identity

The set of known values or attributes that characterizes, identifies, or describes an entity, such as (a) the make or model of a computer or (b) the traffic capacity of a fiber optic link. Common abbreviation ID. Note 1: The identity of an entity is established when the values or attributes of the entity are detected or recognized, such as (a) when the peculiar keying habits of a telegraph operator are recognized, (b) when the voice of a particular radio operator is recognized, or (c) when a secret code or password is detected. Note 2: It may be said that “identity” is the “ID” of an “entity.” See called line identity, calling line identity, country-network identity. See also attribute, code, computer, detection, entity, fiber optic link, identifier, identify, keying, operator, optical fiber, password, radio, telegraph, traffic, traffic capacity, value, voice.