Network evolution towards BISDN

The demand for high bit rates that exists in the business communication area is discussed, and its characteristics are outlined, highlighting both a short-term request, mainly addressing local area network (LAN) interconnection, and a medium-term request for more sophisticated services. Whether there is a similar need for broadband communication in the residential area is also discussed. The use of broadband ISDN as an answer to these needs is elaborated. The impact of an asynchronous transfer mode virtual path backbone on services offered, as well as on network architecture, is briefly examined.<>