Integration of packet and circuit switching in the 1990´s

Explores new directions in the evolution of integrated packet and circuit switching. Widespread deployment of Broadband Integrated Services Digital Networks (B-ISDNs) employing Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) techniques is still some way off and consideration is limited to the pre-B-ISDN era. The trends observable in the current market for data and integrated voice/data networks are reviewed. The state of the standards in this area is then examined in relation to the trends. The author then takes a look at the more practical issues of current developments and the architectures of integrated circuit/packet switches. One particular development called the `ISDN Additional Packet Mode Bearer Services´ is examined in some depth