Making better use of existing communications technologies may sound simple, but many managers feel unqualified to develop even a basic plan. This new guide fills in the blanks by providing a broad, integrated view of technologies available worldwide - including the Internet and Web, digital mobile telephony, ISDN, SMDS, frame relay, and ATM - from a practical business perspective. The book focuses on current communications technologies and services of interest to the business community and technical managers. Covering both private and public networks, it offers a basic explanation of a wide range of technologies and describes their underlying principles and features, as well as the factors that differentiate them, such as cost, security, availability, and performance. The guide also showcases typical applications, exposes inherent limitations, explains pricing and methods of comparison, and discusses security pitfalls and protection systems. Its coverage of implementation issues includes an outline of the business planning process and recommendations on solution design, procurement, and supplier management. The book is an excellent hands-on reference for both nontechnical and technical managers - business managers, engineering managers, communications managers, and IT managers - who are involved in IT strategy and implementation in a corporate environment. It is also an excellent resource for professionals in the communications industry - sales and marketing personnel will find it particularly useful.
1. Communication Services and Networks: Function of Communications Technology. Communications Technology and Business. Developing Communication Solutions. 2. Communication Principles: Analog and Digital. Networks. Public Networks. Standards. 3. PBXs: PBX Structure. PBX Networking. General PBX Features. Advanced Features. Network Management. PBX Security. PBX Dimensioning. 4. Local Area Networks: Benefits of a LAN. LAN Types. Parts of a LAN. Software. Hierarchical Versus Peer to Peer. Network Management. Shared Resources. Increasing LAN Capacity. 5. The Telephone Network: Transmission. The Switching Network. The Local Access Network. 6. ISDN: Definition. Access to the ISDN. Terms and Explanations. ISDN Services. Applications. Internetworking. ISDN Development and Deployment. 7. Public Data Networks: Leased Lines. Data Networks in General. Understanding Data Networks. X.25 Packet-Switched Networks. Frame Relay. Switched Multimegabit Digital Service. Asynchronous Transfer Mode. VSAT Networks. Security of Public Data Networks. 8. The Internet: Connecting to the Internet. Network Operation. Internet Applications. Addresses and Domain Names. Security. 9. Mobile Communication: Principles. Network Services. Handset Technologies. Networks Technologies. Paging. 10. Value-Added Services: Value-Added Services. Information-Access Services. Messaging and Transactional Services. Virtual Private Networks. Intelligent Network. 11. Communication Equipment: Modems. Multiplexers. Network Terminating Unit. Communication Equipment for Mainframe Computers. Compression Equipment. Video Communication. Type Approval. 12. LAN Interconnect: Combating the Deficiencies of WAN Links. Addressing. Bridges. Routers. Gateways. Network-Management Systems. 13. A Business Approach to Communication: Enabling Role of Communications Technology. Identifying Options to Maximize Business Advantage. Review. Scope. The Business Case. 14. Developing a Communication Solution: Communications Technology as a Service. Specifying Communication Requirements. Specifying Technical Requirements. Communication Outsourcing. 15. Supplier Selection Management: How Many Suppliers? External SLAs. Going to Tender. Selecting Suppliers. Contractual Issues. Ongoing Supplier Management. 16. Tariffs: Comparison of Options. Components of a Tariff. Detailed Billing. Tariff Comparisons. Tariff Trends. Sources of Tariff Information.
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Sean Boland
Sean Boland is an executive engineer for Telecom Eireann and holds a B.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Dublin.
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Richard Downey
Richard Downey is an executive engineer for Telecom Eireann in Dublin, Ireland. He holds a B.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Dublin.
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Philip Walsh
Philip Walsh is an intelligent networks consultant for Ericsson's Expertise in Dublin, Ireland. He holds a B.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Dublin.