Whether working with analog, digital or cutting-edge Internet multimedia capabilities, communication engineers need a sound understanding of the switching systems and the network architectures that form the underpinnings of telecommunication systems. This all-encompassing book provides that critical background by detailing the development of today's communication infrastructure, then relating it to evolving communication systems.

A study of the architectures of the systems that provide telephone service, including a look at architectures for future systems. It describes the hardware and software of five different systems in detail, offering communications professionals the information they need to understand switching systems in historical context and in relation to regulatory frameworks. The book also examines how factors such as customer services and modern computer applications have affected switching systems, and it provides background discussions on relevant theory and boundary conditions - such as transmission systems, telephone operation, and the human element.