ATM: customer needs in the transition to B-ISDN

The development of the broadband integrated-services digital network (B-ISDN) is part of the continuing evolution of the telecommunications network. The author considers the expected rate of increase in information-carrying capacity to the general public and its needs for interfacing and service. He proposes a technique of shaping/policing the channel capacity which will be easily understood by both user and network provider. Finally the uncertainties that remain in the way that applications may exploit the ATM network and the consequent different needs for signalling and control have been highlighted