BUILDING BROADBAND NETWORKS phần 2 pot

In addition, theITU-T H.323 Recommendation establishes a framework for enabling point-to-point,point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint videoconferences that functionindependent

FIGURE 1.6 The addition of a video server and array to an in-place ISDN network to support additional applications.

Ethernet Ethernet

Primary Rate Interface T1

ISDN Router

Primary Rate Interface T1

Router

Array

Video Server

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

for enabling multimedia services via LANs (Local Area Networks) based on nologies such as ISDN that do not provision QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees.ITU-T H.323-compliant terminals can support any combination of data, video, andvoice traffic ranging from a single person-to-person voice-only call to multipartymultimedia interactive videoconferences.

tech-Moreover, the ITU-T H.323 Recommendation describes packet telephony tecture and protocols that facilitate call signaling, call management, and call control.Compression and decompression algorithms and functions supported by the ITU-TH.323 Recommendation are also clarified in the ITU-T G.711 and ITU-T G.729Recommendations

archi-ITU-T H.323 services support RTP/RTCP (Real-Time Protocol/Real-Time trol Protocol) for video and audio signal management, synchronization of video andaudio streams, and transmission of real-time content H.323-compatible serviceswork in concert with RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol) for provisioning ded-icated bandwidth to specified applications

Con-The ITU-T H.323 Recommendation establishes a foundation for multicast vices and bandwidth management to enable seamless traffic flows In addition, theITU-T H.323 Recommendation establishes a framework for enabling point-to-point,point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint videoconferences that functionindependently of in-place network operating systems and hardware configurations.ITU-T H.323-compliant solutions support tele-education, room-based and desktopvideoconferencing, workgroup computing, electronic whiteboarding applications, IPtelephony or voice-over-IP (VoIP), and interactive teleshopping services

ser-1.11.1.4 ITU-T T.120 Recommendation

The ITU-T T.120 Recommendation provisions a scalable and extendible frameworkfor multipoint data communications services that operate in interactive multimediavideoconferencing environments This Recommendation also complements the ITU-

T H.323 Recommendation and enables streaming voice and video transmission andmultimedia applications such as videoconferences, teleseminars, teleworkshops,teletraining sessions, and simulations In addition, the ITU-T T.120 Recommendationdescribes procedures for distributing IP multicasts; defines methods for secure trans-missions that operate in concert with ISDN, PSTN, ATM, and Frame Relay (FR)solutions; and specifies procedures for data and file exchange and transmission ofstill images

1.11.1.5 ITU-T I-Series of Recommendations

The ITU-T I.100-Series of Recommendations clarify fundamental ISDN principlesand concepts The ITU-T I.200-Series of Recommendations reference telecommu-nications services supported by ISDN The ITU-T I.300-Series of Recommendationsdescribes ISDN-based network functions, performance objectives, network proto-cols, and numbering and addressing principles The ITU-T I.400-Series of Recom-mendations indicates attributes of ISDN User-to-Network Interfaces (UNIs)

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

The ITU-T I-Series of Recommendations also refers to Recommendations inthe ITU-T V-Series, the ITU-T G-Series, and the ITU-T Q-Series that affect ISDNdeployment The ITU-T V-Series of Recommendations address issues associatedwith the provision of data communications and message handling services via thePSTN The ITU-T G-Series of Recommendations clarifies processes relating totelephone connections and transmission systems The ITU-T Q-Series of Recom-mendations specifies switching and signaling functions.

1.11.2 E UROPEAN ISDN U SERS F ORUM (EIUF)

Regarded as the counterpart to the North American ISDN Users Forum, the EuropeanISDN Users Forum (EIUF) encourages utilization of standardized EuroISDN imple-mentations by every member state in the European Union EuroISDN offers BRI (BasicRate Interface) and PRI (Primary Rate Interface) services, and supports supplementaryapplications that include caller ID, direct dialing, and terminal portability EuroISDNalso facilitates utilization of standardized network services and applications Prior toEuroISDN implementation, proprietary European ISDN installations were incapable ofsupporting interoperable applications and transborder services

The European ISDN Users Forum (EIUF) encourages EuroISDN deploymentthroughout member states in the European Union Created by the European Com-mission (EC) in 1990, the EIUF establishes testbeds for assessment of EuroISDNapplications and services prior to full-scale implementation EIUF also sponsors theBIRD (Better Infrastructure for Rural Development) initiative This project demon-strates the economic and practical value of providing EuroISDN services in remotecommunities EIUF works in concert with the European Telecommunications Stan-dards Institute (ETSI) in fostering implementation of EuroISDN-compliant productsand services

1.12 ISDN SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS

ISDN is no longer regarded as a universal network solution However, ISDN nology continues to overcome physical and electrical local loop impairments, therebyenabling additional bandwidth capacity for accessing multimedia services at thecustomer premise To encourage widespread ISDN utilization, vendors, standardsorganizations, and user groups promote routine deployment of AO/DI (AlwaysOn/Dynamic ISDN), CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) Diagnostics, and ISI(Initialization Simplification Initiative) service enhancements

tech-1.12.1 A LWAYS O N /D YNAMIC ISDN (AO/DI)

1.12.1.1 AO/DI Functions

Always On/Dynamic ISDN (AO/DI) refers to network applications that utilize theISDN D (Delta) Channel for X.25 packet data service and maintain always-onconnectivity between the communications carrier and the ISDN subscriber With an

AO/DI constant virtual connection, ISDN enables low-bandwidth transmissions atspeeds up to 9.6 Kbps.

When additional bandwidth is required to support information access and ery, AO/DI automatically provisions use of the B (Bearer) Channel to supportnetwork operations at 64 Kbps With two B Channels, ISDN enables rates reaching

deliv-128 Kbps without compression and rates up to 512 Kbps with compression Whenextra bandwidth is no longer required, one or both of the B Channels are droppedfrom the connection The D Channel remains in place for packet-switched services

1.12.1.2 AO/DI Supporters

In the United States, AO/DI implementations are supported by ATF (Access ogies Forum) members that include Ascend, Cisco Systems, 3Com, and Microsoft.National ISDN Council participants such as Ameritech, Verizon, BellSouth, and SBC(Southwestern Bell and Pacific Bell) endorse AO/DI functions as well

Technol-Participants in the European AO/DI Interest Group include Deutsche Telekom,France Telecom, Swiss Telecom, TeleDanmark, BT (British Telecom), Telia, andTelenor Organized in 1999, the European AO/DI Interest Group participates in theGlobal ISDN Industry Forum (GIIF) The GIIF promotes EuroISDN implementation

by each member state in the European Union

1.12.2 C USTOMER P REMISE E QUIPMENT (CPE) D IAGNOSTICS

CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) Diagnostics is a program for monitoring ISDNoperations in subscriber equipment CPE loopback, fault management, and statemanagement tests aid in the identification and correction of equipment problems atthe subscriber premise that adversely impact ISDN performance

1.12.3 I NITIALIZATION S IMPLIFICATION I NITIATIVE (ISI)

To facilitate ISDN implementation, the Initialization Simplification Initiative (ISI)provides mechanisms for automating ISDN installation procedures A component

of the ISI, autoSPID (Automatic Service Profile Identifier) enables automatic SPIDdetection by the communications carrier AutoSPID eliminates the tedious and time-consuming process of providing detailed ISDN information by the subscriber to thecommunications carrier Generic SPIDs are also in development to further streamlinethe initialization process

1.13 ISDN MARKETPLACE

Regional ISDN communications providers and interexchange carriers in the UnitedStates include AT&T, Ameritech, Verizon, BellSouth, GTE, SBC, Sprint, Southwest-ern Bell, and U.S West ISDN is available worldwide in countries that include theUnited Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands,Israel, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, and Japan (See Figure 1.7.)

