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Communications Systems and Networks
(Imprint: M & T Books)
(Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.)
Author: Ray Horak
ISBN: 1558514856


Foreword
Dedication

Chapter 1—Communications Systems and Networks
Chapter 2—Fundamentals of the Technology: Concepts and Definitions
Fundamental Definitions
Dedicated, Switched, and Virtual Circuits
Dedicated Circuits
Switched Circuits
Virtual Circuits
Two-Wire versus Four-Wire Circuits
Two-Wire Circuits
Four-Wire Circuits
Bandwidth
Carrier
Hertz (Hz)
Baud
Bits per Second (bps)
Transmission Facilities
Analog versus Digital
Analog
Digital
Analog versus Digital Transmission: Which is Better?
Analog Advantages
Digital Advantages
Amplifiers versus Repeaters
Amplifiers (Analog)
Repeaters (Digital)
The Conversion Process: Digital to Analog (D to A) and Analog to Digital (A to D)
Digital to Analog: Modems
Analog to Digital: Codecs
MULTIPLEXERS (MUXs or MUXes)
Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
Statistical Time Division Multiplexing (STDM)
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
Inverse Multiplexers
Data Over Voice and Voice Over Data
Switches and Switching: The Fundamentals (and then some)
Circuit Switching
Packet Switching
Frame Switching (Frame Relay)
Cell Switching
Photonic Switches
Signaling and Control
References

Chapter 3—Fundamentals of Transmission Systems: Technologies and Applications
Frequency Spectrum
Selection Criteria
Transmission Characteristics
Propagation Delay and Response Time
Security
Mechanical Strength
Physical Dimensions
Cost
Twisted Pair: An Introduction to Telephone Wire
The Twisting Process
Gauge
Configuration
Bandwidth
Error Performance
Distance
Security
Cost
Applications
Shielded Copper
Applications
Coaxial Cable
Configuration
Gauge
Bandwidth
Error Performance
Distance
Security
Cost
Applications
Microwave Radio
Configuration
Bandwidth
Error Performance
Distance
Security
Cost
Regulation
Applications
Satellite Radio
Geostationary Satellites
Uplink
Downlink
Broadcast
Configuration
Bandwidth
Error Performance
Distance
Propagation Delay and Response Time
Security
Cost
Regulation
Applications
Infrared
Fiber Optics
Configuration
Analog or Digital?
Bandwidth
Error Performance
Distance
Security
Cost
Durability
Applications: Bandwidth-Intensive
Hybrid Transmission Systems
References

Chapter 4—Voice Communications Systems: PBX, ACD, Centrex, and KTS
Key Telephone Systems (KTSs)
1A1 and 1A2 KTSs
Electronic KTS
Hybrid Key Systems
Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs)
PBX Components
Switching Matrix
Trunk Interfaces
System Configuration and Capacity
PBX Enhancements and Trends
Centrex
Centrex Features
Centrex Advantages
Centrex Disadvantages
Centrex CPE
Centrex Applications
Centrex Trends and Futures
Automatic Call Distributors (ACDs)
ACD Enhancements and Trends
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)
Technology, Standards and Specifications
Forums and Consortia
Applications
Future
References

Chapter 5—Messaging Systems: Facsimile, Voice Processing and Electronic Mail
Facsimile (Fax) Systems
The Technology
Fax Applications
The Future of Fax
Voice Processing Systems
The Technology
Applications
Voice Processing Developments and Futures
Electronic Mail (e-mail)
The Technology
Features
Applications
Future
References

Chapter 6—Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
Network Characteristics
Voice (Primarily)
Switched (and Dedicated)
Analog (and Digital)
Interconnected!
Wired (and Wireless)
Numbering Plan Administration (NPA)
Domains
Functional Domains
Regulatory Domains
Rates and Tariffs
Carrier Domains and Network Topology
Signaling and Control: An Expanded View
In-Band Signaling and Control
Out-Of-Band Signaling and Control
Common Channel Signaling and Control (CCS)
Network Services
Access Services
Dedicated Transport Services
Value-Added Services
Portability
Equal Access: Another Special Issue
References
General References

