Out of Band

A mechanism by which a program can manipulate data structures of any format, without knowing what that format might be [POSIX.6].

1. In communications, a circuit available for use.
2. In electrical engineering, a circuit that contains an essentially infinite impedance.
Note: An open circuit may be intentional, as in a switch, or may constitute a fault, as in a severed cable.

The term "Open Circuit Test Line" denotes an arrangement in an end office which provides an ac open circuit termination of a trunk or line by means of an inductor of several Henries.

A dual bus in which the head-of-bus functions for both buses are at different locations.

In the context of the FCC's Computer Inquiry III, the overall design of a communication carrier's basic network facilities and services to permit all users of the basic network to interconnect to specific basic network functions and interfaces on an unbundled, equal-access basis.
Note: The ONA concept consists of three integral components: (a) basic serving arrangements (BSAs), (b) basic service… (Read More →)

Public specifications that are maintained by an open, public consensus process to accommodate new technologies over time and that are consistent with international standards [POSIX.0].

Storage of classified information within an accredited facility, but not in General Services Administration approved secure containers, while the facility is unoccupied by authorized personnel. [INFOSEC-99]

An interval when the dc voltage applied between the tip and ring conductors of a line is removed, hence temporarily suspending line supervision and transmission. [T1.401-1998]

1. A system with characteristics that comply with specified, publicly maintained, readily available standards and that therefore can be connected to other systems that comply with these same standards.
2. A system that implements sufficient open specifications for interfaces, services, and supporting formats to enable properly engineered applications software:- to be ported with minimal changes across a wide range of… (Read More →)