Chapter 1
Introduction
An Overview of the BIPAC-2AB 2.0
What is ISDN?
ISDN is an abbreviation for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN
transfers information digitally and integrates all telecommunication services
(such as telephone, teletext, videotex, etc.) into a single network. Using
ISDN, you can transfer text, voice, data files, images, and even video.
Before the use of ISDN, telecommunications operated using analog devices,
which limited the quality of telecommunication transfers. With ISDN
technology, the telephone lines can transmit data digitally with much greater
speed and clarity of transmission than with analog transmissions. The ISDN
is capable of transmitting all kinds of information at greatly accelerated
rates. A typical modem transmission has a rate of 56Kbps (kilobits per
second or thousand bits per second). ISDN digital technology allows
transfer rates of up to 128Kbps.
Because ISDN transmits data digitally, the data is virtually error free, and
the transmission is much clearer, with fewer interruptions and slowdowns in
facsimile transmissions. With ISDN devices implemented throughout the
world, a truly digital network will emerge, allowing everyone fast and easy
access to the global information highway.