Broadband service features

Identifies and discusses some features of broadband services which are significant from the perspective of both the developing network and developing applications. The features discussed include integration, multimedia capabilities and flexible bit rates. The paper is not concerned either with applications or the network for their own sakes but with the relationship between these aspects. An attempt is made to concentrate on service features which are relevant in matching the application requirements to network capabilities in an optimum manner. The importance of promoting the possibilities in the applications development field is emphasised, as is the importance of ensuring that the necessary network capabilities are provided. Many of the likely broadband capabilities of ISDN (termed B-ISDN) are now becoming clear and particular attention is given to these features