Serves as a good non-technical reference.

Please be advised that IEEE Press/Wiley have published my
latest edition #3. This book has been updated and features
two new chapters and major changes to existing chapters.
The second edition is no longer available.
Thank you.
John Nellist

A very clear introduction to the basics of telecommunications, especially fibre optics. Suitable for the literate layperson or businessman. Avoids the problems with other books in this genre: too superficial over too many topics. Gives you a great base of knowledge in the core elements of telecoms at the exact right level of detail.

I'm very uncertain as to whom this book is aimed at. We get a map of the Vietnam-Thailand-Hong Kong undersea cable system, 4 pages on how Sprint's network operates but only 1.2 pages on how the internet architecture works (pages 186-7, that's it, unless I missed something).

Also some of the data on the internet seems old. There is no mention of ICANN for example, which now runs IP address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment and root server system management functions (according to its website... Another organisation is named in this role by the book, the "Internet Architecture Board", however I believe this is now defunct or has been subsumed by ICANN - a search on Yahoo turns up nothing for this body.

Disappointing as a sourcebook for internet technical knowledge. I think the book tries to appeal to too many audiences.

Clearly explains the latest developments in the telecommunications industry to people who do not have a telecommunications background. Defines many key terms in simple easy to understand english and provides information into who are the key players in each telecommunications segment. This book covers the history of telecommunications, computers and the Internet, fiber optics, satellites, networks, and digital wireless. A good beginner book to give you a basic knowledge of the telecommunications industry.