1. Pertaining to the operation of a functional unit when under the direct control of the system with which it is associated.
Note 1: On-line units are available for immediate use on demand by the system without human intervention.
Note 2: On-line units may not be independently operated.
2. Pertaining to equipment that is connected to a system, and is in operation.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188