3-DEA

Triple Data Encryption Algorithm – mathematical algorithm used in 3-DES

3-DES

Triple Data Encryption Standard – Security standard of encryption for ensuring the safety of financial transactions while being transported over networks

ACD

Automated Cash Dispenser (see ATM)

ATM

Automated Teller Machine

Bandwidth

The transmission capacity of a communications channel – a greater bandwidth allows a higher volume of data to be transported over a given time frame

CPE

Customer Premises Equipment e.g. ATMs and EFTPOS terminals

DSL

A ‘Digital Subscriber Loop’ that provides a high bandwidth digital line between a TSP and a subscriber

Edge Device

A product located at the edge of a FTN (e.g. Vcomms’ Vista), that enables installed CPE to interface with newer, lower cost networks, such as IP networks

EFTPOS

Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale

EPOS

Electronic Point of Sale (see EFTPOS)

Ethernet

The connection used by PCs to make connection to local area networks and hence to other PCs and network servers and resources

FEP

Front End Processor – Also called a Communications FEP, a server responsible for linking a client application’s network to host computers. For Financial Transaction Networks, a Vcomms’ FEP connects IP networks to bank hosts and adds vital functions such as end-to-end management, security and reporting.

FTN

Financial Transaction Network – A data network for financial transactions between terminals (ATM or POS) and Bank hosts, traditionally over the PSTN and more recently over IP networks such as GPRS.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service – an ‘always-on’, higher capacity wireless network offering Internet-based content and SDTN services [www.gsmworld.com]

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications [www.gsmworld.com]

IAD

Independent ATM Deployer

IP

Internet Protocol – the world’s most popular open-system (non-proprietary) protocol suite. This protocol sets out rules for communicating between two devices

ISDN

Integrated Services Digital Network – The digital replacement for analogue telephone lines using the existing copper line infrastructure

M2M

Machine to Machine

MTTR

Mean Time to Repair

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

PCB

Printed Circuit Board

POS

Point of Sale

POS Terminal

EFTPOS enabled Point of Sales Terminal including standalone terminals and computers equipped for EFTPOS

POTS

Plain Old Telephone Service

PSTN

Public Switch Telephone Network

QTP

Quick Transaction Protocol – an open language or protocol that can be used over IP networks to give improved transaction transport performance

SDT

Short Duration Transaction – an electronic transaction of a few seconds duration e.g. A financial transaction such as an EFTPOS purchase

SDTN

Short Duration Transaction Network – a data exchange network over which the connection between network devices exists for a short period of time, generally a few seconds. Typically, there is either a single message being sent, or a single message sent with a single response. A Financial Transaction Network (FTN) is a SDTN that enables installed POS and ATM terminals to connect to Banks via IP networks such as GPRS.

SDTN Server

A computer server at the centre of a SDTN such as an ATM or EFTPOS network that enables financial transactions to settle with the host bank

SLA

Service Level Agreement, a document, which details agreed network performance standards

SME

Small to Medium Sized Enterprise – describes a market segment

SNA

System Network Architecture - protocol designed by IBM to connect terminals to computers, subsequently adopted by the computer community at large but now being replaced.

SOHO

Small Office Home Office – describes a market segment

TCP

Transmission Control Protocol – the basic communication language or protocol of the Internet

TDES

Triple Data Encryption Standard (see 3DES)

Telco

Telecommunications Company

TSP

Telecommunications Service Provider (see Telco)

UL

Underwriters Laboratories – a US based testing laboratory for product compliance and public safety

Vista

Vcomms’ range of edge devices

X.25

A standard protocol used in existing data networks, that is now outdated and being replaced.