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. Like all members of the Multiband family, it provides application access to digital dial-up bandwidth on demand. It supports up to four simultaneous applications (video, LAN, backup, imaging, etc.) and up to 3 Mbit/s to the network.
Multiband RPM
Remote Port Module. The Ascend Multiband RPM is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. A device used to extend data, control, and management data ports from a Multiband to application equipment located elsewhere in a facility. An RPM might be thought of as a sophisticated repeater, converting high-speed data and control signals for transmission using simple unshielded twisted pair wiring over extended distances (typically up to 3400 feet).
Multiband VSU
Video Service Unit. The Ascend Multiband VSU is a member of the Ascend Multiband product family. It allows videoconference users to initially purchase a VSU for use as a dual 56 (112 kbit/s) CSU/DSU, and then easily upgrade the VSU to a full-fledged 384 kbit/s inverse multiplexer at a later date as requirements dictate. The upgrade process is performed by remotely downloading new software from Ascend Communications.
Multicast
In communications technology, the ability to distribute signals from a single source to many destinations at the same time. Voice mail and email can be multicast.
Multicast Backbone
The MBONE is a virtual network layered on top of the Internet to support IP multicast routing across point-to-point links. Because multicasting is a fast and inexpensive way to communicate information to multiple hosts, the MBONE is used for transmitting audio and video on the Internet in real time.
Multicast Group
A group of subscribers to whom a device sends multicast transmissions. Membership in a multicast group is voluntary. Using Internet Group Membership Protocol (IGMP), you can configure an application on your PC to declare itself a member of a multicast group.
Multicast Network
A network in which a router sends packets to all addresses on a subscriber list. This type of network is different from both a unicast network (in which the router sends packets to one user at a time) and a broadcast network (in which the router sends packets to all users, whether they appear on a subscription list or not). The Multicast Backbone (MBONE) is an example of a multicast network.
Multimedia
The technology that transmits and exchanges information in different formats such as text, graphics, sound, and full-motion video.
Multimode Fiber
A fiber whose core diameter is large compared with the wavelength of light and therefore propagates more than one mode.
Multipath Route
A static route that distributes the traffic load across multiple interfaces to a single destination.
Multiple system operator
Cable television company that operates more than one cable system.
Multiple-user
The ability to have simultaneous users.
Multiplex
To transmit multiple signals over a single communications line or computer channel by interleaving the messages.
Multiplexer
At one end of a communications link, a device that combines several lower-speed transmission channels into a single high-speed channel. A multiplexer at the other end reverses the process. A multiplexer is sometimes called a mux.
Multiplexer/Demultiplexer
A multiplexer transmits multiple separate signals over a single communications line or computer channel by interleaving the signals. A demultiplexer converts a transmission that contains multiple intermixed signals back into the original separate signals.
Multiplexing
The process of combining a number of individual channels into a common frequency band or into a common bit stream for transmission. The converse equipment or process for separating a multiplexed stream into individual channels is called a de-multiplexer.
Multipoint Control Unit (MCU)
Videoconferencing equipment which allows multiple individual videoconference units to connect together to form a multiparty videoconference session.
Multipoint Link
A connection that links multiple hosts on a single line.
Multipoint Mode
A telephone service that provides a way for a single interface to have multiple telephone numbers.
Multiprotocol Routing
The ability to route multiple network protocols, including IP, IPX, and AppleTalk.
mA
A unit of measure for current equal to one one-thousandth of an Ampere.
mW
Milliwatt. A unit of measure for power equal to one one-thousandth of a Watt.
mechanical splicing
An optical fiber splice accomplished by fictures or material rather than thermal fusion.
metro
Metropolitan fiber ring. High-speed local network that connects local telephone users to long distance networks.
micron
A unit of measurement, equaling one-millionth of a meter.
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