Understanding Information Transmission [Paperback]

Understanding Information Transmission introduces you to the entire field of information technology. In this consumer handbook and introductory student resource, seven chapters span the gamut of the field—the nature, storage, transmission, networking, and protection of information. In addition to the science and technology, this book brings the subject alive by presenting the amazing history of information technology, profiling incredible inventions and fascinating inventors, and their dramatic impact on society. Features include problem sets, key points, suggested reading, review appendices, and a full chapter on mathematical methods. Private and public funding of information technology continues to grow at staggering rates. Learn what’s behind this race to be the biggest, brightest, and fastest in the field with Understanding Information Transmission.

Preface vii

1. Introduction: First Ideas and Some History 1

1.1 What is communication? 2

1.2 Why digital communication? 6

1.3 Some history 8

1.4 A few remarks on intellectual history 27

1.5 Conclusions 28

References 29

2. Mathematical Methods of Information Transmission: Why Sinusoids? 30

2.1 Linear, time-invariant (LTI) systems 31

2.2 On the importance of being sinusoidal 43

2.3 The Fourier transform 48

2.4 What is bandwidth? 58

2.5 Discrete-time systems 66

2.6 Conclusions 69

References 70

Problems 70

3. Information Sources: What is Out There to be Sent? 77

3.1 What is text? 78

3.2 What is speech? 81

3.3 What is music? 88&lC;