5 FAH-2 H-100
DEPARTMENT OF STATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK
5 FAH-2 H-110
INTRODUCTION
(CT:TEL-67; 06-18-2018)
(Office of Origin: IRM/BMP/GRP/GP)
5 FAH-2 H-111 PURPOSE
(TL:TEL-2; 05-23-2002)
(Uniform State/USAID)
The Telecommunications Handbook provides official guidance
and generic telecommunications procedures for IM personnel at Information
Programs Centers (IPC) abroad and domestic transmission facilities. These
basic management procedures are formulated to achieve overall consistency in
telecommunications operations and circuit management among transmission
facilities in the Departments worldwide network.
5 FAH-2 H-112 SCOPE AND AUTHORITY
(TL:TEL-11; 07-19-2004)
(Uniform State/USAID)
a. The procedures and guidelines provided here
implement telecommunications policies contained in 5 FAM 500 and supplemental
regulations contained in Allied Communications Publications (ACP) and Joint
Army, Navy, Air Force Publications (JANAP).
b. The Telecommunications Handbook replaces the
Telegraphic Communications Handbook, Part I and Part II. The scope of this
Handbook encompasses:
(1) All phases of the telegraphic process, from the
outgoing telegram to transmission format through telegram delivery and storage;
(2) Management procedures for data, telephone, and
radio networks abroad; and
(3) Management procedures to ensure the operational
readiness of telecommunications equipment at posts abroad.
5 FAH-2 H-113 REFERENCES
(CT:TEL-67; 06-18-2018)
(Uniform State/USAID)
The following references were used to prepare this
Handbook. If additional information is needed, please refer to these sources.
(1) 5 FAM Information Management
(2) 5 FAH-1 Correspondence Handbook
(3) 5 FAH-3 TAGS/Terms Handbook
(4) 5 FAH-4 Records Management Handbook
(5) 5 FAH-6 Communications Security Handbook
(6) Allied Communications Publication
(ACP-131)(D)"Q" and "Z" Operating Signals
(7) Instructions - Operating Signals
(9) ACP-117 Allied Routing Indicator Book
(9) ACP-127 Communications InstructionsTape Relay
Procedures
(10) Joint Army, Navy, Air Force Publications (JANAPs)
(11) Department of State Teletypewriter Routing Guide
(DOSPUB)
(12) DTS Installation Standards
(13) DTS Technical Requisition Manual
(14) DTS Reporting Guide
(15) 12 FAM 500 Information Security
(16) 12 FAM 600 Information Security Technology
(17) 12 FAH-6 OSPB Security Standards and Policy
Handbook
(18) Regional Information Management Center (RIMC) HF
Network Operating Instructions
(19) Department Unclassified Electrical/Electronic
Security Standards
(20) Integrated Logistics
Management (ILMS)
(21) Operating Procedures
(22) 6 FAM 200 Supplies, Equipment, and Non-Personal
Services
(23) 4 FAM 733.3
Property Records and Systems
(24) Post Standard Operating Procedures. (See 5 FAH-2 H-113
Exhibit H-113 for list of topics that should be covered in posts SOP.)
5 FAH-2 H-114 DEFINITIONS
(CT:TEL-67; 06-18-2018)
(Uniform State/USAID)
Unless otherwise specifically noted, the following
definitions apply to 5 FAM and 5 FAH manuals.
7X24An accepted term that
refers to the hours of operation. 7X24 is translated as seven days per week,
24 hours per day throughout the year, without exception.
Acknowledgment (ACK)A message
from a telegraphic addressee informing the originator that the communication
has been received.
Action addresseeThe post or
element to which a telegram is directed by the originator for action.
Address designatorA plain
language name (full or abbreviated), routing indicator, call sign, or address
group of a unit, activity, or other authority used to indicate the originator
and/or addressee(s); used in ACP and JANAP format.
Administrative controlSpecial
handling, transmission, mailing, safeguards, storage, and/or destruction
provided to sensitive but unclassified (SBU) material. See the definition for
SBU. Also refer to 12 FAM 540 for
more information administrative control procedures.
