Robert F. Linfield

Abstract: Telecommunications networks are shown to exhibit three attributes that distinguish them from each other, namely, the service offered, the functional architecture necessary to provide this service, and the hardware and software that implements this architecture. For each service there are many possible architectures and for each architecture there are many possible implementations. This report provides a basic understanding of the services, architectures and technologies that are the foundation of advanced telecommunications networks.

Keywords: broadband ISDN; layer architecture; management; physical architecture; telecommunications networks

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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