The author, Annabel Dodd, andodd@lynx.neu.edu ,
This book is intended for non-technical people.
In the 22 months between writing the first and second
editions of this book, enormous changes occurred in
telecommunications. The growing importance of the Internet
and the rise of convergence are the most notable of these.
Technology in the form of higher capacity fiber optic
networks and faster processors hastened these developments
and lowered the cost of building new networks.
The Essential Guide to Telecommunications, Second Edition,
presents profiles of industry segments and vendor types to
provide readers with an understanding of the industry. The
increase in the number of network providers, the growing role
of resellers and the fast pace of mergers has created new
layers of complexity. The roles of Internet Service
Providers, backbone Internet providers, competitive local
exchange carriers and cable TV companies are explained. In
addition, regulatory rulings and the Telecommunications Act
of 1996 are examined in light of their impact on consumers,
commercial organizations and carriers.
The Essential Guide to Telecommunications, Second Edition
starts out with interpretations of fundamental concepts so
that readers will have a basis for understanding more
complex, telecommunications services. Technologies important
in competition for local calling, high-capacity
communications and Internet access are clarified. Intertwined
with high-level technical explanations are examples of how
the various vendors interconnect their networks. The book
explores the structure of the industry, local competition,
regulatory proceedings, the Internet, convergence and
wireless services.
Along with explanations of technology are examples of
applications and historical highlights. How the industry
evolved and how the technology changed is also explored. The
stories and descriptions that accompany the technical details
are key to the book.
