High speed networking evolution

The author describes the evolution of computer networks and the impact of the very-high-speed, very-low-bit-error-rate transmission media. Some of the new high-speed switched services that will likely be offered by the communications carriers in the US in the next few years are discussed. The focus is on the wide area network (WAN) environment. The current US communications environment is described. The advent of private high-speed networks is explained and the impact of cheap Tl links on classic networking products is shown. A description of some of the high-bandwidth drivers is given, as well as the new services considered by the carriers, such as switched multimegabit data service (SMDS) and switched high-speed links.<>