multi-class deviceA device required to store or process information of more than one security class simultaneously [CESG].
multi-element dipole antennaAn antenna consisting of an arrangement of multiple dipole antennas. Note: Various directivity patterns may be obtained by varying the arrangement of the…
multi-homed hostA computer that is connected to more than one physical data link; these data links may or may not be attached to the same network. [Bahorsky]
multi-satellite linkA radio link between a transmitting Earth station and a receiving Earth station through two or more satellites, without any intermediate Earth station.
multi-threadedA characteristic of a sequence or group of messages that allows several messages to be sent by one party to the same message recipient without waiting for…
multiaddress callingA service feature that permits a user to designate more than one addressee for the same data.
multicarrier modulation (MCM)A technique of transmitting data by dividing the data into several interleaved bit streams and using these to modulate several carriers.
multicastIn a network, a technique that allows data, including packet form, to be simultaneously transmitted to a selected set of destinations.
multicast addressA routing address that (a) is used to address simultaneously all the computers in a group and (b) usually identifies a group of computers that share a…
multichannelPertaining to communications, usually full-duplex communications, on more than one channel.
multicouplerIn radio communications, a device for connecting several receivers or transmitters to one antenna in such a way that the equipment impedances are properly…
multidestination mode (MD)A DCME- (direct-circuit, multiplication equipment) operational mode where trunk channel traffic is interpolated over a pool of available bearer channels…
multifiber cableA fiber-optic cable having two or more fibers, each of which is capable of serving as an independent optical transmission channel. [After FAA]
multifiber jointAn optical splice or connector designed to mate two multifiber cables, providing simultaneous optical alignment of all individual optical fibers.
multiframeIn PCM systems, a set of consecutive frames in which the position of each frame can be identified by reference to a multiframe alignment signal.
multifrequency pulsingSynonym multifrequency signaling. See dual-tone multifrequency signaling.
Multilevel DeviceA device that is used in a manner that it simultaneously permits access by users with different security clearances and needs-to-know, but prevents users…
multilevel mode[An] Information systems (IS) mode of operation wherein all the following statements are satisfied concerning the users who have direct or indirect access…
multilevel precedence and preemption (MLPP)In military communications, a priority scheme (a) for assigning one of several precedence levels to specific calls or messages so that the system handles…
Multilevel SecureA class of system containing information with different classifications that simultaneously permits access by users with different security clearances and…
multilevel security (MLS)1. [The] concept of processing information with different classifications and categories that simultaneously permits access by users with different…
multilink operationIn packet-switched networks, the simultaneous use of multiple links for the transmission of different segments of the same message unit.
MultimediaThe combined use of different media; integrated video, audio, text and data graphics in digital form.
multimedia communication systemA system that handles more than one media stream in a synchronized way from the user's point of view.
multimode distortionA distortion mechanism, occurring in multimode fibers, in which the signal is spread in time because the velocity of propagation of the optical signal is…
multimode optical fiberAn optical fiber that supports the propagation of more than one bound mode. Note: A multimode optical fiber may be either a graded-index (GI) fiber or a…
multipathThe propagation phenomenon that results in radio signals' reaching the receiving antenna by two or more paths.
MultipleA stock's multiple is its price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). It's figured by dividing the market price of the stock by its earnings.
multiple accessThe connection of a user to two or more switching centers by separate access lines using a single message routing indicator or telephone number. 2.
multiple association control function (MACF)Represents the rules and regulations governing the coordination of set of peer-to-peer communications within an application entity invocation (AEI). [T1.
multiple data message format (MDMF)A series of data words specifying message type, message length, parameter message(s), and error detection information.
multiple homingIn telephone systems, the connection of a terminal facility so that it can be served by one or several switching centers.
multiple mediaTransmission media using more than one type of transmission path (e.g., optical fiber, radio, and copper wire) to deliver information.
multiple terminal address registrationA feature that enables the UPT user to simultaneously register multiple terminal addresses for incoming and/or outgoing UPT calls. [T1.701-1994]
multiple-spot scanningIn facsimile systems, scanning performed simultaneously by two or more scanning spots, each one analyzing its fraction of the total scanned area of the…
multiplex aggregate bit rateIn a time-division multiplexer, the bit rate that is equal to the sum of (a) the input channel data signaling rates available to the user and (b) the rate…
multiplex baseband1. In frequency-division multiplexing, the frequency band occupied by the aggregate of the signals in the line interconnecting the multiplexing and radio…
multiplex hierarchyIn frequency-division multiplexing, the rank of frequency bands occupied: 12 channels group 5 groups (60 channels) super group 5 super groups (300…
multiplex link encryptionEncryption in which a single cryptographic device is used to encrypt all of the data in a multiplexed link.
