RESOURCES / TECHNICAL GLOSSARY
Clear definitions, their role in your project and what to check before choosing equipment.
A starting point for project discussions. Performance and compatibility still require the exact equipment references and project conditions.
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Back to searchNetworks & cabling
Wired network · IEEE 802.3
A family of wired networking technologies over copper or fibre, standardized in the IEEE 802.3 series.
For an access-point-to-switch link, record the interfaces at both ends and the proposed cabling.
An RJ45 socket alone guarantees neither a particular speed nor PoE. The entire link matters.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Power over Ethernet · network power
Electrical power carried alongside data over copper Ethernet cabling between compatible devices.
A camera or access point can receive power from a suitable PoE switch or injector.
Standards-based PoE and passive power are not interchangeable. Check the supported mode and required power.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Total PoE power · watts
The total power a switch can distribute to its PoE devices, separate from each port’s limit.
Add the documented requirements of all planned devices, then check each port and the intended reserve.
Port count does not tell you how many devices can be powered simultaneously at full load.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Virtual local area network · segmentation
A logical division of a local network into separate broadcast domains, defined by equipment configuration.
A network plan can separate cameras, workstations and guests, recording the traffic permitted between them.
Creating a VLAN alone does not define a security policy. Routing and access rules still need configuration.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Service Set Identifier · Wi-Fi name
The identifier of a Wi-Fi network, usually shown as its name in the list of available networks.
Name staff and visitor networks, then document authentication and the resources each can access.
Two different Wi-Fi names do not prove isolation. A name is neither a password nor a VLAN.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Upstream link · switch interconnect
A link connecting an access device to another network level, such as a floor switch to the central switch.
Identify both endpoints and the traffic using this path before selecting ports, cables and optical modules.
“Uplink” describes a role, not guaranteed speed or PoE. Capabilities depend on the exact interfaces.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
Patching panel · cable termination
A passive component grouping and identifying fixed-cable terminations. Patch cords connect it to active equipment.
Record the relationship between room outlet, panel port and switch port in the patching schedule.
A panel is not a switch. A connected patch cord does not replace testing the permanent cabling.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
RU · rack height · 1U
A unit of mounting height in a rack: 1 U equals 44.45 mm. Equipment can occupy several units.
Add equipment and accessory heights, then allow space for expansion and servicing.
U count tells you nothing about usable depth, load capacity or ventilation requirements.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
SMF · OS1 · OS2
Fibre designed to guide one propagation mode at the operating wavelength. It requires suitable optical interfaces.
Identify the installed fibre type before choosing modules and patch leads at both ends.
“Single-mode” alone does not guarantee reach: speed, optics and link losses also matter.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Networks & cabling
MMF · OM1 · OM2 · OM3 · OM4 · OM5
Fibre supporting multiple light-propagation modes. Its category and chosen interfaces affect reach at a given speed.
To reuse an existing link, identify the actual category and both modules, not just the patch-lead colour.
A connector that fits does not establish compatibility between fibre, modules and application.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Pixels · megapixels · MP
The pixel dimensions of a video image, usually expressed as width × height. Megapixels describe the total pixel count.
Identify the detail to distinguish and its position in the scene before comparing proposed resolutions.
More pixels do not guarantee identification: framing, light, motion and compression also matter.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Lens focal length · fixed or varifocal
An optical property of a lens, expressed in millimetres. Together with sensor size, it determines the angle of view.
With the same sensor, a longer focal length frames a narrower scene; a shorter one shows a wider scene.
Focal length is neither a guaranteed recognition distance nor digital zoom. Check framing at the mounting position.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Viewing angle · FOV · HFOV · VFOV
The extent of the scene visible to the camera. Its angle can be specified horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Map the useful area and obstructions. Compare the widths captured at the distance where detail must be observed.
A wider view spreads the pixels across more of the scene. It does not provide equal detail everywhere.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Wide Dynamic Range · backlighting
Imaging techniques intended to retain detail in bright and dark areas within the same scene.
At a glazed entrance, compare the interior, exterior and a moving person within the same recording.
A dB value does not describe the whole result. Some methods can introduce ghosting or flicker.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
IR · night illumination
Near-infrared illumination allowing a compatible camera to form an image when visible light is insufficient.
Check near and distant subjects at night, including walls or glazing that may reflect the illumination.
This is not thermal imaging. Reflections and overexposure can hide detail; IR alone does not reproduce visible colours.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Bit rate · Mbit/s · VBR · CBR
The amount of data produced by a video stream per second, often expressed in Mbit/s. It can vary with the scene and encoding.
Record actual bitrates and peaks for network planning, then averages and schedules for storage estimates.
A bitrate cap does not guarantee quality. Excessive compression can remove useful detail during activity.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Network Video Recorder · IP recorder
Equipment that receives and records video streams over the network, with search and playback functions depending on the system.
