serv- ers. All databases at remote and local sites are treated as if they were one database. The data dic- tionary is crucial in mapping where all the data resides. distributed system A corporate system that can function independently from the host to provide local processing capabilities that meet end-user requirements yet can connect into the host network for file transfer, access to other applications, and host-specific functions. distribution frame A structure (typically wall-mounted) for terminating telephone wiring, usually the permanent wires from or at the telephone exchange, where cross-connections are readily made to extensions. Also called a connector block, a distribution block, an MDF, or an IDF. DLC (digital loop carrier) A type of concentrator, also called a remote concentrator or remote terminal. Traditional DLCs are not interoperable with some of the DSL offerings, includ- ing ADSL and SDSL. DLCI (data link connection identifier) An identifier in a Frame Relay header that speci- fies the Layer 2 virtual circuit. DLI (data-line interface) The point at which a data line is connected to a telephone system. DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) The first mobile TV standard to market, derived from the DAB standard. S-DMB (Satellite DMB) and T-DMB (Terrestrial DMB) are cur- rently available in Korea, and other countries are considering adopting DMB as well. DMB-T (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial) DMB-T (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial) A new major broadcast stan- dard that provides the best reception quality for the power required. DMB-T and DAB are the preferred Chinese standards. DMT (Discrete Multitone) A multicarrier modulation scheme used in ADSL. DNS (Domain Name System) A set of protocols and databases that translates between Web site names and physical IP addresses in the Internet or in any other TCP/IP-based internet. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) An international standard developed by CableLabs that defines the communications and operation su