An attribute describing the special arrangement for transferring information between two or more access points; it completes the structure associated with a telecommunication service as it associates the relationship between the access points involved and the flow of information between these access points. Values associated with this attribute are point-to-point, multipoint, and broadcast. [T1.603-1990] [T1.604-1990]

A function in an open system that provides the means for cooperating processes in different real open systems to communicate. This communication is concerned not only with the transfer of information between open systems, but also with their capability to interwork to accomplish a specific operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning (OAM & P) function. [T1.210-1993]

That part of the API devoted to communications with other application software, external data transport facilities, and devices. The services provided are those whose protocol state, syntax, and format all must be standardized for interoperability [POSIX.0].

1. Information transfer, among users or processes, according to agreed conventions.
2. The branch of technology concerned with the representation, transfer, interpretation, and processing of data among persons, places, and machines.
Note: The meaning assigned to the data must be preserved during these operations.

Synonymbase communications.

1. A cessation of communications or communications capability caused by a lack of power to a communications facility or equipment.
2. A total lack of communications capability caused by propagation anomalies, e.g., those present during strong auroral activity or during the re-entry of a spacecraft into the Earth's atmosphere.

1. An agency charged with the responsibility for handling and controlling communications traffic. The center normally includes message center, transmitting, and receiving facilities. [JP 1-02]
2. A facility that (a) serves as a node for a communications network, (b) is equipped for technical control and maintenance of the circuits originating, transiting, or terminating at the node, (c) may contain message-center… (Read More →)

See channel.

1. The term "communications common carrier" as used in this part [of 47CFR] means any person (individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, corporation, or other entity) engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or in interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, including such carriers as are described in subsection 2(b)… (Read More →)

Concealing or altering of characteristic communications patterns to hide information that could be of value to an adversary. [INFOSEC-99]