An Idea Turns Into Reality--CCITT Activities on the way to ISDN

This paper traces, in broad terms, how the idea of integration of telecommunication services into one network has evolved in the CCITT. A brief overview of existing telecommunication networks is followed by a review of CCITT activities from 1968 to 1980. It had become evident by 1968 that digital technology would not be restricted to transmission only, but would also intrude into switching, signaling, and the terminal field. The CCITT acknowledged this tendency by setting up a Special Study Group entrusted with the study of all questions related to PCM and the coordination of work going on in other Study Groups in the digital field. By 1980 the first ISDN Recommendation (G. 705) was agreed upon, and activities during 1980-1984, when the ISDN took shape, are related in some detail. The structure of the I-Series Recommendations, all relevant to ISDN matters, is described.