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Norstar Glossary of Terms
Definitions for Norstar-specific and general telephony terminology used in Northern Telecom documentation.
Fan Archive Notice: This is an unofficial reference site created by a Norstar enthusiast. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Northern Telecom Limited or Nortel Networks Corporation. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Documentation reproduced here for historical and educational purposes only.
 A
AttendantThe primary reception telephone, typically extension 21. Receives all unanswered incoming calls.
Auto AttendantAn automated answering system (in Flash or CallPilot) that greets callers and routes them by keypad input.
AutodialA programmable button that dials a stored number or activates a feature with a single press.

 B
BLFBusy Lamp Field. LED indicators showing the in-use or idle status of extensions. Found on the M7324 and DSS modules.

 C
CallPilotNorthern Telecom's advanced server-based voicemail and unified messaging platform. Successor to Norstar Flash.
CICSCompact Integrated Communications System. The modular small-business Norstar KSU; expandable up to 8 lines / 24 stations.
CLIDCalling Line Identification. Caller ID service. Displays the incoming caller's number on the telephone set display.
CO LineCentral Office Line. An external telephone line provided by the telephone company, connecting the KSU to the public network.
ConferenceA 3-party call where all three parties can hear and speak to each other simultaneously.

 D
DIDDirect Inward Dial. A service providing individual external phone numbers that ring directly to specific extensions.
DISADirect Inward System Access. Allows remote callers to dial into the system and then place outbound calls through the KSU.
DNDirectory Number. The internal extension number assigned to a telephone set or feature (e.g., DN 221 for extension 221).
DNDDo Not Disturb. A feature preventing a set from ringing. Activated/deactivated with Feature 70.
DSSDirect Station Select. An add-on module for the M7324 providing one-touch buttons for each extension with BLF indicators.

 F
Feature CodeA numbered code entered by pressing the Feature button followed by digits to activate a telephone feature.
Feature KeyA programmable button on a Norstar telephone that can be assigned a line, extension, or feature function.
FlashSee Norstar Flash. Also: a brief on-hook signal used to access certain carrier features on analog CO lines.
 H
Hunt GroupA set of extensions configured to receive calls in sequence (sequential), rotation (rotary), or all at once (broadcast) until one answers.

 I
ICSIntegrated Communications System. The larger, fully modular Norstar KSU for medium businesses. Capacity determined by cartridge configuration.
IntercomAn internal call between two extensions on the same Norstar system, using the system's internal wiring rather than a CO line.

 K
KSUKey Service Unit. The central cabinet or controller of the Norstar system. Connects CO lines to station ports and runs the system software.

 L – M
Line PoolA group of CO lines that can be accessed collectively. Extensions dial a line pool access code to seize any available line in the pool.
MeridianNorthern Telecom's umbrella brand for business telephone products. The Meridian 1 is the large enterprise PBX; Norstar is the Meridian digital key system product.
MWIMessage Waiting Indicator. A lamp on the telephone set (or a display icon) that lights when there is a new voicemail message.

 N
Night ServiceA system mode (usually after business hours) that reroutes incoming calls to a different destination such as an after-hours voicemail or answering service.
Norstar FlashNorthern Telecom's embedded voicemail module for Norstar systems. Installs directly in the KSU without a separate server.

 P – R
ParkPlacing a call on a shared hold that any extension can retrieve by dialing the park slot number. Used with paging to locate someone.
Prime LineThe CO line seized automatically when a telephone handset is lifted without pressing a specific line button.
PrivacyA feature (Feature 80) preventing other sets from joining your active call by pressing the same line button.
Ring AgainA callback feature (Feature 3) that notifies you when a busy extension becomes free.

 S – T
StationAn individual telephone connected to a KSU station port. Each station is assigned a unique DN.
TransferRedirecting an active call to another extension or external number. Can be announced (supervised) or blind (unsupervised).
TrunkAn external telephone line or circuit connecting the KSU to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Synonymous with CO Line in Norstar terminology.
Trunk ModuleAn expansion cartridge installed in the CICS or ICS that provides additional CO line (trunk) ports beyond the base configuration.
NT

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Original documentation © Northern Telecom Limited. Archived here for historical and educational use.