Dictionary

This dictionary has been set up to help you better understand the technical "lingo" associated with voice and data communication. Simply click on a letter below to find a particular word.

PARTNER ACS Processor Module
The Avaya equipment component that provides the software intelligence that controls the system's features.

Patch Panel
In a network, a patch panel functions like a switchboard, using cables to interconnect computers within the area of a local area network (LAN) and to the outside for connection to the Internet or other wide area network (WAN). A patch panel uses patch cords or equipment cords to create each interconnection.

PBX
An abbreviation for private branch exchange. A PBX is actually a switch that lets callers obtain an outside trunk line by dialing an access code (usually "9"). PBX systems offer a wider variety of calling features and support more trunk types than key systems.

PCMCIA
A PC Card (sometimes referred to as a PCMCIA Card) is a credit card-size device that adds memory, mass storage, and I/O capabilities to computers. The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is a non-profit trade association and standards body that promotes PC Card technology.

Personal Distribution List
This feature gives mailbox owners the ability to create distribution lists for the delivery of their voice mail messages. For example, the user could set up a list with the extensions of five coworkers, rather than dialing five extensions.

Personalized Ringing
Allows users to program their telephones with a unique alert; each user can choose one of a number of possible ringing patterns.

Pick-up Group
A group of individuals authorized to answer any call directed to an extension number within the group.

Port
On computer and telecommunication devices, a port is a specific place for being physically connected to some other device, usually with a socket and plug of some kind. In programming, a port is a "logical connection place" and specifically, using the Internet's protocol, TCP/IP, the way a client program specifies a particular server program on a computer in a network.

POTS
An acronym for "plain old telephone service." In most contexts, POTS is synonymous with the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Predictive Dialing
This feature automatically calls a list of telephone numbers in sequence and screens out no-answers, busy signals, answering machines, and disconnected numbers while predicting at what point a human caller will be able to handle the next call. Predictive dialing is commonly used for telemarketing, surveys, appointment confirmation, payment collection, and service follow-ups.

Priority Queing
The process of setting up queues to prioritize certain types of calls awaiting connection to an attendant, an answering group, or to an idle trunk.

Privacy
Users press a programmed button to prevent other users from joining calls at their extension.

Private Network
A network used exclusively for handling the telecommunications needs of a business