Telecom, Contact Center & AI Terminology
520+ definitions to help you navigate the world of telecommunications, customer service technology, and artificial intelligence.
Abandoned Call
contact-centerA call where the caller hangs up before being connected to an agent or completing their intended action.
Access Point
telecomA device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
ACD(Automatic Call Distributor)
contact-centerA telephony system that automatically routes incoming calls to the most appropriate agent or department based on predefined rules.
ACW(After Call Work)
contact-centerThe time an agent spends completing tasks related to a call after the conversation has ended, such as updating records or sending follow-up emails.
Agent Analytics
gozupeesGoZupees' dashboard providing performance insights for both AI and human agents.
Agent Assist
ai-mlAI-powered tools that provide real-time guidance and information to customer service agents during live interactions.
Agent Desktop
contact-centerThe user interface that agents use to handle customer interactions and access tools.
Agent Experience(AX)
contact-centerThe overall quality of an agent's work environment and daily experience.
Agent Occupancy
contact-centerThe percentage of time an agent spends handling calls or doing after-call work compared to their total logged-in time.
Agent Utilization
contact-centerA metric measuring how effectively agent time is being used for productive work activities.
Agentic AI
ai-mlAI systems capable of autonomous action, planning, and decision-making to achieve complex goals.
Agentic Automation
gozupeesGoZupees' approach to building autonomous AI systems that can perceive, decide, and act on behalf of businesses.
Aggregation
telecomCombining multiple network connections or signals into a single logical connection.
Agile
generalA project management methodology emphasizing iterative development and flexibility.
AHT(Average Handle Time)
contact-centerThe average duration of a customer interaction, including talk time, hold time, and after-call work.
AI Agent
ai-mlAn autonomous artificial intelligence system capable of perceiving its environment, making decisions, and taking actions to achieve specific goals.
AI Copilot
ai-mlAn AI assistant that works alongside human agents to enhance their capabilities and provide real-time support during customer interactions.
Algorithm
ai-mlA set of rules or instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.
Analytics
generalThe systematic computational analysis of data to discover patterns and insights.
ANI(Automatic Number Identification)
telecomA telecommunications feature that transmits the caller's phone number to the receiving party.
API(Application Programming Interface)
generalA set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
ASA(Average Speed of Answer)
contact-centerThe average time callers wait in queue before their call is answered by an agent.
ASR(Automatic Speech Recognition)
ai-mlTechnology that converts spoken language into text, enabling voice-based interfaces and transcription.
Asymmetric
telecomHaving different upload and download speeds, typical of consumer internet connections.
Attention Mechanism
ai-mlA component in neural networks that allows models to focus on relevant parts of input data.
Attenuation
telecomThe reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium.
Attrition Rate
contact-centerThe rate at which employees leave an organization, particularly relevant in contact centers where turnover can be high.
Authentication
generalThe process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or system before granting access to resources.
Auto-Attendant
telecomAn automated phone system that answers calls and routes them based on caller input without human intervention.
Automation
generalThe use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, increasing efficiency and consistency.
Auxiliary Time(AUX)
contact-centerTime when agents are logged in but not available to take calls (breaks, training, etc.).
Availability
generalThe proportion of time a system is in a functioning condition.
Availability Zone
telecomAn isolated data center location within a cloud region for redundancy.
Average Wait Time
contact-centerThe mean time customers spend waiting before their call is answered or their issue is addressed.
Back Office
contact-centerSupport functions that handle administrative tasks behind customer-facing operations.
Backbone
telecomThe high-capacity core network infrastructure that connects multiple networks and carries the majority of data traffic.
Backhaul
telecomThe network connections between the cell sites and the core network, carrying aggregated traffic.
Bandwidth
telecomThe maximum rate of data transfer across a network path, typically measured in bits per second.
Benchmark
generalA standard or point of reference for measuring performance.
BERT(Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers)
ai-mlA language model developed by Google that revolutionized NLP by understanding context from both directions.
Best Practice
generalA method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior.
BGP(Border Gateway Protocol)
telecomThe protocol that manages how packets are routed across the internet through the exchange of routing information between autonomous systems.
Bias
ai-mlSystematic errors in AI models that can lead to unfair or inaccurate outcomes.
Billing Agent
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent specialized in handling billing inquiries, payment processing, and account management.
Billing Cycle
telecomThe recurring period during which customer usage is tracked and invoiced, typically monthly.
Billing Dispute
contact-centerA customer's formal challenge to charges on their account that they believe are incorrect.
Bit Rate
telecomThe number of bits processed or transmitted per unit of time.
Blended Agent
contact-centerA contact center agent trained to handle multiple channels of communication such as calls, emails, and chat.
Bot
ai-mlA software application that runs automated tasks, often used for customer service interactions.
BPO(Business Process Outsourcing)
generalThe practice of contracting business operations and responsibilities to a third-party service provider.
Broadband
telecomHigh-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access.
Bug
generalAn error or flaw in software that causes incorrect or unexpected behavior.
Burstable
telecomThe ability to exceed normal bandwidth limits for short periods.
Business Hours
contact-centerThe hours during which a contact center is open and available for customer service.
Business Intelligence
generalTechnologies and practices for collecting, integrating, analyzing, and presenting business data to support better decision-making.
Business Rules Engine
generalSoftware that executes predefined rules to automate decision-making processes in business applications.
Cable Modem
telecomA device that enables internet connectivity through a cable television network.
Cache
generalA hardware or software component storing data for faster future access.
Call Avoidance
contact-centerAgent behavior of improperly avoiding or disconnecting calls.
Call Blending
contact-centerThe practice of switching agents between inbound and outbound calls based on traffic patterns.
