packet - Bits grouped serially in a defined format containing a command or data message sent over a network. A generic term used to describe a unit of data at any layer of the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model protocol stack. See also frame and datagram.

packet assembler/disassembler (PAD) - A device that breaks a digital message into x.25 packets for transmission and reassembles a message from received packets.

packet binary convolutional coding (PBCC) - An encoding method proposed for IEEE 802.11g. Because of the peak transfer rate of 33 Mb/s, it was rejected in favor of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. It is still included in IEEE 802.11g as an option.

packet buffer - The memory set aside for storing a packet awaiting transmission of or storing a received packet.

packet filter - A firewall that examines each network packet, or datagram, and uses an access control list to determine if the inbound or outbound datagram should be discarded (filtered) or allowed to pass through the firewall.

packet filtering - A security mechanism that examines each packet entering or exiting a network. Only the packets meeting preestablished criteria are allowed to proceed.

packet switching - A data communications switching and transmission system in which an input data stream is broken down into uniform data packets. Each packet is transmitted independently between devices through the network without first establishing a dedicated communications path between the devices. At the receiving end, the packets are checked for errors, resequenced as necessary, and combined into an output data stream. Contrast with circuit switching.

pad - A network of fixed resistors that attenuates signals by a fixed amount with negligible distortion.

padding down - Intentional attenuation of a signal.

PageFormat - A joint publication of the Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada that provides guidelines for the presentation of text on a page in an easy-to-read format for all sections. The use of a standardized page format provides an orderly, uniform arrangement of text for each page of any section. (CSI)

pair - 1. Two insulated wires commonly joined. They can be twisted around each other or mated together as in flat cable. 2. One side circuit (two diametrically facing conductors) in a star quad.

pair count - 1. Indicates how many pairs of grouped conductors are in a cable. 2. The pair identification of cable and pairs serving a location.

pairing - Creates keys for use on encrypted links in Bluetooth

pair scanner - See wire map tester. See also wire map

pair to pair - A configuration term used to indicate pairs going straight through (e.g., plug to plug, jack to jack, jack to plug).

pair twist - The uniform twist of an insulated copper pair that helps to reduce the negative effects of capacitance imbalance and electromagnetic induction.

panel antenna - A style of radio frequency antenna constructed in a flat panel shape. A flat panel antenna -is highly directional and usually a phased array antenna. Such antenna systems may combine signals from thousands of antenna elements to focus a beam at some angle in space.

panic bar - A push bar and latch mechanism that is installed on the secure side of an opening. When the push pad is pressed, the latch will be released and the opening will be unsecured.

paper insulation - The insulation of individual conductors in a cable with paper ribbon, either spirally or longitudinally applied. These conductors are not individually color-coded in outside plant.

parabolic antenna - A directional antenna often shaped like a dome (concave reflector) used to produce a parallel beam when the source is placed at its focus or to focus an incoming parallel beam.

parallel circuit - A circuit in which the identical voltage is presented to all components, and the current divides among the components according to the resistance or the impedance of the components.

parcel plat - A map of a single parcel of property, or a portion thereof, showing the boundaries, improvements, access, ownership, and other pertinent information.

parity - The information needed to recover the data stored on a failed disk drive in a redundant array of independent disks configuration.

parity check - An error-checking scheme that adds a bit to a block of data. When using even (odd) parity, the added bit in the block is set to either zero or one to make the total number of ones in the block, plus the parity bit, equal to an even (odd) value. Parity will detect a single error.

parked state - Refers to a slave device in Bluetooth". A parked slave is not active on the channel, but will remain synchronized to the clock of the master.

passive cross-connect - A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their interconnection or cross-connection by means of jumpers or patchcords without modification of the transmitted signal through amplification, retiming, or regeneration. (TIA)

passive distribution equipment - Equipment that does not require electric power and does not modify the transmitted signal through amplification, retiming, or regeneration.

passive hub - A hub that does not require electrical power to operate. Such devices function as simple signal distribution units, where an incoming signal on one port is directed to another port with no amplification, retiming, or regeneration. See also active hub and hub.

