G
LOSSARY
137
MNP
Microcom Networking Protocol, an error-
control protocol developed by Microcom,
Inc., and now in the public domain. There are
several different MNP protocols, but the most
commonly used one ensures error-free
transmission through error detection (CRC)
and retransmission of flawed frames.
modem
A device that transmits/receives computer data
through a communications channel such as
radio or telephone lines. It also changes signals
received from the phone line back to digital
signals before passing them to the receiving
computer.
nonvolatile memory (NVRAM)
User-programmable random access memory
whose data is retained when power is turned
off. On the Sportster modem, it includes four
stored phone numbers and the modem settings.
off/on hook
Modem operations that are the equivalent of
manually lifting a phone receiver (taking it off-
hook) and replacing it (going on-hook).
online fall back/fall forward
A feature that allows high-speed, error-control
modems to monitor line quality and fall back to
the next lower speed in a defined range if line
quality diminishes. As line conditions improve,
the modems switch up to the next higher
speed.
originate mode
The mode used by your modem when initiating
an outgoing call to a destination modem. The
transmit/receive frequencies are the reverse of
the called modem, which is in answer mode.