AddresseeThe post, activity,
or individual to whom a message is directed by the originator. Addressees are
indicated as either action or information.
AggregateA grouping of several
circuits into one path for long-haul transmission. Normally referred to by the
assigned amount of bandwidth and connects a post to a relay facility.
Address Indicating Group (AIG)An
address group that represents a specific set of action and/or information
addressees; the identity of the originator may also be included. Primarily
used by military commands.
A logical modernization approach
(ALMA)An infrastructure of computer hardware and software based on an
industry standard architecture, using commercial off-the-shelf products. ALMA
was designed to provide desktop services to Department employees worldwide and
provides connectivity to Open Net, shared access to information stored on
CD-ROM, and other Department applications.
Allied communications publication
(ACP)One of several publications that regulate the use of allied
government transmission facilities. ACPs are identified by a numerical suffix,
for example: ACP-127, ACP-131.
Alternate communications terminal
(ACT)A TEMPEST or zoned personal computer utilizing the Microsoft
Windows New Technology (NT) platform to provide classified or unclassified
record traffic to posts without an Information Management Specialist position.
Also passA telegraphic
attention indicator that indicates to a relay post that it is an addressee and
has relay responsibilities.
Anti-virusA software
application used to detect and eradicate computer viruses.
ArchitectureAn integrated framework
for evolving or maintaining existing information technology, and acquiring new
information technology, to achieve the Departments strategic goals and
information resources management goals. Also, the structure and relationships
among the components of a computer program or system. Architecture may include
the interface with the program or systems operational environment.
Attention indicatorA
telegraphic handling instruction that appears after a caption, if any, and
indicates who at the addressee post should receive a telegram.
Authorizing officerThe officer
who has releasing authority for the transmission of an official telegram. A
telegram must not be transmitted without proper authorization of the releasing
authority.
BandwidthThe amount of data
that can be passed along a communications channel in a given period of time.
Black Router Network (BRN)An
Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications network. Multiple users can share
a single BRN aggregate line. Black means the signal is bulk encrypted. See
red/black concept for further definition.
BodyThe substantive part of a
telegram containing the developed message or report the originator desires to
communicate.
BroadbandA communication channel in
which the bandwidth can be divided and shared by multiple simultaneous
signals; such as for voice, data, or video.
Break (BT)A procedure sign in
an ACP-formatted telegram that separates the heading from the text and the text
from the end of the telegram.
CableXpress (CX)A Lotus Notes-based
software package designed to handle electronic transmission, generation, and
receipt of telegraphic traffic for posts' users and domestic users in the
Department of State.
Call accountingThe process by
which call detail records for specific or groups of telephone extensions are
collected and recorded for billing and traffic monitoring purposes.
Call signAny combination of
characters that identify a communications facility, command, authority,
activity, or unit, used primarily for establishing and maintaining
communication.
CaptionA handling or
distribution instruction that is listed before any other handling instructions
in the telegram text, as defined by ACP-127. A caption denotes the special
nature of, or limits the distribution of, a telegram.
CarrierThe company or facility
that transmits data signals. Also, a wave suitable for modulation by an
information-bearing signal to be transmitted over a communication system.
Central Office of Record (COR)The
office of a Federal department or agency that keeps records of accountable
communications security (COMSEC) material held by elements subject to its
oversight.
ChannelAn electrical path over
which transmission can be made from one station to another.
Channel checkA service
telegram exchanged between two connected transmission facilities to ensure
channel continuity.
Channel sequence number (CSN)A
numerical identifier starting with 000 and running consecutively to 999 on low
volume circuits and 0000 consecutively to 9999 on high volume circuits, between
two posts over a dedicated line.
CircuitThe complete path
between two terminals over which one-way or two-way communications may be
provided.
