Glossary

Channel loss resulting from intersymbol interference.

Telecommunications cables that are part of the building subsystem that connect one telecommunications closet to another or a telecommunications room to the equipment room.

When describing an optical fiber connection, factors contributing to attenuation that are determined by the condition of the optical fiber itself. See also extrinsic loss.

The theoretical minimum loss that a given joint or device will have as a function of its nature. Intrinsic joint loss may also be used to describe the given theoretical minimum loss that a splice joint, coupler, or splitter may achieve.

Performance specification whereby total optical channel performance is specified, rather than performance of individual components.

The optical signal loss arising from differences in the fibers being spliced.

An intumescent is a substance that swells as a result of heat exposure, thus increasing in volume and decreasing in density.

A device that inverts the phase of a signal.

A method for making and doping glass by ion exchange.

The measure of power density at a surface upon which radiation is directed. The normal unit is watts per square centimeter.

The device used on ISDN networks to connect a local network or single machine to an ISDN network (or any non-ISDN compliant device). The ISDN terminal adapter provides line power and translates data from the LAN or individual computer for transmission on the ISDN line.

Signals that are dependent on some uniform timing or carry their own timing information embedded as part of the signal.

A separate ground conductor that is insulated from the equipment or building ground.

The ability of a circuit or component to reject interference.

In fiber optics, a device that permits only forward transmission of light and blocks any reflected light.