Communications Fundamentals

Chapter 1: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM MODEL

This chapter establishes a basic structural model for a communications system, with each of the subsequent four chapters explaining the operation of one functional block. In this way, the complete operation of a communications system—from the information source to its final destination—is covered, including source coding, encryption, channel coding, modulation, multiplexing, and multiple access.

Chapter Contents

• 1.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF COMMUNICATIONS
• 1.2 A SIMPLE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
• 1.3 A MORE-DETAILED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
• 1.4 CHAPTER SUMMARY AND LOOKING AHEAD
• 1.5 REVISION QUESTIONS
• 1.6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)