Broadband Networks

New types of computing, including multimedia and video-conferencing, have created the need for faster, high-capacity networks called broadband networks. In recent years, broadband technologies have changed rapidly in terms of performance, cost, and other factors. In short, managers who are planning to invest in new broadband technologies to handle multimedia and other information-hungry applications need information with which to evaluate competing communications schemes and plan for the future. This volume assesses the issues that IT managers must address when considering the use of broadband technologies. It examines the latest developers, including Fast Ethernet, FDDI, SMDS, frame relay and ATM, along with the computing options, such as workgroup, multimedia, and video-conferencing, that have created the need for higher-capacity and faster communications technologies. The text outlines all key components of LANs and broadband networks, how LANs are linked using routers, bridges and gateways, and specific broadband technologies, with a focus on frame relay, ATM and SONET.
The book also covers digital services provided by cable TV, computer and telecom providers, which are expected to have a major impact on future network design.