Understanding Data Communications

Gilbert Held is an internationally recognized author and lecturer who specializes in the applications of computer and communications technology. He is a frequent lecturer and conducts seminars on topics such as LAN/WAN internetworking, data compression, and PC hardware and software. Held is the author of more than 40 books on computers and communications technology and has won several awards for his technical excellence in writing. 0672322161AB03262002

(NOTE: Each chapter concludes with What You Have Learned and a Quiz.)

Introduction.


Who This Book Is For. This Book's Approach to Data Communications.



1. An Overview of Data Communications.


The Importance of Data Communications. The First Data Communications Systems. Two-State Communications Systems. Early Communications Codes. Modern Codes. Teleprinters. Data Communications in Computing. Changes in the Industries. General Description of Data Communications Systems. What You Have Learned.



2. Terminal Devices.


Teleprinters. Teleprinters Versus CRT Terminals. Serial Printers. CRT Terminals. Parts of a Terminal. PC Terminals. The Need for Speed. Data Transmission.



3. Messages and Transmission Channels.


Information as a Quantity. Bounded Medium. Unbounded Medium. Effects of Bandwidth on a Transmission Channel. Bandwidth Requirements for Signals. Carrier Systems.



4. Asynchronous Modems and Interfaces.


Why Data Can't Be Transmitted Directly. Solving the Problem with Modems. Analog Modulation. V.21 Standard. Modem Features. Interface and Signaling Standards. The RS-232 and V.24 Interface. Other Interfaces. Asynchronous Modem Operations. Smart Modems. Viewing and Changing Modem Settings. Extended Command Set Variances. Fax Modems.



5. Synchronous Modems, Digital Transmission, and Service Units.


Synchronous Signaling and Standards. Typical Synchronous Components. Standard and Evolving Modems. High-Speed Modems. Access Control. Digital Transmission. The V.35 Interface.



6. Multiplexing Techniques.


Sharing a Channel. Statistical Time-Division Multiplexing. Low-Speed Voice/Data Multiplexers.



7. Fiber-Optic and Satellite Communications.


Introduction and Historical Perspective. Fundamentals of Fiber-Optic Systems. Fiber-Optic Subsystems and Components. Transmission Systems. Wavelength-Division Multiplexing. Satellite Transmission Systems.



8. Protocols and Error Control.


Protocols Versus Interfaces. Elements of a Protocol. Teletypewriter and XMODEM Protocols. Convolutional Coding-Cyclic Redundancy Checks. Half-Duplex Protocols. Full-Duplex Protocols.



9. PC Communications Software.


Communications Program Features. Dial-Up Networking. Using ProcommPlus for Windows.



10. WAN Architectures and Packet Networks.


The Open Systems Interconnect Reference Model. Protocol Layering. Packet Networks. Advantages of Packet Switching. X.25 Packet Systems. Value-Added Services. The X Series of Recommended Standards. Recent Developments. Networking Cost Comparison.



11. Local Area Networks.


Overview of LANs. LANs Versus Other Techniques. The Ideal LAN. LAN Standards. Ethernet (CSMA/CD). Other Ethernet Networks. Fast Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet. 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Token-Passing LANs. Internetworking Devices.



12. The Internet.


Evolution of the Internet. Application Services. Internet Access Providers. IP Addressing. The Transmission Control Protocol. The User Datagram Protocol. The Internet Control Message Protocol. Serial Communications Support. Navigating the Growing Web. Evolving Internet Applications. Voice over IP. Virtual Private Networking.



13. ISDN.


The Road to ISDN. ISDN Architecture. ISDN Implementation Standards. Growth and Adaptation of ISDN. Pricing. Applications.



14. Asynchronous Transfer Mode.


Evolution. The Rationale for ATM and Its Underlying Technology. Architecture. Network Connections. Advantages of the Technology. Cell Routing. The ATM Protocol Reference Model. Service Definitions. LAN Emulation.



15. Wireless Transmission.


Mobile Wireless. Cellular Component Relationship. Internet Access. 3G Networks. Wireless LANs. Transmission Methods.



16. Network Security.


Authorization, Authentication, and Accounting. Computer Lockout. Data Encryption. Digital Certificates. Secure Sockets Layer and S-HTTP. Router-Based Security. Access Lists. Extended Access List. Network Protection Via a Firewall.



Network Design Goals. Networking Devices. Interconnection of Networking Devices. Fault Isolation. Restoration of Service. Network Management Standards.



Appendix A. Glossary.


Appendix B. Bibliography.


Appendix C. Answers to Quizzes.


Index.