A telecommunication network is the technical term for a collection of terminals. Communication is passed between these terminals using links and nodes. It is a method of sharing information between users whether it is audio, visual or data communication. Data is passed in real-time meaning communication takes place in seconds. They often fall into the category of wired network including cabled or optical fibre or wireless including Bluetooth and satellite methods.

There are varying telecommunication networks:

PSTA – Public Switched Telephone Network which is the more established circuit-switched network. PSTA can carry data worldwide through telephone lines, transmission links, satellite links etc.

WAN – Wide Area Network which covers large geographical areas. WAN is usually made up by multiple LANs.

LAN – Local Area Network is used in small areas of communication such as offices, schools or a home-based network.

VPN – Virtual Private Network provides a secure link for remote access workers.

PAN – Personal Area Network is a small connection of maybe one household computer with a printer.

Nodes

Nodes are connection points for data transfer.

Links

Nodes are connected with links to pass data from one connection point to another.

Routes

Routes are the pathways that a network uses to share information. They work through the combination of a gateway and destination, the gateway is used as the open point for communication, the destination is the receiving point of that information.

White Routes – These are legal routes and are used by the majority of telecoms providers.

Grey Routes – These routes involve the disguising of the source of a call to provide a cheaper service i.e an international call may be displayed as domestic.

08 Direct offer a Tier 1 telecommunication network which is directly interconnected with British Telecom. This means a secure, confidential, reliable and transparent service.

08 Direct use only white routes when communicating information.