11.1 standardization organizations in communication

The role of standardization in the field of telecommunications is difficult to overestimate. Manufacturers of equipment that complies with current standards have a wide market. This stimulates the development of high technology and helps to reduce costs in the production of products. In addition, equipment from different manufacturers, made according to uniform standards, allows you to organize communication, including international. The development of common rules aimed at sharing equipment, and engaged standardization bodies.

The range of coverage distinguish between international, national and corporate standards. Standards at various levels are developed by organizations that unite the interests of both producers and consumers. In the process of preparing the standard, it is fully discussed and takes into account the views of all stakeholders.

Of the international standardization organizations, the following are of the greatest importance in the field of communications.

The International Organization for Standardization (International Organization for Standardization - ISO) develops standards in various fields of activity, including in the field of telecommunications. For example, the quality standards of the ISO 9000 series are widely known. In the field of telecommunications, one of the widely used ISO standards is the seven-level model of open systems interconnection. ISO members on a voluntary basis are national standards organizations.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is a specialized UN body. The members of the ITU (also on a voluntary basis) are member states of the union. Preparatory work on the formation of standards is conducted in the following sectors of the ITU:

• the ITU Radio Communication Sector (ITU Radio communication Sector - ITU-R) develops standards in the field of radio communications worldwide;
• Telecommunication Standardization Sector The ITU (Telecommunication Standardization Sector of ITU - ITU-T) prepares international standards for telecommunications.

ITU also includes

• Telecommunication Development Sector - ITU-D.

ITU activities cover almost all areas of communication work. The results of the work of ITU (standards) are published in the form of Recommendations (Recommendation), combined in a series. Recommendations are not mandatory for use, but in fact they are widely used in practice. ITU Recommendations are often referred to in the technical specifications attached to the equipment supplied. ITU recommendations are also widely used in documents of other standardization organizations.

In Europe, the following organizations deal with standardization issues in the field of communications:

• The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) European Telecommunications Standards Institute defines the technical communication policy for the European Community countries;
• The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Offices (Conference of European Post and Telecommunications CEPT) is developing European standards in the field of communications.

Significant role in the development of communication means non-governmental organization

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers - IEEE).

Among the national organizations that have made the most significant contribution to the development of communications and dealing with the problems of standardization in this area, the following organizations should be noted:

• The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) develops standards for use in the United States, then many of these standards are approved by international standardization organizations;
• The Telecommunications Industrial Association (TIA) is one of the ANSI telecommunications groups;
• The Electronic Industrial Association (EIA) is also one of the ANSI groups.

In the Russian Federation, national standards in all areas of activity are being developed by the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (Goskomstandart). Works related to the preparation of standards in the field of communications and the control of their implementation are carried out by the divisions of the Ministry of Communications: departments and relevant commissions.

In conclusion, it should be noted that, despite the huge positive role, standardization also has negative sides. Adherence to standards at some stage in the development of technology becomes a brake on the introduction of new technologies until a new, more progressive standard passes the stage of working out, testing, agreeing and approving