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1.2 Basic Terminology

Familiarize yourself with the following terms and concepts as you work with AG Access. Some of the most frequently used terms in this manual are used in a way specific to AG Access.
A DSP is the Digital Signal Processor, a chip on the AG board. A port is the object on which telephony functions are performed, and it contains physical and logical resources on the AG board. It is typically connected to the telephone network (PSTN), and is used to process calls. A port is represented by a context handle (ctahd), a software handle that enables the application (and its developer) to keep track of software activities.
In order to access most functionality on a port, the application must associate a telephony protocol with the port. The telephony protocol is embodied by a Trunk Control Program (TCP), which must be loaded during AG board initialization. TCPs exist for most standard telephone line interfaces. Starting a telephony protocol enables the application to perform call establishment with the AG Access call control functions. A telephony protocol must be loaded on the AG board in order to use most of the AG Access functions. A special TCP is provided, called "NOCC" for "no call control," for applications that do not use call control functions, or choose to manage the line interface themselves.
In this manual, operation refers to an active process, such as a recording operation, or a digit collecting operation. Function refers specifically to a function call.

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