Classified Local Area Network (C-LAN)An
assembly of member terminals in a Department facility or mission that can
establish and maintain a secure communications link between any two of the
member terminals. Basic C-LAN functions include: telegram transmission and
receipt at the desktop; telegram retrieval from storage databases; e-mail
exchange with other C-LAN network subscribers; and word-processing.
CollectiveA listing of several
posts and/or activities grouped for a specific purpose or type of telegraphic
traffic. There are two types of collectives: Department originated, to which
only the activities or bureaus within the Department may originate telegraphic
traffic; and field originated, to which any member of that particular
collective may originate a telegram. Posts that are not in a collective may
not send telegrams to that particular collective. Military addressees are not
authorized to use collectives.
Collective addressAn address
group that represents two or more posts, commands, authorities, activities,
units, or combination thereof, including the commander of the organization or
group and all subordinate commanders therein.
Combined Bureau Processing Center
(CBPC)A classified network operations center that provides a
centralized connection between bureaus, as well as a hub to posts abroad
supporting ClassNet e-mail and CableXpress.
Common LAN Outbound Telegram Release
(CLOUT)A software package that makes it possible to release telegrams
electronically from the desktop using existing e-mail systems and network
infrastructure.
Common transmission facility (CTF)An
area within a Department of State facility that houses the terminal equipment
used to facilitate all circuits in and out of the facility.
Communications security (COMSEC)Measures
and controls taken to deny unauthorized persons information derived from
telecommunications and ensure the authenticity of such telecommunications.
COMSEC includes cryptosecurity, transmission security, emission security, and
physical security of COMSEC material.
Computerized Telephone System (CTS)A
generic term used to describe any telephone system that uses centralized stored
program computer technology to provide switched telephone networking features
and services. CTS is referred to commercially as private branch exchange
(PBX), private automatic branch exchange (PABX), or electronic private automatic
branch exchange (EPABX).
ConcentratorIn data
transmission, a functional unit that permits a common path to handle more data
sources than there are channels currently available within the path. Used in
black packet switching to provide communication capability between many
low-speed, usually asynchronous channels and one or more high speed, usually
synchronous channels. Different speeds, codes, and protocols can be
accommodated on the low speed side.
Configuration management (CM)The
process of identifying and defining the configuration items in a system,
controlling the release and change of these items throughout the system life
cycle, recording and reporting the status of configuration items and change
requests, and verifying the completeness and correctness of configuration
items.
Controlled access area (CAA)A
specifically designated area within a building where classified information may
be handled, stored, discussed, or processed.
CriticA handling symbol and
precedence for specially formatted telegrams conveying national security
information that must be routed to NSA and then delivered to the highest levels
of the U.S. Government as fast as possible.
Date-time-group (DTG)Date and
time assigned to an outgoing telegram by the telegraphic processor when
transmissions are received; the official date of the telegram. A DTG is always
expressed in Zulu or GMT time.
Defense Messaging System (DMS)An
e-mail-based, unified electronic messaging system created by Department of
Defense (DOD) to meet all classified and unclassified messaging requirements.
Department of State Publication
(DOSPUB)A listing of routing indicators and security levels for every
post or activity.
Desktop systemTypically,
personal computer hardware, software, and other peripheral devices, that users
have on their desks.
Diplomatic Telecommunications Service
(DTS) NetworkA system of interconnected secure data and voice circuits
supporting foreign affairs agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., and U.S.
diplomatic missions abroad. All Department of State telecommunications
circuits are integrated into the DTS network.
Diplomatic Telecommunications
ServiceProgram Office (DTS-PO)A program office established by Congress
in March 1992 to provide telecommunications services for all U.S. Government
activities conducted out of diplomatic and consular establishments abroad.
Direct inward system access (DISA)A
feature that allows selected users to remotely access a PBX by dialing a
particular gateway number. The PBX will answer and prompt for a security
code. Authorized users are able to use selected system resources such as voice
mail, internal dialing, and authorized trunk services.
Drafting office(r)The
office(r) drafting or producing an outgoing telegram.
