Binary Exponential Backoff Algorithm was chosen to dynamically adapt to the number of stations trying to send. If the randomization interval for all collision was 1023 slots, the chance of two stations colliding for a second time  would be negligible, but the average wait after a collision would be hundreds of slot times, introducing significant delay. On the other hand, if each station always delayed for either 0 or 1 slot, then if 100 stations ever tried to send at once, they would collide over and over until 99 of them picked 1 and the remaining station picked 0. This may take years. But having the randomization interval grow exponentially as more and more consecutive collisions occur, the algorithm ensures a low delay when only a few stations collide but also ensures that the collision is resolved in a reasonable interval when many stations collide. Truncating the backoff at 1023 keeps the bound from growing too large.

Compact Gateway Server. Cisco midrange multiprotocol router designed for medium to small regional and district environments. The CGS is a 2-slot router that supports up to four interfaces (all of the same type).

Contraction derived from the opposite processes of compression and expansion. Part of the PCM process whereby analog signal values are logically rounded to discrete scalestep values on a nonlinear scale. The decimal step number is then coded in its binary equivalent prior to transmission. The process is reversed at the receiving terminal using the same nonlinear scale. Compare with compression and expansion.

The running of a data set through an algorithm that reduces the space required to store or the bandwidth required to transmit the data set. Compare with companding and expansion.

data communications equipment. Data communications equipment (EIA expansion) or data circuit-terminating equipment (ITU-T expansion). The devices and connections of a communications network that comprise the network end of the user-to-network interface. The DCE provides a physical connection to the network, forwards traffic, and provides a clocking signal used to synchronize data transmission between DCE and DTE devices. Modems and interface cards are examples of DCE. Compare with DTE

SCSI host adapters are typically available for use with ISA, EISA, and PCI bus interfaces.

The AGP interface is a variation of the PCI bus design that has been modified to handle the intense data throughput associated with three-dimensional graphics.

The PCI bus specification uses multiplexed address and data lines to conserve the pins of the basic 124-pin PCI connector.

Because of industry moves away from anything related to ISA cards, the PCI bus has become the dominant force in system board designs. Each generation of PCI designs has provided fewer and fewer ISA buses. Current designs include three or four PCI slots, an AGP slot, and might include a single ISA connector for compatibility purposes (or none at all).