Call Center
contact-centerA centralized facility designed to handle large volumes of telephone calls for customer service, sales, or support.
Call Deflection
contact-centerStrategies and technologies used to redirect customer inquiries from voice calls to self-service or digital channels.
Call Flow
contact-centerThe predetermined path a call takes through an IVR or phone system based on caller inputs and system logic.
Call Monitoring
contact-centerThe practice of listening to live or recorded calls for quality and training purposes.
Call Recording
contact-centerThe practice of capturing and storing audio from phone conversations for quality assurance, training, or compliance.
Call Routing
contact-centerThe process of directing incoming calls to specific agents, departments, or queues based on defined criteria.
Callback
contact-centerA feature that allows customers to request a return call instead of waiting on hold.
Carrier
telecomA telecommunications company that provides communication services to consumers and businesses.
CBRS(Citizens Broadband Radio Service)
telecomA 3.5 GHz spectrum band in the US designated for shared wireless broadband use.
CCaaS(Contact Center as a Service)
contact-centerA cloud-based customer experience solution that allows companies to utilize contact center capabilities on a subscription basis.
CDN(Content Delivery Network)
telecomA distributed network of servers that delivers web content to users based on their geographic location.
CDR(Call Detail Record)
telecomA data record produced by a telephone exchange containing details of a call that passed through it.
Central Office(CO)
telecomA facility where customer lines are connected to switching equipment.
Chat Bot
ai-mlAn AI-powered software that simulates human conversation through text or voice interfaces.
Churn
telecomThe rate at which customers stop subscribing to a service over a given time period.
Churn Prediction
ai-mlThe use of data analytics and machine learning to identify customers likely to cancel their service.
CI/CD(Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)
generalPractices for automating software building, testing, and deployment.
Circuit
telecomA dedicated communication path between two points.
Classification
ai-mlA machine learning task that categorizes data into predefined classes or labels.
CLEC(Competitive Local Exchange Carrier)
telecomA telecommunications provider that competes with incumbent local exchange carriers in a deregulated market.
CLI(Command Line Interface)
generalA text-based interface used to interact with software and operating systems.
Cloud Computing
generalThe delivery of computing services over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, and software.
Clustering
ai-mlAn unsupervised learning technique that groups similar data points together.
Coaching
contact-centerOne-on-one guidance provided to agents to improve their performance.
Coax(Coaxial Cable)
telecomA type of copper cable with a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding, used for cable TV and internet.
Colo(Colocation)
telecomHousing privately-owned servers in a third-party data center.
Compliance
generalAdherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to business operations.
Compliance Engine
gozupeesGoZupees' system for ensuring AI interactions meet regulatory and company policy requirements.
Compliance Recording
contact-centerRecording calls for regulatory and legal compliance purposes.
Computer Vision
ai-mlA field of AI enabling machines to interpret and understand visual information.
Contact Center
contact-centerA customer interaction hub that manages communications across multiple channels including phone, email, chat, and social media.
Contact Reason
contact-centerThe primary reason a customer initiates contact with a company.
Contention Ratio
telecomThe number of users sharing a communication channel or bandwidth pool.
Context Window
ai-mlThe maximum amount of text an AI model can process in a single interaction.
Conversation Intelligence
gozupeesGoZupees' AI-powered analysis of customer conversations to extract insights and recommendations.
Conversational AI
ai-mlAI technology that enables computers to understand, process, and respond to human language naturally.
Core Network
telecomThe central part of a telecommunications network providing services to customers.
CPE(Customer Premises Equipment)
telecomTelecommunications equipment located at the customer's physical location.
CRM(Customer Relationship Management)
generalSoftware and strategies for managing a company's interactions with current and potential customers.
Cross-Connect
telecomA physical cable connection between different network equipment or service providers.
Cross-Sell
contact-centerA sales technique used to sell an additional product or service to an existing customer.
CSAT(Customer Satisfaction Score)
contact-centerA metric that measures how satisfied customers are with a company's products, services, or interactions.
CTI(Computer Telephony Integration)
contact-centerTechnology that allows interactions on a telephone and a computer to be integrated or coordinated.
Customer Acquisition Cost(CAC)
telecomThe cost associated with acquiring a new customer.
Customer Effort Score
contact-centerA metric measuring how much effort a customer had to exert to get their issue resolved.
Customer Experience(CX)
contact-centerThe overall perception a customer has of their interactions with a company.
Customer Journey
contact-centerThe complete experience a customer has while interacting with a company, from initial contact through ongoing relationship.
Customer Lifetime Value
generalA prediction of the total revenue a business can expect from a single customer account.
Customer Retention
contact-centerThe ability of a company to retain its customers over a specified period.
Dark Fiber
telecomUnused fiber optic cables that have been laid but are not currently being used for data transmission.
Dashboard
generalA visual display of key metrics and information for monitoring purposes.
Data Lake
generalA centralized repository that stores large amounts of raw data in its native format until needed for analysis.
Data Mining
ai-mlThe process of discovering patterns and knowledge from large amounts of data.
Data Warehouse
generalA system for collecting, storing, and managing data from various sources to support business intelligence activities.
Dead Air
contact-centerPeriods of silence during a call when neither party is speaking, often indicating confusion or system delays.
Debug
generalThe process of identifying and removing errors from software.
Deep Learning
ai-mlA subset of machine learning based on artificial neural networks with multiple layers of processing.
Demarcation Point(Demarc)
telecomThe point where the service provider's network ends and customer equipment begins.
Deploy
generalThe process of making software available for use in a production environment.
DevOps
generalPractices combining software development and IT operations for faster delivery.
