Telecommunications network

A telecommunications network is a collection of terminal nodes, links and

any intermediate nodes which are connected so as to enable
telecommunication between the terminals.[1]
The transmission links connect the nodes together. The nodes use circuit
switching, message switching or packet switching to pass the signal through
the correct links and nodes to reach the correct destination terminal.
Each terminal in the network usually has a unique address so messages or
connections can be routed to the correct recipients. The collection of
addresses in the network is called the address space.
Examples of telecommunications networks are:[2]

computer networks
the Internet
the telephone network
the global Telex network
the aeronautical ACARS network

Benefits of Telecommunications and Networking

Telecommunications can greatly increase and expand resources to all types
of people. For example, businesses need a greater telecommunications
network if they plan to expand their company. With Internet, computer, and
telephone networks, businesses can allocate their resources efficiently.
These core types of networks will be discussed below:
Computer Network: A computer network consists of computers and devices
connected to one another. Information can be transferred from one device to
the next. For example, an office filled with computers can share files
together on each separate device. Computer networks can range from a local
network area to a wide area network. The difference between the types of

networks is the size. These types of computer networks work at certain

speeds, also known as broadband. The Internet network can connect
computer worldwide.
Internet Network: Access to the network allows users to use many resources.
Over time the Internet network will replace books. This will enable users to
discover information almost instantly and apply concepts to different
situations. The Internet can be used for recreational, governmental,
educational, and other purposes. Businesses in particular use the Internet
network for research or to service customers and clients.
Telephone Network: The telephone network connects people to one another.
This network can be used in a variety of ways. Many businesses use the
telephone network to route calls and/or service their customers. Some
businesses use a telephone network on a greater scale through a private
branch exchange. It is a system where a specific business focuses on routing
and servicing calls for another business. Majority of the time, the telephone
network is used around the world for recreational purposes.

Example: the TCP/IP data network[edit]

The data network is used extensively throughout the world to connect
individuals and organizations. Data networks can be connected to allow
users seamless access to resources that are hosted outside of the particular
provider they are connected to. The Internet is the best example of many
data networks from different organizations all operating under a single
address space.
Terminals attached to TCP/IP networks are addressed using IP addresses.
There are different types of IP address, but the most common is IP Version
4. Each unique address consists of 4 integers between 0 and 255, usually
separated by dots when written down, e.g. 82.131.34.56.
TCP/IP are the fundamental protocols that provide the control and routing of
messages across the data network. There are many different network
structures that TCP/IP can be used across to efficiently route messages, for
example:

wide area networks (WAN)

metropolitan area networks (MAN)

local area networks (LAN)
Internet area networks (IAN)
campus area networks (CAN)
virtual private networks (VPN)

There are three features that differentiate MANs from LANs or WANs:
1. The area of the network size is between LANs and WANs. The MAN
will have a physical area between 5 and 50 km in diameter.[3]
2. MANs do not generally belong to a single organization. The
equipment that interconnects the network, the links, and the MAN
itself are often owned by an association or a network provider that
provides or leases the service to others.[3]
3. A MAN is a means for sharing resources at high speeds within the
network. It often provide connections to WAN networks for access to
resources outside the scope of the MAN