User's Manual

30 TRM SB Integration Guide MDS 05-4121A01, Rev. 02
6.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
If you are new to wireless networks, some of the terms used in this guide
may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these terms
and is helpful in understanding the operation of the transceiver.
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB,
representing the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type
antenna. System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for
example) are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna
system gain.
Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a
zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
BPS—Bits-per-second. A measure of the information transfer rate of
digital data across a communication channel.
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE.
Data Communications Equipment—See DCE.
Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an “ideal” isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
dBm—Decibels referenced to one milliwatt. An absolute unit used to
measure signal power, as in transmitter power output, or received signal
strength.
DCE—Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (or Data Communications
Equipment). In data communications terminology, this is the “modem”
side of a computer-to-modem connection. The TRM 450 SB is a DCE
device.
Decibel (dB)—A measure computed from the ratio between two signal
levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
DTE—Data Terminal Equipment. A device that provides data in the
form of digital signals at its output. Connects to the DCE device.
ETSI—European Telecommunications Standards Institute. A
non-profit group that produces and approves standards for use
throughout Europe and other locations pertaining to communications
equipment and systems.