VCI
VCI can mean Virtual Channel Identifier in networking or Vehicle Communication Interface in the automotive industry. A Virtual Channel Identifier is a label for a specific virtual circuit in a network, like ATM, used to route data and manage traffic. A Vehicle Communication Interface is a hardware device that allows a PC to diagnose and communicate with a vehicle's onboard computers.
Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI)
Function: In networks, a VCI is a unique number in a data packet that identifies its specific virtual circuit.
Purpose: It ensures that data cells are routed correctly and kept separate from other transmissions on the same physical link.
Context: It is most commonly associated with Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks.
Key features: Helps manage traffic and prioritize data. Can provide a secure communication channel by isolating data streams. Works with a Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) to define the complete route.
Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI)
Function: A hardware device that acts as a bridge between a PC and a vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs).
Purpose: It allows diagnostic software on the PC to communicate with the vehicle's internal systems for diagnostics, programming, and testing.
Context: Used in the automotive industry for vehicle service and repair.
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