 discusses today's local area and wide area networking alternatives, as well as how the public Internet is struc- tured. It also explores next-generation network services, such as VPNs, VoIP, and IPTV. Part III, "The New Generation of Networks," explores the realm of broad- band networking, next-generation network architectures, optical network- ing, broadband access alternatives, and home area networking. Iviii Introduction Part IV, "Wireless Communications," discusses the world of wireless net- working-including wireless WANs, MANs, LANs, and PANs-and it also explores emerging technologies, including the near and distant future of communications and its convergence with related IT industries. The book also includes a very comprehensive glossary of ICT-related terms. Prevailing Conditions In almost every aspect of life, it's important to put and keep things in context. A good idea in one situation might be a terrible idea in another situation. This is often the case with telecommunications; there is no one-size-fits-all, be-all and end-all telecommunica- tions solution. In assessing telecommunications needs, it is important to think about the prevailing conditions so that you can choose the best transmission media, the best net- work architecture, and so on for the situation. It's also important to remember that pre- vailing conditions change. So what's right for you today may change six months down the road. As you plan a telecommunications strategy, it is important to look as far into the future as you can, to make your network as adaptable to future innovations as possible. If you are new to the communications and information industry, or if you sim- ply want an understandable yet comprehensive overview of telecommunications, this book is for you. Telecommunications Essentials will equip you with a blueprint on which you can build. The telecommunications landscape is vast; for a new- comer, it is treacherous terrain to navigate. This book provides a logical progres- sion in gluing together all the pieces of t