Telecom Dictionary

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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.

NOC 
network operations center

NOS 
network operating system

NPA 
numbering plan area

NSEP 
National Security & Emergency Preparedness

NTSC 
National Television System Committee

NT 
network termination