The Importance of Telecommunications in ITS

Telecommunications is the "glue" that binds the various technological elements together to form integrated systems that perform required functions (e.g., manage traffic, manage transit, provide traveler information, etc.)

In broad terms, telecommunications can be divided into two distinct categories: wire-line and wireless. Wire-line requires a physical connection to transmit signals; this connection can be provided in a number of ways, including:

  • Twisted wire pair

  • coaxial cable

  • optical fiber

Wireless communications do not require a physical connection. Some examples of wireless communications are:

  • Microwave

  • spread spectrum radio

  • cellular radio

  • satellite

Because the cost of providing telecommunications (both capital and long term operations and maintenance) can be a significant percentage of an overall system, conducting a telecommunications analysis is critical in determining what design will best meet system requirements.


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