ATM network evolution and requirements: an EURESCOM view

This paper describes, from a practical point of view, some of the main evolutionary aspects associated to the deployment of B-ISDN ATM networks in Europe. The contents are based on the results obtained from the work developed within EURESCOM projects P-302 and P515 in which fourteen European network operators have been involved. Three different stages are identified. The initial stage (stage l) corresponds to a network architecture that is able to offer the most basic service to be supplied by B-ISDN: the VP bearer service. Stages 2 and 3 make use of this VP cross connected network as an underlying platform to supply additional basic services and capabilities, including on demand VC connections.