Use of Computers in Telecommunication

Telecommunications is the transmission of data and information between computers using a communications link such as a standard telephone line.

Typically, a basic telecommunications system would consist of a computer or terminal on each end, communication equipment for sending and receiving data, and a communication channel connecting the two users. Appropriate communications software is also necessary to manage the transmission of data between computers.

Some applications that rely on this communications technology include the following:
Electronic mail (e-mail) is a message transmitted from one person to another through computerized channels. Both the sender and receiver must have access to on-line services if they are not connected to the same network. E-mail is now one of the most frequently used types of telecommunication.

Voice mail is similar to an answering machine in that it permits a caller to leave a voice message in a voice mailbox. Messages are digitized so the caller's message can be stored on a disk.Videoconferencing involves the use of computers, television cameras, and communications software and equipment. This equipment makes it possible to conduct electronic meetings while the participants are at different locations.

The Internet is a continuously evolving global network of computer networks that facilitates access to information on thousands of topics. The Internet is utilized by millions of people daily.

When computers were first invented, they were designed as stand-alone systems. As computers became more widespread, practical, useful, and indispensable, network systems were developed that allowed communication between computers. The term "network" describes computers that are connected for the purpose of sharing data, software, and hardware.

The two types of networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). As the name suggests, LANs cover a limited geographic area, usually a square mile or less. This limited area can be confined to a room, a building, or a group of buildings. Although a LAN can include one central computer connected to terminals, more commonly it connects a group of personal computers. A WAN covers a much larger geographic area by means of telephone cables and/or other communications channels. WANs are often used to connect a company's branch offices in different cities. Some familiar public wide area networks include AT&T, Sprint, and MCI.