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Definitions per Electronic Communication Act, Norway

Short answer

Electronic communication: transmission/reception of sound, text, images or data by electromagnetic signals in free space or cables. Electronic communication network: system of cables, switches and equipment for such transmission between defined termination points. Main components: terminal equipment, access network, transmission media, switching/routing nodes, multiplexers, signalling, management, and power.

Write a definition of electronics communication and electronics communication network, according to Electronics and Communication Act, Norway, 2003. What are the main components used in different kind of Telecommunication Network?

Definitions (Electronic Communications Act, Norway, 2003)

  • Electronic communication: the transmission or reception of sound, text, images or other data by means of electromagnetic signals in free space or in cables (electrical, magnetic, radio or optical signals). In short, any exchange of information carried by electromagnetic signals.
  • Electronic communication network: a system consisting mainly of cables and associated infrastructure, switches and other equipment (including passive elements) that is used to transmit sound, images, data or other information by means of electromagnetic signals in free space or in cables, between defined termination points. It covers fixed, mobile, broadcasting and Internet networks.

(The wording above follows the meaning of the Act's definitions section; the Act is technology-neutral.)

Main components of telecommunication networks

Every telecom network, whatever its type, is built from these components:

ComponentExamples / role
Terminal (end) equipmentTelephone set, mobile phone, modem, computer, fax
Access network (local loop)Copper pair, coaxial, FTTH fibre, radio access (BTS/eNodeB), Wi-Fi
Transmission mediaTwisted pair, coaxial cable, optical fibre, microwave, satellite
Switching/routing nodesTelephone exchanges, MSC, routers, packet switches
Multiplexing equipmentFDM, TDM (PDH/SDH), WDM, statistical mux
Signalling systemSubscriber signalling, CAS, SS7, SIP
Network management and controlOSS/NMS, billing, databases (HLR)
Power and supportDC power plant, batteries, synchronisation clocks

By network type

  • PSTN (fixed telephone): telephone sets, local loop, local/tandem/toll exchanges, trunks, SS7.
  • Mobile (GSM/LTE): mobile station, BTS/BSC (or eNodeB), MSC/core network, HLR/VLR, transmission backhaul.
  • Data/Internet: hosts, switches, routers, modems, servers, links.
  • Broadcast: studio, transmitters, antennas, receivers.
  • Satellite: earth stations, satellite transponders, VSAT terminals.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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