Transmission technologies in global communications

Summary form only given. Today´s communication systems utilize three basic transmission technologies: copper, radio, and fiber. It is pointed out that the newest of these, fiber, can transport huge bandwidths (>10 Gb/s) across global distances, and promises still greater performance in the future. It is noted, however, that raw bandwidth is not the only figure of merit for a transmission medium. Each approach has its strengths, and, as the current explosion of wireless activity has taught, new applications can rejuvenate even the most mature technologies.<>