A channel is a field or path which enables transmission between specific (force and signal) sources and destinations.
Specialized Definitions:
Media channel: A media channel is a field, path, location, meeting, event or activity which enables the transmission and/or storage of one or more types of media resource.
Digital media channel: A digital media channel is a channel where one or more agents may transmit digital media resources via data streams and/or messages.
Media Storage Channel: Storage channels are channels which create or update persistent data. In digital networking, media storage channels either create, update or replicate media items, which may be files but may also more granularly represent interactive fields and related permissions. For example, a storage channel can enable Agent 1 to create Document A which includes Table i, and another storage channel can enable Agent 2 to submit Form x to create a new record in Table i. (This example is a rough placeholder example to indicate the potentials for intricately but systematically networked governance of media channels.) Media storage channels enable repositories.
Channels carry forces and signals between components in systems, or (more precisely, when relevant) between interfaces.
Countless channels and types of channel exist, and many are expansive. (For example, an electromagnetic wave can propagate throughout the observable universe.) However, communications systems often require specialized channels. Specialized channels are often governed. Governed channels are often gated to reduce potential harm and noise.
Channel is an important basic term in digital networking. Digital channels enable agents to send (and potentially stream) signals to two basic types of receivers:
- local or remote networking components, or sets of components
- addresses
Authorization to use digital channels is technically regulated by regulating the distribution of computing devices and, sometimes, digital keys.
Signal sources and destinations are often governed by different agents. Each agent (using a specific identity and a compatible application) may be separately authorized to send and/or receive signals from each channel.
For example, one agent may be authorized to send a video + voice signal to a channel which many other agents can simultaneously receive that signal (and other signals) from.
Specific networks or communities may allow (and directly enable) agents to extend their channel usage rights to delegates, which could be other agents or bots.
Persistent channels are often technically able to receive signals at all times. However, sending and receiving authorizations for specific agents may be granted persistently or temporarily. For example, an application may permit a specific address to only receive video signals during a 1:00pm to 2:00 pm meeting, and specific agents may only be permitted to send audio (via microphones) during certain periods within that meeting.