ISDN and the digital satellite revolution

The greatly increased capacity and capabilities of terrestrial fibre networks, current and future satellites bring forth key issues relative to ISDN and other advanced communications concepts. This paper explores a brief history of the development and characteristics of both satellite and fibre, together with a description of advanced satellite concepts. Key advantages and disadvantages of satellites are described and related to future communications environments. These analyses are then discussed relative to their impact and implications on the design and operation of ISDN networks.