multiplexer (MUX)A device that combines multiple inputs into an aggregate signal to be transported via a single transmission channel. Synonym multiplexing equipment.
multiplexer/demultiplexer (muldem)A device that combines the functions of multiplexing and demultiplexing of digital signals. Note: The term muldem should not be confused with modem.
multiplexing (MUXing)The combining of two or more information channels onto a common transmission medium.
multipoint control unit (MCU)A multiport device, by means of which two or more audiovisual terminals may intercommunicate in a conference call.
multipoint distribution service: (MDS) 1.A one-way domestic public radio service rendered on microwave frequencies from a fixed station transmitting (usually in an omnidirectional pattern) to…
multipoint grounding systemEquipment bonded together and also bonded to the facility grounding system at the point nearest the equipment.
multipoint linkA data communications link that interconnects three or more terminals.
multiport repeaterIn digital networking, an active device, having multiple input/output (I/O) ports, in which a signal introduced at the input of any port appears at the…
multiprocessingSimultaneous processing by two or more processors acting in concert. 2. The simultaneous execution of two or more computer programs or sequences of…
multiprocessorA computer that has two or more processors that have common access to a main storage.
multiprogrammingA mode of operation that provides for the interleaved execution of two or more computer programs by a single processor.
multipulse test signalA test signal consisting of a white flag, a 2T pulse, and modulated pulses. The modulating frequencies of the pulses correspond to the frequency packets…
multitaskingThe concurrent performance or interleaved execution of two or more tasks. Synonym concurrent operation.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)An electronic standard for encoding and transmitting digitized musical information between musical instruments and computers. [Bahorsky]
Must-carry (Retransmission)A 1992 Cable Act term requiring a cable system to carry signals of both commercial and noncommercial television broadcast stations that are "local" to the…
mutual suspicionThe relationship between interacting entities in which neither entity relies upon the other entity to function correctly or securely with respect to some…
mutual synchronizationSynchronization in which the frequency of the clock at a particular node is controlled by a weighted average of the timing on all signals received from…
mutually synchronized networkA network that has a synchronizing arrangement in which each clock in the network exerts a degree of control on all others.
NAK attackIn communications security systems, a security penetration technique that makes use of the negative-acknowledge transmission-control character and…
Naming AuthorityAn organizational entity responsible for assigning distinguished names (DNs) and for assuring that each DN is meaningful and unique within its domain.
NANP AreaConsists of the United States, Canada and the Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman…
narrative trafficTraffic consisting of plain or encrypted messages written in a natural language and transmitted in accordance with standard formats and procedures.
narrowband modemA modem whose modulated output signal has an essential frequency spectrum that is limited to that which can be wholly contained within, and faithfully…
narrowband radio voice frequency (NBRVF)In narrowband radio, the nominal 3-kHz bandwidth allocated for single channel radio that provides a transmission path for analog and quasi-analog signals.
narrowband signalAny analog signal or analog representation of a digital signal whose essential spectral content is limited to that which can be contained within a voice…
NATAAbbreviation for North American Telecommunications Association.
National Communications System (NCS)The organization established by Section 1(a) of Executive Order No. 12472 to assist the President, the National Security Council, the Director of the…
National Electric Code® (NEC)A standard that governs the use of electrical wire, cable, and fixtures, and electrical and optical communications cable installed in buildings.
National Information Infrastructure (NII)A proposed, advanced, seamless web of public and private communications networks, interactive services, interoperable hardware and software, computers…
national numberThe number identifying a calling user line within an area designated by a country code. [T1.104-1991]
national prefixA digit or combination of digits to be dialed by a calling subscriber, making a call to a subscriber in his own country but outside his own numbering area.
national security information (NSI)Information that has been determined, pursuant to Executive Order 12958 or any predecessor order, to require protection against unauthorized disclosure.
national security systemAny telecommunications or information system operated by the United States Government, the function, operation, or use of which: (a) involves intelligence…