Communication systems
Function
The function of a communication system is to ensure the transport of information between a transmitter and one (or more) receiver(s) connected by a communication channel or communication medium. This information is transported in the form of a signal.
Examples of communication systems taken outside the Information technology (IT) field are: the telephone, television, hi-fi devices.
What is a communication protocol ?
A protocol is a standard specification that allows communication between two devices. These are rules and procedures that define the type of encoding and speed used during communication, as well as how to establish and terminate the connection.
There are multitudes of communication protocols, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) protocols which are designed to create a direct connection between remote computers.
Function of the communications system engineer
The communication systems engineer imagines, designs, develops, manages, and secures communication networks that facilitate the exchange of information in the form of signals, images, sounds, and films. Their field of activity is at the intersection of:
Computer science, mathematics, and telecommunications.
Their scope ranges from smart card to remote surgery, through mobile phones, laptops, servers, the Internet, the web and corporate networks.
The scope of application of communication systems engineers is wide and constantly evolving.
Career prospects
Companies or administrations that need to set up and manage a computer network (multinational companies, banks, hospitals),
Telecommunications companies,
service companies that grow around the Internet,
Research and Teaching,
Consulting Engineering Offices,
......etc.