Advances in digital circuit switching architecture

Today a wide range of communication services are provided by very complex systems embedded in the telecommunications networks which exist in both the public and private domain. The main applications supported are telephony and data, however new applications based on broadband connections will emerge as technology advances. Increasing use of digital techniques and computer control has allowed significant improvements in the quality of communications and has lowered the cost of provision. Erosion of the boundaries between the indigenous service networks is taking place as illustrated by the emergence of the ISDN which enables uniform access to voice and data services