The integration of broadband services into ISDN requires that new switching and transmission facilities be introduced. This paper compares service requirements with the capabilities of different transfer principles.Synchronous and asynchronous transfer modes are discussed and the related network concepts are described, taking hybrid approaches into account. A broadband network architecture is presented in which hybrid switches play a major role. This paper concludes with a number of traffic engineering considerations which may have an impact on the discussion regarding transfer principles.
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