Praise for The Essential Guide to Telecommunications "From starting entrepreneurs to industry veterans, employees from all kinds of network communications companies have found this primer to be an excellent reference book and interesting reading...the best way to keep current on evolving technology." -Carol J. Meier, Executive Director, Massachusetts Network Communications Council "With jargon-free definitions, clear schematic drawings, and its steady narrative drive, The Essential Guide to Telecommunications is a reassuring testament to the human ability to comprehEND and communicate at some fundamental level even the most bewildering technology." -David Warsh, Editor, Economic Principals.com "I find this book very useful for my graduate students in business and economics to become familiar with an up-to-date explanation of modern telecommunications." -Jerry Hausman, McDonald Professor of Economics, MIT "Annabel Dodd has distilled down the essential elements of digital communications and cogently translated the technobabble of the telecommunications revolution. This fine new EDITION of her book explains how Internet ProTOCol-based broadband networks will affect consumers, companies, and communities as the inexorable march of digital technologies continues...." -Congressman Edward J. Markey, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection "Annabel Dodd's Guide is an excellent source of technical information that's understandable to people who never studied engineering. I use it regularly." -Jon Van, technology reporter, The Chicago Tribune "The Essential Guide to Telecommunications is probably one of the most useful and well-written books on our telecom bookshelf. Annabel Z. Dodd does a great job in capturing a snapshot of the current telecom industry. Even those with little or no technical training should be able to understand the text. This is the perfect book for salespeople who want to learn more about the products and services they are selling, or for those who just want to keep up to date on the latest in telecom technology." -William Van Hefner, President, Vantek Communications, Inc. "As a technology management consultant, I am often required to have hands-on knowledge on a wide range of technology topics. Whenever I need quick and accurate information on telecommunications technology, I turn to The Essential Guide to Telecommunications. I find it to be a very valuable reference." -Lumas KENDrick, Jr., KENDrick Technology Associates "The Essential Guide to Telecommunications is a fine guide to the field, readable by anyone, useful to everyone. As a first guide to the field, as a reference, and as a commentary on the history and strategy of telecommunications, it is simply superb." -Andrew Allentuck, Review Editor, Globetechnology, THE GLOBE AND MAIL, Toronto "People who enjoy a straightforward view of the ever-changing world of high technology will like this book. I did." -William Sherry, Product Specialist, Messaging & Mobility Applications, Avaya "Ms. Dodd continues to provide an excellent and thorough text on the telecommunications industry. As in her previous EDITIONs, she presents a good balance of technical- and business-related information that is readily understandable by anyone with an interest in thi