This chapter talks about the types of transmission lines and network connections, the electromagnetic spectrum, and what bandwidth is all about in the emerging broadband era. It looks at the differences between analog and digital signals, and it discusses multiplexing. Finally, this chapter describes the various standards bodies and their roles in shaping aspects of telecommunications.
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