Architecture of broad-band communications systems

Worldwide efforts are currently directed towards an integrated services broadband network. Various solutions regarding broadband network components such as subscriber premises networks, local loops, subscriber exchanges, and trunk networks are described. The design of these components was taken from various proposals and broadband communication field trials carried out in several countries upto 1984. The possibilities and implications of integrated optical components and of optical coherent communication techniques for broadband networks in the far future are also considered.