End-of-message indicator (EOM)The
#, station serial number, two carriage returns, eight line feeds, and four Ns
(NNNN) appearing at the end of a telegraphic transmission indicating the end of
the transmission.
Enhanced alternate communications terminal
(EACT)A Microsoft Outlook application designed for telegram processing
and delivery at small posts without full-time IM presence. Central server
functions are performed by technicians in the Main State Messaging Center
(MSMC).
FLASHThe highest precedence
designation, reserved for the most urgent telegrams containing information
vitally affecting the conduct of foreign relations and requiring instant
attention by the addressee, regardless of the time of day or night.
Format lineA single line or
grouping of alphanumeric characters that refers to a transmission function(s),
accountability, security, or text in a telegram.
GarbleAn error in
transmission, reception, or encryption that renders a message or portion
thereof incorrect or indecipherable.
Government Emergency Telecommunications
Service (GETS)A telephone network developed under White House tasking
to provide enhanced caller capabilities for National Security/Emergency
Preparedness (NS/EP) calls. GETS is administered by the Defense Information
Systems Agency with service accorded to National Security Council member
agencies.
Greenwich mean time (GMT)Mean
solar time for the zero or prime meridian at Greenwich, England, used as a
basis for calculating time for most of the world. GMT or Zulu (see definition
below) is the time used in telegraphic processor clocks.
Handling instructionsA generic
term for the acronyms and phrases preceding the body of a telegram to define
dissemination at addressee posts. Handling instructions are categorized as
captions, attention indicators, or passing instructions.
Handling symbolIn the context
of telegraphic processing, any one of three words that defines a unique
telegraphic handling procedure: CRITIC, NIACT, or POUCH.
HeadingThe part of an
ACP127-formatted telegram that precedes the text and controls the transmission,
security, and accountability of telegrams between the originator and addressee
posts.
IMMEDIATEA precedence
designator restricted to telegrams of such urgency as to require immediate
attention or action during normal duty hours. Immediate telegrams are not
urgent enough to require attention after regular duty hours, holidays, or
weekends.
Inform consulsA passing
instruction used in collective address telegrams to request posts with regional
responsibilities to forward the telegram or the information therein to
constituent posts.
Information addresseeThe post,
activity, unit, or command to which a telegram is directed for information by
the originator.
International direct distance dialing
(ID3)A tariffed service to assess telephone charges for long-distance
international calls. The Department uses a commercial ID3 long-distance
service, and callers dial a special access number to access commercial trunks.
Information management (IM)IM
is the term used to identify all information technology assets, issues,
operations, and personnel at posts abroad that are funded by the geographic
bureaus or, for international organizations, the IO Bureau.
International Telegraph and Telephone
Consultative Committee (CCITT)A committee chartered by the
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to study and issue recommendations
on technical, operating, and tariff questions relating to telegraphy and
telephony. (Replaced by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector ITU-T
in 1993.)
Information Programs Center (IPC)The
transmission facility at a post abroad responsible for secure command and
control messaging systems and other assigned telecommunications duties.
Information Resource Management Bureau
(IRM)IRM is the functional bureau within the Department of State that
manages and sets policy for all information technology issues.
Information Systems Center (ISC)The
office responsible for unclassified computer systems or networks at posts
abroad.
Information Technical Center (ITC)The
office at posts abroad responsible for the technical portion of the
transmission facility.
Information technology (IT)Any
equipment, software, firmware, or interconnected system of equipment that is
used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement,
control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or
information.
Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN)A telecommunications standard that can integrate data, voice, and
video signals over a digital telephone line.
International Voice Gateway (IVG)An
international telephone network administered by DTS-PO directly linking
Washington foreign affairs agency headquarters with field offices abroad via
dedicated voice circuitry. The IVG Network also provides connectivity to the
Department of State's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) at Beltsville,
MD.
IsolatorA device that inserts
a break in the normal hard-wire conduction path that exists in a normal
telecommunications medium. An isolator provides a temporary communications
channel across that break without establishing an end-to-end metallic
connection.
