Telecommunication Networks and Systems Concepts

Abstract

This chapter introduces and describes the organization and differences between the telecommunication networks, systems, and services. It also includes a section on the fundamental aspects of telecommunication media key for the Smart Grid, namely optical fiber, radio, and power lines. Telecommunication services delivery is the goal of telecommunication networks or systems. Transmission media used in telecommunications are classified into physical and nonphysical. Telecommunication networks spread over territories to connect end users among them, to provide telecommunication services. The traditional world of telecommunication networks was organized around Backbone and Access networks. Any modern telecommunication system combines transport and switching/routing functions in its network devices. The protocol architecture of a telecommunications system is commonly arranged in three separate “planes” to serve different purposes: user plane, control plane, and management plane. Power lines are the supporting medium for the utility communications that travel inside the electricity cables, that is PLC.