The business of telecommunications is currently undergoing a period of change driven by changes in regulation, increasing demands for services and the development of new access technologies. The market structure of telecommunications is evolving rapidly as new players entering the market and existing players strive to complete in an increasingly volatile market. Moreover the advent of new data services is placing greater demands on the network as operators strive to offer new broadband services.
Underpinning much of this change is the access technology itself, both in the transitional form of copper twisted pairs, but increasing through the use of new fiber, radio and copper systems. Indeed the dominant cost of most telecommunication network is the access network itself and typically can demand up to 80 percent of the total investment required.
The book presents an overview of the access network and discusses the technologies that are available. It begins with an introductory chapter defining terms and technologies and goes on to discuss each technology in turn, not only from a technology viewpoint but with a view on how it might be best deployed. Chapters are also included on planning systems and network management, a key aspect of the technology.
