IEEE Communications Magazine

The authors discuss work currently proceeding at Bell Communications Research in the field of novel high-speed data services and supporting network requirements. The service described herein, switched multimegabit data service (SMDS), is one that could be offered by carrier networks to meet emerging customer high-speed data needs. The authors provide an overview of the motivations behind the servi... View full abstract»

The differences between local area networks (LANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs) are outlined, and their impact on MAN standards is explored. The discussion covers IEEE P802's view of metropolitan area networks, MAN architecture, early proposals considered by the IEEE 802.6 committee, fiber optic proposals, and the emerging consensus. The need for field experience and the anticipated timet... View full abstract»

The authors discuss QPSX (queued packet and synchronous switch), a distributed switch/network that will fulfil the requirements of a public metropolitan area network (MAN) and has wide telephone industry support. The dual-bus architecture of QPSX and its extension, the looped-bus architecture, are described. The architecture of the public MAN is examined, particularly with respect to QPSX as a pro... View full abstract»

Recent progress in lightwave systems research is reviewed with special emphasis on high-bit-rate transmission over long distances. The limits imposed by the single-mode fiber as well as the relevant performance factors of lasers, modulators and detectors are discussed. Applications of these devices in the longhaul arena are considered. High-speed-systems experiments are described.<> View full abstract»