path clearanceIn microwave line-of-sight communications, the perpendicular distance from the radio-beam axis to obstructions such as trees, buildings, or terrain.
Path HistoriesMaintaining an authenticatable record of the prior platforms visited by a mobile software agent, so that a newly visited platform can determine whether to…
path lossIn a communication system, the attenuation undergone by an electromagnetic wave in transit between a transmitter and a receiver.
path overhead (POH)Overhead assigned to and transported with the payload until the payload is demultiplexed.
path profileA graphic representation of the physical features of a propagation path in the vertical plane containing both endpoints of the path, showing the surface…
path quality analysisIn a communications path, an analysis that (a) includes the overall evaluation of the component quality measures, the individual link quality measures…
path quality matrixA data bank that contains path-quality analyses used to support path selection and routing determination.
path surveyThe assembling of pertinent geographical and environmental data required to design a radio communication system.
pathfindingThe process of finding a path between an origin and destination, which usually involves determining a least-cost path.
pathnameThe path to a file or directory located on a disk. Pathnames are always specific to the computer operating system.
PATRIOTSee Phased Array Tracking Radar Intercept On Target (missile).
patternCan describe where active fish are holding, or what techniques are working to catch fish, especially larger fish.
Pattern MatchingA generic term that describes any process that compares one files content with another files content.
Pattern RecognitionTechnology that searches data for like patterns and flags, and extracts the pertinent data, usually utilizing an algorithm.
Paul Revere tourA traveling salesman tour in which the start is different from the ending stop.
pausedA state that applies to a node in a failover cluster or server cluster. The node is a fully active member in the cluster but cannot accept new clustered…
PAV (Parallel Access Volume)an IBM feature that allows multiple applications to access the same data at the same time.
PAVEPrecision Acquisition of Vehicle Entry (USAF term).
PAVE PAWSPosition And Velocity Extraction Phased Array Warning System. Phased array SLBM warning system. Four sites: a. East Otis ANG Base, MA b.
pavement edgesThe line demarcating the end of an impervious ground cover and the beginning of unconsolidated materials along a traveled path.
Pawsey stubA device for connecting an unbalanced coaxial feeder to a balanced antenna.
PAXAbbreviation for private automatic exchange. See PBX.
Pay for PerformancePayment structure where affiliated sales workers are paid commission for getting consumers to perform certain actions.
Pay-per-click (PPC)a pay-for-performance pricing model where advertising (such as banners or paid search engine listings) is priced based on number of clickthroughs rather…
Pay-per-post (PPP)A website designed to help content creators such as bloggers find advertisers willing to sponsor specific content.
Payback PeriodThe amount of time required before the savings resulting from your system equal the system cost.
PayloadThe input data to the CCM generation-encryption process that is both authenticated and encrypted.
Payload (Missile)(1) The warhead, its container, and activating devices in a military missile. (2) The satellite or research vehicle of a space probe or research missile.
Payload Build-up (Missile and Space)The process by which the scientific instrumentation (sensors, detectors, etc.) and necessary mechanical and electronic subassemblies are assembled into a…
payload loopbackA signal used to command the far-end receiver to loop back the received payload. [T1.107-1988]
payload moduleThe portion of a payload that completely occupies one or more channels.
payload overheadBits that are assigned at the source and remain with the information payload until the payload reaches the sink and are used for functions associated with…
payload pointerThe pointer that indicates the location of the beginning of the synchronous payload envelope. [T1.105-1988]
PBERAbbreviation for pseudo bit-error ratio. In adaptive high-frequency (HF) radio, a bit error ratio derived by a majority decoder that processes redundant…
PBXPrivate Branch Exchange - a telephony term describing a private telephone network used within an enterprise.
PBX (Private Branch eXchange)A private telephone network in an organization. Individual telephone numbers or extension numbers are supported, and calls are automatically routed to…
PCB carrierPrinted Circuit Board carrier. The unit that slides out from the chassis of a NetApp appliance and might contain (depending on the PCB carrier) expansion…
PCMCIAPersonal Computer Memory Card International Association. Plug-in cards for computers (usually portables), which extend the storage and/or functionality.
PCRA laboratory method used to make many copies of a specific DNA sequence. Also called polymerase chain reaction.
PCS(1) Permanent Change of Station (ILS term). (2) Planning and Control System.
PCS (Personal Communications Service)Personal Communications Service (PCS) is a suite of second-generation, digitally modulated mobile-communications interfaces that includes TDMA, CDMA, and…
PCS applicationFrom a user-identity-module (UIM) perspective, the files, commands and data used to support PCS services. [T1.707-1998]
PCS numberA number that uniquely identifies a PCS user and is used to place or forward a call to that user. [T1.244-1995] Synonyms personal number, UPT number.
PCS sessionThat part of the card session dedicated to the PCS operation. [T1.707-1998]
PCS switching centerIn personal communications service, a facility that (a) supports access-independent call control/service control, and connection control (switching)…
PCS SystemIn personal communications service, a collection of facilities that provides some combination of personal mobility, terminal mobility, and service profile…
PCWBSPreliminary Control Work Breakdown Structure. 221
PD/RRProgram Design and Risk Reduction (Acquisition Phase term).
PDAP (Personal Digital Assistant Profile)The Personal Digital Assistant Profile (PDAP) is a Java ME profile specification designed for small platforms such as PalmOS devices.
PDCP (Parallel and Distributed Computing Practices)Parallel and Distributed Computing Practices (PDCP) are often used to describe computer systems that are spread over many devices on a network (wired or…
PDD(1) Point Defense Demonstration (USN term). (2) Presidential Decision Directive.
PDFPortable Document Format - a file format developed by Adobe Systems. PDF captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing…
PDHAcronym for plesiochronous digital hierarchy. PDH refers to the DS1/DS2/DS3 family of signals which were developed as an asynchronously multiplexed…
PDLProgrammatic Design/ Development Language, e.g., Ada.
PDL (personal distribution list)A distribution list that a user creates and adds to their Personal Address Book (PDL) A distribution list is a name assigned to a group of recipients.