Book Review: Data Communication and Teleprocessing Systems, 2nd Ed.

Digital, Analogue and Data Communication, 2nd Ed.: W. SINNEMA and T. McGOVERN (Prentice-Hall, 1986,520 pp., £39.55) This book is intended as an introductory text to digital, analogue and data transmission techniques, with the main emphasis being focused on telephone networks and digital data communication systems. Although the materials presented in the text can be found in greater depth in any relevant communication textbook, the book provides the reader with relevant and useful technical information, circuit diagrams and examples, all under one roof. A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the materials presented in this book is as follows: Introduction to communication systems, together with some basic units used in telephony are presented in Chapter I, whereas Chapters 2 and 3 discuss the basic telephone network, system performance requirements and impairments. Chapter 4 considers the most commonly used physical layer protocols such as EIA RS-232-C, EIA RS-422A, 423A & 449, whilst Chapter 5 is devoted entirely to Modems. The next two Chapters, 6 and 7, look at the modulation methods most commonly employed when transmitting analogue signals (such as PWM, PPM, DM and PCM), whereas Chapter 8 explores the effects of noise and other distortions on digital communication. Chapter 9 describes the basic concepts of pulse transmission over a band-limited channel. Various methods of reducing inter-symbol interference are also discussed. Chapter 10 deals with various codes, error detection and correction techniques presently employed in the communication industry. Network protocol is presented in Chapter 11. The emphasis is on the International Standards Organization (ISO) proposed seven layer architecture called the Reference Model of Open System Interconnection. The last chapter complements Chapter II's distance network emphasis by addressing the Local Area Network (LAN). The discussion is centred around two considerations: the technological role of LAN and the application spectrum. There are also various appendices in support of the main text, added at the end of the book. Overall the book is well written and interesting to read. However, at a price of £40.00, it is probably intended for libraries and institutions. Z. GHASSEMLOOY, Department ofElectrical Engineering and Electronics, UMIST