Caller ID
Caller ID, known also as Caller Identification (CID), or more properly Calling Number Identification (CNID), is a telephone service, available on POTS lines, that transmits a caller’s number to the called party’s telephone equipment during the ringing signal, or when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. Where available, caller ID can also provide a name associated with the calling telephone number, for a higher fee. The information made available to the called party may be made visible on a telephone’s own display or on a separate attached device. Caller ID may be used to track down or limit the impact of prank calls, telemarketers, and other intrusions. However, it can also impede communication by enabling users to become evasive. The concept behind caller ID is the value of informed consent; however, it also poses problems for personal privacy. Another problem is that the possibility of caller ID spoofing makes it unreliable.
Definition: Caller ID is a feature that allows you to know who is calling you before answering the phone. Normally, the number of the caller is displayed on the phone. If you have a contact entry for the caller in your contact list, their name appears. But that’s the name you have entered in your phone. You can see the name of the person as registered with his service provider, by subscribing to a flavor of the caller ID service called caller ID with name. Caller ID is also known as Calling Line Identification (CLI) when it is provided through an ISDN phone connection. In some countries, it is called Caller Line Identification Presentation (CLIP), Call Capture or Caller Line Identity (CLID). In Canada, they call it simplyCall Display. Caller ID is useful whenever you want to ‘declare absent’ in situations where you receive calls from people you don’t want to answer. Many people find this useful when their boss calls.