patch antenna - Comprises a patch of conductive material fixed above a conductive plane and separated from the plane by a thin dielectric substrate. Patch antennas are moderately directional.

patch cord - A length of cable with connectors on both ends used to join telecommunications circuits/links at the cross-connect. (TIA)

patching - Means of connecting circuits via cords and connectors that can be easily disconnected and reconnected at another point.

patch panel - A connecting hardware system that facilitates cable termination and cabling administration using patch cords. (TIA) See also modular patch panel.

path - See pathway.

path loss - In a communications system, the attenuation undergone by an electromagnetic wave in transit between a transmitter and a receiver. It may be caused by many effects such as free-space loss, refraction, reflection, aperture-medium coupling loss, and absorption.

pathway - 1. A sequence of connections that provides the connectivity between devices on a network or between networks on an intemetwork. 2. The vertical and horizontal route of the telecommunications cable. 3. A facility for the placement of telecommunications cable. (TIA)

pavement structure - The combination of sub-base, base course, and surface course placed on a sub-grade to support the traffic load and distribute it to the roadbed.

payout box - A cardboard container with a hole for cable distribution directly from the box.

peak output power - Maximum allowable output power of a transmission source.

peak power (PP) - Maximum electrical energy available in an alternating current. It is a factor of voltage multiplied by the current (amperage). See average power and power.

pedestal - A protective aboveground enclosure used most commonly to house a splice point or administrative terminal location.

peer-to-peer local area network - A network environment where any station can contribute to or access network resources. All network devices function as equals.

penalties (contract) - Fines levied by a customer against a contractor for failure to meet terms of a contract.

penetration - Opening made in a firestop barrier. See membrane penetration and through penetration.

performance bond - A bond that ensures a contractor will use specified methods and procedures in performing a project.

performance management - The optimization of individual components and the overall network to optimize the time it takes to complete a given task.

perigee - The point at which a satellite is closest to the earth.

perimeter network - See lobby network.

perimeter-based security - Securing a network by controlling access to all entry and exit points on the network.

period - The smallest repetitive interval of a periodic wavefarm (e.g., time for one cycle of a sine wave).

peripheral - An auxiliary telecommunications device (e.g., printer, modem) that works in conjunction with a computer network.

peripheral device - External equipment connected to and controlled by a station or a server (e.g., CD-ROM drives, modems).

permafrost anchor - An anchor inserted in the ground made of a standard anchor rod with a washer on the end.

permanent link - A test configuration for a link excluding test cords and patch cords. (TIA)

permanent link test configuration - The transmission path between two mated interfaces of generic cabling, excluding equipment cords, work area cords and cross-connections but including the connecting hardware at each end. (ISO)

permanent virtual circuit (PVC) - A software-defined logical connection in a switched network in which users define logical connections and required bandwidths between end points while the switched network technology achieves the defined connections and manages the traffic. With this type of circuit, the line is always ready, which eliminates the delay associated with line setup and release. Contrast with switched virtual circuit.

personal area network (PAN) - A data communications system that covers an area generally associated with an individual workspace (e.g., office, cubicle).

personal identification number (PIN) - A unique numeric code used to identify an individual.

personal protective equipment (PPE) - Any number of safety apparatuses worn or used (e.g., hard hat, protective eyewear, gloves, clothing) that shields against possible injury while performing tasks.

personnel lift - Mechanical device for lifting construction personnel when a ladder cannot be used safely because of the required working height or weight of equipment.