Chapter 7—Fundamentals of Data Communications
Functional Domains
Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)
Data Communications Equipment (DCE)
Communications Software
Networks
Switches
DCE: AN EXPANDED VIEW
Modems
Codecs
Terminal Adapters (TAs) and NT-Xs
CSUs and DSUs
Front-End Processors (FEPs)
Protocol Basics
Line Set-Up/Connectivity
Transmission Mode: Transmission Method
Code Sets
Data Format
Error Control: Data Transmission Integrity
Forward Error Correction (FEC)
Data Compression
Asynchronous Data Link Control (DLC) Protocols
Bit- versus Byte-Oriented Synchronous Protocols
High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)
Network Architectures
Layered Operations Models
Security
Physical security
Authentication
Authorization
Port Security
Transmission Security
Encryption
Firewalls
References

Chapter 8—Conventional Public Data Networks (PDNs)
Evolution of Data Networking
The Voice Model
Data Over Voice Networks
Data Networking Over the WAN (and MAN): Digital Data Networking
Dataphone Digital Service (DDS)
Switched 56 Kbps
Digital Carrier Systems and Networks: T-carrier
T-carrier Concept
Channelized T-carrier
Unchannelized T-carrier
Encoding
Framing
Hardware
Channel Service Units (CSUs) and Digital Service Units (DSUs)
Variations on the Theme: E-carrier and J-carrier
Fractional T1
T-carrier Applications
T-carrier Developments and Futures
Digital 800 Services
X.25 Packet Switching
The Concept of Packet Switching
Packet Switching Standards
Packet Switching Applications and Futures
Standard Interfaces and Channel Types
ISDN Equipment
ISDN Characteristics And Benefits
ISDN Characteristics and Drawbacks
ISDN Standards
ISDN Applications
International ISDN: Variations on the Theme
Broadband Data Networking
Frame Switching (Frame Relay)
Cell Switching
References

Chapter 9—Local Area Networks: Connectivity and Internetworking
LANs Defined
LAN Applications and Benefits
Media Alternatives
Topology: Physical and Logical Configurations
Baseband versus Broadband
Media Access Control
LAN Equipment
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
Bridges
Hubs and Switches
Routers
Gateways
LAN Segmentation
LAN Operating Systems
LAN Internetworking
WANs
High-Level Internetworking Protocols
Virtual LANs (VLANs)
Remote LAN Access
LAN Standards and Standards Bodies
Life in the Fast LAN: The Need for Speed
100Base-T, or Fast Ethernet
Iso-Ethernet (Isochronous Ethernet Integrated Services)
100VG-AnyLAN
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
FireWire
Nonstandard LANs
References

Chapter 10—Broadband Network Infrastructure
Local Loop Technologies
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
High Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL)
Wireless Local Loop (WLL)
Hybrid Local Loops
SONET/SDH
SONET Standards Development
SONET/SDH Transmission Hierarchy
SONET/SDH Topology
Paths, Tributaries and Channels
Sonet Frame Format
SONET/SDH Hardware
Advantages of SONET
Applications of SONET/SDH
References

Chapter 11—Broadband Network Services: Frame Relay, SMDS, ATM, B-ISDN, and AINs
Frame Relay
Frame Relay Defined
Frame Relay Standards
Frame Relay Access
Frame Relay Network
Frame Relay Equipment
Frame Relay Protocol: Frame Structure
Local Management Interface (LMI) Protocol
Congestion Management
Frame Relay Costs
Frame Relay Advantages and Disadvantages
Frame Relay Applications
Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS)
SMDS Defined
SMDS Standards
SMDS Access
SMDS Network
SMDS Protocols: Segmentation and Reassembly and Cell Structure
SMDS Costs
SMDS Advantages
SMDS Disadvantages
SMDS Applications
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
ATM Defined
ATM Standards
ATM Access
ATM Network and Equipment
ATM Protocols and Cell Structure
ATM Performance: Quality of Service (QoS)
ATM Advantages
ATM Disadvantages
ATM Costs
ATM Applications
Broadband ISDN (B-ISDN)
Broadband ISDN (B-ISDN Defined)
B-ISDN Access
B-ISDN Services
B-ISDN Equipment
B-ISDN Costs
B-ISDN Advantages
B-ISDN Disadvantages
B-ISDN Applications
Advanced Intelligent Networks (AINs)
AIN Defined
Service Creation Environment (SCE)
AIN Architecture
AIN Services
AIN Futures
References

