GE MDS Master Station Technical Manual page 110

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 in-
terrupt 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 central
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. Typically used to specify a tolerance rating for an operational parame-
ter.
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.
RTU—Remote Terminal Unit. A data collection device installed at a remote radio site. An in-
ternal RTU simulator is provided with the transceiver to isolate faults to either the external RTU
or the radio.
RX—Abbreviation for "Receive." See also TX.
SAF—Store and Forward. An available feature of the radio where data is stored by a designated
Remote, and then retransmitted to a station beyond the communication range of the AP.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio—See SNR.
106 MDS™ Master Station MDS 05-6399A01, Rev. E