DHCP(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
telecomA network protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
Dial Tone
telecomAn audible tone indicating that a telephone line is ready for dialing.
Dial-Up
telecomAn older method of connecting to the internet using telephone lines.
Dialer
contact-centerSoftware that automatically dials telephone numbers for outbound calling campaigns.
DID(Direct Inward Dialing)
telecomA telephone service that allows callers to reach a specific extension directly without going through an operator.
Digital Transformation
generalThe integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing operations and customer value delivery.
Disposition
contact-centerThe categorization or outcome code assigned to a completed interaction.
DNIS(Dialed Number Identification Service)
telecomA service that identifies the number dialed by a caller, useful for routing calls in multi-number systems.
DNS(Domain Name System)
telecomThe hierarchical naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
DOCSIS(Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification)
telecomAn international standard for data transfer over cable TV systems.
Downgrade
generalReverting to a previous version of software or reducing a service tier.
Downtime
telecomPeriods when a system, network, or service is unavailable or not functioning.
Drop
telecomThe final connection from the street to a customer's premises.
DSL(Digital Subscriber Line)
telecomA family of technologies that provide internet access by transmitting digital data over telephone lines.
DTMF(Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency)
telecomThe signaling system used for telephone keypads, generating tones when keys are pressed.
Dwell Time
contact-centerThe time a customer spends in a queue or on hold.
E-911(Enhanced 911)
telecomAn advanced emergency calling system that automatically provides the caller's location to emergency services.
E-Rate
telecomA US program providing discounts on telecommunications for schools and libraries.
Edge
telecomThe boundary of a network where it connects to external networks or end users.
Edge Computing
generalA distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to data sources.
Egress
telecomData flowing out of a network or data center.
Embedding
ai-mlA numerical representation of data (text, images) that captures semantic meaning.
EMF(Electromagnetic Field)
telecomThe field produced by electrically charged objects.
Emotion Detection
ai-mlAI technology that analyzes voice patterns, facial expressions, or text to identify human emotions.
Encryption
generalThe process of encoding data so that only authorized parties can access it.
End User
generalThe person who actually uses a product or service, as opposed to developers or administrators.
Engineer Appointment Manager
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that schedules, reschedules, and manages technician appointments.
Engineer Buddy
gozupeesGoZupees' mobile AI assistant for field technicians, providing real-time guidance and documentation access.
Enterprise
generalA large organization, typically a corporation, with significant IT infrastructure and complex business needs.
Entity Extraction
ai-mlAn NLP technique that identifies and classifies key elements from text into predefined categories.
Epoch
ai-mlOne complete pass through the entire training dataset during model training.
Erlang
telecomA unit of measurement for telecommunications traffic, representing continuous use of one voice path.
Escalation
contact-centerThe process of transferring a customer issue to a higher level of support or management.
Escalation Matrix
contact-centerA predefined hierarchy for escalating issues based on severity and type.
Ethernet
telecomA family of computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks.
ETL(Extract, Transform, Load)
generalA process for moving data from source systems to a data warehouse.
Failover
telecomA backup operational mode in which system functions are assumed by secondary components when primary ones become unavailable.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
generalA list of common questions and answers about a product, service, or topic.
Fault
telecomA defect in a network that causes a service disruption.
FCC(Federal Communications Commission)
telecomThe US government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications.
FCR(First Call Resolution)
contact-centerA metric measuring the percentage of customer issues resolved during the first contact.
Feature Engineering
ai-mlThe process of using domain knowledge to create features that make ML algorithms work.
Fiber Cut
telecomPhysical damage to fiber optic cables causing service interruption.
Fiber Optic
telecomA technology that uses glass or plastic threads to transmit data as light pulses.
Fiber Splice
telecomThe permanent joining of two fiber optic cables.
Fine-Tuning
ai-mlThe process of adjusting a pre-trained AI model on a specific dataset to improve its performance for a particular task.
Firewall
generalA network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
Firmware
generalSoftware programmed into hardware devices providing low-level control.
Fixed Wireless
telecomA type of wireless data communication between two fixed points using radio signals.
Foundation Model
ai-mlA large AI model trained on broad data that can be adapted to various downstream tasks.
Freemium
generalA pricing strategy offering basic services free while charging for premium features.
FTE(Full-Time Equivalent)
contact-centerA unit measuring the workload of an employed person in a way that makes workloads comparable.
FTTH(Fiber to the Home)
telecomA broadband network architecture where fiber optic cables run directly to residential buildings.
FTTN(Fiber to the Node)
telecomNetwork architecture where fiber reaches a cabinet near customers.
FTTP(Fiber to the Premises)
telecomA form of fiber-optic communication delivery that reaches the boundary of a living or business space.
Full Duplex
telecomCommunication that allows simultaneous transmission in both directions.
Gamification
contact-centerThe application of game-design elements in non-game contexts to engage users and improve performance.
Gateway
telecomA network node that connects two networks using different protocols.
Gbps(Gigabits per Second)
telecomA data transfer rate of one billion bits per second.
Generative AI
ai-mlAI systems capable of creating new content such as text, images, or audio based on training data.
Geocoding
generalThe process of converting addresses into geographic coordinates.
Ghost Call
contact-centerA call that disconnects before connecting to an agent.
GHz(Gigahertz)
telecomA unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz, commonly used to measure wireless spectrum.
GPON(Gigabit Passive Optical Network)
telecomA fiber optic networking standard for delivering broadband services.
GPT(Generative Pre-trained Transformer)
ai-mlA family of large language models developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text.
Grade of Service
telecomA metric expressing the probability that a call will be blocked or delayed in a telephone network.
