A Paper on

BROADBAND ISDN

Introduction:
A Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (BROADBAND ISDN) is a network

designed to carry data, voice, images and video. The applications for such networks are

designed to expand rapidly after such networks are available. Broadband ISDN is an

effort to provide data rates that are high enough to comfortably handle image data in the

future. The planned access rate for Broadband ISDN is 150 Mbit/sec that is adequate for

image traffic and allows for the interconnection of high speed LAN’s. This access rate

also allows video broadcast traffic, video conferencing and many potential new

applications. The paper contains an overview of the technology involved. It also looks at

the feasibility aspects of such networks with respect to networks based on other

broadband technologies like DSL and Cable net. It also contains some of the current B-

ISDN compatible products and services right now available.

Broadband ISDN – Is it the future of Telecommunications?

The technology is currently available for building such networks and the potential for the

new applications is also very high. However the evolution form the networks of today to
a full fledges Broadband ISDN will be very difficult. It is also debatable whether it is the

right time to standardize the architectural details of such a network. The arguments for

rapid standardization such as the current needs for these high data rates, including image

transmission, accessing high speed LAN’s and accessing super-computers; the rapid

development of such a network would meet these needs and also encourage new

applications. Also the cost of networks that has traditionally been the ‘last mile’ (i.e. the

access link to the user); optical fibers will be installed here. Also it would make economic

sense if all the telecommunication services given to a user were given on a single fiber

rather than on multiple networks with separate fibers. This is possible since multiplexing

the access of several networks onto a single fiber is possible. There are also economies of

scale involved since there will be a single network providing all the telecommunication

services.

Arguments against B-ISDN

There are also some diseconomies of scale involved with a single all-purpose network.

They come from trying to force very different types of communication requirements,

such as video and conventional low speed data into a common mold. There is also no

large-scale engineering experience involved with such networks and with little

knowledge of how the potential applications will evolve. This is made worse by the rapid

development of optical fiber technology, which is rapidly changing the range of choices

available in the backbone of the broadband network. Moreover the evolution of

Broadband ISDN is central to the future of the telecommunication industry and thus
political, legal and regulatory issues as well as corporate competitive positioning, will

undoubtedly play a very big role in the evolution and structure of future networks.

The ATM forum in co-operation with ITU-T has defined the user-network interface and

network-network interface to support these services. However, there is still a strong need

to harmonize the B-ISDN services amongst different Public Network Operators, as was

done for ISDN in Europe through the Euro-ISDN Memorandum of Understanding.

Technology:

CCITT defined broadband with reference to ISDN as: …a service or system requiring

transmission channels capable of supporting rates greater than the primary rate. It was

first proposed that B-ISDN was to be an enhanced version of ISDN achieved by just

adding broadband channels and broadband user-network interfaces to the existing ones.

However concerns arose as to the suitability of this concept. The reason for this is that

channels would have to be dimensioned fairly rigidly. Hence contemporary broadband

services would have made these channels potentially unsuitable for any unforeseen future

service. Also the CCITT could not come to a decision as to the traffic type orientation of

the channels, i.e. whether they should have a circuit-type or burst-type traffic orientation.

The following factors influenced the overall design of B-ISDN:

• An emerging demand for broadband networking.

• An emerging availability of high-speed transmission switching technologies.

• Advances in software applications.

• The advantages of integrating services into one universal network.

 • The need for flexibility with respect to handling different service types and

qualities.

It was identified that B-ISDN should be an extremely flexible network capable of

catering for the entire range of contemporary and potential future services. CCITT gave

the following recommendation, which is a natural extension from ISDN:

‘A key element of service integration is the provision of a wide range of services to a

broad variety of users utilizing a limited set of connection types and multipurpose user-

network interfaces.’

The problems of the first technical concepts of B-ISDN were never resolved, since a

different principle was put forward to be the solution for B-ISDN. CCITT abandoned the

original concepts and eventually stated: Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is the

transfer mode for implementing B-ISDN. ATM was this different principle, different

because it was effectively wiping the ISDN slate clean and starting afresh with a more

flexible solution. It was designed as a universal transfer mode with the capability to

provide solutions to the following B-ISDN requirements:

• The ability to handle services of significantly different bit rates, and therefore

different bandwidth requirements.

• The ability to support variable bit rate traffic efficiently.

• The ability to cope with both delay and loss sensitive applications.

All these developments are significant to the move towards the transmission of moving

pictures as video signals through networks. The B-ISDN using ATM is designed to be

able to provide widespread interactive video services as well as the distribution services

common to the existing television distribution networks. This means that B-ISDN could
provide a full range of video services to home and businesses, with the potential

accessibility of the current telephone system.

