Covering the latest trends and technology changes, this is the fully updated and revised bestselling guide to telecommunications for the nontechnical professional. Includes sections on convergence, globalization, speech recognition, and 3G cellular networks.

The bestselling nontechnical, guide to next-generation wireless applications, fully updated for the latest technologies and business realities. The book contains all-new coverage of wireless economics including the most promising opportunities in tough markets.

This book is the study guide and textbook for the TCO Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist (CTNS) Certification, conforming to the lessons in the eight CTNS courses and their exams: 2241 Introduction to Broadband Converged IP Telecom 2206 Wireless Telecommunications 2221 Fundamentals of Voice over IP 2201 The PSTN 2212 OSI Layers and Protocol Stacks 2211 LANs, VLANs, Wireless and Optical Ethernet 2213 IP Addresses, Packets and Routers 2214 MPLS and Carrier Networks The selection of material, its order, timing, and explanations are field-tested to deliver the core knowledge set for today’s telecommunications. The courses deliver a solid foundation of knowledge in broadband, telecom, datacom and networking: the fundamentals, technologies, jargon and buzzwords, standard practices and most importantly, the underlying ideas, and how it all fits together… with TCO Certification to prove it! The first four CTNS courses are on telecommunications, beginning with Introduction to Broadband Converged IP Telecom, an introduction and first pass through all of the topics; followed by Wireless Telecommunications, then Introduction to Voice over IP, and The PSTN. The second half of CTNS is four courses focusing on the three main enabling technologies for the modern telecom network: Ethernet, IP and MPLS. We begin with the OSI model and its Layers to establish a framework for understanding what each does and how they work together... and all the other things that have to be done. This book is intended to enhance your learning and retention while taking the online courses. It is also useful as a day-to-day reference handbook and glossary. Our goal is to explain the big picture, the jargon and buzzwords, and put in place a very solid base of telecom knowledge spanning fundamentals to the latest technologies and how they are deployed – in plain English. Let's get started!

This practical handbook and reference provides a complete understanding of the telecommunications field supported by descriptions and case examples throughout Taking a practical approach, The Telecommunications Handbook examines the principles and details of all of the major and modern telecommunications systems currently available to industry and to end-users. It gives essential information about usage, architectures, functioning, planning, construction, measurements and optimisation. The structure of the book is modular, giving both overall descriptions of the architectures and functionality of typical use cases, as well as deeper and practical guidelines for telecom professionals. The focus of the book is on current and future networks, and the most up-to-date functionalities of each network are described in sufficient detail for deployment purposes. The contents include an introduction to each technology, its evolution path, feasibility and utilization, solution and network architecture, and technical functioning of the systems (signalling, coding, different modes for channel delivery and security of core and radio system). The planning of the core and radio networks (system-specific field test measurement guidelines, hands-on network planning advices and suggestions for the parameter adjustments) and future systems are also described. Each chapter covers aspects individually for easy reference, including approaches such as: functional blocks, protocol layers, hardware and software, planning, optimization, use cases, challenges, solutions to potential problems Provides very practical detail on the planning and operation of networks to enable readers to apply the content in real-world deployments Bridges the gap between the communications in the academic context and the practical knowledge and skills needed to work in the telecommunications industry Section divisions include: General theory; Fixed telecommunications; Mobile communications; Space communications; Other and special communications; and Planning and management of telecommunication networks Covers new commercial and enhanced systems deployed, such as IPv6 based networks, LTE-Advanced and GALILEO An essential reference for Technical personnel at telecom operators; equipment and terminal manufacturers; Engineers working for network operators.

Guidance to help you grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols The Second Edition of Signaling in Telecommunication Networks has been thoroughly updated, offering new chapters and sections that cover the most recent developments in signaling systems and procedures. This acclaimed book covers subscriber and network signaling in both fixed and mobile networks. Coverage begins with an introduction to circuit-switched telephone networks, including an examination of trunks, exchanges, access systems, transmission systems, and other basic components. Next, the authors introduce signaling concepts, beginning with older Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) systems and progressing to today's Common Channel Signaling (CCS) systems. The book then examines packet networks and their use in transmitting voice (VoIP), TCP/IP protocols, VoIP signaling protocols, and ATM protocols. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize functionality, particularly the roles of individual protocols and how they fit in network architectures, helping readers grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols. Highlights of the Second Edition include: Coverage of the latest developments and topics, including new chapters on access networks, intelligent network application part, signaling for voice communication in packet networks, and ATM signaling Drawings and tables that help readers understand and visualize complex systems Comprehensive, updated references for further study Examples to help readers make the bridge from theory to application With the continued growth and expansion of the telecommunications industry, the Second Edition is essential reading for telecommunications students as well as anyone involved in this dynamic industry needing a solid understanding of the different signaling systems and how they work. Moreover, the book helps readers wade through the voluminous and complex technical standards by providing the essential structure, terminology, and functionality needed to understand them.

Ten years ago, the United States stood at the forefront of the Internet revolution. With some of the fastest speeds and lowest prices in the world for high-speed Internet access, the nation was poised to be the global leader in the new knowledge-based economy. Today that global competitive advantage has all but vanished because of a series of government decisions and resulting monopolies that have allowed dozens of countries, including Japan and South Korea, to pass us in both speed and price of broadband. This steady slide backward not only deprives consumers of vital services needed in a competitive employment and business market—it also threatens the economic future of the nation. This important book by leading telecommunications policy expert Susan Crawford explores why Americans are now paying much more but getting much less when it comes to high-speed Internet access. Using the 2011 merger between Comcast and NBC Universal as a lens, Crawford examines how we have created the biggest monopoly since the breakup of Standard Oil a century ago. In the clearest terms, this book explores how telecommunications monopolies have affected the daily lives of consumers and America's global economic standing.