Communications Systems and Networks offers a comprehensive, common-sense explanation of current and developing communications systems and networks. The book broadly explores the current range of communications systems including wired and wireless voice, data, and video. It also features recently developed and emerging technologies such as Frame Relay, SMDS, and ATM. Convergence technologies and networks ranging from the Internet and video-on-demand, to interactive TV are evaluated in the context of the developing Information Superhighway. This valuable reference demystifies the complex layers of networking technology, places standards in perspective, and explains regulatory issues and trends. Each chapter addresses a key area of telecommunications technology and applications with an eye toward the development of meaningful and cost-effective solutions to vital communications concerns. Communications professionals including business people, network managers, regulators, TelCom attorneys, and manufacturers will use Communications Systems and Networks as the essential handbook for working with the complex, emerging communications systems for the next century.