Technologies towards broadband ISDN

It is argued that it is vital to form a sound strategy for developing broadband integrated services digital network (BISDN) technology and services and deploying them in the field, so that smooth migration from the existing network is accelerated. Three major steps in this context are to expand fiber networks into the subscriber loop area to provide broadband capabilities everywhere, to construct a universal digital network that facilitates smooth evolution from the existing network to the broadband network of the future through deployment of (SDH) synchronous digital hierarchy transmission systems, and to integrate both services and network components through introduction of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technologies. Development efforts now being carried out at Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories along this line are described, and the impact on network construction and service offerings is indicated.<>