Communications system
In
telecommunication, a
communications system is a collection of individual
communications networks,
transmission systems,
relay stations, tributary stations, and
data terminal equipment (
DTE) usually capable of
interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole.
Note: The components of a communications system serve a common purpose, are technically compatible, use common procedures, respond to controls, and operate in unison.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188