General Structure:

On the face of it, the assembly of several 64kbps channels could be achieved with

ordinary ISDN by setting up several 64kbps calls to the same destination on a primary

rate interface and concatenating the channels at the terminal. The problem is that a

uniform delay is not guaranteed; since channels do not follow the same path through the

network; there is a different frame delay for each channel and sometimes a satellite link is

involved for one or more channels.

There are two solutions for the problem:

The Terminal Solution: By using the appropriate buffers at the terminals, the delays in

each channel can be padded to be equal. In order to establish these delays the terminals

should do a prior investigation. An assumption that is usually made is that relative delays

will not change during a call.

The Network Solution: In this case the exchange processors would ensure that all

channels are kept within a single time division multiplex and therefore follow a common

route.

H-channels:

CCITT has identified some specific rates above 64kbps:

 a) H0 – 384kbps. This is specifically attractive for videoconference codex and hi-fi

sound. There are some primary rates that can accommodate some H0 channels:

1.544Mbps – using 3 H0 channels. 2.048Mbps – using 5 H0 channels.

b) H1 – there are two forms of channels: H11 at 1.536Mbps and H12 at 1.920Mbps.

c) H21—around 34Mbps. H22 around 54Mbps. H4 around 135Mbps.

Higher rate interfaces

Optical fibers offer virtually unlimited bandwidth. There are still some technical and

economic problems in providing these services to customers, but these problems can

undoubtedly be overcome. For example, if it is unacceptable to use one fiber per

connection, then wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) offers enormous capacity.

The concept of B-ISDN is that there should be a minimum number of interfaces

identified so that wide range of compatible equipment should be available. That means

that channel rates like those that have been specified above would not cause the creation

of interfaces by the customer operating. So far only two interfaces have been identified –

the basic rate interface and primary rate interface. On higher rates there is pressure to

have only 2 mode interfaces at approximately 150Mbps and 600Mbps. This does not

mean that only channels at those rates would be available. The plan is that many channels

of a wide range of rates will be multiplexed onto these interfaces so that wide range of

terminal equipment can be used. For example – 150Mbps rate can be used for all services

except HDTV. 600Mbps could accommodate several standard TV channels for HDTV,

simultaneously with lower rate services. The real problem is how services with a wide

range of rates could be efficiently multiplexed according to a common bearer channel.

Two solutions have been proposed for this:

Synchronous multiplexing based – this demands a format that can be configured to match

the needs of the user. This is called Synchronous Digital hierarchy – SDH.

Asynchronous multiplexing – by using a very lightweight protocol called Asynchronous

Transfer Mode (ATM). This protocol can be implemented at high speeds due to its

simplicity.

The future

B-ISDN technology enables a wide range of communication applications, yet it is still not

convenient enough for wide range domestic use. The aim of telecommunications has long

been to simplify its use to the same level as that required for electric supply. That means

that there will be a universal socket which could be used for anything from low speed

data for telemetry and control, right up to high definition television. Broadband ISDN

will enable this vision to become reality. The only question is when?

Speed of B-ISDN in relation to other communication mediums

Broadband ISDN Protocol

The suggested architecture for the B-ISDN protocol is depicted in figure below.

The protocol for B-ISDN also adopts a layered approach, made up for four layers:

• Physical layer

• ATM layer

• ATM Adaptation Layer (AAL)

• Higher layers.

The higher layers would be a services layer for video, SMDS, Frame Relay and Access &

Network Signaling.

ATM, asynchronous transfer mode, is often referred to as fast packet switching. For this

it can be taken that B-ISDN will be a packet based network. However ITU-T

recommendations state that B-ISDN needs to be able to handle both packet and circuit
mode applications. Thus the use of an adaptation layer, the ATM Adaptation layer, is

required. The AAL will, therefore, be required to handle non-ATM protocol, such as

Link Access Protocol-D.

The ATM layer provides the packet transfer capabilities, while the physical layer

provides the base network functions.

Functions of B-ISDN Layers

Higher Layer Functions Higher Layers

Convergence CS
Segmentation and Reassemble SAR AAL
Generic flow control Cell header
generation/extraction ATM
Cell VPI/VCI translation
Layer Cell multiplex and de-multiplex.
Management Cell rate decoupling
HEC header sequence generation/Verification Physical Layer.
Cell delineation TC
Transmission frame adaptation
Transmission frame generation/recovery.
Bit Timing PM
Physical medium

CS – Convergence Sub-Layer

SAR – Segmentation and Reassemble Sub-layer

AAL – ATM Adaptation Layer

ATM – Asynchronous Control Sub-layer

TC – Transmission Control Sub-layer

PM – Physical Medium Sub-layer

ATM Adaptation Layer

As shown the ATM adaptation layer consists of two sub-layers. The segmentation and

reassemble sub-layer, SAR, and the convergence sub-layer, CS. The convergent sub-layer
provides specific application support for applications using AAL. This sub-layer is

service dependent as applications attach to the AAL at specific service access points. The

segmentation reassemble sub-layer packs the information received from CS into cells for

transmission and handles unpacking at the other end. The SAR must pack all SAR header

and trailer information as well as CS header and trailer information into 48-octet blocks.

