Installation guide

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.