PERT (program evaluation review technique) chart - A network chart or logic diagram. Generally used by the project manager to see how one change in the project affects the remaining tasks.

phantom collision - A phenomenon on twisted-pair Ethernet systems where the transmitting device detects a nonexistent collision, often caused by excessive crosstalk or electromagnetic interference.

phase alternation line (PAL) - An analog television display standard used primarily in Europe. PAL scans the cathode ray tube 625x horizontally.

phase modulation (PM) - An angle modulation in which the phase angle of a carrier is caused to depart from its reference value by an amount proportional to the instantaneous value of the modulating signal.

phase - The relationship in time between two waveforms of the same frequency.

phased array antenna - An antenna that can transmit/receive electromagnetic fields at/from any direction without any mechanical movement. Such antennas usually support broad bandwidth and carry more information. They have low visibility and are difficult to detect due to the absence of moving parts.

phased cutover - A progression of transferring an old system to a new system in a pre-defined sequence of steps. See also method of procedure.

phases (of design) - The American Institute of Architects defines design as occurring in three distinct phases: schematic design, design development, and construction documents. The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee defines design in two phases: preliminary design and final design phase, which includes construction documents. The Design-Build Institute of America defines design in two phases: schematic design and design development, which includes construction documents. For the purpose of this manual, design is defined as having two phases: schematic and design development. (CSI)

phase-shift keying (PSK) - In digital transmission, angle modulation in which the phase of the carrier is discretely varied in relation either to a reference phase or to the phase of the immediately preceding signal element, in accordance with data being transmitted.

physical address - See device address

physical design process - A procedure used to assess the requirements for integrating the material components of the network into the site.

Physical layer - The Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model layer responsible for the transfer of bit streams over a specific medium. Also called Layer 1.

physical medium attachment (PMA) - In Ethernet, the part of the Physical layer that controls transmission, reception, collision detection, clock detection, and skew alignment.

physical medium dependent (PMD) sublayer - The fiber distributed data interface sublayer that specifies optical power output and receiver sensitivity, cabling specifications, the media interface (i.e., connector interface), and optical bypass specifications.

physical topology - The physical layout of a network as defined by its cabling architecture. Contrast with logical topology.

piconet - A single Bluetoot wireless personal area network that can contain a maximum of eight active devices. Each master device and the slave device, or devices associated with it, form a piconet. It provides a base level of connectivity to even the simplest of sensing and computing objects. See also scatternet.

piggybacking - More than one individual entering a secure area by following an authorized user into a secure area.

pigtail - One or more conductors or fibers with only one end terminated. (TIA) See also cable assembly and jumper.

PIII-500 - A semi-rigid coaxial cable with an aluminum sheath that is typically used as a trunk cable in a CATV distribution network. This term is pronounced "P three five hundred." PII! indicates the type of cable and 500 indicates the cable diameter (13 mm [0.5 in]).

PIN diode - A positive-intrinsic-negative diode, used to convert optical signals to electrical signals in a receiver.

pinout - A wiring scheme for the individual conductors in a telecommunications connector, jack, or plug.

piston - A lightweight air-blocking agent used in conjunction with a vacuum device to insert a pullstring into a conduit.

plain old telephone service (POTS) - Basic service that supplies standard single-line telephone, telephone lines, and access to the public switched network.

plant - Used in telecommunications to refer to the cable, equipment, support structures, and other types of infrastructure necessary to provide and distribute network services (e.g., outside plant).

plaster ring - See low-voltage mounting bracket.

Plastic insulated conductor (PIC) - A metallic conductor that is insulated with a plastic material.

plastic optical fiber (POF) - Optical fiber made of plastic rather than glass. See also optical fiber.

plate anchor - An anchor composed of a rigid steel or other high-strength metal plate direct-buried in the ground.

plenum cable - See communications plenum cable.

plenum rated - Meeting flammability and smoke requirements for the purpose of fire, life, and safety as described by NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code.

plenum - A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system. (TIA)

plot plan - See site drawing. plug See modular plug.

point of demarcation - See demarcation point.

point of presence (PoP) - In wireline, the physical demarcation or access point of control and billing at an interexchange carrier, local exchange carrier, competitive local exchange carrier, customer premise equipment, or service provider.

point-to-multipoint - A wireless connection from one point to several other points.

point-to-point (PTP) - A direct connection established between two specific locations, as between two buildings or devices.