ITU-T has defined four types of service classifications.

Type 1 – This classification requires constant bit rate, maintenance of timing relation, and

is a connection-oriented classification.

Type 2 –This includes variable bit video, i.e. videoconference. Here the application is

connection oriented, timing is important, however the bit rate will vary over time.

Type 3 / 4 – Initially this was two classifications, however ITU-T combine them due to

similarity in processing. This type represents data transfer applications, and with varying

bit rates, no timing requirements with type three being connection oriented, and type four

being connectionless orientated.

Type 5 – It is a new classification, which was introduced to provide streamline transport

facilities.

Business Aspects:

BBCC

BBCC stands for Association of Broadband-ISDN Business Chance and Culture

Creation. It was established by private enterprises in Japan in 1992, as the first institution

to study for profits of B-ISDN; a next generation information and communications

infrastructure. It found out some prime areas where B-ISDN could be profitable. The
Association undertakes the following activities by applying B-ISDN technology.

Experiments aimed at exploring a market for advanced information services.

Experiments in B-ISDN applications aimed at exploiting business needs.

• Search for technological development goals through comprehensive experiments

including networking.

• Provision of information and technical assistance to promote B-ISDN

applications.

• Other activities essential to achieving the objectives.

BBCC utilizes the facilities procured by Advanced Communication Network

Development Center Inc. at cost, and arranges equipment, systems, and contents that are

required to conduct experiments and studies of applications for B-ISDN.

Industry

• Field of Office Business

• Field of Design Work

• Field of Information Service

• Field of Printing, Publication

• Field of Distribution

• Field of Application for Event

• Field of Video Images

• Field of Entertainment/Amusement

• Field of Application for High Speed LAN

Field of Office Business

Multi-point desktop conference system is being designed to enable multi-point

conferences and other coordinated activities by transmitting a number of media, such a

text, figures photographs, moving images and sound. Linking various remote places via

B-ISDN, this system will enable multi-point and life-like communication that is

applicable to various coordinated activities including research projects and conferences.

High-speed Inter-LAN via B-ISDN – Information on Demand

High performance and High speed personal computers and workstations running over

next generation ISDN wideband communication networks enable multimedia

communication that is not possible on conventional networks. This experiment focuses

on the efficiency of a high-speed LAN on a newly developed information-on-demand

system. Toshiba Corp is heavily researching this project.

Other corporations have also identified other profitable areas and services shown below:

Service Categories Example Services

Conversational Services TV conferences
Messaging Services Video Mail
Interactive Services Retrieval Services Videotex
Without User Presentation Control TV Broadcast
With User Presentation Control Videography
Distributive Services

Currently both Telstra and Optus are laying broadband ISDN cables in Australia’s

metropolitan centers for the provision of both interactive and distribution services. So far

both have set up television services. Both corporations also have plans to provide

interactive services and information transmission services in the future. As data

compression techniques become more reliable and efficient, the potential service that can
be provided across broadband ISDN cables will be virtually unlimited. Many have

suggested that the future of broadband ISDN in Australia will be very similar to the

spread of ISDN in Japan and the United States. In Japan every metropolitan home is

connected to ISDN, and in terms of supply is considered much like the telephone network

in Australia. In Japan’s case the conversion from ISDN to B-ISDN will be easier than

Australia converting from PSTN to ISDN.

Unlike Japan, the average Australian home doesn’t have ISDN communication devices.

When broadband ISDN is laid and connected to the home, devices capable of using

services will need to be purchased and installed. In Japan however the hardware in the

home already exists to service current technologies transmitted in the future over

Broadband ISDN.

Another hurdle that Australia must overcome is the vast distances that need to be covered

in trying to lay broadband ISDN cables. As the cost of cabling is so high, and the

suburban culture of Australia results in increased distances between homes, far more

cable needs to be laid for the same service in other countries. The problem of distances

will be removed somewhat by the introduction of competition in the telecommunications

industry. As more providers enter the market, more cable will be laid, and thus more

homes will have the possibility of utilizing ISDN services.

