Broadband ISDN

Abstract

With the increasing use of optical fibres in the transmission network, it is possible to greatly increase the rate at which signals may be transmitted through the network. Optical fibres offer the potentiality of transmission at rates of the order of gigabits/s (10⁹ bits/s). Thus much higher bit-rates could be offered to users than those available in the current ISDN. This has led to the consideration of the provision of a high-speed “Broadband” ISDN (B-ISDN). The RACE programme (Research into Advanced Communications for Europe) has been set up to look into the provision of such a network and its final deliberations are expected to be published in 1992. However, much is already emerging from the programme, with CCITT recommendation I.121, issued in 1988, providing the initial framework for B-ISDN development and standardization. Some pilot schemes are already in an advanced state of planning. In this chapter we consider the likely scenario for B-ISDNs in the next decade.