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

FIGURE 1.7 A NSP (Network Service Provider) ISDN solution provisioning data center, proxy-caching, and security services for campus and SOHO

subscribers Supports remote access via a network hub/modem bank.

T1 or BRI

SNMP Manager distributed T1s

Frame Relay

PSTN Analog

Data Center

Sniffer Server

m onitoring/analysis Network Management Campus User

Modem

Analog

Laptop with internal modem

Mobile User

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

1.13.1 S IEMENS

Available from Siemens, the Optiset series of ISDN desktop terminals is equippedwith snap-in Terminal Adapter (TA) modules for interlinking multiple analogdevices Optiset ISDN desktop terminals also support a TA for MPD (Multi-PurposeData) to facilitate access to Web resources at rates up to 115.2 Kbps In addition toprovisioning cost-effective ISDN services, the Optiset series of desktop terminalsstreamlines the ISDN implementation process at the customer premise by eliminatingthe need for every ISDN device to be equipped with an interface and an application-specific TA

1.13.2 T ELCORDIA T ECHNOLOGIES

As a service to ISDN equipment manufacturers, Telcordia conducts a series of tests

to verify the capabilities of standards-compliant ISDN customer premise devicessuch as modems, phones, multiport LAN bridges or routers, and TAs and softwareproducts

1.14 ISDN COMPETITOR TECHNOLOGIES

1.14.1 B ROADBAND R ESIDENTIAL A CCESS S OLUTIONS

Demand for fast access to the Web contributes to the popularity of wireline andwireless broadband residential access solutions based on cable modem, LMDS(Local Multipoint Distribution System), MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint DistributionSystem), and DSL technologies As with ISDN implementations, these competitorsolutions provide dependable connections to voice, video, and data services via thelocal loop or the first mile between the subscriber premise and the local telephoneexchange

B-ISDN (B ROADBAND -ISDN) I NSTALLATIONS

ISDN is the core N-ISDN (Narrowband-ISDN) technology ATM is the core B-ISDNtechnology In comparison to ATM implementations, ISDN deployments are limited

in enabling access to high-performance Web-based multimedia applications over, ISDN is viewed as an interim step in the evolution to multi-service, high-speed,and high-capacity boradband networks ISDN is also regarded as an outmodednetwork technology without much promise for the future

More-Nonetheless, as demonstrated by the initiatives that follow, ISDN solutionscontinue to support current and emergent applications in sectors that include edu-cation, medicine, and business ISDN videoconferences interlink geographicallydispersed individuals in virtual classes for enabling interactive tele-instruction, tele-training sessions, and telecollaborative workgroup activities in public and privateK–12 (Kindergarten through Grade 12) schools and post-secondary institutions.Moreover, ISDN technology also supports teleconsultations, telesurgery, and virtualgrand rounds in the field of telemedicine

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

1.15 UNITED STATES (U.S.) ISDN TELE-EDUCATION INITIATIVES

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1997 encouraged renewedinterest in ISDN implementation in the educational sector with the endorsement ofthe E-Rate (Education-Rate) program The E-Rate program enables K–12 publicand private schools and libraries following federal guidelines to receive significantdiscounts on telecommunications equipment, services, and deployments

Despite the soaring popularity and availability of broadband networking solutions,ISDN continues to accommodate a diverse range of tele-education requirements ISDNfacilitates implementation of innovative networking configurations such as virtualschools, virtual libraries, virtual universities, and virtual communities In school anduniversity venues, ISDN telecommuting initiatives enable institutional administratorsand staff to effectively balance work and home responsibilities Because ISDN deploy-ments also support flexible class scheduling, telecollaboration among peers, telemen-toring after class hours and on weekends, and Web exploration, students and facultybenefit from ISDN solutions as well In addition, ISDN distance education implemen-tations foster collaborative teleprojects between schools, school districts, and post-secondary institutions such as community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.The following national and international initiatives demonstrate ISDN capabil-ities in enabling communications between students, subject experts, tutors, teachers,and administrators These deployments also illustrate ISDN functionality in fosteringdevelopment of global classrooms Capabilities of ISDN videoconferencing in pro-moting student achievement, professional development, and curricular enrichmentare demonstrated in these initiatives as well

As noted, the appeal of ISDN is its ability to optimize capabilities of in-placetwisted copper pair wiring that also supports PSTN services By enabling video,still image, audio, and data transmission via twisted copper pair connections, ISDNdependably fosters access to tele-education applications such as desktop videocon-ferencing and Web browsing via the local loop

1.15.1 U NITED S TATES G OVERNMENT

1.15.1.1 U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Rural Utilities Services (RUS)

Tele-education applications and programs sponsored by the U.S Department ofAgriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Services (RUS) enable rural residents to accessWeb resources in libraries, museums, training centers, and vocational schoolsthroughout the country via technologies that include ISDN ISDN distance learningprojects supported by the USDA RUS provision access to K–12 activities andenrichment teleclasses, vocational teletraining sessions, and college degree and adulteducation telecourses and teleworkshops

1.15.2 A LABAMA

1.15.2.1 Huntsville School System

ISDN facilitates a variety of administrative functions in the telelearning environment,including physical security and video surveillance At the Huntsville School System,

an ISDN configuration supports transmission of video images from remote cameras

at more than 40 public schools to a centralized facility for review by system personnelmonitoring the safety of the campus community and the security of on-site facilities

1.15.3 C ALIFORNIA

1.15.3.1 Statewide Tele-education Initiative

In 1994, Pacific Bell, now known as SBC Communications, initiated a $100 millionprogram called Education First to promote the installation of four ISDN lines inevery public school, library, and community college in the State of California ISDNservices were designed to enable voice, video, and data distribution, and therebysupport curricular enhancement and enrichment After providing free installation ofISDN lines and service for one year, Pacific Bell supported a flat-rate pricing planfor ISDN utilization by Education First sites Pacific Bell also provisioned PRIservices in larger library systems and school districts

Discontinued in the late 1990s, the Education First Program helped teachers,librarians, principals, and administrators effectively use the in-place ISDN telecom-munications infrastructure in fostering access to tele-education applications Tofacilitate effective videoconferencing deployment, the Education First Program sup-ported Web access to ISDN videoconferencing resources, tutorials, and teachingguides In addition, the Education First Program provided Web links to instructionalstrategies for helping librarians and educators plan, organize, conduct, and evaluateISDN videoconferences Schools, libraries, community colleges, and communityorganizations throughout California that used ISDN videoconferences for tele-edu-cation projects were also identified Although the Education First Program wasterminated, schools and school districts throughout California continue to use ISDNsolutions

As an example, the Colton, Chico, Fresno, San Francisco, and Santa Ana UnifiedSchool Districts implement ISDN solutions for enabling access to teleclassroomactivities, Web resources, and interactive tele-instruction programs, and supportingadministrative and technical services such as inventory control In addition, ISDNalso facilitates e-mail exchange and desktop publishing and provisions links toattendance records, student transcripts, and administrative policies and reports

1.15.3.2 Butte College

Butte College uses ISDN technology for facilitating access to library resources andinteractive videoconferencing sessions between students at distant locations andfaculty in classrooms on the main campus Students working full-time participate

in ISDN videoconferencing sessions at home or in the workplace

1.15.3.3 Los Angeles Harbor and West Valley Community Colleges

At the Los Angeles Harbor and the West Valley Community Colleges, ISDN supportsteletraining and teleconferencing sessions and enables place-bound students toaccess diverse tele-education courses and programs

