NBEC

non-Bell exchange carrier

NCP

network control point

NCTE

network channel terminating equipment

Network Control Point (NCP)

In virtual private networks, the Network Contol Point is a centralized database that stores a subscriber's unique VPN definition. Highly sophisticated, this database screens every call and applies call processing control in accordance with customer-defined requirements.

Network Operating System (NOS)

NOS is software that controls the execution of network programs and modules. Structurally, networking software comprises multiple modules, most residing in network servers, but some must be installed in each terminal/station that can access network resources. Peer-to-peer NOSs permit any terminal/station to act as a resource server or a client, and can be based on Microsoft's Disk operating system (MS DOS) designed for IBM and compatible PCs. Since MS DOS is not designed to run multiple programs and respond to many simultaneous users, most NOSs designed for large networks with dedicated servers/superservers, have a multitasking and multi- user architecture. Advanced NOS products support network management, diagnostics, and administration, as well as, primary server, client, de vice and external network driver functions.

Network Services

Network Services are specified sets of information transfer capabilities furnished to users between telecommunications network points of termination. Network services categories include access and transport, public and private, and switched and non-switched.

NIC

network interface card

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology

NI

network interface

NNX

Before the use of "1" in direct distance dialing, NNX indicated the first three numbers of a North American local telephone number. These numbers are now designated as NXX, allowing local central offices to have numbers that look like area codes.