Access networks-beyond MANS to solutions compatible with B-ISDN

Broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) access is likely to commence with the interconnection of local area networks (LANs) via metropolitan area networks (MANs). As demand for B-ISDN service increases it will become necessary to extend B-ISDN service economically to smaller customers. This provides two specific drivers: fair access to available bandwidth is required when sharing access to a single network terminator in a single customers premises and customers in separate premises will need to share access to the capacity of a single B-ISDN port via a local access infrastructure such as a passive optical network (PON). The authors examine the problems presented and describe a solution for each of these complimentary scenarios. Finally it is shown how a graceful evolution can take place from a scenario of initial shared access toward an eventual dedicated access solution