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

1.15.3.4 Mendocino Unified School District

The Mendocino Unified School District employs an ISDN platform to inform dents about career opportunities in technology This platform supports access toapplications that enable students to develop skills in communications, problemsolving, critical thinking, and information literacy In addition, ISDN-based video-conferencing enables students to study real-world issues with their peers at remotelocations and experts in the field During these interactive videoconferences, Men-docino students learn to justify positions, ask critical questions, and draw conclusionsbased on the information presented

stu-ISDN-based videoconferences also support virtual explorations beyond the fines of the school setting As an example, Mendocino Middle School students metvirtually with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) scientists at

con-a remote loccon-ation con-and pcon-articipcon-ated in con-a virtucon-al tour of con-a spcon-ace shuttle mockup TheMendocino Unified School District also owns and operates the ISDN-supportedMendocino Community Network

1.15.3.5 Pasadena and Sacramento Public Libraries

Library patrons and local residents utilize ISDN teleservices at the Pasadena andSacramento Public Libraries for Web browsing, searching reference indexes, andaccessing electronic library (E-library) digital resources

1.15.4 F LORIDA

1.15.4.1 Broward County School District

The Broward County School District employs an ISDN network that interlinksdistrict high schools and supports interactive videoconferencing sessions, team-teaching, in-service training, and expanded course offerings The Broward CountySchool District ISDN configuration also enables high school students to participate

in special programs and tele-enrichment activities and enroll in virtual classes sored by local community colleges Moreover, high school teachers participate inreal-time ISDN-supported administrative telemeetings, teleworkshops, and telesym-posia via the Broward County School District ISDN implementation

spon-1.15.4.2 Florida International University (FIU)

The Florida International University (FIU) Career Planning and Placement Centeruses ISDN to support tele-interviews between upcoming graduates and prospectiveemployers throughout the United States

1.15.4.3 Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Regardless of location, working professionals enrolled in advanced degree programs infields that include education, public health, and pharmacy at Nova Southeastern Uni-versity (NSU) participate in ISDN-supported interactive graduate class telesessions,teleworkshops, and videoconferences with peers, subject experts, and NSU professors

1.15.5 I LLINOIS

1.15.5.1 North Suburban Higher Education Consortium (NSHEC)

The North Suburban Higher Education Consortium (NSHEC) sponsors implementation

of an ISDN interactive videoconferencing network for high schools, hospitals, researchlaboratories, community colleges, and universities in the Northern Chicago suburbs

1.15.5.2 Northwestern University

Northwestern University uses ISDN technology to link videoconferencing facilities

at its Evanston and Chicago campuses for supporting interactive telecourse sessions,videoconferences, and telecollaborative research projects The ISDN facilities alsointeroperate with NSHEC ISDN videoconferencing installations

1.15.6 I NDIANA

1.15.6.1 Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications System (IHETS)

The Multicampus Technology Project sponsored by the Indiana Higher EducationTelecommunications System (IHETS) supports ISDN videoconferences betweenIndiana University campus sites This ISDN configuration enables interactive virtualclasses and telecollaborative research projects

1.15.6.2 Notre Dame University

The University of Notre Dame at South Bend employs a mixture of T-1 and ISDNtechnologies for interactive videoconferencing and distance education course deliv-ery in graduate programs in business and management to off-campus students.Transmission rates at 384 Kbps are supported

1.15.7 K ANSAS

1.15.7.1 Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) employs ISDN point-to-multipoint ences for real-time tele-instruction The FHSU ISDN configuration also enablesconnections to the Kansas University Medical Center, Wichita State University, theState Board of Education, and the High Southwest Plains Network for supportingteleseminars and curricular enhancement programs Additionally, FHSU participates

videoconfer-in the A+ network This network employs ATM technology for enablvideoconfer-ing high-speed,high-capacity voice, video, and data transmission via optical fiber links

1.15.8.1 Dexter Community Schools and MichNet (Michigan Network)

Dexter Community Schools use ISDN technology for interlinking community schoolsites to MichNet (Michigan Network) A statewide educational and research network

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

for academic institutions, MichNet provisions access to Web applications, digitallibrary resources maintained by state-supported research universities, and electroniclibrary records documenting holdings at local public libraries.

1.15.9 M ISSISSIPPI

1.15.9.1 Mid-Mississippi Delta Consortium

The Mid-Mississippi Delta Consortium uses ISDN videoconferences to compensatefor teacher shortages and enrich learning opportunities for homebound, at-risk, andunderserved students and residents in rural Washington, Humphreys, Leflore, andGolivar Counties In addition, this Consortium utilizes the Mississippi EducationalTelevision (ETV) Network for provisioning access to courses in fine arts, languagearts, mathematics, social studies, science, and foreign languages

1.15.9.2 Mississippi–Alabama School District Consortium

Sponsored by Jefferson and Green Counties in Mississippi and Sumpter County inAlabama, the Mississippi–Alabama School District Consortium utilizes an ISDNconfiguration to facilitate interactive videoconferencing, tele-instruction, and curric-ular enrichment This configuration also provisions access to lifelong telelearningprograms Designed for rural schools and isolated communities, this ISDN initiativeovercomes barriers to learning associated with the geographic isolation

1.15.10 N EW Y ORK

1.15.10.1 Long Island Educational Enterprise Zone (LIEEZ)

The Long Island Educational Enterprise Zone (LIEEZ) is a consortium of publicand private schools in Suffolk and Nassau Counties LIEEZ employs an ISDNinfrastructure to enable the participation of school library media specialists in tele-workshops This infrastructure also provisions access to multimedia resources andNASA tele-education programs, and enables interactive videoconferencing betweendirectors at major art museums and students and their teachers in school classrooms

1.15.10.2 New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)

ISDN videoconferences are powerful complements to on-site instruction As anexample, the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) employs ISDN as a platformfor provisioning interactive videoconferencing sessions between classes at the NYITcampus and subject experts at sites in Korea, Taiwan, and Chile

1.15.10.3 New York University

At the New York University Virtual College, students working at their own pace useISDN connections to submit coursework online to instructors at a variety of locationsand virtually access multimedia course-related materials and video-on-demand(VOD) programs at their convenience

1.15.11 N ORTH C AROLINA

1.15.11.1 Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University delivers interactive ISDN videoconferences, shops, and tele-education courses to high school students at public schools in thewestern part of the state Appalachian State University also provides E-learning(electronic learning) opportunities at ISDN sites statewide for graduate and under-graduate students in the field of teacher education

telework-1.15.12 R HODE I SLAND

1.15.12.1 Brown University

The Brown University Computer and Information Services Department provides nical support for ISDN videoconferences between the campus studio in Providence andsubject experts at national and remote locations As an example, ISDN facilitatestelecollaborative research, formal presentations, and interactive question-and-answersessions between faculty and students at Brown University and NASA scientists andengineers Rates at 384 Kbps are supported Moreover, the in-place ISDN infrastruc-ture provides low-cost connections for enabling telecollaborative research applica-tions between faculty and students at the Brown University campus and scientists

tech-at the Institute for Space Research, a research center affilitech-ated with the RussianAcademy of Sciences in Moscow

1.15.13 T ENNESSEE

1.15.13.1 DIANE (Diversified Information and Assistance Network)

Tennessee State University sponsors an innovative distance learning configurationcalled the Diversified Information and Assistance Network (DIANE) Project DIANEemploys a mix of ISDN and ATM technologies for interlinking schools, universities,museums, libraries, and community centers in Tennessee, Alabama, and Maryland.Project DIANE participants include K–12 teachers and their students, librarians,guidance and business counselors, disadvantaged youth, inner-city community res-idents, senior citizens, and the hearing impaired

In addition to provisioning access to tele-education programs and Web resources,Project DIANE supports telelectures and teleworkshops on senior healthcare, interactivetelefield trips, online library reference services, faculty teleresearch, and student telet-utorials Moreover, Project DIANE facilitates collaborative initiatives between businessdevelopment agencies, educational institutions, and community service organizations

1.15.14 T EXAS

1.15.14.1 City of Houston School District

The City of Houston School District employs an ISDN configuration for enablingdistrict teachers to access digitized student records and monitor student progress

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

This network also enables students in schools with class sizes that do not justifysalaries for on-site instructors to participate in virtual Advanced Placement (AP)classes.