poke-thru system - A fire-rated device used to penetrate through the fire-resistive floor structure to permit the installation of electrical and/or telecommunications cables.

poke-thru - Penetrations through the fireresistive floor structure to permit the installation of horizontal telecommunications cables. (TIA)

polarity - The quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions or powers in contrasted parts or directions.

polarization - Orientation with respect to a given position, force, voltage, or direction. As with antennas, this is the direction of the radiated electric field in relation to the surface of the earth. This is generally vertical in mobile radio systems.

pole - A column of wood, steel, fiberglass, or other material supporting overhead cables.

pole attachment - The physical connection by which aerial cable is attached to a pole.

pole class - A rating used to classify outside plant pole strengths. See also pole.

pole dip - See cable dip.

pole number - An administration number assigned to an installed pole.

pole-to-pole guy - A steel-stranded wire that runs from one pole to another pole, as opposed to a down guy.

polybutadiene - A type of synthetic rubber often blended with other synthetic rubbers to improve their properties.

polyethylene (PE) - Thermoplastic material having excellent electrical properties and excellent environmental protection.

polymer - Substance made of many repeating chemical units or molecules.

polyolefin - Any of the polymers and copolymers of the ethylene family of hydrocarbons (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene).

polypropylene (PP) - A thermoplastic similar to polyethylene but stiffer and having a higher softening point (temperature), primarily used as a thin wall insulation material.

polyurethane (PUR) - A broad class of polymers noted for good abrasion and solvent resistance primarily used as a cable jacket material. Good flame resistance.

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - A tough, general purpose, flame-retardant, thermoplastic, water-resistant insulator used for wire and cable insulation and jackets.

port - 1. A physical connection point on a network access device (e.g., hub, switch). 2. An identifier of an application process within the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol suite.

portable operator's terminal (POT) - A portable terminal used for maintenance and error detection in building automation systems.

port aggregation - A mechanism that combines multiple network communications channels into a single large channel to improve data transfer efficiency. See also link aggregation and trunking.

portal - An access point that connects a wireless LAN to another IEEE 802 network (e.g., Ethernet, token ring).

port density - The number of modular connections within a space.

port mirroring - The process of copying the data passing through one or more ports of a switch to a network management port for monitoring purposes.

port trunking - See link aggregation.

position bonding terminal - A device located in the work area that electrically bonds cabling or cabling and equipment to ground. (TIA)

positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) diode - See PIN diode.

positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor - A resistor whose resistance increases with temperature.

poststressed concrete - Concrete poured into a mold with metal cables exposed at each end.

posttensioned concrete - A type of reinforced concrete construction in which the embedded steel members are first put under tension, the concrete poured and allowed to harden, and the tension of the steel members released causing compression of the concrete. (TIA)

pothole - See test hole.

powder-actuated fastener - A device used to attach material to concrete or steel that is installed using a powder actuated drive tool.

power (P) - 1. Rate of transfer or absorption of energy per unit time in a system. 2. Energy required to operate an electrical device (e.g., motor, amplifier, telephone transmitter). See also average power and peak power.

power arrester - A device installed in power systems to limit the line-to-ground surge due to a power surge or spike.

power attachment - A pole attachment specifically made with aerial power hardware.

power budget - The difference between the strength of the signal transmitter and the sensitivity of the signal receiver.

power over Ethernet (PoE) - A feature associated with twisted-pair Ethernet networks that allows the network access device to be powered over the network wiring. Injectors are used to insert power into the line at a central point.

power splitter - A passive device that accepts an input signal and delivers multiple output signals with specific phase and amplitude characteristics.

power sum alien equal level far-end crosstalk (PSAELFEXT) - A computation of the unwanted signal coupling between pairs in adjacent cabling from multiple transmitters at the near end into another pair measured at the far end and relative to the received signal level.

power sum alien far-end crosstalk (PSAFEXT) - A computation of the unwanted signal coupling between pairs in adjacent cabling from multiple transmitters at the near end into another pair measured at the far end and relative to the received signal level.

