A code that has n significant conditions, where n is a positive integer greater than
1. Note 1: The integer substituted for n indicates the specific number of significant conditions, i.e., quantization states, in the code. For example, an 8-ary code has eight significant conditions and can convey three bits per code symbol. Note 2: A prefix that indicates an integer, e.g., “bi,” “tern,” or “quater,” may be used in lieu of a numeral, to produce “binary,” “ternary,” or “quaternary” (2, 3, and 4 states respectively).

See n-ary code.

An active element in the n-th layer of the Open Systems Interconnection–Reference Model (OSI-RM) that (a) interacts directly with elements, i.e., entities, of the layer immediately above or below the n-th layer, (b) is defined by a unique set of rules, i.e., syntax, and information formats, including data and control formats, and (c) performs a defined set of functions. Note 1: The n refers to any one of the 7 layers of the OSI-RM. Note 2: In an existing layered open system, the n may refer to any given layer in the system. Note 3: Layers are conventionally numbered from the lowest, i.e., the physical layer, to the highest, so that the n + 1 layer is above the n-th layer and the n – 1 layer is below.

A defined action performed by an n-entity. Note: An n-function may be (a) a single action, i.e., a primitive function, or (b) a set of actions.

A pseudorandom binary sequence of n bits that (a) is the output of a linear shift register and (b) has the property that, if the shift register is set to any nonzero state and then cycled, a pseudorandom binary sequence of a maximum of n = 2m-1 bits will be generated, where m is the number of stages, i.e., the number of bit positions in the register, before the shift register returns to its original state and the n-bit output sequence repeats. Note: The register may be used to control the sequence of frequencies for a frequency-hopping spread spectrum transmission system.

A code in which the signals or groups of digits that represent coded items, such as characters, have the same number of signal elements or digits, namely n elements or digits, where n may be any positive integer. Note: An example of an n-unit code is the 7-unit code (8-unit with parity) ASCII code. Each character is represented by a pattern of 7 binary digits. The units may also be characters or other special signs. [From Weik ’89]

In the ISO Open Systems Interconnection–Reference Model (OSI–RM), an n+1 entity that uses the services of the n-layer, and below, to communicate with another n+1 entity. Note: If n identifies a specific or a reference level, the n+1 layer is the layer above the n layer and the n-1 layer is the layer below the n layer. Thus, the n+2 layer is two layers above the n layer.

Network Access Configuration Function – Functional Entity

Network Access Control Function

1. Negative-Acknowledge Character,
2. Negative Acknowledgement.