1.15.15.1 K–20 Educational Telecommunications Network

The K–20 Educational Telecommunications Network in the State of Washingtonemploys ISDN and satellite technologies for supporting curricular enrichment atpublic primary and secondary schools and post-secondary institutions Addition-ally, this network interconnects community and technical colleges, regional edu-cation service districts, and libraries to the State of Washington IntergovernmentalNetwork

1.15.15.2 University of Washington

The University of Washington promotes ISDN deployment in schools in the greaterSeattle area for enabling K–12 students and their teachers to participate in the Livefrom Earth and Mars initiative sponsored by NASA This initiative supports real-time videoconferencing and dissemination of curricular modules and resources asso-ciated with space exploration, meteorology, the space sciences, and mathematics

1.15.16.1 Nicolet Distance Education Network (NDEN)

The Nicolet Distance Education Network (NDEN) supports interactive ISDN cations and services for K–8 and K–12 rural school districts, the Nicolet AreaTechnical College, and the Stone Lake Native American Reservation In addition,NDEN enables rural residents to access job teletraining sessions and personal enrich-ment courses Schools in Vilas, Iron, Oneida, Forest, Rusk, Florence, and LincolnCounties in Northeastern Wisconsin offer NDEN tele-education programs

appli-NDEN also facilitates interactive teleconferences between students and theirteachers and subject experts, and delivery of high school physics, calculus, andanalytical geometry telecourses to local schools Students are required to completethese courses in order to graduate from high school However, these subjects are nottaught in traditional classrooms as a consequence of low enrollments and fiscalconstraints

1.15.16.2 University of Wisconsin–Extension Educational

Telecommunications Network

Developed by the University of Wisconsin–Extension Educational tions Network, ISDN configurations provision access to teletutorials for athleticteams on the road and delivery of tele-education programs to private colleges andbusinesses The University of Wisconsin–Extension Educational and Telecommuni-cations Network also supports teleconsultations between university hospital personnel

Telecommunica-and incarcerated offenders in an initiative that provides delivery of low-cost care services to local prisoners.

health-The University of Wisconsin–Extension Instructional Communications Systemsschedules videoconferences at university venues, government offices, and state facil-ities to enable staff and administrators to participate in lifelong learning programsand college credit courses Video quality reflects the speed at which the video istransported via the ISDN configuration In addition to ISDN, Switched 56 servicesare also available

1.15.17.1 Natrona County School District

Located in Casper, the Natrona County School District employs a mix of ogies including dedicated T-1 lines and ISDN technology for enabling high schoolstudents and their teachers to participate in collaborative educational programs such

technol-as the SAXophone (Students All Over the World Exchanging Over Phone) initiative.Sponsored by Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the SAXophone initiative alsoenables high school students to participate collaboratively in interactive videocon-ferences and teleprojects and supports virtual field trips, virtual musical concerts,and virtual class sessions

1.16 INTERNATIONAL ISDN TELE-EDUCATION INITIATIVES 1.16.1 A USTRALIA

1.16.1.1 South Australia Tele-Learning Consortium

The South Australia Tele-Learning Consortium employs ISDN videoconferencingfor supporting interactive class sessions in accounting, foreign languages, law, tour-ism, business, and automotive studies Between 15 and 25 students participate inclass sessions that are held in rural community centers

1.16.2 F INLAND

1.16.2.1 Helsinki University of Technology

The Helsinki University of Technology utilizes a EuroISDN platform for ing interactive videoconferences, telelectures, distance learning activities, teletrain-ing services in programs leading to a Master’s of Science Degree, and telecourses

provision-in environmental management and foreign languages

to-multipoint videoconferencing configuration for interlinking Japanese teachers andtheir students in virtual classroom environments.

1.16.4 U NITED K INGDOM

1.16.4.1 National Council for Educational Technology (NCET)

Sponsored by the National Council for Educational Technology (NCET), the WhitbyProject evaluates capabilities of EuroISDN videoconferences in supporting interac-tive instructional telesessions and team teaching initiatives in schools in NorthYorkshire In another NCET initiative, the Whitby Primary VideoconferencingProject employs EuroISDN videoconferences for enabling students in primaryschools in North Yorkshire to become proficient in conversational French by partic-ipating in real-time interactive teleclasses with their peers attending primary schools

in France Also an NCET initiative, the Libraries of the Future Project supportsEuroISDN deployment in academic libraries for enabling library patrons to accessdigital information resources

1.16.4.2 Project Connect

Project Connect employs EuroISDN technology for interconnecting primary andsecondary schools to Internet resources via the Joint Academic Network (JANET)and its successor the Super Joint Academic Network (SuperJANET) Now in Phase

4, SuperJANET is a high-speed, high-performance research and education networkthat enables research centers, K–12 schools, and post-secondary institutions through-out the United Kingdom to access multimedia applications and services

1.16.4.3 University of Exeter

A participant in the JANET and the SuperJANET initiatives, the University of Exeteremploys the EuroISDN platform to deliver tele-education courses in foreign lan-guages, teletutorials, interactive videoconferences, and teletraining sessions to stu-dents in the workplace

of Ireland and Hokaido University in Japan

1.17 EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC) TRANS-EUROPEAN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (TEN-Telecom)

PROGRAM

Sponsored by the European Commission (EC), the Trans-European cations Network (TEN-Telecom) Program provisioned an array of telecommunica-tions initiatives in fields that included transportation, the environment, and health-care Operational between June 1997 and December 2001, TEN-Telecom telematicsprojects in tele-education enabled lifelong learners, business executives, agriculturalworkers, and K–12 and post-secondary students, faculty, staff, and administrators toaccess teletraining and tele-education courses at home, in school venues, and at theworkplace Communications carriers, service providers, public authorities, and educa-tional institutions supported TEN-Telecom initiatives Representative TEN-Telecomimplementations that employed EuroISDN for teletraining and telelearning are high-lighted in this section

Telecommuni-1.17.1 A DVANCED S OFTWARE FOR T EACHING AND E VALUATION

OF P ROCESSES (ASTEP)

ASTEP supported development of self-paced course modules featuring video, audio,text, and animation in job teletraining sessions that were distributed via theEuroISDN infrastructure In addition, ASTEP used the EuroISDN platform forprovisioning access to tele-education courses, teletutorials, videoconferencing, andtelesymposia Participants included employees in the manufacturing sector In addi-tion, West Lothian College and Buskerud College took part in this initiative

1.17.2 D YNAMIC A WARENESS R AISING P ROCESS R EGARDING T ELEMATICS

IN THE F RAMEWORK OF N ATURA (DART)

The DART initiative used an EuroISDN platform for provisioning access to education programs, telecourses, and teletraining applications Designed for studentsenrolled in agriculture and veterinary medicine programs, the DART project alsopromoted development of a Virtual University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

tele-1.17.3 E XTRANET E DUCATION (EXE)

Based on an EuroISDN infrastructure, the EXE initiative fostered utilization of anextranet for training teachers to effectively employ new technologies in support ofclassroom activities Educators in Bologna, Barcelona, and London accessed EXE

to participate in interactive videoconferencing and telecollaborative sessions

1.17.4 H ARMONIZED A CCESS AND R ETRIEVAL FOR M USIC O RIENTED N ETWORK

I NFORMATION C ONCERTED A CTION (HARMONICA)

The HARMONICA initiative supported access to digitized music resources rangingfrom symphonic, operatic, and concert recordings to collections of sheet music via

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

the EuroISDN infrastructure Participants included the National Library of Franceand the Music Information Center in Denmark.

