Topological and Architectural Designs for Pre-ISDN Integration of Fiber Optic Voice and Data Networks

Several inter-LATA carriers in the United States are implementing fiber optic networks. The geographic coverage of these networks coupled with the bias to choose fiber as backbone links via traditional data network design yields an opportunity for pre-ISDN integration of voice and data. This paper presents three transitional models for pre-ISDN integration of voice and data. The impact of incorporating a fiber optic network in the traditional data design formulation is demonstrated. Based upon the theoretical considerations of fiber optic incorporation, data routing, delay, throughput, and reliability are redefined, yielding an inverse design problem formulation for data. Practical considerations are presented with each transitional model.