Joint Army, Navy, Air Force
Publication (JANAP)Provides official information and instructions for
specialized phases of military communications in a U.S. Government facility.
Julian dateThe number that
corresponds to the chronological day of the year. The first day of the year is
001, the second 002, and the last day of the year is 365 (366 in Leap Years).
Appears on Format Line 3 after the sending station routing identifier and
station serial number.
Key managementThe supervision
and control of the process whereby encryption keying material, including
fortezza type certificates, is generated, stored, protected, transferred, loaded,
used, and destroyed.
Leased lineA direct electrical
connection between two points leased from a commercial company to provide
exclusive use and operation by the lessee.
Local Area Network (LAN)A
system that links together electronic office equipment, such as computers,
servers, and peripheral equipment, and forms a network within an office or
building.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)A
data network intended to serve an area the size of a large city.
Message continuity number (MCN)A
number assigned by the Department of State telegraphic processors to track the
continuity of telegraphic correspondence between originating and receiving
stations. MCNs recycle from 0001 to 9999. The length of time it takes for a
series to recycle depends on the telegraphic traffic volume between two posts.
Message reference number (MRN)The
official identification of a telegram originated at Department transmission
facilities. The MRN consists of the post location and the next number in a
sequential series. The number series is reset to one (0001) on January 1 each
year. When referring to an MRN from a previous year, precede it with the
two-digit year.
MinimizeA telegraphic
communications term signifying that non-urgent, nonessential message traffic
must be curtailed or reduced to a post that does not possess the means to
process a normal telegraphic workload. All telegraphic traffic being sent to a
post that is in minimize must contain the phrase MINIMIZE CONSIDERED as the
last item of text, prior to the signature.
Multiplexer (MUX)A data
communications device that combines inputs from two or more terminals, computer
ports, or other multiplexers, and transmits the combined data stream over a
single high-speed channel. At the receiving end, the data stream is demultiplexed,
either by another multiplexer or by computer software programs.
National Communications System (NCS)Interagency
body of member agencies that organizes the federal telecommunications resources
needed to support the United States in times of national emergency and develops
Federal standards to ensure interoperability of U.S. Government
telecommunications networks.
NetworkAn assembly of member
terminals, control facilities, and intercommunication facilities that can
establish and maintain a communications link between any two of the member
terminals.
NIACTA handling symbol used in
conjunction with the IMMEDIATE precedence designator to indicate that a
telegram requires immediate attention or action by the addressee regardless of
the time of day or night. NIACT is an acronym for night action required.
NOFORN (NF)Not Releasable to
Foreign Nationals. Warning notice on classified or administratively controlled
documents to alert the reader that handling and releasing of the information is
restricted to appropriately cleared U.S. citizens. See 12 FAM 536.7-1 for more information on NOFORN.
NOTALA term used in a
multiple-address telegram, located on the reference line, placed after the
referenced MRN to indicate the reference was not sent to all addressees of the
telegram. NOTAL is an acronym for not to all.
Off-lineEquipment not
connected to a central system or a condition in which a user, terminal, or
other device is not actively transmitting data.
On-lineA method of
transmission by which signals from telecommunications equipment are passed
directly to a channel/circuit to automatically operate compatible equipment at
one or more distant stations.
Open numberA channel sequence
number (CSN) for which a transmission bearing a corresponding number has not
been received.
OpenNetThe Department of
State's Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) Wide Area Network (WAN)
interconnecting the Department's domestic facilities and the missions abroad.
OpenNet uses the DTS-provided circuits, leased lines, and public dial-up switch
networks.
OpenNet PlusOpenNet with
Internet accessibility.
Operating signal (opsign)A
three-letter code (Q or Z signal) conveying orders, instructions, requests,
reports, and information to facilitate communications via telegraphic or radio
systems.
Operating systemSoftware that
controls the execution of computer programs and that provides any of the
following services: scheduling, debugging, input/output control, accounting,
compilation, storage assignment, or data management.
