Long-haul communications

Updated: 10/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Illustration of wireless tower.

As the name implies, long-haul communications is a term in telecommunications that denotes devices and networks designed for transmitting data, signals, or information over long distances. Long-haul communication usually involves fiber optic cables or satellite technology and can span multiple countries or continents.

Long-haul communications devices are essential for connecting remote offices, data centers, telecommunications networks, and for intercontinental data transmission.

Major telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and China Telecom Global are prominent providers of long-haul network services. Their role is to establish links between MANs (metropolitan area networks). They are crucial in enabling global communication, data exchange, and connectivity.

List of long-haul devices

The following list contains many of the current long-haul communications devices in use.

  • Fiber Optic Cables - From local to oceanic in their reach, optical fibers transmit data as light pulses.
  • Satellite Communication - Satellites support global TV, Internet, and more.
  • Microwave Transmitters - High-frequency radio waves cover substantial distances for point-to-point links.
  • Long-Distance Wireless - 4G and 5G networks connect mobile and IoT (Internet of Things) devices over large areas.
  • High-Capacity Routers - Data centers use routers to manage data efficiently in long-haul networks.
  • Multiplexers/Demultiplexers - These devices merge and separate data streams for long-distance transmission.

Hardware terms, Modem, Stream, Transmission