The "Ultimate Modem Handbook" by Cass R. Lewart has just been released
by 
the Professional Book Division of Prentice Hall.
 
The 426-page book written by an electrical engineer gives a
comprehensive 
overview of theory and practice of modems and data communications.
 
For additional information check the Publisher's Web page:
 
 http://www.phptr.com/ptrbooks/ptr_0138494150.html
 
or contact the author by replying to this message.
 
Table of Contents:
 
Preface 
Introduction 
 
Part 1 - Modems and Data Communications
 
1. Introduction to Data Communications
     Why Do We Need Modems
     Basic Data Communications Terms
     Public Telephone Network (PSTN)
     OSI Model of the Data Network
     Deregulation of the Telephone Industry 
 
2. How Fast Will That Modem Go
     Basic Limitations - Nyquist and Shannom
     Measures of Transmission Rate - Baud, Bits and Bytes
 
3. Modulation Techniques 
     Amplitude Modulation
     Frequency Modulation
     Phase Modulation
     Constellation Diagrams
     Quadrature Amplitude Modulation 
     Trellis Modulation
     Susceptibility to Error
     Computing Bit Error Rates
 
4. Data Communications Protocols
     ITU-T V. Series Standards
     Birth of a Standard
     High Speed Saves Money
     Data Compression and Error Detection
     Current Standards for Data Transmission
     Current Standards for Fax Transmission
     MNP Protocols
 
5. Asynchronous and Synchronous Transmission
     Start, Stop and Data Bits in Asynchronous Transmission
     Synchronous Transmission 
     Hardware Considerations
 
6. The Serial Interface
     RS232-C Serial Interface
     Connecting an External Modem to a Serial Port
     Connecting Two Computers With Null Modem
     Serial Interfaces Other Than RS232-C
     Interface Converters
     Comparison of UART Chips
 
Part 2 - Modems for the Personal Computer User
 
7. Selecting the Right Modem
     Built-In or External Modem?
     Fax Modem
     Other Features to Choose From
     How Well Will My Modem Work
 
8. Modem Installation
     Modem Preparation
     Plugging it All Together Data and Fax
     Letting the Computer Know About the Modem
     Letting the Software Know About the Modem
     Monitoring the Modem With a Simple Circuit
 
9. Talking to the Modem
     Modes of Operation
     Making the Modem Listen
     Flow Control
     AT Commands - Basic, Extended and Proprietary
     S Registers
 
10. Data Communications Software
     Terminal Emulation Software
     Facsimile and OCR Software
     Internet Browsers
     Voice Communication
     Software on the ISP Server
     File Transfer Protocols
     Zip and Unzip
     Encode and Decode
     Data Encryption
 
11.Connecting to the World
     Bulletin Boards
     Specialized Services
     Sales and Telecommuting
     Internet - The World Listens and Talks to You
 
12. A Look Inside a Modem - Modem on a Chip
     Basic Characteristics of the RC Chip Set
     Functional Description of the RC Chip Set
     Modem Chip Set Interfaces
     Modem Building Blocks
     Complete Modem
     Mathematical Modem Simulation
     AT Commands accepted by the Rockwell Chip Set
 
Part 3 - Specialized Modems
 
13. Commercial Voice Band Modems 
     Historical Perspective
     PSTN and Private Line Equalization
     Signaling and Battery Options
     Listing of Commercial Voice Band Modems
 
 
14. ISDN, Cable, LAN, Wireless, Cellular and 56K Modems
     ISDN Modems - Setting Up an ISDN Connection
     Cable Modems - Promises and Reality
     LAN Modems
     Wireless Modems
     Cellular Modems
     What Makes Those 56K Modems Tick
 
15. Short Haul Modems
     Limited Distance Modems
     AC Modems for Control Applications
 
Part 4 - Testing and Troubleshooting 
 
16. Testing and Troubleshooting of Modems and Their Interfaces
     Modem Indicator Lights 
     Use of &T Commands for Self-Testing
     Modem Testing With Specialized Equipment
     Testing RS232-C Signals With a Break-Out Box
     Modem Test Software
     Specific Problem Troubleshooting 
 
17. Transmission Facility Testing
     Attenuation Distortion Measurements
     Delay Distortion Measurements
     Noise Measurements
     Phase Jitter Measurements
     Eye Pattern Testing
     Specialized Transmission Measuring Sets
 
Part 5 - Look Into the Future 
 
18. What Will The Future Bring
     Better Subscriber Loops
     Network Growth
     Killer Applications and More Power on the Desktop
     Network Computer - PC versus NC
 
Glossary
 
Appendices
 
A1   Modem Related URLs 
A2   List of Modem Manufacturers
A3   ASCII Table 
 
Index 
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