OriginatorThe post or activity
that originates a message.
Personal Area Network (PAN)A
computer network or equipment used close to one's person, for example: PDAs,
pocket PCs, wearable computers.
PASSIn a telegram, a handling
instruction requiring a post with regional responsibilities to relay the
telegram to constituent posts designated in the telegram.
Private branch exchange (PBX)A
private telephone exchange that provides on-premises dial service and may
provide connections to local and trunked communications networks. It is based
on centralized stored program computer technology that provides switched
telephone networking features and services.
Post Communications Center (PCC)The
area or offices at posts abroad that provide telecommunications services;
normally consists of both the IPC and the ITC.
Phonetic alphabetA list of
standard words used to identify letters of the alphabet in oral communications.
PilotInstructions appearing in
ACP Format Line 1 of a telegram relating to the transmission or handling of
that message.
Plain language (plain text)The
clear, understandable text underlying encrypted text.
PlatformThe foundation
technology of a computer system. Typically, a specific combination of hardware
and operating system.
PouchUsed generally to
describe the diplomatic correspondence and privileged mail facilities of the
Department of State; specifically the sealed bag in which diplomatic
correspondence and mail is carried. Also, a telegraphic handling symbol
indicating those posts that will receive copies of a telegram in the diplomatic
pouch instead of an electronic transmission.
PrecedenceA designation
assigned to a telegram by the drafter to indicate to communications personnel
the relative order and degree of urgency required in processing and dispatching
a telegram, and to the addressee the order in which the message is to be noted.
Precedence Procedure Sign (Precedence
Prosign)Single or double-letter combination used in the heading of a
telegram to indicate the precedence assigned to a message:
Z-FLASH
O-IMMEDIATE or NIACT IMMEDIATE
P-PRIORITY
R-ROUTINE
PRIORITYA precedence
designator used for messages requiring rapid action and prompt delivery and
which must be delivered before routine traffic.
Procedure sign (Prosign)In
Allied Communications Publication (ACP) telegraphic format one or more letters,
characters, or combinations thereof used to facilitate communication by
conveying in a condensed form frequently used orders, instructions, requests,
and information related to telegraphic communications.
ProtectThe responsibility of a
regional post to safeguard message traffic of posts within its jurisdiction and
to insure that those posts receive message traffic.
Post, telephone, and telegraph (PTT)A
generic term for government-operated common carriers in countries outside the
United States, e.g., General Post Office in the United Kingdom, Bundespost in
Germany, and Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Public Corporation in Japan.
Q signalAn operating signal
used in U.S. and allied communications procedures (ACP-131) composed of a
three-letter combination beginning with the letter Q.
Red/black conceptRed indicates
data prior to encryption or after decryption. Black indicates data that has
been encrypted or before decryption.
Routing indicator (RI)A group
of letters identifying a station within a telegraphic network to facilitate
routing of traffic.
ROUTINEA precedence designator
used for all telegrams not sufficiently urgent to justify a higher precedence
designator.
Routing lineFormat Line 2 that
contains the routing indicator(s) of the station(s) to which a transmission is
routed.
Routing line segregationAlteration
to Format Line 2 as the message passes through relay stations, so that only
those routing indicators pertinent to the onward transmission are present in
FL-2.
Section telegramA Department
telegram exceeding 110 lines of type, from heading through end of message
functions, that is divided into sections to facilitate transmission.
Security warningAn ACP
operating signal appearing on Format Line 4 and used to prevent the
transmission of classified telegrams in plain language over non-secure
circuits/channels.
Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU)Information
which warrants a degree of protection and administrative control that meets the
criteria for exemption from public disclosure set forth under Sections 552 and
552a of Title 5, United States Code: the Freedom of Information Act and the
Privacy Act. See 12
FAM 540 for more details on SBU.
Service message (SVC)An
abbreviated, telegraphic exchange between communications personnel regarding
telegram transmission or circuit conditions.
