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interface definition - telecom
  1. The common physical point, boundary, surface, or plane where two things touch, meet, or come together. The interface between the core and cladding in a glass optical fiber (GOF) is an example of such a physical interface. See also cladding, core, and GOF.
  2. The device or component that serves to physically and logically interconnect two other devices or systems and that enables their interoperation. Such an interface may comprise a combination of hardware and firmware. A trunk interface that connects a trunk and a switch or router is an example of such an interface. See also hardware and firmware.
  3. Software that logically interconnects two computers or a computer and another device and allows them to interoperate. Such software generally is characterized as performing a gateway function. A gateway that accomplishes protocol conversion between X.25 and frame relay is an example. See also gateway, protocol, and software.
  4. Software that enables a user to work with a computer program perhaps in an intuitive way. Examples include a command-line interface and a graphical user interface (GUI). See also program and software.
  5. Software that enables a computer to work with another program, or with the computer hardware. Such software enables the computer to function as a whole. See also API, hardware, program, and software.

Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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