power sum alien near-end crosstalk loss (PSANEXT) - A computation of the unwanted signal coupling between pairs in adjacent cabling from multiple transmitters at the near end into a pair measured at the near end.

power sum attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio (PSACR) - A ratio in dB, determined by subtracting the insertion loss from the power sum near-end crosstalk loss. (TIA)

power sum equal level far-end crosstalk (PSELFEXT) - A computation of the unwanted signal coupling from multiple transmitters at the near-end into a pair measured at the far-end, and normalized to the received signal level. (TIA)

power sum near-end crosstalk (PSNEXT) loss - A computation of the unwanted signal coupling from multiple transmitters at the near-end into a pair measured at the near-end. (TIA)

power sum - Used to specify a combination crosstalk from multiple sources.

power-limited (PL) - Refers to secondary power (subcircuit) reduced to 24 volts direct current or less for building automation system functions.

power-limited fire alarm (PLFA) - Fire alarm systems that utilize low-voltage circuits (less than 24 volts).

power-line carrier (PLC) - A technology that sends electronic information (e.g., on/ off commands) through a home's alternating current power lines.

precable - See prewiring.

precast concrete - A concrete member that is cast and cured in other than its final position.

prefusing - The machine cleaning of the optical fiber ends prior to performing a fusion splice.

preinstallation meeting - Internal meeting convened by the project manager and including the telecommunications installation team and appropriate contractors to discuss all aspects of upcoming construction project.

premises - Building or set of buildings on common property that are occupied by a single tenant or landlord.

premises cabling - A generic term that includes interbuilding backbone cabling, intrabuilding backbone cabling, and horizontal cabling that is owned by a single tenant or landlord. Refers to the entire cabling system used for voice, data, video, and power on a user's premises.

premises wiring - See premises cabling.

Presentation layer - The Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model layer responsible for various forms of message conversion, including compression and encryption. Also called Layer 6.

preset insert - See insert, preset.

pressure transducer unit - A stepped switch instrument that converts cable pressure to electrical resistance.

pressurization - The use of pressurized gas or dry air inside cable sheaths to prevent the entry of moisture.

prestressed concrete - Concrete poured into a mold containing tension rods or cable.

prevailing wage rate - Labor rates published by state or federal governments that state the minimum allowable wage that can be paid to a laborer for a particular task, typically on a publicly funded project. The rates are published for each project and can vary from county to county and project to project.

prewiring - 1. Cabling installed before walls are enclosed or finished. 2. Cabling installed in anticipation of future use or need. See also rough-in.

primary power system - The power distributed from an electric generation station usually consisting of three phased, 2,200 volts, 7,200, 13,800 volts, or higher.

primary protector - 1. A device that limits voltage between telecommunications conductors and ground (usually between 215 Vdc to 350 Vdc). 2. A protective device placed on telecommunications conductors in accordance with codes and standards such as NFPA 70.

primary rate interface (PRI) - An integrated services digital network (P/ISDN) interface standard that, in the United States, consists of 23 64 kb/s B channels and one 64 kbls D channel using a T-1 line. In Europe, P11SDN consists of 30 64 kb/s B channels and one 64 kb/s D channel using an E-1 channel.

prime contractor - The master contractor on a job site that may be serviced by several general contractors.

principal - The party who has the primary obligation to perform the undertaking that is being bonded. For example, the contractor on a bonded construction project is the principal. (CSI)

prioritization - A function performed by a network interface card that makes it possible to assign different levels of priority to the applications running simultaneously on a station. Also called traffic prioritization.

privacy mode - In demand priority access communications, a mode in which an end node receives only those messages containing its address. See also promiscuous mode.

private automatic branch exchange (PABX) - A private telecommunications switching system. (TIA)

private branch exchange (PBX) - A private telecommunications switching system allowing private local voice (and other voice-related services) switching over a network. (TIA)

private key encryption - A security process in which information is encrypted with a key that both the sender of the information and the receiver possess. The parties involved are expected to agree on a key in a way that does not compromise the established security processes. See also public key encryption.

