Glossary
GL-29
Cisco 6260 Hardware Installation Guide
OL-2365-02
VCI
virtual channel identifier. A 16-bit field in the header of an ATM cell. The VCI, together with the VPI,
is used to identify the next destination of a cell as it passes through to the ATM switch. It is sometimes
called virtual circuit identifier. See also
VPI
.
virtual channel
connection
See
VCC
.
virtual channel
identifier
See
VCI
.
virtual circuit
A logical circuit created to ensure reliable communication between two network devices. A virtual
circuit is defined by a VPI/VCI pair and can be either PVC or SVC. In ATM, a virtual circuit is called
a virtual channel. See also PVC, SVC, VCI, and VPI.
virtual circuit
connection
See
VCC
.
virtual circuit
identifier
See
VCI
.
virtual connection
In ATM, a connection between end users that has a defined route and endpoints. See also
PVC
and
SVC
.
virtual path
A logical grouping of virtual circuits that connect two sites. One of two types of ATM circuits
identified by a VPI. A virtual path is a bundle of virtual circuits, all of which are switched across a
network based on a common VPI. See also
VPI
.
virtual path
identifier
See
VPI
.
VPI
virtual path identifier. An 8-bit field in the header of an ATM cell. The VPI, together with the VCI, is
used to identify the next destination of a cell as it passes through the network. See also
VCI
.
W
WAN
wide-area network. A data communications network that serves users across a broad geographic area
and often uses transmission devices provided by common carriers. Compare with
LAN
.
WAN Interface Card
See
WIC
.
WIC
WAN Interface Card. A WIC card plugs into the card slot of a router and allows DSL use on routers.
Each WIC acts as a CPE and can handle the amount of data available depending on the line conditions
and the DSL profile assigned to the port.
wide-area network
See
WAN
.