DSN meanings and full forms
Find the full forms and usage contexts covered by our DSN guides. Choose a meaning that matches the subject of your text.
- Data Source NameA DSN name is not necessarily the database name or server name. Microsoft's ODBC setup separates these fields and distinguishes user, system and file DSNs. This guide concerns connection configuration, not an email Delivery Status Notification or a military telephone number.Keep the data source name, server and database fields distinct when describing a connection.
- Delivery Status NotificationA DSN can contain separate information for multiple recipients. It is not automatically a read receipt, and not every DSN reports a permanent failure. Review the recipient, action and status fields rather than treating every notification as the same event.Distinguish failed, delayed and delivered actions before describing an email delivery report.
- Defense Switched NetworkA directory can show both a DSN contact and a commercial contact. Which number and dialing instructions apply depends on the calling context and installation. This guide does not provide a universal dialing prefix or establish access to the network.Keep DSN and commercial contacts labeled separately and check the installation's dialing instructions.
- Deep Space NetworkThe DSN is ground communications infrastructure, not a spacecraft or a collection of interplanetary internet satellites. NASA describes facilities near Goldstone, Madrid and Canberra. This guide does not claim that a particular mission is currently using an antenna or that a live display proves a scientific conclusion.Separate the spacecraft, the ground network and the communication event when describing a mission.
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This page covers 4 currently published meanings of DSN. It is not an exhaustive list of every use. Suggest another documented meaning if the context you need is missing.