Guardrails
ai-mlSafety mechanisms implemented in AI systems to prevent harmful, inappropriate, or off-topic responses.
GUI(Graphical User Interface)
generalA visual way for users to interact with electronic devices through icons and menus.
Half Duplex
telecomCommunication where transmission can occur in both directions, but not simultaneously.
Hallucination
ai-mlWhen an AI model generates false, fabricated, or inconsistent information that appears plausible.
Handle Time
contact-centerThe total time an agent spends on a customer interaction, from answer to completion of after-call work.
Handoff
telecomThe process of transferring a connection from one network element to another.
Head End
telecomThe facility where cable TV or internet signals originate and are distributed.
Headset
contact-centerAudio equipment worn by agents to handle calls hands-free.
Helix™
gozupeesGoZupees' unified platform that orchestrates all AI agents and integrations for seamless customer experience.
HFC(Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial)
telecomA telecommunications network that combines optical fiber and coaxial cable.
High Availability(HA)
generalSystems designed to be operational a high percentage of time.
Hold Time
contact-centerThe duration a caller spends on hold during a call with an agent.
Hosted PBX
telecomA telephone system where the PBX is hosted at a remote location by a service provider.
Hot Spot
telecomA physical location where people can access the internet wirelessly.
Hot Transfer
contact-centerTransferring a call to another agent or department while briefly introducing the situation to the receiving party.
Hotfix
generalA quick software update to address a specific issue without a full release.
Hotline
telecomA dedicated phone line for urgent or high-priority communications.
HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
generalThe protocol used for transmitting web pages over the internet.
Hub
telecomA basic networking device that connects multiple network devices together.
Human-in-the-Loop
ai-mlAn AI system design that requires human oversight and intervention for certain decisions or actions.
Hyperparameter
ai-mlConfiguration settings used to control the learning process of an ML model.
IaaS(Infrastructure as a Service)
generalCloud computing services that provide virtualized computing resources over the internet.
Idle Time
contact-centerTime when an agent is available but not handling any contacts.
ILEC(Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier)
telecomThe original telephone company serving a geographic area before deregulation.
Inbound
contact-centerCalls or contacts initiated by customers coming into a contact center.
Inference
ai-mlThe process of using a trained AI model to make predictions or decisions on new data.
Inference Time
ai-mlThe time it takes for a trained model to make a prediction on new data.
Ingress
telecomData flowing into a network or data center.
Install
telecomThe process of setting up service at a customer location.
Integration
generalThe process of connecting different systems to work together seamlessly.
Integration Hub
gozupeesGoZupees' platform for connecting AI agents with existing business systems and databases.
Intent Engine
gozupeesGoZupees' NLP system that accurately identifies customer intent from natural language.
Intent Recognition
ai-mlThe AI capability to understand and classify the purpose or goal behind a user's query.
Interactive Voice Response(IVR)
telecomAn automated telephony system that interacts with callers through voice and DTMF tones.
Internet Exchange(IX)
telecomA physical location where ISPs interconnect to exchange traffic.
Internet of Things(IoT)
generalThe network of physical devices embedded with sensors and connectivity for data exchange.
Interval
contact-centerA time period used for workforce planning, typically 15 or 30 minutes.
IP(Internet Protocol)
telecomThe principal communications protocol for relaying datagrams across network boundaries.
IP Address
telecomA numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network using IP.
ISDN(Integrated Services Digital Network)
telecomA set of communication standards for digital transmission of voice, video, and data.
ISP(Internet Service Provider)
telecomA company that provides customers with internet access and related services.
Iteration
generalA single cycle of a development process that produces a working version.
Jitter
telecomVariation in the delay of received packets, which can cause audio or video quality issues.
JSON(JavaScript Object Notation)
generalA lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write.
KBps(Kilobytes per Second)
telecomA unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000 bytes per second.
Knowledge Base
contact-centerA centralized repository of information used to store, organize, and retrieve knowledge for various purposes.
Knowledge Graph
ai-mlA structured representation of real-world entities and relationships between them.
Knowledge Sync
gozupeesGoZupees' feature for automatically updating AI agents with the latest product and policy information.
KPI(Key Performance Indicator)
generalA measurable value that demonstrates how effectively an organization is achieving key objectives.
LAN(Local Area Network)
telecomA computer network that connects devices within a limited area such as a home or office.
Last Mile
telecomThe final portion of a network connecting service providers to customers.
Latency
telecomThe delay between a user's action and the response from a system or network.
Lead
contact-centerA potential customer who has shown interest in a company's product or service.
Lead Collection Agent
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that qualifies and captures sales leads through natural conversations.
Lead Scoring
contact-centerA methodology used to rank prospects against a scale representing their perceived value to the organization.
Leased Line
telecomA dedicated private telecommunications circuit between locations.
Legacy System
generalAn older computer system or application still in use despite newer technology.
Line of Sight(LOS)
telecomAn unobstructed path between transmitter and receiver for wireless signals.
LLM(Large Language Model)
ai-mlAn AI model trained on vast amounts of text data capable of understanding and generating human-like language.
Load Balancing
generalThe distribution of workloads across multiple computing resources to optimize performance.
Login Time
contact-centerThe time an agent logs into the contact center system.
Logout Time
contact-centerThe time an agent logs out of the contact center system.
Loop
telecomThe physical circuit connecting a customer to the telephone exchange.
Low-Code
generalA software development approach requiring minimal coding, using visual interfaces and pre-built components.
LTE(Long-Term Evolution)
telecomA standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile devices.
MAC Address(Media Access Control Address)
telecomA unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller.
