This chapter discusses the evolution from circuit-switched to Internet Protocol (IP)based packet-switched infrastructures to support the variety of IP services in use today, including IP telephony (IPT), IP television (IPTV), and virtual private networks (VPNs). IPT involves the transmission of voice, fax, and related services over IP-based packet-switched networks. IPTV systems deliver digital television service to a subscriber, using IP over a broadband connection. VPNs are a critical requirement for businesses because they distribute mission-critical and sensitive traffic to remote locations; they offer networking security and performance comparable with that available at the office.
Part I: Communications Fundamentals
Telecommunications Technology Fundamentals
Traditional Transmission Media
Establishing Communications Channels
The PSTN
Part II: Data Networking and the Internet
Data Communications Basics
Local Area Networking
Wide Area Networking
The Internet and IP Infrastructures
Part III: The New Generation of Networks
IP Services
Next-Generation Networks
Optical Networking
Broadband Access Alternatives
Part IV: Wireless Communications
Wireless Communications Basics
Wireless WANs
WMANs, WLANs, and WPANs
Emerging Wireless Applications
Glossary