probe - See agent.

program evaluation review technique (PERT) chart - See PERT chart.

programmable card - A card on which data may be encoded.

program material - The video and audio material that is broadcast over a cable system.

project log - A written log of everything that happens on a project hour-by-hour, dayby-day, or item-by-item.

project plan - Construction plan reflecting all aspects of the work to be performed using a priority schedule.

project record documents - Project record documents include contract drawings, the project manual, addenda, contract modifications, submittals, product data, shop drawings, samples, start-up logs, test reports, certifications, and other documents from the contractor. (CSI)

project schedule - 1. A chronological order of events that will be accomplished on a project and in the order that they must occur (should be descriptive in text, not a definition). 2. Scheduling document including all activities to take place in a construction project.

promiscuous mode - A network access mode in which an end node receives all message traffic transmitted over the network. See also privacy mode. (TIA)

propagation - The motion of waves through or along a medium.

propagation delay - The time required for a signal to travel from one end of the transmission path to the other end. (TIA)

propagation velocity -The speed at which a signal travels in a medium.

proposal - A detailed offer of services and/ or resources, usually in exchange for other services or monies.

proprietary specifying - Specifies actual brand names, model numbers, and other proprietary information. A proprietary specification describes products and materials by manufacturer's name, brand name, model number, or unique characteristic. Closed proprietary specifications do not allow for substitutions, but open proprietary specifications allow for alternative products. (CSI)

protected premises - 1. The physical location protected by a fire alarm system. A protected premises system sounds an alarm at the protected premises as the result of the manual operation of a fire alarm box or the operation of protection equipment or systems, such as water flowing in a sprinkler system or the detection of smoke. 2. Provides a hierarchy of rights and/or privileges for different user groups and their associated authorized zones.

protected system - A wireless system that provides redundancy by using a transmitter combiner to connect two transceivers to an antenna for redundancy. See also protected and diversity and unprotected system.

protective switching - A function performed by asynchronous transfer mode switches to redirect traffic away from routes experiencing difficulties.

protector - A device that prevents damage to lines or equipment by conducting hazardous high voltages or currents to ground. Most protectors come in assemblies containing fusible link stubs and the housing and circuitry for individual protector units.

protector (cable) - An outside plant protector that limits the voltage between the conductors and shield of a cable.

protector (ground conductor) - A wire run from the ground lug on the protector to an approved ground via the shortest and straightest route.

protector (open wire) - An outside plant protector that limits the voltage between open wire telecommunications conductors and ground.

protector bond - A bond of a grounding conductor to a protector.

protector unit - A replaceable voltageshunting device that is inserted on each cable pair in a protector assembly. The units come in a variety of types based on clamping voltages and reaction time.

protocol - A set of rules and procedures governing the formatting of messages and the timing of their exchange between devices on a network covering addressing, transmitting, receiving, and verifying.

protocol data unit (PDU) - Describes the format of data exchange between layers in a protocol stack.

protocol implementation conformance statement (PICS) - A document listing the exact features and options from a standard that has been implemented in a particular network element.

protocol stack - A comprehensive set of specifications that define how network hardware and software interact at various levels to transfer messages between devices on a network (e.g., OSI Reference Model).

provisioning - The setting in place and configuring of the hardware and software required to activate a telecommunications service for a customer.

proximity - A method of reading a card without requiring any physical contact between the card and the reading device.

proximity card - A card using proximity technology to store and transmit encoded data.

proxy - A security mechanism that uses an intermediary device to represent one side of a connection to the other for a specific application. Messages and commands intended for the other side are inspected by this device before being forwarded to prevent unauthorized use of that application.

proxy server - A firewall security mechanism that functions as an intermediary device to represent one side of a connection to the other for a specific application. Messages and commands intended for the other side are inspected by this device before being forwarded to prevent unauthorized use of that application.