Machine Learning
ai-mlA subset of AI where systems learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.
Maximum Wait Time
contact-centerThe longest time any customer waited in a queue during a period.
MBps(Megabytes per Second)
telecomA unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000,000 bytes per second.
MDF(Main Distribution Frame)
telecomA signal distribution frame connecting outside lines to internal customer lines.
MDU(Multiple Dwelling Unit)
telecomA residential building with multiple separate housing units, such as an apartment complex.
Mesh Network
telecomA network topology where nodes connect directly and dynamically to as many other nodes as possible.
Metadata
generalData that provides information about other data, such as file properties or call attributes.
Metrics
generalQuantifiable measures used to track and assess the status of specific business processes.
Microservices
generalAn architectural style structuring an application as a collection of loosely coupled services.
Middle Mile
telecomThe network segment connecting the core network to the last mile.
Migration
generalMoving data, applications, or systems from one environment to another.
MIMO(Multiple-Input Multiple-Output)
telecomA wireless technology that uses multiple antennas to improve communication performance.
Minimum Viable Product(MVP)
generalA product with just enough features to satisfy early customers.
ML Model
ai-mlA mathematical representation trained on data to make predictions or decisions.
MMDS(Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service)
telecomA wireless telecommunications technology for broadband networking.
Model Drift
ai-mlThe degradation of model performance over time due to changes in data patterns.
Modem
telecomA device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission.
MPLS(Multiprotocol Label Switching)
telecomA routing technique that directs data based on short path labels rather than long network addresses.
MRR(Monthly Recurring Revenue)
generalThe predictable total revenue generated by a business from all active subscriptions in a month.
MSO(Multiple System Operator)
telecomA company that owns multiple cable television systems.
MTBF(Mean Time Between Failures)
telecomThe average time between system failures.
MTTR(Mean Time to Repair)
telecomThe average time required to repair a failed system.
Multichannel
contact-centerThe practice of interacting with customers using multiple communication channels.
Multimodal
ai-mlAI systems capable of processing multiple types of data such as text, images, and audio.
Mystery Shopping
contact-centerEvaluating service quality by posing as a customer and testing interactions.
Named Entity Recognition(NER)
ai-mlAn NLP task that identifies and classifies named entities in text.
NAT(Network Address Translation)
telecomA method of mapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information.
Natural Language Processing(NLP)
ai-mlAI technology that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
Natural Language Understanding(NLU)
ai-mlA subset of NLP focused on machine comprehension of text or speech input.
Net Promoter Score(NPS)
contact-centerA metric that measures customer loyalty based on likelihood to recommend a company.
Network
telecomA group of interconnected computers and devices that can communicate and share resources.
Network Operations Center(NOC)
telecomA centralized location from which IT professionals supervise, monitor, and maintain networks.
Neural Network
ai-mlA computing system inspired by biological neural networks that can learn patterns from data.
NNI(Network-to-Network Interface)
telecomThe interface between two networks of the same type.
No-Code
generalA development approach allowing software creation through graphical interfaces without writing code.
Node
telecomAny device connected to a network that can receive, create, store, or send data.
Not Ready
contact-centerAgent status indicating unavailability to receive new contacts.
OAuth
generalAn open standard for access delegation commonly used for token-based authentication.
Occupancy
contact-centerThe percentage of time contact center agents spend handling calls versus waiting for calls.
OCR(Optical Character Recognition)
ai-mlTechnology that converts images of text into machine-readable text.
OLT(Optical Line Terminal)
telecomEquipment at the service provider that terminates passive optical network connections.
Omnichannel
contact-centerA customer experience approach that provides seamless integration across all communication channels.
On-Premises
generalSoftware or infrastructure that is installed and runs on computers on the premises of the organization.
Onboarding Agent
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that guides new customers through the service activation and setup process.
ONT(Optical Network Terminal)
telecomA device that converts fiber optic signals to electrical signals for customer premises.
Open Source
generalSoftware with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
Order Helper Agent
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that assists customers with placing, tracking, and modifying orders.
Outage
telecomA period when a service or system is unavailable or not functioning properly.
Outage Handler
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent designed to manage customer communications and updates during service outages.
Outbound
contact-centerCalls or contacts initiated by agents to customers, typically for sales or collections.
Overfitting
ai-mlWhen a model performs well on training data but poorly on new, unseen data.
Overflow
contact-centerCalls that exceed the capacity of a queue or group and are redirected elsewhere.
Oversubscription
telecomSelling more bandwidth than physically available, relying on statistical usage patterns.
PaaS(Platform as a Service)
generalCloud computing services providing a platform for customers to develop, run, and manage applications.
Packet
telecomA formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network.
Packet Loss
telecomWhen data packets traveling across a network fail to reach their destination.
Parameter
ai-mlInternal variables that a model learns during training.
Patch
generalA set of changes to software designed to fix or improve it.
PBX(Private Branch Exchange)
telecomA private telephone network used within an organization.
Peak Hours
contact-centerTime periods when contact volume is at its highest.
Peering
telecomA voluntary interconnection between administratively separate internet networks for traffic exchange.
Ping
telecomA network utility used to test the reachability of a host on an IP network.
Pipeline
generalA series of automated processes for software development and delivery.
POC(Proof of Concept)
generalA demonstration to verify that certain concepts or theories have the potential for real-world application.
PON(Passive Optical Network)
telecomA fiber optic network architecture that uses unpowered optical splitters.
POP(Point of Presence)
telecomA location where a carrier has equipment for connecting to customers.
Port
telecomA virtual point where network connections start and end, identified by a number.
Post-Call Survey
contact-centerA survey conducted immediately after a call to gather customer feedback.
