Multimedia Communications Networks

This is an in-depth study of the various technologies, services, and performance issues associated with networked multi-media systems. Prepared by 28 industry and academic leaders worldwide, this reference helps communications engineers understand the impact of fast-moving broadband communications technology on networked multimedia services, and how multimedia applications affect network design. It also provides research and development personnel with the practical information needed to support a wide variety of multimedia services, and how multimedia applications affect network design. In 11 chapters, the reader should learn of developments in network traffic control and also: wireless/wireline multimedia technology and applications; networked multimedia standards, requirements and planning/security issues; transmission, switching, and OA&M technologies; software architectures designed to support multimedia services; and the hypes and realities behind the next generation of multimedia.