1.17.5 S TUDENTS A CROSS E UROPE L ANGUAGE N ETWORK (SAELN)

The SAELN project employed EuroISDN for enabling videoconferences in European virtual classroom environments Students developed language skills inGerman, French, Spanish, and English through interactive conversations with theirpeers in member states throughout the European Union

trans-1.18 VIRTUAL COMMUNITY NETWORKS

Virtual community networks varying in size, scope, and sophistication appear withincreasing frequency on the Web These virtual networks correspond to actual physicalcommunities and support online data interchange, diverse telecollaborative applica-tions, and timely and economical access to vast reservoirs of electronic resources.Their proliferation is made possible by a convergence of ongoing technical advances

in telecommunications, multimedia, and computer hardware and software As cated in the initiatives that follow, ISDN supports collaborative networking amongparticipants in Web-based virtual community networks and provisions access to awide range of tele-activities, tele-applications, and teleservices

indi-1.18.1 I LLINOIS

1.18.1.1 Champaign County Network (CCNet)

Champaign County Network (CCNet) employs a mix of communications technologies,including POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and ISDN, to facilitate videoconferenc-ing and dependable exchange of images and large data files among local businesses,libraries, and government agencies CCNet also provisions access to Internet servicesfor students and faculty at local schools and post-secondary educational institutions.Community residents participating in CCNet Task Forces on Education, Healthcare,Agribusiness, Small Businesses, and Libraries guide CCNet development

1.18.2 V IRGINIA

1.18.2.1 Blacksburg Electronic Village (BEV)

One of the first virtual community networks in the United States, Blacksburg tronic Village (BEV) employs an array of network technologies, including ISDN,Ethernet, and ATM Entities such as businesses, public schools, and local publiclibraries in Blacksburg and Montgomery County take part in the BEV initiative TheBEV Web site features online surveys and opinion polls for school renovations androad construction and contains online referendums for electing local civic leaders.BEV also supports access to e-mail accounts, listservs, and chat rooms, and featurescollections of online resources in disciplines such as engineering, computer science,philosophy and ethics, psychology, and political science

Elec-Designed to foster local economic development and civic participation, burg Electronic Village maintains a storefront office for user registration Connec-tivity to BEV is available at the regional public library School libraries in Mont-gomery County enable access to Web resources via BEV connections as well.BEV provides training, documentation, and technical assistance to local residentsthrough videoconferencing, teletutorials, and online help sessions, and builds com-munity support and participation by demonstrating the practical benefits of Webservices and applications Moreover, BEV sponsors teleseminars for teachers, med-ical professionals, and corporate employees Researchers associated with the BEVinitiative develop approaches for leveraging collaborative networking services tosupport instructional enhancement and promote development of virtual schools thateffectively function within electronic villages.

Blacks-Established as a partnership between the Town of Blacksburg, Verizon, andVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), BEV also solicitsthe participation of businesses, schools, public libraries, museums, community non-profit organizations, and government agencies as information providers BEV ser-vices were initiated in 1993 In 1994, ISDN and Ethernet network connectionsbecame available Currently, BEV belongs to the New Century CommunicationsNetwork, Inc., a consortium that supports implementation of next-generation edu-cational networking solutions in schools, colleges, universities, and local businesses

1.19 U.S TELEMEDICINE INITIATIVES

An increasingly popular solution for telehealthcare delivery around the globe, medicine provisions access to telehealthcare resources and medical services andsupports voice, video, and data transmission from one location to another locationvia a telecommunications infrastructure that features technologies such as ISDN andATM Moreover, telemedicine initiatives foster access to continuing tele-educationand teletraining courses for physicians, nurses, and clinical staff

tele-An ISDN infrastructure supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and point-to-multipoint interactive telemedicine videoconferences and transmissions atrates ranging from 64 Kbps to 1.544 Mbps (T-1) and higher, depending on thenumbers of ISDN lines and types of applications that are employed In addition toISDN and ATM, cable modem, DSL, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernetalso enable access to telemedicine services and initiatives

multi-ISDN-based telemedicine applications and projects accommodate the needs of

a diverse population As an example, these initiatives enable medical students ing at remote healthcare centers to participate virtually in interactive clinical video-conferences with medical specialists at major teaching hospitals

work-1.19.1 U.S F EDERAL G OVERNMENT

1.19.1.1 U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Rural Utilities Services (RUS)

Funding for rural telehealth initiatives employing an ISDN infrastructure is sioned by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Services

provi-© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

(RUS) USDA RUS sponsors ISDN telemedicine projects that enable residents inrural communities to access the same quality of education and healthcare servicesthat are available to individuals in major cities across the United States For example,ISDN-based telemedicine links facilitate teleconsultations between patients and theirprimary care physicians at rural hospitals and isolated medical clinics and medicalspecialists at major metropolitan medical centers.

USDA RUS also supports ISDN tele-education initiatives for enabling remoteclinicians to participate in medical staff training sessions, delivering continuingeducation programs to patients and their caregivers, and provisioning advancedcertification courses for healthcare personnel and public safety officials USDA RUSencourages rural institutions such as libraries, schools, hospitals, and healthcareclinics to form partnerships with their metropolitan counterparts to support imple-mentation of sophisticated telemedicine applications and services As noted, USDARUS also provisions distance education services in order to expand educational andoccupational opportunities available to residents at far-flung locations

1.19.2 U.S A RMED F ORCES

1.19.2.1 Fort Gordon Teledentistry Initiative

At Fort Gordon, dental personnel take part in teledentistry trials that involve zation of intra-oral video cameras and videoconferencing equipment for increasingthe quality of dental treatment provisioned to soldiers in the field This infrastructureconsists of a hybrid network that employs INMARSAT (International MaritimeSatellite) services and ISDN technology In addition, this mixed-mode satellite andISDN platform enables transmission of continuing education courses to professionaldentists and dental assistants at rates reaching 128 Kbps

utili-1.19.3 A RKANSAS

1.19.3.1 Arkansas Rural Medlink (ARM) Consortium

Consisting of medical professionals and staff at five hospitals, the ARM (ArkansasRural Medlink) Consortium provisions healthcare services to rural residents in theArkansas Delta region The ARM Consortium also sponsors interactive videocon-ferences between medical specialists at the University of Arkansas and generalpractitioners at rural medical clinics via ISDN connections In addition, the ARMISDN platform enables community outreach telehealthcare programs and delivery

of continuing education telecourses to nurses and paraprofessional medical personnel

1.19.4 C ALIFORNIA

1.19.4.1 Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Situated in Los Angeles County, the Charles R Drew University of Medicine andScience sponsors local tele-ophthalmology clinics for individuals in underservedcommunities where on-site physicians are not available Each clinic uses ISDN links

for enabling transmission of text, still images, video, and voice signals at 128 Kbpsand higher rates.