Power Dialing
contact-centerAn outbound dialing method that dials the next number when an agent becomes available.
Power Over Ethernet(PoE)
telecomTechnology for delivering electrical power along with data over Ethernet cabling.
Power User
generalA customer or employee who uses advanced features and capabilities of a product or service.
Pre-training
ai-mlInitial training of a model on a large dataset before fine-tuning for specific tasks.
Predictive Analytics
ai-mlUsing data, statistical algorithms, and ML techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes.
Predictive Dialer
contact-centerAn outbound calling system that automatically dials numbers and predicts agent availability.
Preview Dialing
contact-centerAn outbound method where agents review customer information before initiating the call.
Production
generalThe live environment where software is deployed for end users.
Prompt Engineering
ai-mlThe practice of designing and optimizing inputs to AI models to achieve desired outputs.
Provisioning
telecomThe process of configuring and activating a service or resource for a customer.
PSTN(Public Switched Telephone Network)
telecomThe global network of circuit-switched telephone networks.
QA(Quality Assurance)
contact-centerSystematic processes for ensuring products and services meet specified requirements.
QAM(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
telecomA modulation scheme used in DOCSIS systems for high data rates.
QoE(Quality of Experience)
telecomA measure of the overall satisfaction of a user with a service from their perspective.
QoS(Quality of Service)
telecomThe overall performance of a service as perceived by users, often measured technically.
Quality Monitoring(QM)
contact-centerThe process of evaluating agent interactions to ensure service standards.
Queue
contact-centerA waiting line where calls or contacts are held until an agent becomes available.
Queue Callback
contact-centerA feature allowing customers to receive a callback rather than wait on hold.
Queue Management
contact-centerThe process of organizing and optimizing how customers wait for service.
Quota
generalA limit on the amount of resources or services that can be used.
Rack
telecomA standardized frame for mounting networking equipment.
RAG(Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
ai-mlAn AI technique that enhances LLM responses by retrieving relevant information from external sources.
Ready State
contact-centerAgent status indicating availability to receive the next contact.
Real-Time
generalProcessing or responding to input immediately, with minimal delay.
Real-Time Adherence(RTA)
contact-centerMonitoring agent schedule adherence as it happens.
Real-Time Assist
gozupeesGoZupees' feature providing instant AI guidance to agents during live customer interactions.
Redundancy
telecomDuplication of critical components or functions to increase system reliability.
Refactor
generalRestructuring existing code without changing its external behavior.
Regression
generalA bug that causes a feature that worked before to stop working.
Reinforcement Learning
ai-mlA type of ML where agents learn to make decisions by receiving rewards or penalties.
Release
generalA new version of software made available to users.
Repeat Call
contact-centerA call from a customer who contacted about the same issue within a specified period.
Repeater
telecomA device that receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher power.
Repository
generalA central location where data or code is stored and managed.
REST(Representational State Transfer)
generalAn architectural style for designing networked applications using HTTP.
RF(Radio Frequency)
telecomElectromagnetic waves used for wireless communication.
Ring Topology
telecomA network configuration where each device connects to exactly two other devices.
RMA(Return Merchandise Authorization)
telecomA process for returning a product for repair, replacement, or refund.
ROI(Return on Investment)
generalA performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment.
Rollback
generalReverting a system or database to a previous state.
Router
telecomA networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
RPA(Robotic Process Automation)
ai-mlTechnology that automates repetitive tasks using software robots.
RSSI(Received Signal Strength Indicator)
telecomA measurement of the power level of a received radio signal.
SaaS(Software as a Service)
generalCloud-based software delivery model where applications are hosted and maintained by a provider.
Sandbox
generalAn isolated testing environment where changes don't affect production.
Satellite Internet
telecomInternet access provided through communication satellites.
Scalability
generalThe ability of a system to handle growing amounts of work.
Schedule Adherence
contact-centerA metric measuring how closely agents follow their assigned work schedules.
Schema
generalThe structure or organization of a database or document.
Scope
generalThe boundaries and extent of a project or task.
Screen Pop
contact-centerThe automatic display of caller information on an agent's screen when a call connects.
Scrum
generalAn agile framework for managing and completing complex projects.
SDK(Software Development Kit)
generalA collection of software tools and libraries for building applications.
Self-Service
contact-centerOptions allowing customers to perform tasks or find information without agent assistance.
Semantic Search
ai-mlSearch technology that understands the meaning and context of queries, not just keywords.
Sentiment Analysis
ai-mlThe use of NLP to identify and extract subjective information from text or speech.
Serverless
generalA cloud execution model where the provider dynamically manages server allocation.
Service Drop
telecomThe connection from utility lines to a customer's building.
Service Level
contact-centerA metric measuring the percentage of contacts answered within a specified time threshold.
Service Level Agreement(SLA)
generalA contract defining the level of service expected from a provider.
Shrinkage
contact-centerThe percentage of time agents are unavailable for productive work (breaks, training, etc.).
Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR)
telecomA measure comparing the level of a desired signal to background noise.
Silent Monitoring
contact-centerListening to live calls without the agent or customer being aware.
SIM(Subscriber Identity Module)
telecomAn integrated circuit storing information to authenticate a mobile device.
SIP(Session Initiation Protocol)
telecomA signaling protocol for initiating, maintaining, and terminating voice and video sessions.
SIP Trunking
telecomA VoIP technology that provides voice connectivity using SIP over the internet.
Skills-Based Routing
contact-centerDirecting contacts to agents based on their specific skills and competencies.
SLA(Service Level Agreement)
generalA commitment between a service provider and customer defining expected service levels.
