Introduction; Networking Concepts - Lucent Technologies MERLIN LEGEND Release 6.0 Network Reference Manual

MERLIN LEGEND Communications System Release 6.0
Network Reference 555-660-150
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Introduction

Networking Concepts

Introduction
This chapter describes the terminology and concepts that you should understand
before you plan and maintain a networked system. It includes the following topics:
Networking Concepts. In simple terms, explains what communications
networks are, the benefits they offer organizations, and fundamental
concepts such as tandem switching and tandem trunking.
Tandem Switching and Tandem Trunking. Expands on the definitions of
tandem trunking and tandem switching by showing simple examples of
how these features are put into practice in different network configurations
using different types of lines/trunks.
Uniform Dial Plan (UDP). Introduces the feature that allows system
managers in a network to set up a dial plan for reaching extensions at
remote networked systems.
Networking Concepts
In today's environment—business, academic, and governmental—many
organizations are setting up multiple sites to provide customers and clients with
better access to products and services. Branch offices, operations centers, and
specialized campuses are supported by technological advances such as local
area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), intranets, the Internet,
videoconferencing, and protocols that enable high-speed data communications.
For example, banking institutions and insurance companies often consist of a
headquarters with branch offices; school systems are organized around a central
administrative site that serves several schools in a district. Direct marketing
retailers, utilities, and government agencies are dispersed over multiple sites,
nationwide or regionally, to reach more clients or customers and to take
advantage of the economies offered by specific geographic locations. All of these
organizations share a common need: rapid and cost-efficient voice and data
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Issue 1
February 1998
Page 1-1
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