Glossary

SONET Channel of 155.52Mbps.

SONET channel of 2.5Gbps.

Eight bits (also called a byte).

A device that measures optical return loss, or the loss of optical signals due to reflection back toward the transmitter.

A directional coupler used to combine or separate optical power.

An optical fiber cable that has conducting (metal) elements in its construction and that meets the plenum test requirements of NFPA 262; examples of conducting elements in the cable include the copper wire or interlock aluminum armoring.

An optical fiber cable that has conducting (metal) elements in its construction and that meets the riser test requirements of UL 1666; examples of conducting elements in the cable include the copper wire or interlock aluminum armoring

The handset

The main grounding point in a central office. Usually connects directly to an earth ground like a water pipe.

An optical fiber cable that has no conducting (metal) elements and meets the plenum test requirements of NFPA 262 (UL910).

A unit of electrical resistance. The value of resistance through which a potential of one volt will maintain a current of one ampere.

Named after Georg Ohm.

Ω = Ohm

The telephone handset

An incomplete circuit. It can be either a break in a cable or a switch that

A break in the continuity of a circuit. This means that the circuit is not complete or the cable/fiber is broken. This condition is also called unmated, open, or unterminated.

The wavelength at which a fiber-optic receiver is designed to operate. Typically, an operating wavelength includes a range of wavelengths above and below the stated wavelength.