psophometric noise - The audible noise measured in telephone lines within the audible frequency range (usually between 300 Hz and 3,400 Hz) evaluated based upon standardized weight factors for each key frequency within the frequency range of interest. The psophometric noise voltage is usually measured across a noninductive resistor of 600 ohms terminating the line at the place of measurement.

psophometric weighting - A noise weighting established by the International Consultative Committee for Telephony (CCIF, which became CCITT and, more recently, ITU-T), designated as CCIF-1951 weighting, for use in a noise measuring set or psophometer.

psophometrically weighted - See noise weighting and psophometric noise.

public key encryption - A security technique in which a user is assigned two related keys. One key is held privately and the other key is distributed publicly. Anyone wishing to send a confidential message to the user encrypts it with the user's public key. When the message is received, the user decrypts it with the corresponding private key. See also private key encryption.

public opening - An opening of request for quote responses (bids) at which all respondents may be present.

public switched telephone network (PSTN) - A domestic telecommunications network usually accessed by telephones, key telephone systems, private branch exchange trunks, and data arrangements.

pull - 1. The act of placing cable by pulling. 2. The longitudinal force acting on a pole as a result of horizontal loading.

pull box (PB) - A device to access a closed raceway used to facilitate placing of wire or cables.

pull cord - A cord, string, wire, or tape placed within a cable pathway and used to pull wire and cable through the pathway.

pulled - Call in or cash in of a bond because of a stated reason.

pulling eye - A factory-installed device on a length of cable to which a swivel eye and pull rope are attached.

pulling iron - An attachment installed in maintenance holes to provide a point of connection for blocks, sheaves, and other devices used for pulling cable into the duct system.

pulling sheave - A pulley having a grooved rim for retaining a rope or cable,

pulling technique - Collectively refers to the methods and materials employed to install cables.

pull point - Location where it is possible to physically access the cables to pull them.

pull rope - A rope or mule tape used to obtain an increased amount of strength for pulling heavier amounts or high pair-count cables.

pull strength - The rated strength of the force of a cable that can be exerted on it during the pulling process. See also pull tension.

pull string - A cord or wire placed within a cable pathway and used to pull wire and cable through the pathway. See also drag line and pull cord.

pull tension - The pulling force that can be applied to a cable. (TIA)

pull wire - See drag line and pull cord and pull wire.

pulp insulation - The separation of individual conductors in a cable with insulation material composed of wood pulp.

pulse - A rapid, transient change in amplitude of a digital signal from a baseline value to a higher or lower value, followed by a rapid return to the baseline value.

pulse amplitude modulation 5 level (PAM-5) - A form of signal modulation where the message information is encoded in the amplitude of a series of signal pulses. Demodulation is performed by detecting the amplitude level of the carrier at every symbol period. PAM-5 is used for 1000BASE-T transmission.

pulse amplitude modulation 12 level (PAM-12) - A form of signal modulation where the message information is encoded in the amplitude of a series of signal pulses. Demodulation is performed by detecting the amplitude level of the carrier at every symbol period. PAM-12 is used for 10GBASE-T transmission.

pulse code modulation (PCM) - A technique for representing an analog signal as a string of bits. The analog signal is converted to a bit string by periodically sampling the amplitude of the analog signal and representing each sample as a binary number.

pulse repetition rate (PRR) - The number of pulses per unit time.

punch down - The process of terminating copper cable conductors on insulation displacement contact terminals by use of a handheld tool,

punch list - A short list of tasks that are required to be completed in order to close out a work order.

punch lists - Punch lists are lists of items requiring correction or completion by the contractor. The initial punch list is prepared by the contractor prior to requesting substantial completion. During the architect or engineer's (A/E) inspection to determine substantial completion, the A/E prepares a supplemental punch list. These two punch lists combined are the final punch list. (CSI)

push brace - Where guying is not feasible, bracing is provided by use of a pole of an equivalent type to the pole being reinforced.

pWp - Picowatts of noise power, psophometrically weighted. 1.0 pWp is equivalent to an 800 Hz test tone at -90 dBm.