Contrasting Computer and Telephone Networks Computer networks allow any number of users onto the network segment. But these users intrude on each other s bandwidth slowing communication rates for all users. Consider a funnel as an analogy. Not variable length data packets. Not widely supported by current Network Operating Systems or Today s Local Area Networks Not widely promoted by Telephone companies Digital Satellite Transmission High Speed in only one direction Data delivery is possible.
Users request data over land lines.
Video performance is unlikely to be consistently acceptable if the transmission path involves a traditional Ethernet or Token Passing Local Area Network. A Video network requires a very low latency circuit with a guaranteed adequate transmission rate. Digital Transmission Summary Long distance digital communication is a cost- effective means for transmitting data, voice, and video. Currently much of our long-distance voice, data, and video are transmitted over digital circuits. We rely on the Telephone companies to provision circuits and provide switching services for us.