An experimental B-ISDN system for MAN application study

The authors present an experimental broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) system for developing metropolitan area network (MAN) applications. It includes an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch, ATM transmission systems for STM-1 and STM-4, and network terminations for statistical multiplexing utilizing the IEEE 802.6 MAC protocol. Adaptation functions for the IEEE 802.23 LAN, ISDN BRI, NTSC packet video, and high-definition TV (HDTV) were also investigated using the prototype. Applications such as high-definition image file database inquiries, group teleworking, and HDTV program broadcasting were also studied. The experimental system configuration, the design considerations, and results of the prototype investigation are presented. >