isr.co.ro : glossary direct connection in speaking of network connections, one that ties your system to the network without going through a communications link, such as the telephone system. In most cases, this gives you much faster data transfers, and it means you don't have to hassle with communications software, busy phone lines, and constantly obsolete modems. in referring to communications links, connections permanently set to link particular systems, rather than connections set up for each call. in referring to older modems, ones that connect to the phone system with a normal plug and wire, rather than through an acoustic coupler or special interface box.