Chapter III

Telecommunication networks
The rapid developments in telecommunications technology over the years
has brought a sea change in long-distance communication. With the use of
advanced technologies like the internet , intranet , VSAT (Very Small Aperture
Terminal), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line), cellular telephony and video conferencing, distance is no longer a
barrier to communications.

Telecommunication systems have proved immensely beneficial for business

operations. IT has enabled the control and exchange of information across business
units that are spread across the globe. This sections aims at providing a basic
understanding of various aspects of telecommunications like enterprise-wise
collaboration, electronic commerce and internal business systems. Apart from this,
you will learn about the various media used in information transmission and the
manner in which telecommunications helps build internetworked enterprises.

UNDERSTANDING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

The first telecom network to be developed was PSTN (Public Switched Telephone
Network). Most of the telephone lines provided by PSTN have analog connections,
which transmit data in the form of electrical pulses. However, a gradual shift from
analog to digital connections can be observed.

Digital connections transmit data in the form of 0’s and 1’s. It is much faster and
clearer when compared to analog transmission. The followings points will provide a
better understanding of telecommunications systems :

Quality of service

Modern telecommunication systems use advanced switching technology to

create an end-to-end circuit between two telephones. The amazing factor
about this system is the number of telephones that can be directly and
almost instantly connected. PSTN ensures good audio quality over the
network.

Local Exchange Carriers (LECs)

LECs provide wired services for subscribers. A network of local connections is
called the local access and transport (LATA). Within LATA, the subscribers
can place a call without accessing a long distance carrier. Telephones are
analog devices, which continuously transmit and receive electrical signals
that mach the human voice. LATA’s are linked to Subscribers Loop Carriers
(SLCs) by means of copper wires, called twisted pair cables. These are used
to prevent any disturbance (called noise) from electrical circuits. The area
served by an SLC is called the local loop.

Long-Distance Transmission Media

An Inter Exchange Carrier (IXC) comes into play when a user places a call
outside the local transport area. A variety of transmission media are used to
provide regional and long distance services between local telephone
exchanges. These include copper wires, fibre-optic cables, microwaves, and
satellites. A technique called multiplexing has been developed for long
distance transmission. Multiplexing is the process of designating a system for
the simultaneous transmission of two or more messages or signals over the
same channel.

Standards and Regulations

Since there are many companies offering telecommunications services, it is
essential that certain standards be enforced. Standards ensure smooth
transmission of calls placed by subscribers of two different companies.
Telecommunications standards are governed by ITU (International
Telecommunications Union), a division of United Nation, based at Geneva,
Switzerland.

Access Alternatives
Systems access the network using various access alternatives. Few
alternatives are discussed in detail below.

Private Branch Exchange (PBX)

Large organizations and universities, install their own internal digital

telephone systems called Private Branch Exchanges (PBX). This access
method provides cost effective telecommunication networks.

Cellular Telephones

These telephones enable subscribers to place calls through wireless

communications systems. Prior to cell phones, walkie-talkie enabled mobile, two-
way communications. But a major disadvantage was that they worked only in a limit
range. In 1971, AT&T built a network of automatic repeating transmitters (called a
cell site), which enabled long distance telephony that was free from disturbance and
provided a wider range.
Leased lines

Companies need long-distance data communication lease lines to get rid of the
analog limitations of the local loop. These specially set-up telephones lines provide
direct signal access to long distance carriers and are connected permanently.