In telecommunications and computer networking, the term direct connect has the following meanings:
1. A form of IP protocol that AOL's, AOL Instant Messenger uses to directly connect to users.
2. A peer-to-peer file sharing application.
3. In computer systems, a permanent communications link that connects directly to a mainframe computer through a terminal controller, usually at binary synchronous (bi-sync) transmission rates.
4. In computer systems, a temporary connection between a microcomputer, i.e., a desktop workstation, and a host bulletin board system or server.
Partly derived from Federal Standard 1037C