Smart Routing
gozupeesGoZupees' intelligent call routing system that directs contacts based on intent, history, and agent skills.
SMB(Small and Medium-sized Business)
generalCompanies with revenue, assets, or employee numbers below certain thresholds.
SMTP(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
generalThe standard protocol for sending email messages between servers.
Softphone
telecomSoftware that enables telephone calls over the internet using a computer or mobile device.
Spectrum
telecomThe range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used for telecommunications.
Speech Analytics
ai-mlTechnology that analyzes recorded calls to gather customer intelligence.
Speech-to-Text(STT)
ai-mlTechnology that converts spoken language into written text.
Split
contact-centerA group of agents assigned to handle specific types of calls.
Splitter
telecomA device that divides an optical signal into multiple outputs.
Sprint
generalA fixed time period during which specific work must be completed.
SSL(Secure Sockets Layer)
generalA security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser.
Staffing Model
contact-centerA framework for determining the number of agents needed to meet service goals.
Staging
generalA pre-production environment for testing before deployment.
Stakeholder
generalA person or group with an interest or concern in a project or organization.
Star Topology
telecomA network configuration where all devices connect to a central hub.
Static IP
telecomAn IP address that remains constant and does not change.
Subscriber
telecomA customer who pays for ongoing service access.
Supervised Learning
ai-mlA type of machine learning where the model is trained on labeled data.
Supervisor
contact-centerA person responsible for managing and supporting a team of agents.
Switch
telecomA networking device that connects devices on a computer network by forwarding data packets.
Symmetrical
telecomHaving equal upload and download speeds.
Sync(Synchronization)
generalThe process of making data consistent across multiple systems.
T1
telecomA dedicated phone connection supporting 1.544 Mbps data transfer.
T3
telecomA dedicated phone connection supporting 44.736 Mbps data transfer.
Talk and Type
contact-centerThe practice of taking notes or updating records while speaking with a customer.
Talk Time
contact-centerThe actual time an agent spends speaking with a customer during a call.
TCP/IP(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
telecomThe fundamental communication protocols that define how data is transmitted over the internet.
TDM(Time-Division Multiplexing)
telecomA method of transmitting multiple signals over a single communication channel.
Technical Debt
generalThe implied cost of additional work caused by choosing an easy solution now.
Technician
telecomA trained worker who installs, maintains, or repairs telecommunications equipment.
Telco
telecomShort for telecommunications company; a provider of telephone and data communication services.
Telephony
telecomThe technology and systems for transmitting voice over distance.
Temperature
ai-mlA parameter that controls the randomness of AI model outputs.
Tenant
generalA customer or organization with isolated resources in a multi-tenant system.
Text-to-Speech(TTS)
ai-mlTechnology that converts written text into spoken audio.
Throttling
generalLimiting the rate at which requests or actions can be performed.
Throughput
telecomThe actual amount of data successfully transferred over a connection.
Ticket
contact-centerA record of a customer issue or request in a support system.
Tier
generalA level within a hierarchical system, often referring to pricing or support levels.
Tier 1 Support
contact-centerThe first level of customer support, handling basic inquiries and common issues.
Tier 2 Support
contact-centerSecond-level support handling more complex issues escalated from Tier 1.
Tier 3 Support
contact-centerThird-level support consisting of experts who handle the most complex technical issues.
Token
ai-mlA unit of text that an AI model processes, typically a word or part of a word.
Token
generalA piece of data used for authentication or as a placeholder.
Toll-Free
telecomA telephone number that is free for the calling party, with costs paid by the receiving party.
Tower
telecomA tall structure used to mount antennas for wireless communication.
Training Data
ai-mlThe dataset used to teach a machine learning model patterns and behaviors.
Transcription
ai-mlThe process of converting spoken language from audio or video recordings into written text.
Transfer
contact-centerMoving a call from one agent or department to another.
Transfer Learning
ai-mlUsing knowledge gained from one task to improve performance on a different but related task.
Transformer
ai-mlA deep learning architecture that uses self-attention mechanisms, foundational for modern LLMs.
Transponder
telecomA device that receives a signal on one frequency and retransmits it on another.
Troubleshooting Agent
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that diagnoses and resolves technical issues through guided troubleshooting flows.
Truck Roll
telecomDispatching a technician to a customer location for service or repair.
Trunk
telecomA communication line or link designed to carry multiple signals simultaneously.
Trunk Group
contact-centerA set of trunk lines treated as a unit for routing calls.
TTS(Text-to-Speech)
ai-mlTechnology that synthesizes natural-sounding speech from written text.
Turnover
contact-centerThe rate at which employees leave an organization and are replaced.
UCaaS(Unified Communications as a Service)
telecomCloud-based delivery of unified communications services including messaging, voice, and video.
UI(User Interface)
generalThe space where interactions between humans and machines occur.
Understaff
contact-centerHaving fewer agents than needed to meet service level goals.
UNI(User Network Interface)
telecomThe interface between the customer's equipment and the service provider's network.
Unified Communications
telecomThe integration of real-time communication services with non-real-time communication tools.
Unsupervised Learning
ai-mlA type of machine learning where the model finds patterns in data without labeled responses.
Update
generalA newer version of software that includes improvements or fixes.
Upgrade
generalMoving to a newer, more capable version of software or service.
Uplink
telecomA communications link from a ground station to a satellite.
Upsell
contact-centerA sales technique encouraging customers to purchase a higher-end product or add-on.
Upsell Advisor
gozupeesGoZupees' AI agent that identifies and presents relevant upgrade opportunities to customers.
Uptime
telecomThe time during which a system or service is operational and available.
URL(Uniform Resource Locator)
generalA reference to a web resource that specifies its location on a computer network.
