Packet

A basic message unit for communications in networks. A short block of data comprised of data, call control signals and error control information and containing information on its source, content and destination that is transferred in a packet switched network.

Packet Network

A network that gives out data bits in packets.

Packet Switching Network

May also be known as the Packet Switched Network (PSN). This term refers to the transmission of digital information using addressed packets that are transmitted along various routes in a network. This system is more efficient than modem transmission where the channel is occupied throughout the transmission, because the occupation in the channel is limited to packet transmission.

PACS

Picture Archiving and Communications System. A system capable of acquiring, transmitting, storing, retrieving, and displaying digital images and relevant patient data from various imaging sources and communicates the information over a network.

Patient Information Record (PIR)

All information pertaining to the patient for providing care using Telemedicine. This included clinical as well non-clinical information.

PDF

Portable Document Format. Permits the user to read a document and print it out using Adobe's Acrobat reader, a free piece of software. PDF files may only be read or printed using this software.

Peripheral

Any device that is attached to a computer externally. Scanners, mouse pointers, printers, keyboards, and monitors are all examples of this.

Pixel

Stands for picture element. This is the smallest piece of information that a CRT is able to display, and is symbolized by a numerical code in the computer. Pixels appear on the monitor as dots of a specific color or intensity. There are many, many pixels in a single image.

POTS

Plain Old Telephone Service.

PPP

Point to Point Protocol. A type of computer protocol used by modems for online communication.

Protocol

A system of guidelines and procedures, applying to both hardware and software, that oversees communications between two computer devices. They are primarily concerned with three aspects of the communication process: how data are symbolized and coded, how data are transmitted, and, in file transfer protocol, how errors and failures are recognized and corrected.

PSTN

Public Switched Telephone Network. The public telephone network.