Check supported cameras, streams, usable storage and required simultaneous playback together.
Channel count alone establishes neither performance nor compatibility. Recording alone is not an independent backup.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Retention period · recording history
How long recordings remain available before deletion or overwrite, according to the system configuration.
Document the justified period for the project, then check the history actually available and the deletion settings.
Terabytes are neither a guaranteed duration nor permission to keep more footage. Applicable obligations still require review.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Alarm zone · logical input
A logical point monitored by the intrusion panel, associated with an input or detector and programmed behaviour.
Give each point a clear name, such as “Store-room door”, then test the event reported at the panel.
A zone is not an arming partition or necessarily a room. A partition can group several zones.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Video & intrusion
Magnetic contact · door or window contact
A detector reporting a change in a door or window’s state. A magnetic contact senses proximity between the sensor and its magnet.
Identify the opening, its panel point and the states actually reported when it opens and closes.
A “closed” state does not prove the door is locked. Shock and tamper functions depend on the model.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-27.
Detection & access
PIR · passive infrared · dual technology
A device reporting movement using its detection principle. Technologies and operating conditions vary by model.
Describe the room, expected movement, obstructions and environment before selecting a position.
No detection does not prove nobody is present. A motion detector does not identify a visitor.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Alarm panel · control unit
Equipment receiving detection-point states and applying the alarm logic configured for zones and partitions.
Map each point to its label, arming modes and intended outputs or transmissions.
A local alarm does not prove a remote notification was received. Verify the two paths separately.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Credential reader · OSDP · Wiegand
An interface reading a credential at an entrance and passing data to the decision system, sometimes integrated in the same device.
Check the credential type, controller protocol and protection functions actually supported.
Reading a credential does not grant access. A listed protocol does not prove its security options are enabled.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Door controller · access permissions
Equipment applying access permissions and commanding a door response, connected to readers and monitored inputs.
Describe schedules, temporary access and intended behaviour when the server connection is unavailable.
An unlock command is not proof the door opened. Door-state feedback is separate information.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Network intercom · SIP call
Intercom communication using an IP network to carry exchanges, which may include audio, video and commands depending on the system.
Follow the call from the entrance station to its recipient, then separately verify the correct entrance response.
IP does not necessarily mean cloud. SIP alone validates neither video nor unlocking between two models.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Volt-free contact · relay · NO/NC
A switching contact that supplies no voltage of its own to the connected circuit. Opening or closing it can convey a state.
Document what each contact position represents and which input receives the information.
“Dry” does not mean voltage-free once connected. Voltage, current ratings and the circuit require qualified verification.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Egress · escape exit
An exit intended to allow people to evacuate to safety as part of the building’s safety arrangements.
Have evacuation requirements established before considering locking, controls and failure behaviour.
An access-controlled door is not automatically a compliant exit. This glossary replaces neither qualified design nor applicable Moroccan requirements.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Detection zone · conventional panel
An architecture where the panel generally identifies the circuit zone signalling an alarm rather than each detector individually.
Record the relationship between the displayed zone, circuit and relevant rooms in the detection documentation.
Conventional does not mean interchangeable. Panel, detectors, interfaces and design requirements need verified compatibility and approval.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Detector address · addressable loop
An architecture where devices have addresses allowing the panel to distinguish their individual states.
Check address, physical label and location text against each other during acceptance testing.
A precise address can have the wrong label. It proves neither correct placement nor installation compliance.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Detection & access
Equipment fault · monitoring · notification
Notification of a technical state requiring attention, such as a power fault reported by monitored equipment.
Define the monitored point, condition, recipient and expected response, then test the full notification chain.
Acknowledgement does not repair a fault. An alert proves neither human intervention nor automatic equipment shutdown.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Sound zone · multiroom
A group of spaces or loudspeakers controlled together for an audio function, using the controls provided by the system.
Separate reception, offices and terrace by sources, schedules and who may control them.
Two zones do not guarantee two independent programmes. Check available routing, outputs and controls.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Player · microphone · audio input
The origin of an audio signal, such as a player or microphone, before routing, processing and amplification.
List simultaneous sources, their connections and the zones each must reach.
Mic and line inputs expect different levels. Similar connectors do not make them equivalent.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Power amplifier · output channel
Equipment supplying the electrical power required by loudspeakers from the received audio signal.
Check each output’s operating mode, connected load and documented power under those conditions.
A stated total does not describe every channel. Electrical watts alone do not establish the resulting sound level.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Ohms · Ω · low impedance
Electrical opposition to an alternating signal, expressed in ohms. A loudspeaker’s impedance varies with frequency; its nominal value is a reference.
Establish the combined loudspeaker load before assigning it to an amplifier output.
Speaker count is insufficient: their arrangement changes the load. A wattage total alone does not establish safe wiring.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Distributed line · high impedance · transformer
An audio-distribution mode using a suitable output and transformer-equipped loudspeakers with power taps.
