Introductory Concepts.

An overall telecommunications network (i.e., the PSTN) consists of local networks inter-connected by a long-distance network. This is the PSTN, which is open to public correspondence. It is usually regulated by a government authority or may be a government monopoly, although there is a notable trend toward privatization. In the United States the PSTN has been a commercial enterprise since its inception. This chapter discusses the PSTN and other introductory topics in telecommunications. There are review exercises at the end of this chapter and at the end of each chapter in this volume. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]