Abstract: The purpose here is to define the present and examine the future of telecommunications over the next ten years. Emerging and anticipated products and services are viewed from both a technical and a social impact perspective. Systems including those providing voice, data, images, video, and integrated services are investigated in terms of technical feasibility, standardization, and global applications. Networks and concepts discussed include; LANs, MANs, WANs, wireless networks, switched multimegabit data service (SMDS), ISDN, B-ISDN, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and synchronous optical networks (SONETs). The information gleaned from this study is summarized in a series of tables and charts that characterize the critical parameters of various switching and transmission systems and concepts as well as the network architectures. The major architectural concepts and systems expected to have critical impact on the future telecommunications infrastructure are presented along with important issues expected to affect their evolution. |
Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses. |