SignatureLast name of the
Secretary of State, or designate, for the Department, or the principal officer
of the post or activity originating the telegram. Not used on Department of
Defense-originated messages.
StandardsEstablished bases of
performance used to determine quality and acceptability. As applied to
information technology, standards characteristically address the implementation
of technical and operating functions and interfaces between equipment, between
software packages, and between equipment and software packages. Standards
become rules when an appropriate authority so determines.
Start of message indicator (SOM)The
letters ZCZC on ACP Format Line 1 indicating the start of a telegram.
Activates automatic switching equipment at network control centers. Is
preceded by the letter V, which indicates the start of the transmission
function.
Start of transmission functionThe
letter V immediately preceding the SOM (ZCZC) on messages passing into or
through automatic switching systems.
State messaging and archive retrieval toolset
(SMART)A simple, secure, and user-driven system to support the conduct
of diplomacy through modern messaging, dynamic archiving, and information
sharing.
State Telecommunications Alternate
Relay System (STARS)The primary relay system for all record traffic for
the Department of State and related foreign affairs agencies. Located at
SA-26, Beltsville, MD.
StationThe communications
facility at a post or activity capable of transmitting and receiving telegrams.
Station serial number (SSN)A
four-digit number on Format Line 3 matching the end of message (EOM) validation
number to indicate the telegram is a complete telegram.
Strategic planA plan that
serves as a framework for long-term (more than five years) decisions or for
securing support/approval. It provides a basis for more detailed planning;
explains the business to others in order to inform, motivate, and involve; and
assists benchmarking and performance monitoring. It also stimulates change and
becomes a building block for the next plan.
Suspected duplicate (dupe)A
term used to describe a telegram that may have been transmitted previously.
Systems integritySystems
integrity applies and provides resources and procedures to prevent unauthorized
access to Department information and to ensure data integrity.
Tactical planBased on the
Department of State Information Technology Tactical Plan, and in the context
of the management of the Federal information processing resources, identifies
the tasks necessary to accomplish individual information resource management
activities throughout the Department (typically over a one-to-two-year period).
Technology safeguardsDefensive
counterintelligence methods and techniques that are applied to equipment to
counter potential hostile threats.
TelecommunicationsThe science
and technology of communication at a distance by electronic transmission of
impulses, as by telegram, telephone, radio, or television. The electronic
systems used in transmitting messages, as by telegram, telephone, radio, or
television.
TelegramIn general, a written
message composed in an exact format, converted by a telegraphic processor into
an electronic signal and transmitted via circuitry to a receiving station. A
Department of State telegram conveys official information about Department
policy, program activities, posts operations, or personnel management.
TelephoneA voice terminal
that, regardless of what other functions it performs, is a member terminal of a
telephone network and accomplishes all the incoming and outgoing signaling and
voice interfacing necessary for operations in that network.
Telephone Security Group (TSG)The
primary technical and policy resource in the U.S. intelligence community for
all aspects of technical surveillance countermeasures programs involving
telephone systems.
TEMPESTAn unclassified short
term referring to investigations and studies of acoustical electromagnetic
energy unintentionally emitted by any of a great number of sources within areas
in which national security information is processed.
Terminal Equipment Replacement
Program, Revision 5 (TERP V)The personal computer-based configuration
used by the Department to process telegraphic messages sent via the Diplomatic
Telecommunications Service Network. TERP V uses an Intelligent Communications
Adapter configured as a front-end processor to interface with the DTS network,
asynchronous serial devices, a UNIX-based operating system, and a customized
telegraphic processing application.
TextIn a telegraphic message,
the text is Format Line 12 and includes all the information between the BTs on
FL-11 and FL-13, declassification instructions, TAGS, subject line, captions,
attention indicators, and the body of the message.
Time of transmissionAlso
referred to as time of file, the date and time a telegram is actually
transmitted from a telegraphic processor through the telegraphic circuit.
Tracer actionAction initiated
by the originator of a telegram to determine the reason for non-delivery or
inordinate delay.
