Fall back and forward
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fall back is a feature of a modem protocol in data communication whereby two communicating modems which experience data corruption (due to line noise, for example) can renegotiate with each other to use a lower-speed connection. Fall forward is a corresponding feature whereby two modems which have "fallen back" to a lower speed can later return to the higher speed if the connection improves.
Fall back is also a military term and command meaning to retreat and temporarily cease combat.
It is also a nickname for when Daylight Saving Time ends each year, referring to how clocks are set back one hour in the fall, hence 'fall back'.
In military slang, it is a term used on the battlefield to retreat; i.e., falling back to another position.
Article based on fall back and fall forward at FOLDOC, used with permission.