Use Case
generalA specific situation in which a product or service could potentially be used.
User Acceptance Testing(UAT)
generalTesting by end users to verify software meets requirements.
User Experience(UX)
generalThe overall experience a person has when interacting with a product, system, or service.
Utilization
contact-centerThe degree to which resources (agents, systems, etc.) are being effectively used.
Validation Set
ai-mlA subset of data used to evaluate model performance during training.
VDSL(Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line)
telecomA DSL technology providing faster speeds over short distances.
Vector Database
ai-mlA database optimized for storing and querying high-dimensional vector embeddings.
Vendor
generalA company that sells products or services to another company.
VersaTalk™
gozupeesGoZupees' human-like AI voice agent platform featuring sub-200ms response times, natural conversation flow, and deep backend integrations.
VerSense Co-Pilot™
gozupeesGoZupees' AI-powered co-pilot platform that provides real-time guidance to contact center agents, featuring live diagnostics, one-click fixes, and system integrations.
VerSight™
gozupeesGoZupees' call center intelligence platform that transforms 100% of customer conversations into actionable insights using AI-powered speech analytics.
Version
generalA particular form of something differing from earlier forms.
Virtual Agent
ai-mlAn AI-powered agent that can handle customer interactions without human intervention.
Virtual Hold
contact-centerTechnology allowing callers to request a callback instead of waiting on hold.
Virtual Machine(VM)
generalSoftware that emulates a physical computer system.
VLAN(Virtual Local Area Network)
telecomA logical grouping of network devices that appear to be on the same LAN regardless of location.
Voice Agent
ai-mlAn AI system that can conduct voice conversations with customers autonomously.
Voice Biometrics
ai-mlTechnology that uses voice patterns to verify a person's identity.
Voice Bot
ai-mlAn automated system that uses speech recognition and synthesis to interact with callers.
Voice Cloning
gozupeesGoZupees' technology for creating natural, brand-consistent AI voices for customer interactions.
Voice of the Customer(VoC)
contact-centerPrograms and processes for capturing customer feedback and expectations.
VoIP(Voice over Internet Protocol)
telecomTechnology that allows voice calls to be made over the internet.
VPN(Virtual Private Network)
telecomA secure, encrypted connection over a public network.
VSAT(Very Small Aperture Terminal)
telecomA small satellite dish for satellite communication.
WAN(Wide Area Network)
telecomA telecommunications network extending over a large geographic area.
Warm Transfer
contact-centerA call transfer where the agent introduces the caller to the receiving party before disconnecting.
Wavelength
telecomThe distance between successive peaks of a wave, determining frequency.
Webhook
generalAn HTTP callback that triggers when a specific event occurs in an application.
WFM(Workforce Management)
contact-centerSystems and processes for optimizing staff productivity and scheduling.
WFO(Workforce Optimization)
contact-centerStrategies and tools for improving agent performance and customer satisfaction.
Whisper
contact-centerAudio played only to the agent before connecting to a caller, providing caller information.
Whisper Coaching
contact-centerReal-time guidance provided to agents that only they can hear.
Whitepaper
generalAn authoritative report or guide explaining a complex issue.
Wi-Fi
telecomWireless networking technology using radio waves to provide high-speed network connectivity.
Widget
generalA small application or component providing specific functionality.
Win-Back
contact-centerCampaigns designed to re-engage customers who have canceled or churned.
Wireless Backhaul
telecomUsing wireless links to connect cell sites to the core network.
WISP(Wireless Internet Service Provider)
telecomA company that provides wireless internet access to customers.
Word Error Rate(WER)
ai-mlA common metric for measuring the accuracy of speech recognition systems.
Work State
contact-centerThe current status of an agent in the contact center system.
Workflow
generalA sequence of tasks that processes a set of data from initiation to completion.
Wrap Time
contact-centerThe time an agent spends completing tasks after a call ends before becoming available for the next call.
Wrap-Up Code
contact-centerA code selected by agents at the end of a call to categorize the interaction type or outcome.
XaaS(Everything as a Service)
generalA collective term for services delivered over the internet rather than provided locally.
xDSL
telecomA family of digital subscriber line technologies.
XML(Extensible Markup Language)
generalA markup language defining rules for encoding documents in a format readable by both humans and machines.
Yield Management
generalA pricing strategy that varies prices based on demand and capacity.
Zero Downtime
generalThe ability to make updates or changes without service interruption.
Zero-Shot Learning
ai-mlAI capability to perform tasks without having seen examples of that specific task.
Zero-Touch Provisioning
telecomAutomatic configuration of devices without manual intervention.
Zip Code Routing
contact-centerRouting calls to specific agents or centers based on the caller's geographic location.
1G(First Generation)
telecomThe first generation of wireless cellular technology, using analog signals.
24/7
generalAvailable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, indicating continuous availability.
2G(Second Generation)
telecomThe second generation of mobile networks, introducing digital encryption and SMS.
3G(Third Generation)
telecomThe third generation of mobile telecommunications, enabling mobile internet access.
4G(Fourth Generation)
telecomThe fourth generation of mobile network technology, providing high-speed mobile broadband.
4G LTE
telecomA standard for wireless broadband communication, commonly referred to as 4G.
5G(Fifth Generation)
telecomThe fifth generation of mobile networks, offering enhanced speed, lower latency, and massive connectivity.
80/20 Rule
contact-centerThe principle that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes; applied in service levels.
802.11
telecomA set of media access control and physical layer specifications for implementing wireless local area networks.
99.99% Uptime(Four Nines)
telecomA reliability standard allowing only 52.6 minutes of downtime per year.