Glossary - M
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M
Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
The primary point at which outside plant facilities terminate within a wire center for interconnection to other telecommunications facilities within the wire center. Also known as Central Office Distribution Frame.
Maintenance Limit
The maximum margin, value, or deviation associated with normal in-service performance.
Major Trading Area (MTA)
Boundaries that segment the country for telecommunication licensing purposes. MTAs are based on Rand McNally's Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide. Each MTA is named after one or more cities which are designated as Major Trading Centers. The FCC uses MTA boundaries for licensing services such as Personal Communications Services (PCS). NOTE: MTAs are larger than Basic Trading Areas (BTA).
Mapping
In network operations, the logical association of one set of values, such as addresses on one network, with quantities or values of another set, such as devices on a second network; for example, name-address mapping, internetwork-route mapping.
Master Customer Number (MCN)
A unique number that identifies a customer. Also known as Customer Identification Number (CIN).
Maximum Burst Size (MBS)
ATM network performance parameter that defines the duration of transmission at a peak rate that would be accepted on a given ATM virtual circuit.
MBS
MCR
Measured Rate Local Calling Service
One of Verizon's local calling plans, Measured Rate Local Calling Service measures phone usage and charges on a usage rate for local calls. Businesses are charged on a per minute basis within the local calling area. Calls are accumulated for a billing period and rounded to the nearest minute. Regional toll calls are billed separately at a per-minute rate. Learn more. See also Flat Rate Local Calling Service or Verizon Freedom for Business.
Mechanized Loop Test (MLT)
A test system that tests the end user's loop, which is comprised of the wires and equipment used to provide dial tone/calling service to that end user.
Mediated Access
Allows CLECs to use Verizon network facilities, switches, and operating systems while prohibiting access to proprietary Verizon databases.
Meet Point
Meet-Point Billing Traffic
Refers to traffic that is subject to an effective Meet Point arrangement.
Megabits (Mb)
A measure, representing 1,000,000 bits, generally used to express the speed per second of telecommunications services and equipment. A bit is the smallest unit used to express digital information.
Megabits per second (Mbps)
A measurement of data transmission. One megabit per second equals one million bits per second.
Megabytes
A measure, representing 1,000,000 bytes generally used to express the storage capacity of digital A components. A byte represents a single character, or group of eight bits.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, areas based on counties that have cities and surrounding regions with populations of 50,000 or more. Sometimes known as SMSA.
Microwave Band
The band of frequencies, 1,000 megahertz or greater, that uses very short waves. These bands are used primarily for point-to-point communications.
Mid-Span Fiber Meet Interconnection
An interconnection architecture whereby two carriers' transmission facilities meet at a mutually agreed upon Point of Interconnection (POI), using a fiber hand-off. At the delivering carrier's option, may interface with the carrier's collocated equipment o gain access to unbundled network elements.
Mileage Range Indicator
A code that denotes the mileage range being billed.
Milliwatt (102 Type) Test Line
An arrangement in an end office that provides a 2004 Hz tone at 0 dBm0 for one-way transmission measurements towards the customer's premises from the local exchange carrier's end office.
Minimum Cell Rate (MCR)
ATM performance parameter that specifies the minimum rate for cell transmission that a network must guarantee to a user on a given virtual circuit.
Mobile-to-Land Traffic (M/L)
Traffic that originates on a CMRS provider's system and is terminated to a landline user.
Modem
Contradiction of modulator-demodulator. A device that converts signals transmitted over communication facilities; for example, converts analog voice signals to digital signals.
Modified Final Judgment (MFJ)
The federal court judgment that set up the rules and regulations concerning deregulation and divestiture of AT&T and the Bell system.
Multicast Address
A single address that refers to multiple network devices. Also known as Group Address.
Multiplexing
The process of combining a number of individual channels into a common frequency band or into a common bit stream for transmission.
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