Now in its Third Edition, the Communications Standard Dictionary maintains its position as the most comprehensive dictionary covering communications technologies available. A one-of-a-kind reference, this dictionary remains unmatched in the breadth and scope of its coverage nd its pprimary reference for communications, computer, data processing, and control systems professionals.

Communications * Standard Dictionary is a comprehensive compilation of terms and definitions used in communications and related fields. Communications is defined as the branch of science and technology concerned with the process of representing, transferring, and interpreting the meaning as signed to data by and among persons, places, or machines. Communication is defined as the transfer of information between a source (trans mitter, light source) and a sink (receiver, photodetector) over one or more chan nels in accordance with a protocol, and in a manner suitable for interpretation or comprehension by the receiver; or as a method or means of conveying informa tion of any kind from one person or place to another. In short, communications is a branch of science and technology, whereas com munication pertains to the actual transfer of information. Thus, the word com munication should be used as a modifier, as in communication center, communi cation deception, and communication line, just as in the field of electronics one speaks of electronic devices and electronic circuits.

Fiber Optics Vocabulary Development In 1979, the National Communications System published Technical InfonnationBulle tin TB 79-1, Vocabulary for Fiber Optics and Lightwave Communications, written by this author. Based on a draft prepared by this author, the National Communications System published Federal Standard FED-STD-1037, Glossary of Telecommunications Terms, in 1980 with no fiber optics tenns. In 1981, the first edition of this dictionary was published under the title Fiber Optics and Lightwave Communications Standard Dictionary. In 1982, the then National Bureau of Standards, now the National Institute of Standards and Technology, published NBS Handbook 140, Optical Waveguide Communications Glossary, which was also published by the General Services Admin istration as PB82-166257 under the same title. Also in 1982, Dynamic Systems, Inc. , Fiberoptic Sensor Technology Handbook, co-authored and edited by published the this author, with an extensive Fiberoptic Sensors Glossary. In 1989, the handbook was republished by Optical Technologies, Inc. It contained the same glossary. In 1984, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers published IEEE Standard 812-1984, Definitions of Terms Relating to Fiber Optics. In 1986, with the assistance of this author, the National Communications System published FED-STD-1037A, Glossary of Telecommunications Terms, with a few fiber optics tenns. In 1988, the Electronics Industries Association issued EIA-440A, Fiber Optic Terminology, based primarily on PB82-166257. The International Electrotechnical Commission then pub lished IEC 731, Optical Communications, Terms and Definitions. In 1989, the second edition of this dictionary was published.

Accessible to wide range of readers from student to lay people, this authoritative reference provides a complete listing of media concepts, figures, and techniques with illustrations and historical commentaries. Written by distinguished scholar and author Marcel Danesi, and with an Introduction by Arthur Asa Berger, a leading figure in the world of media and communications, the dictionary also includes terms related to psychology, linguistics, aesthetics, computer science, semiotics, culture theory, anthropology, and more that have relevance in media studies. Each entry includes a definition in simple, clear language; an illustration where applicable; and, historical commentary (who coined a term for example, why, who uses it, etc.). A bibliography, a directory of online resources, and a time-line of media genres add to the dictionary's usefulness and appeal.

The first edition of this dictionary was written during the years preceding 1980. No fiber optics glossary had been published by any recognized stan dards body. No other dictionaries in fiber optics had been published. A significant list of fiber optics terms and definitions, NBS Handbook 140, Optical Waveguide Communications Glossary, was issued in 1982 by the National Bureau of Standards, now the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Since then several publications by standards bodies contained fiber optics terms and definitions. In 1984 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers published IEEE Standard 812-1984, Definitions of Terms Relating to Fiber Optics. In 1986 the National Communication Sys tem published Federal Standard FED-STD-I037A, Glossary of Telecom munication Terms, containing about 100 fiber optics terms and definitions. In 1988 the Electronic Industries Association issued EIA-440A, Fiber Optic Terminology. All of these works were based on NBS Handbook 140 com piled 10 years earlier. Currently the International Electrotechnical Commission is preparing IEC Draft 731, Optical Communications, Terms and Definitions. Work in fiber optics terminology is being contemplated in the International Organization for Standardization and the International Telecommunications Union. None of these works constitutes a comprehensive coverage of the field of fiber optics. Each was prepared by professional people representing specific in terest groups. Each work was aimed at specific audiences: research activi ties, development activities, manufacturers, scientists, engineers, and so on. Their content is devoted primarily to fundamental scientific and technical principles and theory rather than state-of-the-art and advanced technology.

This dictionary provides complete descriptions of complex terms in the areas of PC hardware and data communications, two areas of growth and interest. The descriptions are comprehensive and cross-referenced.