Chapter 12—Wireless Networking: Voice and Data
Wireless Defined
Standards and Regulation
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless
The Cell Concept: Frequency Reuse
Digital versus Analog
Multiplexing and Access Techniques
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
Switched Mobile Radio (SMR)/Trunk Mobile Radio (TMR)
Enhanced Switched Mobile Radio (ESMR)
Paging
Paging Networks
Paging Equipment
Paging Applications
Paging Developments
International Paging
Cordless Telephony And Wireless Office Telecommunications Systems (WOTS)
Cordless Telephony Standards
Cellular Radio
Cellular Standards
Cellular Data Communications
Wireless Data Networks: Packet Radio
Wireless LANs
Wireless LANs: Applications and Futures
Wireless Local Loop (WLL)
WLL Field Trials and Implementations
Personal Communications Services (PCS)
PCS Networks
PCS Equipment
PCS Services and Applications
Low-Earth Orbiting Satellites (LEOs)
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
PDA Equipment
PDA Networking
PDA Functions and Applications
PDA Advantages and Disadvantages
PDA Futures: Gadgets in Search of a Market?
References

Chapter 13—The Internet (the Net) Environment
The Internet Defined
Internet Physical Topology
Internet Standards, Administration, and Regulation
Internet Network
User Equipment Requirements
Internet Access
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Public Access Providers
Direct Connections
CATV Access
Internet Access Costs
Dialup Access
Dedicated Access
Network Domains
Internet Protocols
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP)
Internet Applications
E-mail
File Transfer
BBSs
Library Catalogs
Realtime Applications
Online Banking
Video Broadcasting
Radio Broadcasting
Internet Telephony
Remote Messaging
World Wide Web (the Web)
Web Sites and Home Pages
Universal Resource Locators (URLs)
WWW Standards
WWW Applications
Search Mechanisms and Browsers
Intranets
Internet Security
Security Risks and Countermeasures
Misuse and Content
Internet Oddities, Screwball Applications, and Some Really Good Ideas
Author’s Explanations
References

Chapter 14—Video and Multimedia Networking
Video Communications Defined and Evolved
Video Basics
Analog TV Standards
Digital TV
High Definition TV (HDTV)
Bandwidth and Compression
Video Standards
Px64
JPEG
MPEG
Video Equipment
WAN Video Networks
LAN-Based Video Networks
Videoconferencing
Multimedia
Software: Focus on Collaboration
LAN Networking
MAN Networking
WAN Networking
The Internet
Multimedia Standards
The Future of Video and Multimedia
Telemedicine
References

Chapter 15—Convergence: Information Superhighway or Superhypeway?
Definition
Applications
Network Technologies
Terminal Technologies
Driving Forces on the Superhighway
Deregulation and Competition
Applications
Technology
Providers of the Toll Roads
Telecommunications Networks
Data Communications Networks
CATV Networks
Wireless Networks
Electric Power Utilities
The Internet
The Converged Network
I-Way Issues
Standards
Regulation
Taxation
Assignment and Portability of Logical Addresses
Interconnectivity
One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potatoe, Four…
Content is the Key
The Feeding Frenzy: Satisfaction or Acid Indigestion?
Repaving the Information Superhighway
In Other News
References

Chapter 16—Regulation: Issues Without Answers
Telecommunications Act of 1996
Lines of Business
Mergers and Acquisitions
Rules and Implementation
Rates and Tariffs
The Internet
Number Portability
Re-Landscaping: Reorganizations and Mergers
AT&T
SBC/Pacific Telesis
Bell Atlantic/NYNEX
Future of the FCC
So, What This Means to Me Is…?
References
Appendix A
Index