Circuit-switched service in broadband ISDN

The authors propose a framework for the specification of a circuit-switched class of service for broadband ISDN (integrated services digital network). It is argued that a well-defined, high-quality circuit-switching service is essential to broadband ISDN, whether the underlying technology is ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), STM, or anything else. The authors discuss the technical feasibility and format of definition for such a service. They also point out how a circuit-switched service class can ease compatibility questions for the introduction of ATM. It is concluded that such a service class is necessary to alleviate grade-of-service concerns for ATM networks.<>