GE MDS SD Series Technical Manual page 111

Master (Station) — Radio which is connected to the host computer. It is the point at which poll-
ing enters the network.
Multiple Address System — See MAS.
Network-Wide Diagnostics — An advanced method of controlling and interrogating GE MDS
radios in a radio network.
Node — An operating mode of the transceiver with respect to diagnostic/management activities.
See also GATE, PEER, and ROOT.
Non-intrusive diagnostics — See Passive messaging.
OTA — Over-the-Air
PA — Power Amplifier
Packet Radio — A transmission scheme in which data elements are assembled into units, that
are consecutively numbered and error-checked at the time of transmittal. Errored packets result
in retry requests from the receiving station.
Passive messaging — This is a mode of diagnostic gathering or reprogramming that does not
interrupt payload system polling communications. Diagnostic/reprogramming data is
sent/collected non-intrusively over a period of time; polling messages are carried with payload
system data (contrast with active messaging).
Payload data — This is the application's communication data which is sent over the radio net-
work.
Peer — An operating mode of the transceiver with respect to diagnostic/management activities.
See also GATE, NODE, and ROOT.
Point-Multipoint System — A radio communications network or system designed with a cen-
tral control station that exchanges data with a number of remote locations equipped with terminal
equipment.
Poll — A request for data issued from the host computer (or master PLC) to a remote radio.
PLC — Programmable Logic Controller. A dedicated microprocessor configured for a specific
application with discrete inputs and outputs. It can serve as a host or as an RTU.
PPM — Parts per Million
Programmable Logic Controller — See PLC.
Remote (Station) — A radio in a network that communicates with an associated master unit.
Remote Terminal Unit — See RTU.
Redundant Operation — A station arrangement where two transceivers and two power supplies
are available for operation, with automatic switch-over in case of a failure.
Root — An operating mode of the transceiver with respect to diagnostic/management activities.
See also GATE, NODE, and PEER.
RTS — Request-to-send
MDS 05-4864A01, Rev. I SD Series Technical Manual 101