Frame relaying as a common access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN data services

Widespread use of personal computers (PCs) and PC networks is leading to a strongly increased demand for WAN data services in terms of number of accesses and required bandwidth. Narrowband ISDN (N-ISDN) and broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) have the potential to satisfy, respectively, the existing and developing requirements. However, a flexible evolution path needs to be identified for the provision of ISDN access facilities. Frame relaying and frame switching are prime candidates for such a common access facility, although not necessarily intrinsic B-ISDN data services. The article gives an overview of frame relaying and frame switching as possible candidates for harmonized access to N-ISDN and B-ISDN. Pre-ISDN, N-ISDN, and B-ISDN services with their characteristics in terms of cost and performance are first described. It is shown how frame relaying and switching are positioned with respect to the identified service requirements. Then some examples are given of selected scenarios, and the role played by specifically frame relaying to provide access to B-ISDN services, offering at the same time a seamless evolutionary path from N-ISDN to B-ISDN. The position of frame relaying and switching is discussed first in respect to application requirements, and then in architectural terms. Frame relay (and frame switching) services are then identified as services that provide the necessary low threshold and short lead time for rapid market penetration, in order to allow applications to indirectly take advantage of the benefits of ATM services.<>