1.19.5 I LLINOIS

1.19.5.1 Children’s Memorial Hospital

A hybrid satellite and ISDN platform that enables transmission rates at 384 Kbpslinks cardiologists at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and cardiologists atAghia Sophia Hospital in Athens, Greece This ISDN platform enables interactivevideoconferencing, teleconsultations, and telediagnoses of complex heart problems

in children In addition, ISDN connections support links between Children’s rial Hospital and rural community hospitals for enabling teleradiology teleconsul-tations between hospital radiologists and remote primary care physicians

1.19.6.1 Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium (MRTC)

The Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium (MRTC) employs ISDN for enablinginteractive videoconferences and supporting implementation of teleradiology andtelepathology applications This ISDN system facilitates teleconsultations betweenmedical specialists in dermatology, mental health, neurology, and orthopedics onstaff at major urban hospitals and patients at primary healthcare clinics and long-term nursing facilities in remote locations In addition, the ISDN infrastructureenables hospital staff and medical professionals in rural communities to participate

in distance learning programs and professional enrichment teleseminars The MercyHospital Medical Center, Mercy Health Services, and the North Iowa Mercy HealthCenter participate in MRTC activities

1.19.6.2 University of Iowa

In the telehealth and tele-education domain, the University of Iowa supports ISDNdelivery of continuing education courses in telemedicine, nursing, biomedical engi-neering, health informatics, and library and information sciences to primary carephysicians at remote locations The University of Iowa also uses an ISDN platformfor enabling students at outlying sites to enroll in a distance education programprovisioning Physician Assistant (PA) certification

1.19.6.3 University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (UIHC) and the Iowa

Communications Network (ICN)

The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (UIHC) provisions delivery of healthcare services to patients and their caregivers in rural communities statewidevia the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) ISDN platform The ICN configura-tion also employs ISDN for distribution of educational programming to K–12 schoolsand public and private colleges and universities, telecourse delivery, and telecollab-orative research initiatives

tele-© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

In addition, the ICN ISDN platform facilitates real-time videoconferencingamong physicians at rural hospitals and clinics in Iowa with staff physicians at theUIHC The ICN ISDN platform at the UIHC also supports telepsychiatry, teleradi-ology, and telecardiology services and teleconsultations in orthopedics, dermatology,and internal medicine for treating Iowa residents at underserved rural locations.Moreover, the ICN ISDN configuration facilitates teleconsultations in pediatricechocardiology and psychology, provisions interactive genetic counseling services,and enables individuals with diabetes to access online healthcare resources.Medical practitioners on staff at the UIHC conduct ISDN teleconsultations viathe ICN platform with prisoners at the Iowa State Penitentiary and correctionalfacilities This program eliminates costs associated with transporting prisoners tomedical clinics and potential risks to patients and their families at public healthcarefacilities where inmates are treated.

The UIHC initiated an ISDN ResourceLink networking project for provisioninghome healthcare assistance to patients in Little Rock, Sheldon, Davenport, CedarRapids, Independence, Olin, Urbandale, Little Sioux, and Council Bluffs Throughthe ISDN-supported Healthnet and the Virtual Hospital Program, the UIHC enablespatients, caregivers, and medical practitioners to access current and authoritativedigital library resources

As a participant in the National Library of Medicine Rural Medicine Program,the UIHC employs the ICN ISDN infrastructure for interactive videoconferencing.This platform supports dependable data, video, and voice delivery to at least onePoint of Presence (PoP) in each county in the state

In addition to ongoing support of ISDN, the ICN currently employs a SONET(Synchronous Optical Network) fiber-optic dual-ring configuration and Ethernet, T-

1, and Frame Relay (FR) technologies The UIHC also broadcasts telemedicineprograms on public television networks and cable network systems via satelliteuplinks Mixed-mode satellite and ISDN connections enable medical students andmedical specialists on staff at the UIHC, West Virginia University, and the KamedaMedical Center in Japan to participate in interactive videoconferences Approachesfor enabling migration from the ICN ISDN platform to an ATM infrastructure areunder consideration

1.19.7 M ISSISSIPPI

1.19.7.1 Delta Rural Health Network (DRHN)

The Delta Rural Health Network (DRHN) consists of small independent rural pitals situated in Humphreys, Montgomery, Yazoo, Sunflower, and TallahatchieCounties The DRHN supports ISDN teleconsultations between hospital-based med-ical specialists and primary care physicians for enabling treatment of patients inrural intensive care and pediatric acute care facilities The DRHN also uses ISDNtechnology to provision interactive geriatric psychological counseling service andsupport an ISDN teleradiology network

hos-1.19.8 M ONTANA

1.19.8.1 Regional Health Information Network (RHIN)

The Regional Health Information Network (RHIN) operates an ISDN telemedicinenetwork that enables teleradiology and teleconsultations Participants include med-ical specialists on staff at regional hospitals and general practitioners provisioningon-site healthcare treatment to underserved and aging patients at St Joseph Hos-pital and the Arlee Family Medical Clinic on the Flathead Indian Reservation inWestern Montana Additionally, the RHIN platform enables general practitioners

at rural locations to access telemedicine courses and programs via the ISDNinfrastructure

1.19.9 P ENNSYLVANIA

1.19.9.1 Children’s Telemedicine Network

The Children’s Telemedicine Network supports ISDN videoconferences betweenprimary care physicians at regional hospitals in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio,and Northern West Virginia and specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.This network also enables teleconsultations between emergency room physiciansand medical specialists and delivery of tele-education courses to healthcare profes-sionals in rural Western Pennsylvania

1.19.9.2 Geisinger Healthcare System

The Geisinger Healthcare System sponsors a telemedicine project between theDepartment of Emergency Medicine at the Bucktail Medical Center in Renovo andthe Department of Emergency Medicine at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing ISDN connections for enablinginteractive videoconferencing between medical experts and primary care physiciansprovisioning treatment and trauma care to patients in hospital emergency rooms(ERs) Transmission rates at 384 Kbps are supported

1.19.9.3 Pennsylvania (PA) HealthNet

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the PA HealthNet projectemploys ISDN, satellite, T-1, and Frame Relay technologies for interlinking ruralphysicians and their patients at remote locations with medical specialists at urbanhospitals and university medical schools ISDN videoconferences support telecon-sultations in cardiology, dermatology, pediatric neurology, and nephrology In addi-tion, satellite systems broadcast Grand Rounds originating from the University ofPittsburgh Medical Center and a nurse midwifery program originating from theUniversity of Pennsylvania Medical Center to medical practitioners in real-time atdistant locations

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

1.19.9.4 University of Pennsylvania Medical Center

The Department of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Centeremploys a mixed-mode network configuration that includes satellite and ISDNtechnologies to support teleradiology projects This configuration also enables tele-consultations between medical specialists associated with the TeleQuest Teleradiol-ogy Consortium in Horsham and primary care physicians at the Allentown Osteo-pathic Medical Center

1.19.9.5 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center utilizes an ISDN configuration tofacilitate teleconsultations between hospital-based radiologists and primary carephysicians at rural locations In addition, specialists at the University of PittsburghMedical Center assist primary care physicians providing emergency medical treat-ment to patients at community hospitals in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvaniavia ISDN videoconferencing configurations

1.19.10 T EXAS

1.19.10.1 Sam Houston University (SHU)

Sam Houston University (SHU) operates an ISDN network called RESNET dential Network) for provisioning teleservices to residents on the Alabama-CoushattaAmerican Indian Tribal Reservation outside Houston RESNET also supports inter-active teleconsultations between SHU medical specialists and primary care physi-cians and their patients on the tribal reservation In addition to facilitating access tohealthcare services, RESNET delivers distance education classes to students in threerural school districts

(Resi-1.19.10.2 University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) employs an ISDN infrastructurefor enabling real-time videoconferences and teleconsultations between specialists aturban hospital Emergency Rooms and primary healthcare providers treating patients

at rural trauma centers This infrastructure also supports delivery of healthcaretreatment to individuals working at offshore gas and oil facilities

1.19.11.1 Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC) and the University

of Vermont College of Medicine (UVM)

Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC), the largest tertiary healthcare center and ing hospital in Vermont, and the University of Vermont College of Medicine (UVM)sponsor joint ISDN telemedicine programs that support interactive videoconferences,teleradiology applications, and teleconsultations in emergency medicine, vascular

teach-surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, and nephrology The ISDN infrastructure alsofacilitates delivery of distance education telecourses and teleprograms originating

at UVM to FAHC pharmacists, nurses, and laboratory technicians on the FAHCBurlington campus at rates reaching 384 Kbps The FAHC Burlington campusfeatures ISDN installations in the main auditorium, conference rooms, the emergencyroom, the radiology and pathology clinics, and the endoscopy and angiographysuites FAHC and UVM also participate in a regional ISDN telemedicine networkcalled VTMEDNET (Vermont Medical Network) VTMEDNET provisions telemed-icine services to patients in Vermont and upstate New York

In 1999, FAHC and UVM conducted the VTMEDNETPLUS initiative.VTMEDNETPLUS participants included Hanoi Medical College, Hanoi area hos-pitals, UVM, FAHC, the Canton-Potsdam Hospital in New York, and the GeorgeWashington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C

VTMEDNETPLUS supported implementation of a Virtual Wide Area Network(VWAN) that employed global ISDN services for enabling primary care physicians,medical specialists, medical students, and faculty at participating institutions to takepart in real-time videoconferences, teleconsultations, medical teletraining sessions,and tele-education symposia Uplift International, a humanitarian organization pro-moting the advancement of healthcare and medical education in Asia, provided technicalassistance for VTMEDNETPLUS participants at Vietnamese medical facilities

1.19.12 V IRGINIA

1.19.12.1 University of Virginia (UVA)

The University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Telemedicine provisions encing services at rates reaching 384 Kbps via an ISDN platform that supportstelecollaborative activities at campus locations including the Camp Heart Audito-rium, the Telemedicine Command Center, and the Urology Conference Room TheUVA Office of Telemedicine also supports utilization of a sophisticated diagnosticstethoscope that transmits heart sounds via ISDN connections for enabling UVApediatric cardiologists to listen to a full range of audio frequencies and accuratelydiagnose heart murmurs in children at remote locations In addition, the UVA ISDNconfiguration facilitates teleconsultations between UVA physicians and inmates atlocal jails

videoconfer-1.20 INTERNATIONAL TELEMEDICINE INITIATIVES

1.20.1.1 Canadian Rural Medicine Network (CARMEN)

The Canadian Rural Medicine Network (CARMEN) ISDN infrastructure supportsinteractive videoconferences and teleradiology teleconsultations between radiolo-gists at metropolitan hospitals and primary care physicians at rural clinics TheCARMEN ISDN platform also enables transmission of patient x-rays and CAT

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

(Computerized Axial Tomography) scans from rural clinics to major urban hospitalsfor enabling telediagnoses and determining treatment plans.

1.20.1.2 Quebec Interregional Telemedicine Network

The Quebec Interregional Telemedicine Network evaluates the medical and economicimpacts of telemedicine on continuing medical education and healthcare delivery ser-vices This ISDN network supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint videoconferencing to enable teleconsultations, telediagnoses, and inter-national staff meetings between medical healthcare professionals at university teachinghospitals in Montreal and their peers at the Cochin Hospital in Paris In addition, theISDN infrastructure enables real-time digitized ultrasound imaging transmission at 512Kbps Research studies documenting the financial benefits of telemedicine and itscapabilities in supporting on-site clinical treatment are also conducted

1.20.1.3 Telemedicine Centre of Newfoundland

The Telemedicine Centre of Newfoundland provides affordable healthcare services

to remote communities via communications networks based on technologies thatinclude ISDN Established in 1976, the Telemedicine Centre of Newfoundland isthe oldest continuously operational telemedicine center in the world

1.20.2.1 Telemedicine Department in Northern Norway

The Norwegian Telemedicine Department in Northern Norway enables delivery ofclinical telemedicine services to isolated populations Specialists routinely conductteleconsultations with primary care physicians via EuroISDN videoconferencingsystems Rates at 384 Kbps are supported

1.20.3 U NITED K INGDOM

1.20.3.1 University College London (UCL)

The University College London (UCL) sponsors a EuroISDN network tion to interlink medical schools throughout the European Union This WAN (WideArea Network) supports the telecollaborative participation of students, faculty, andmedical specialists in virtual classes and virtual clinics ATM utilization as a replace-ment for EuroISDN is under consideration

implementa-1.21 EUROPEAN COMMISSION TELEMATICS

APPLICATIONS PROGRAM (EC-TAP)

TELEMEDICINE PROJECTS

Projects in the healthcare domain sponsored by the European Commission ics Applications Program (EC-TAP) are highlighted in the material that follows

Telemat-1.21.1 D IAB C ARE Q-N ET

The DiabCare Q-Net project enabled patients with diabetic retinopathy to ipate in interactive videoconferences with medical specialists at urban hospitals,receive quality healthcare treatment, and access healthcare resources via theEuroISDN network platform Participants included the World Health Organization(WHO), the Technical University of Ilmenau, Tromso University, and StavingerTechnical College

partic-1.21.2 E UROPEAN P ATHOLOGY A SSISTED BY T ELEMATICS

FOR H EALTH (EUROPATH)

The EUROPATH initiative employed a combined Ethernet and EuroISDN ture for enabling teleconsultations between pathologists at university medical centersand medical practitioners at private laboratories and district hospitals Participantsincluded the Universities of Edinburgh and Oxford and the Nijmegen Faculty ofMedical Sciences

infrastruc-1.21.3 H OME R EHABILITATION T REATMENT -D IALYSIS (HOMER-D)

The HOMER-D initiative supported utilization of the EuroISDN platform forremotely monitoring isolated patients in end-stage renal failure who were in need

of uninterrupted and continuous home dialysis This platform also enabled interactivevideoconferences between medical specialists at metropolitan hospitals and caregiv-ers provisioning home healthcare treatment Project sponsors included the University

of Athens and York District Hospital

1.21.4 T RAVEL H EALTH I NFORMATION N ETWORK (THIN)

Designed for travel agents and their clients, the THIN initiative employed a hybridEuroISDN and ATM infrastructure for provisioning access to current data on healthrisks and epidemics Participants included the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicineand the Swiss Tropical Institute

1.22 EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC) ELECTRONIC COMMERCE (E-COMMERCE) INITIATIVES

A major enabler of telemedicine, tele-education, and job training, EuroISDN alsosupports teleworking in SOHO venues through its dependable delivery of digitizedvoice, video, and data services Sponsored by the European Commission, tele-working initiatives demonstrated EuroISDN capabilities in provisioning network-ing services for small- and medium-sized enterprises EuroISDN initiatives sup-ported by the European Commission also enabled an assessment of E-commercecapabilities in facilitating an array of online activities between virtual buyers andvirtual sellers in the global marketplace Representative EuroISDN projects in theE-commerce sector sponsored by the European Commission are highlighted inthis section

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

1.22.1 A N ETWORK OF S MALL –M EDIUM E NTERPRISE N ETWORKS

U SING T ELEMATICS (AGORA)

AGORA was a multilingual initiative that supported interactive videoconferencing,remote file access, groupware applications, and information transport via the EuroISDNplatform The AGORA Web site included online resources on market opportunities,teletraining programs, and descriptions for using information technology (IT) in busi-ness transactions Participants in this business network included artists, farmers, andsmall business owners Local Chambers of Commerce, municipal agencies, and researchorganizations took part in AGORA teleservices and tele-applications as well

1.22.2 A DVANCING R URAL I NFORMATION N ETWORKS (ARIN)

The ARIN initiative delivered information services and E-business programs via theEuroISDN platform to homebound students in rural Northwestern England and CentralFinland Local schools, colleges, and businesses took part in ARIN-supported activ-ities In addition to EuroISDN, ARIN also provided DSL service

