ADSL

Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line. Refers to a pair of modems connected by a copper line that yields asymmetrical transmission of data.

Amplifier

Electronic devices that strengthen a signal as it passes along a communications channel.

Analog Signal

A wave shaped electrical symbol, which continuously changes with respect to size and shape depending on the information source. Differences in volume, voice and pitch are a result of signal variations.

Architecture

The selection, design, and interconnection of the hardware of a computer system.

Archiving

A method of transferring information created during operations into a more permanent form. Systems vary from manual backups, through periodic transfer to audio cassettes, to real-tune storage onto WORM (Write Once Read Many) disks.

Asynchronous Communication

Refers to systems of communication where there is a lapse in time from when a message is sent and when it is received.

Audio-teleconferencing

Two way communications between multiple people at various locations.

Authentication

A method of verifying the identity of the person sending or receiving information by use of passwords, keys and other automated identifiers.

Automated Data Collection

The direct transmission of physiological information from monitoring devices to either a bedside display system or a computer-based patient record.