Glossary M-N

MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) MPEG is an organization that creates standards for digital compression of audio and video. The collection of MPEG standards is constantly evolving. Perhaps the best-known, and most controversial, of MPEG formats is MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer-3), which is used to record and store music files.

MTSO (Mobile Telephone Switching Office) - Similar to a Central Office (CO), an MTSO provides switching services to wireless telephones.

Megabit (Mb) - 1) In terms of data transfer, one megabit per second (Mbps) refers to 1,000,000 bits of information transferred per second. 2) In relation to data storage, one megabit is exactly equal to 1,048,576 bits of stored data.

Megahertz (MHz): 1) In radio frequency (RF) transmissions, MHz is used to describe 1,000,000 cycles per second, or 1,000,000 Hertz. 2) In computing contexts, MHz describes 1,000,000 oscillations per second of the computer's processor.

Mic boom: This component of a headset extends forward from the earpiece to position the microphone near your mouth. Many booms are set on a pivot mount, so they can be rotated down when you're talking on the phone, and back up, out of the way when you're not. Several different types of booms are used on today's headsets. A fixed boom is rod-like, solid and stationary. A telescoping boom slides out for use, and back into itself for compact storage, much like a radio antenna. A flexible boom can be twisted and bent to position the microphone precisely. A good-quality flexible boom will hold its position over time.

Microsite: A small web site, usually hosted on a larger site’s server, that has a different address (or URL) from the site’s home page and is generally related to, but not part of, the primary site. Microsites (also called minisites) are the form frequently taken by online promotions, marketing partnerships or special interests related to a primary web site.

Modem (Modulator/Demodulator) - Originally, a device that converted (modulated) the "1" and "0" values of a binary signal into a signal that could be carried by an analog telephone network. At the other end, a different modem converted (demodulated) the analog signal back into digital. The term "modem" is now used to describe the appliance that provides a computer with a connection to the Internet.

Monaural A headset that is configured with 1 speaker, and designed to be worn on either the right or left ear. This design permits interaction between the headset user and other people in the vicinity, while the user is simultaneously engaged in a phone conversation.

Multimedia The integration of several different types of media—text, graphics, animation, audio, or video—into a single presentation. A computer’s ability to handle all of these different forms of media makes it a true multimedia device. Single-medium formats include print, photography, and radio.

Multiplexing A method for sending multiple signals using a single pathway, whether in a wired medium, such as packet-switched data transmission, or in wireless communications. There are several techniques used to share bandwidth resources. The most common are Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) in wireless phones, Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) for data transmission, and Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) in analog systems.

Music-on-Hold A system that provides music, advertisement, or other audible information to callers when they are placed on hold.

Network In telecommunications contexts, a network is a series of connected voice, data, or media devices. This applies to all forms of networks, from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the Local Area Network (LAN), the Wide Area Network (WAN), cable TV, and wireless telephones. While the mediums, capabilities, and intentions of these networks may vary, the purpose of connecting the various end points remains the same. Networks are the basis of virtually all modern telecommunications.

Network Interface Any device that permits connection to an external network. In telephony, a network interface is generally a locked box on the exterior of a residence in which connections may be established to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). In the context of a Local Area Network (LAN), a network interface is generally a device, such as a gateway, that serves as an interface to the external network for all devices on the LAN.

NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) Battery - The predominant standard among the several rechargeable battery types. NiCd batteries are used to supply power to cellular and cordless phones, portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other small battery-powered devices.

NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) Battery - A type of rechargeable battery. NiMH batteries provide greater storage capacity and longer service life than the more common NiCd batteries.

Noise Cancellation A function of some headset microphones that suppresses background noise for clearer voice transmission.

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