Focusing on the subscriber loop rather than the entire network, this text is aimed at design engineers and engineering managers. It details the operation, standards and technology of the ISDN subscriber loop, with particular emphasis on basic rate ISDN and discussion of primary rate ISDN. The book describes how hardware functions are implemented with available integrated circuits, and what the software requirements are to access the network and its services. Information on existing networks and technologies is included to provide a basis for explaining and comparing the operation of the ISDN, as it is an evolution of existing analog networks. Future trends in subscriber access technology, including HDSL/ADSL and ATM techniques, are reviewed. This work should be of interest to engineers in Telecommunications.