TrafficAll messages
transmitted and received. Can be applied to data transmissions such as
telegrams, or voice transmissions such as radio communications.
Transmission formatFor the
purposes of this document, text that has been prepared for transmission by
Department of State telegraphic processing software.
Transmission identificationThe
start-of-message function, start-of-message indicator, and channel sequence
number that identify a transmission from one station to the next in the relay
route.
Transmission sectionOne of two
or more portions of a long telegram, each of which is transmitted separately.
All transmission sections in ACP format use the same date-time group;
Department sections also use the same MRN.
Tributary stationA station
electronically connected to a relay network, but normally having no relay
responsibility.
Voice terminalA generic term
describing any device that, regardless of whatever other functions it performs,
provides an intentional transmit and/or receive interface between a human
talker and/or listener and an electric or electronic communications system.
All voice terminals contain transducers; a microphone is necessary for
transmitting; a speaker is necessary for receiving.
Washington Interagency
Telecommunications System (WITS)A network of GSA owned and operated
PBXs that provide telecommunications services within the Washington, DC,
Metropolitan area to U.S. Government agencies on a time and materials contract
basis.
Wide Area Network (WAN)A
computer network covering multiple buildings, often across the world, such as
the Internet, or, in the Department context, OpenNet and ClassNet.
Wireless communicationsRadio,
cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and satellite
communications, including Tactical Satellite (TACSAT) and International
Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT).
Z signalAn operating signal
used in U.S. and allied communications procedures (ACP-131) and composed of a
three-letter combination beginning with the letter Z.
Zulu timePhonetic for zone Z
time. Military time has 24 zones lettered "A" thru "Z",
except for "I" and "O." "Z" or Zulu time is the
time in zone "Z" and is used in date-time-groups (DTG); it
corresponds to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); see definition above.
5 FAH-2 H-115 THROUGH H-119 UNASSIGNED
5 FAH-2 Exhibit H-113
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNICATIONS CENTERS
(TL:TEL-11; 07-19-2004)
(Uniform State/USAID)
IM personnel at posts and in the Department communications
center should maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with detailed
descriptions of site-specific procedures and activities. SOPs may contain
brief operating instructions of IM equipment; equipment user manuals containing
detailed operating instructions must be available. The SOP should include, but
is not limited to, the following topics:
(1) List of personnel authorized entry to the
Information Programs Center (IPC) at posts abroad or the domestic
communications center (required by 5 FAH-6);
(2) Emergency contact information for key personnel;
(3) Roles and responsibilities of IPC personnel;
(4) Hours and days of operation. A list of local and
U.S. holidays for the current yearconfirm that post has sent a list of local
holidays for the year and that all relay and connected posts were included in
the telegram (it is not necessary to send a notice of closure for each local
holiday or other local closure of IPC);
(5) After-hours operating procedures;
(6) Procedures for handling CRITIC, FLASH, NIACT
IMMEDIATE, and IMMEDIATE telegrams;
(7) List of telegram-authorizing officers, including
samples of initials and signatures; procedures for clearing and approving
electronic submissions;
(8) Authorized classification level for secure
circuits;
(9) Emergency destruction procedures (required by 5
FAH-6);
(10) Emergency power circuit configurations and
equipment operations;
(11) Description of the telegraphic circuit,
alternate-route procedures, and points-of-contact for post, telephone, and
telegraph technical staff (if applicable);
(12) Relay procedures (if applicable at the location);
(13) Required IM reports and deadlines;
(14) Procedures for two-person integrity cryptographic
controls;
(15) Descriptions of telephone, radio systems, and
digital networks;
(16) Summaries of equipment operating procedures.
Equipment operator's manuals for all equipment should be available;
(17) Handling procedures for Top Secret, captioned and
special category telegrams;
(18) Additional instructions essential to
telecommunications operations;
(19) Reporting procedures for information security
incidents; and
(20) List of reference materials, locations of manuals,
and instructions and useful Web page URLs.