Originally, telecommunication systems were developed for voice communication. It was then known as Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). But in today’s times, telecommunication includes all kinds of medium such as voice, communication via copper wires, video and data, optical fibres as well as wireless medium. All thanks to the internet, there has been a significant increase in the complexity of the system of telecommunication.
Systems can be divided into various categories depending on the type of information that is carried by each medium. Here is a look at each one of them:
<strong>Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)</strong>
It connects billions of users all over the the world with the use of switches, routers and some dedicated connections. Initially, the network was designed to carry only voice data. But now, with the advancing technology, these service can carry digitalised data information as well. Computers can be connected to the PSTN network with the help of a modem. Modems allow computers to receive as well as send digital data information on the PSTN network coupled with enhanced digital services such as DSL.
<strong>Cable TV Systems</strong>
The biggest player for television broadcasting is still CATV. Today, CATV is facing stiff competition from satellite TVs and DSL videos on demand. CATV providers have now entered into the digitalised data communication market as well as VOIP services.
<strong>Data Networks</strong>
With the advent of modern telecommunication systems, all the information that is transmitted is in the digital form. The digital networks can be categorised based on factors such as switching technology, network technology and the protocol of communication. Modern day networks make use of switching technologies categorised as packet or circuit switching. Circuit switching is basically used for voice networks. Packet switching is used to route data along the path that has the least traffic. It helps in providing a virtual connection.
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