WORLD OF BROADBAND by McGraw Hill

Welcome to the world of Broadband Telecommunications again in this second edition! In this book,we attempt to deliver a series of different approaches to the use and application of telecommunications' principles, concepts, and guidelines and offer new approaches to the use of voice and data communications.
Last year, I wrote The Voice and Data Communications Handbook, Fourth Edition, as a means of
introducing several new ways of looking at the telecommunications industry. The Voice and Data Handbook is so successful that it begs for a sequel with a more in−depth approach to the more technical aspect of the use of telecommunications. Therefore, my goal is to delve into the topics of broadband communications. For those who have not read other books on this topic, I will attempt to
simplify the concepts discussed. For those who had a chance to read the first book (or others on this topic), I will attempt to pick up where we left off during the first volume. This book is structured by groupings of topics. For example, the first few chapters work with the convergence of voice and data networks as we see the virtual private networks, intelligent networks, and the portability of our
systems for today and the future. Using a combined wired and wireless networking approach, we shall take one component at a time to determine what it is, what it does, and what it typically costs (not so much in actual cost as in opportunity costs).
After the first grouping of chapters, we step into a discussion of signaling systems that make wonderful things happen in the convergence world—coupled with that discussion is the idea of computer and telephony integration. (What better way to describe convergence!) We also look at the concept of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which is not as popular in the North American countries as in many international markets. However, there is still a need to understand
what it is and how it works.
After a few ideas have sunk in, we move on to a higher−speed data networking strategy, with the use of Frame Relay. After Frame Relay, we discuss the use of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)for its merits and benefits. Next, we take the convergence a step farther and delve into the Frame
and ATM internetworking applications—still a great way to carry our voice and data no matter how we slice and dice it. We will also look at the IP−enabled Frame Relay services and Frame over xDSL.
Just when we thought it was safe to use these high−speed services across the Wide Area Network (WAN), we realized that local access is a problem. Entering into the discussion is the high−speed convergence in the local loop arena with the use of CATV and cable modems to access the Internet at Local Area Network (LAN) speeds. Mix in a little xDSL, and we start the fires burning on the local
wires. The use of copper wires or cable TV is the hot issue in data access.
From the discussion of the local loop, we then see the comparisons of a wireless local loop with Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS). These techniques are all based on a form of Microwave, so the comparison of microwave radio techniques is shown.