Federal Standard 1037C: The Telecommunications Glossary
In the complex world of global connectivity, precise language is essential. Federal Standard 1037C, titled "Telecommunications: Glossary of Telecommunication Terms," serves as a foundational resource for defining the technical language used across the United States government and international telecommunications sectors.
Issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) under the authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (as amended), this standard ensures that federal departments and agencies maintain a consistent understanding of the terminology used by specialists in the field.
Key Facts
- Official Title: Telecommunications: Glossary of Telecommunication Terms.
- Issuing Body: General Services Administration (GSA).
- Legal Basis: Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
- Primary Purpose: Providing a comprehensive source of definitions for telecommunications and related fields.
- Current Status: Superseded by ANSI T1.523-2001, though still widely referenced.
Availability and Copyright Status
Because Federal Standard 1037C is a publication prepared by a U.S. government agency, it is largely available as a public domain resource. This means it is freely accessible to the public without the restrictions typically associated with private intellectual property.
However, the document does contain specific items derived from copyrighted sources. In these instances, the standard includes a formal attribution to the original source to maintain legal compliance.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Evolution of Telecommunication Standards
While Federal Standard 1037C provided a critical baseline for decades, the industry has evolved, leading to newer standards. In 2001, the standard was officially superseded by the American National Standard (ANSI) T1.523-2001, also known as the "Telecom Glossary 2000," published by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).
Despite the existence of the ANSI replacement, Federal Standard 1037C remains frequently used. This persistence is primarily due to the fact that ANSI standards are protected by copyright, whereas the older federal standard remains more accessible.
Future Developments
The trajectory of these definitions continues with the proposal of the "ATIS Telecom Glossary 2011" (ATIS-0100523.2011), representing the ongoing effort to modernize telecommunications terminology for the digital age.
| Standard | Issuing Body | Status | Access Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Standard 1037C | GSA | Superseded | Public Domain (mostly) |
| ANSI T1.523-2001 | ATIS | Active | Copyrighted |
| ATIS-0100523.2011 | ATIS | Proposed | TBD |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Federal Standard 1037C?
It provides federal departments and agencies with a comprehensive set of definitions for terms used in telecommunications and directly related fields, as defined by U.S. and international specialists.
Who issued Federal Standard 1037C?
The standard was issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
Is Federal Standard 1037C still the current standard?
No, it was superseded in 2001 by the American National Standard (ANSI) T1.523-2001 (Telecom Glossary 2000).
Why is Federal Standard 1037C still used if it is superseded?
It remains popular because it is largely in the public domain, whereas the newer ANSI standards are protected by copyright.
What is the most recent proposed update to these glossaries?
The most recent proposed standard is the ATIS Telecom Glossary 2011, identified as ATIS-0100523.2011.