Institute for Telecommunication Sciences

Abstract: The report is a primer on Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN's). The ISDN concept is believed by many to be the communication means for the future information age. A number of national ISDN's interconnected together can provide a high-performance, multiservice, digital network for global communications. This primer on ISDN is for persons unfamiliar with telecommunications but who wish to know about this important concept. The report explains the developments in telecommunications technology from analog to digital that make possible the efficiencies and economies of an ISDN or ISDN's. Also addressed are technical and policy considerations: Why is an ISDN needed? How is it expected to evolve? What problems will it cause? Who is working on them?

Keywords: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN); data communication; telecommunications; ISDN; digital communication

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be 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.

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