Understanding Telecommunication Networks

The wide popularity of both wireless and fixed telecommunications devices has not necessarily led to a complete understanding of the technologies and designs by non-specialists. Valdar (visiting telecommunications strategy, U. College London) has created an accessible text suitable for those needing a solid introduction or refresher on telecommunications networks. He uses illustrations very well to explain the basics and a good deal of the not-so-basic, covering the basics of telephony, the many types and configurations of networks and how they link, network components, transmission systems, transmission networks, circuit-switching systems and networks, signaling and control, data packet switching and routing, mobile switching systems and networks, numbering and addressing. Particularly interesting is the chapter putting all the components together, which includes commentary on architecture, performance, operations and a holistic view of an operating network. Distributed in the US by Books International. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)