Application of ISDN to Interconnect Heterogeneous Switched Networks

This paper proposes the use of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) to provide a high level of interoperability between existing heterogeneous networks, such as the Defense Switched Network (DSN) and the Initial Voice Switched Network (IVSN). The ISDN approach is a viable solution to the interoperability problem because it will offer off-the-shelf standard packages and flexible interfaces; these will permit a variety of connectivity options between heterogeneous networks with minimum development, and the possibility of minimum cost and risk. Described here are several different alternatives that illustrate the feasibility of exploiting ISDN capabilities.