A signalling architecture for multimedia services

A flexible broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) signaling architecture and protocols for handling advanced multimedia/multiparty B-ISDN communications are described. The authors propose the introduction of an open systems interconnection (OSI) layer 7 structure for the signaling application, employing full functional separation of the call and bearer control parts of the protocol. They further propose that the entities supporting these relations be coordinated by means of a party control entity. Consequently, a flexible B-ISDN signaling architecture is demonstrated, capable of handling the most complex multimedia and multiparity calls that can be imagined. It is simple in each of its elements, allows a graceful evolution as the network evolves, and is suitable for a wide range of terminals