US Robotics 56K Series Manual page 56

A system of rules and procedures
governing communications between two
or more devices. Protocols vary, but
communicating devices must follow the
same protocol in order to exchange
data. The format of the data, readiness
to receive or send, error detection and
error correction are some of
e operations that may be defined in
protocols.
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RAM
Random Access Memory is memory that
is available for use when the modem is
turned on, but that clears of all
information when the power is turned
off. The modem's RAM holds the
current operational settings, a flow
control buffer, and a command buffer.
remote digital loopback
A test that checks the phone link and a
remote modem's transmitter and
receiver.