Satellite networks in the ISDN era

The development of an integrated service digital network (ISDN) capable of supporting a wide range of services using a small set of standard multipurpose user-network interfaces is examined. The ISDN environment is expected to consist of functional elements such as, circuit switching, packet switching, and common channel signaling. The use of satellites or fiber optics in the ISDN is evaluated. The relation between satellites and the ISDN in the short-, medium-, and long-terms is analyzed. The recommendations of the consultative committee, CCIR, concerning the definition of the hypothetical reference digital path and the required quality and availability for ISDN applications, and the proposed plans of Eutelsat and Intelsat for satellite systems compatible with an ISDN are discussed. The application of business satellite networks and packet satellite networks to an ISDN is studied. The long-term objectives for an ISDN is a wideband system that accommodates digital transmission on circuit and packet switched bases.