Current Products:

A number of B-ISDN products have already started appearing in the market such as

Trillium’s (an Intel company) Broadband ISDN User Part (B-ISUP). The B-ISUP is a
portable software product that provides the basic and supplementary services for the

establishment, supervision and release of circuit switched and virtual network

connections for telecommunications services. The B-ISUP software supports the ITU-T

and the ATM forum variants of the protocol. The B-ISUP software provides the means

to:

• Establish, maintain and release calls and connections

• Detect and recover from errors

The B-ISUP software can be used by computer and communications equipment

manufacturers to speed time to market, lower the cost, and reduce the risk of developing

the B-ISUP protocol for their switch, adjunct processor, service platform, test equipment

or other products.

Hewlett-Packard also has published HP Broadband Series helps improve time-to market

(Literature 5964-9109E), a customer newsletter for current users of the industry-standard

HP E4200/E4210 a Broadband Series Test System and for ATM/B-ISDN developers. It

is intended to help users evolve with changing broadband and ATM technologies and

services. The HP Broadband Series Test System’s modular and scaleable test platform is

designed to support expansion to new technologies. This newsletter also allows users to

keep up-to-date on new products for the test system, the new test issues and new test

solutions. The HP Broadband Series Test System is used as an industry-standard test tool

to develop, trial and proof ATM/B-ISDN and MPEG-2. Reading about new applications

of the system will help users understand new issues and trends, tap into the full

capabilities of their units, simplify the testing process and identify tests that may help

solve implementation problems.

JTEC Pty Limited also has a product called the J7000 INTERXCHANGE. The J7000 is

the first product in the line of ATM-based solutions for broadband networks. The J7000

is an ATM-based broadband switch catering for multi-service network environments. It

provides the platform on which to take advantage of ATM technology, whilst providing

compatibility with existing applications and equipment.

The Cameron Communications Group that already have ISDN products like Tango

Telecom NT1’s, ISDN consoles and are also spending huge resources into developing B-

ISDN products.

The pilot B-ISDN commercial services are appearing. The Eurescom ATM Pilot Network

has been operational since mid-1994, providing trans-European ATM connections for

many research projects. The European Union’s RACE program has extensively

researched the basic B-ISDN technologies. It’s successor, the ACTS program, and also

the Trans-European Networks Program, are now beginning to integrate and prove the

results of RACE in user trials throughout Europe.

Conclusions:

Communications networks have gradually evolved towards the concept of the integration

of services. This coupled with advances in networking technologies has created the

possibility for the integrated networking of a wide range of services. The global

networking standards now point to B-ISDN, the universal network solution concept. This

has led to the development of the fast packet switching transfer mode ATM, which is

now accepted to be the optimum solution to B-ISDN. These technologies have provided

the chance for the realization of real-time broadband services, most notably video
networking. Coupled with this, advanced compression schemes to reduce the volume of

video data have been developed, and the MPEG systems have been adopted as the

standard. Moreover the B-ISDN is equally competitive when compared with other

broadband technologies such as xDSL and Cable net if it is attractively priced and

marketed. However it is to be noted that due to bureaucratic and other wrangling at the

ATM Forum it is still in a state of uncertain future giving it’s competitors an edge over it.

However the B-ISDN standards are largely ready, and B-ISDN (ATM) is emerging into

commercial service, catalyzed by the existence of broadband services such as Frame

Relay and DQDB (SMDS). Issues of harmonization of service definitions and inter-

operability between Public Network Operators have still to be resolved, but this will not

prevent global telecom operators from offering worldwide ATM services. There is a huge

potential demand due to ever more powerful LAN connected PCs running multi-media

applications. The growth rate will depend on the traffic levels set by the Public Network

Operators. Newly established network operators (e.g. Cable TV operators who are

allowed offer business telecom services) are offer able to tariff broadband services at

more attractive prices than old-established operators can, because the newer operators do

not have to recoup a large investment in narrowband technology. As with ISDN, the

availability of easy-to-use API’s that hide the complexity of the underlying

communications technology is crucial to user acceptance.

The ATM concept is flexible enough to accommodate MPEG compressed bit streams

efficiently, so making video transfer over networks feasible. Many video networking

services, including interactive services are planned. VOD (Video On Demand) is a

significant new service in which a lot of research has been placed, and which is
considered to be a realistic prospect of the not so distant future. All these developments

are set to revolutionize the communications arena. The technology is virtually

established. All that remains is for the social, economical and political forces to will this

into being.

Bibliography:

1) ISDN and Broadband ISDN with Frame Relay and ATM – William Stallings
2) Hewlett Packard Web Sources

3) Telstra Web Sources

4) Optus Web Sources

5) Trillium Web Sources

6) JTEC Pty Limited Web Sources

7) Fixed and Mobile Telecommunications: Networks, Systems, and Services. -- Jan

van Duuren, Peter Kastelein, Frits C. Schoute.

8) BBCC - http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/intro/21cent/kculture/bbcc_e.html

9) Cameron Communications Group Web Sources.

10) Web Sources for others like RACE program and ATM pilot projects.