Telekommunikatsioonivõrkud

Telecommunication, or telecommunications, is the transmission of information over distances through electronic means to enable communication between people and machines. It covers voice, data, text, and video delivered via wired and wireless networks and the Internet. The field relies on a set of technologies, standards, and infrastructure that connect end users to service providers and to each other.

Core components include transmission media such as optical fiber, copper cables, radio spectrum, and satellite links; network elements like switches, routers, base stations, and gateways; signaling and control protocols; and customer premises equipment. Networks are commonly described as access networks, which reach users, and core or backbone networks, which interconnect networks and carry bulk traffic.

Historically, telecommunication began with the telegraph, evolved through the telephone and radio, and advanced to digital networks and satellites. Today, most services are IP-based, with devices and services converging on common architectures. The Internet Protocol (IP) and transport protocols underpin data services, while voice and video may travel over IP as VoIP and video conferencing. Cellular networks, Wi‑Fi, fixed broadband, and satellite systems provide wireless and wired access.

Governance and standards bodies such as the ITU, IEEE, IETF, and 3GPP develop spectrum allocations, interoperability standards, and network technologies. Service provision is typically regulated to ensure universal access, fair competition, and consumer protection. The field continues to evolve with trends toward higher speeds (gigabit networks), network virtualization, cloud and edge computing, and the integration of Internet of Things and satellite connectivity.