Record each speaker’s selected tap and total the load per output, with the reserve approved for the project.
A 100 V audio line is not mains power. It cannot directly accept any arbitrary low-impedance speaker.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Digital Signal Processing · signal processor
Digital audio-signal processing. Depending on the device, it can provide mixing, equalisation, filtering, delay or echo cancellation.
Describe microphone, loudspeaker and remote-participant paths before configuring processing.
DSP cannot fix everything: poor placement, adverse acoustics and incorrect echo-reference routing still need attention.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
AV matrix switcher · signal routing
Equipment assigning multiple sources to multiple outputs through selected routes, within its interface capabilities.
Prepare a source × display table showing the simultaneous combinations actually required.
A matrix does not necessarily convert every format. Switching, conversion and scaling are separate functions.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
High-Definition Multimedia Interface · AV link
A digital interface carrying video and audio, among other data, between a source and compatible receiving equipment.
Specify video format, audio functions, route and every intermediary: cables, adapters and active equipment.
Connector shape or a version number does not validate every function across the chain.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Extended Display Identification Data · display capabilities
Data reporting a display’s capabilities to a source, including supported image formats.
With multiple displays, check the capabilities intermediaries present to the source and the format it actually outputs.
EDID is not HDCP: advertising a format and supporting transport of protected content are different issues.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Sound & image
Delegate unit · speaking request · chairperson priority
A microphone within a meeting system that may manage speaking turns and participant roles according to its functions.
Define who requests a turn, who grants it and what happens when all permitted microphone slots are occupied.
Speaking priority is not simply louder volume. Request, permission and actual transmission are different states.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Probe · measurement · state feedback
A device converting a physical quantity or condition into information a system can use.
Identify the quantity, unit, position and measurement time. Outdoor and room temperatures serve different purposes.
A displayed value may be stale, invalid or misinterpreted. It does not by itself prove an actuator executed a command.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Control output · output module
A device acting on equipment following a command: switching a circuit, moving a mechanism or adjusting a value, depending on its function.
Map each output to its actual load and intended functions. On/off control and dimming require different interfaces.
Requested command, transmitted command and physical result are distinct. Verify load limits, protection and available feedback.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Building bus · telegram · KNX
A communication medium shared by devices exchanging commands and states under a defined protocol.
Distinguish the physical medium, protocol, addressing and required supplies. Document each line’s limits too.
An identical cable or connector does not prove compatibility. A communication bus does not necessarily power the loads it controls.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Gateway · protocol translation · mapping
An interface connecting two systems by translating or exposing documented functions between their communication methods.
Document each point’s read, write and feedback capabilities, including units, possible values and supported versions.
Connecting two protocols does not make all their functions interoperable. An active link validates neither a value’s meaning nor a command’s effect.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Scene · trigger · condition · priority
A coordinated set of actions triggered by a request, schedule or event, with the conditions and priorities defined for the project.
Write the expected result by zone, manual exceptions and behaviour after an interruption or communication loss.
An “Away” button does not prove every device applied its command. Safety and security functions retain their own rules and feedback.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
UPS · battery backup
Equipment temporarily supplying connected loads with backup power when the main supply becomes unavailable, within the model’s limits.
List the whole required chain: device, switch, link and upstream equipment. Also identify intended power-conditioning and shutdown functions.
Power rating does not give runtime. Runtime depends on load, batteries and documented conditions; backing up one device does not guarantee the complete service.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
W · watts · real power
Power corresponding to the net transfer of electrical energy per unit of time, expressed in watts, W.
When preparing backup power, distinguish typical, maximum and measured values under the intended conditions. Record their source.
W is not Wh: power is not energy capacity. Do not convert it to VA using one assumed factor for every load.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
VA · volt-amperes · power factor
An AC sizing quantity expressed in volt-amperes, VA. For a single-phase load, it is RMS voltage multiplied by RMS current.
Check both the VA and W limits of the proposed backup supply. Power factor relates active to apparent power and must be known or documented.
VA and W are not always equal. A VA rating indicates neither stored energy nor backup duration.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
BOM · equipment schedule · material list
A structured list of items needed for a project, with references, descriptions and quantities, tracked in an identifiable version.
Specify each line’s units, options, accessories and assumptions. A change of reference or quantity should remain traceable.
An apparently complete list validates neither compatibility, prices nor availability. It is neither an order nor commercial acceptance.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
Control & preparation
Configuration · functional tests · handover
The configuration and functional-verification phase checking installed equipment against the uses and outcomes agreed for the project.
Retain configuration, test results, unresolved items and the documentation needed for the operator to take over the system.
Powered-on or delivered equipment is not an accepted system. Functional tests do not replace any required regulatory approvals.
External reading. Definition reviewed 2026-09-28.