1.22.3 A QUATIC R ESEARCH I NSTITUTIONS FOR THE D EVELOPMENT

OF U SER -F RIENDLY A PPLICATIONS IN T ELEMATICS (AQUARIUS)

The AQUARIUS project promoted the utilization of diverse telecommunicationstechnologies to increase market competitiveness in the aquaculture sector EuroISDNand cable modem networks were among the technologies employed by AQUARIUSfor providing access to tele-instruction courses, teletraining sessions, teleseminars,and telesymposia Participants included aquaculture students and professors, andfish farmers working in small- and medium-sized enterprises

1.22.4 O NLINE T RANSACTION D ATABANK OF A GRICULTURAL , W OOD ,

AND B REEDING P RODUCTS (AGRELMA)

The AGRELMA initiative employed the EuroISDN platform for enabling tural producers and livestock breeders to interact virtually with traders and repre-sentatives of processing industries and explore firsthand E-commerce capabilities,benefits, and constraints

agricul-1.22.5 T ELELOPOLIS

Based on the EuroISDN infrastructure, the TELELOPOLIS initiative supporteddevelopment of a commercial framework for implementation of Web-based virtualbusinesses The TELELOPOLIS project also facilitated electronic marketing ofvirtual goods and services and online trading Guidelines for central billing, sitesecurity, and revenue sharing were developed Tactics for ensuring compliance withnational tax and commerce regulations were explored Security mechanisms forsafeguarding electronic payments were also examined

1.23 EUROPEAN COMMISSION ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES (EC-ACTS) PROGRAM

Operational between 1994 and 1998, the European Commission Advanced nications Technologies and Services (EC-ACTS) Program supported EuroISDN-based research projects Representative EC-ACTS initiatives in the EuroISDN arenaare highlighted in this section

Commu-1.23.1 R ECONSTRUCTION USING L ASER AND V IDEO (RESOLV)

The RESOLV project employed EuroISDN and ATM technologies to promote theuse of VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) for enabling the telecollaborativedevelopment of realistic three-dimensional (3-D) models of buildings and housinginteriors slated for reconstruction

1.23.2 S CALABLE A RCHITECTURES WITH H ARDWARE E XTENSIONS

FOR L OW -B IT R ATE V ARIABLE B ANDWIDTH R EAL -T IME

V IDEOCOMMUNICATIONS (SCALAR)

The SCALAR project utilized scalable architectures that worked in concert withEuroISDN and the PSTN to support interactive videoconferences The SCALAR plat-form enabled delivery of tele-instruction to individuals in remote communities in North-ern Sweden and provided forest surveillance and fire-detection services in Portugal

1.23.3 T EAM -B ASED E UROPEAN A UTOMOTIVE M ANUFACTURE (TEAM)

U SER T RIALS

The TEAM initiative promoted virtual teamworking and telecollaboration amongworkers in the European Union automotive manufacturing sector via a hybridEuroISDN and ATM infrastructure Trials in the United Kingdom and Italy evaluatedcapabilities of network applications and the effectiveness of EuroISDN and ATMperformance The Berlin University of Technology and the University of Warwickparticipated in this initiative

1.24 ISDN IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS

Strengthened demand for ISDN services in the tele-education domain reflects theincreasing availability of ISDN fixed-rate fees for monthly service and the prolifer-ation of affordable products and equipment Current and emergent video, audio, anddata applications require more bandwidth than the analog telephone network canprovide Modems that support transmissions over the PSTN typically support trans-mission at rates of 14.4, 28.8, or optimally 56 Kbps By contrast, a single ISDN BChannel supports transmission at 64 Kbps (DS-0)

With the advent of ATM and Gigabit Ethernet, ISDN is no longer viewed as apanacea for provisioning universal services at the highest possible speed Rather,

© 2002 by CRC Press LLC

the attraction of ISDN is based on its ability to facilitate dependable connectivityvia the PSTN infrastructure for enabling interactive videoconferences and provision-ing access to Web-based resources.

In the distance education domain, interactive ISDN videoconferences provideincreased educational opportunities for students in remote or isolated communitiesand save commuting time and expenses for faculty Moreover, an ISDN infrastructureenables educational institutions to offer a broad array of tele-education courses anddegree programs to students regardless of location and deliver telecourses to diversepopulations in support of lifelong learning In addition to the technical features andfunctions of ISDN videoconferencing systems, factors that impact the effectiveness

of ISDN videoconferences in the tele-education environment include the size andcomposition of the learner group and telecollaborative activities employed to enrichthe learning experience

Despite competition from broadband residential wireline and wireless ing solutions, ISDN remains a viable solution for supporting a broad spectrum ofapplications in schools and universities In assessing the workability of ISDN imple-mentations, specific goals and expectations for ISDN deployment should be clarified,user participation in evaluating ISDN benefits and drawbacks should be encouraged,and the advantages and limitations of ISDN usage in terms of institutional missionshould be determined

network-A feasibility study can establish with greater accuracy the capabilities of ISDN

in accommodating institutional requirements On the basis of the outcomes, a mination can be made to implement ISDN or investigate another communicationssolution If the decision is made to go forward with ISDN, a RFP (Request forProposal) can be distributed to communications carriers and Network Service Pro-viders (NSPs) Another option is outsourcing or establishing a contract with anoutside vendor for planning, designing, and implementing an ISDN solution.Successful transition to ISDN technology in K–12 schools and post-secondaryinstitutions requires development of ISDN telelearning networks for maximizingstudent motivation, problem-solving skills, and accomplishments Effective ISDNdeployment depends on its capabilities in facilitating exploratory learning and knowl-edge-building competencies, focused research and quality education, and instruc-tional creativity and innovation

deter-1.25 SUMMARY

In this chapter, ISDN technical features, functions, capabilities, and enhancementsare reviewed ISDN initiatives in sectors that include tele-education, telebusiness,and telemedicine are described ISDN support of virtual community networks isexplored As noted, ISDN enables faster connection rates than POTS (Plain OldTelephone Service) over twisted-pair copper lines ISDN technology promotes enter-prisewide network interconnectivity; LAN, MAN, and WAN deployments; anddependable access to intranets, extranets, and the Internet Because ISDN systemswork over regular phonelines, special wiring is not necessary However, installation

of additional equipment at the customer premise is required ISDN standards are

subject to diverse interpretations Generally, UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) supportsresidential links over the local loop to the local telephone exchange, and STP(Shielded Twisted Pair) enables business connections to the local telephoneexchange.

It is important to note that ISDN standards are subject to diverse interpretations

As a consequence, ISDN equipment from multiple vendors is not always interoperable.ISDN provides a migration path to high-speed, high-performance ATM networks.However, as a consequence of its slow start and piecemeal acceptance, ISDN is some-times viewed as a transitory solution In addition to ATM, ISDN competes with resi-dential broadband wireline and wireless solutions such as Ethernet, DSL, cable modem,LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System), MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Dis-tribution System), and VSAT (Virtual Satellite Aperture Terminal) implementations.Despite the lack of universal ISDN services and ongoing problems with deter-mining the availability of ISDN services and applications, ISDN technology enablesbasic and sophisticated applications and promotes creation of dynamic and interac-tive virtual communities and tele-education, telebusiness, and telemedicine environ-ments ISDN is an enabler of telementoring, real-time interaction with subject experts

at remote locations, bulk file transfer, and multimedia services and applications.Successful implementation of ISDN applications requires an understanding of net-working trends and developments, an analysis of specifications and requirements,clearly articulated policies and procedures, management commitment, training ses-sions, and dependable and reliable technical support and assistance

1.26 SELECTED WEB SITES

Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) ATIS-Sponsored Committees and Forums: Overview