Without relying on mathematics, Access Networks: Technology and V5 Interfacing is the first book to present a unified view of network access technology and specifically V5, the global interface standard.

Introduction: Background. Structure of the Book. Advanced Copper Pair Technology: Background. Basic Digital Transmission. Pair Gain Systems. HDSL. ADSL and VDSL. Optical Fiber Technology: Background. Optical and Optoelectronic Components. Fiber Architectures. Duplexing and Multiplexing. Upgrading to Broadband. Common Fallacies. Advanced Optical Technology: Optical Amplifiers. Coherent Optical Systems. Distributed Switching and Optical Ether. The Limits to Optical Transmission. Soliton Techniques. Quantum Cryptography. Radio Access Technology: Recent Developments in Radio Systems. Cellular and Cordless Technology. Applications of Radio Technology in Access Networks. The Adoption of Radio Technology in the Access Network. The Powering of Access Networks: The Traditional Balance. Problems for New Technologies. Battery Backup. Remote Feeding. Local Powering. Alternatives to Battery Backup. ATM in the Access Network: An Overview of ATM. ATM on an Optical Access Network. Protocols for Multipoint ATM Operation. General Problems and Misconceptions. Deployment of ATM Access Networks. Services Supported by Access Networks: Simple Video Services. More Sophisticated Services. Teleaction Services. Social and Psychological Factors. V5 Interfaces and Architecture: The V5 Access Model. Services and User Ports. V5 Links and Timeslot Structure. Bearer Timeslots and V5 Traffic Capability. V5 Multiplexing and Message Formats: Physical Multiplexing. Frame and Message Level Multiplexing. Frame Layer Envelopes. Layer 3 Message Formats. Conventions Used for Identifying Messages. General Observations. ISDN Signaling and Multiplexing: The Frame-Relay Concept. The Debate Over ISDN Multiplexing. V5 Layer 2 Multiplexing for ISDN. ISDN Communication Paths and Channels. The Control Protocol: The Format of Control Messages. Port Control Messages. Common Control Messages. Concluding Remarks. The PSTN Protocol: The PSTN Problem. Basic Call Control Requirements. PSTN Stimuli and Information Elements. Call Control Messages. Example of the Use of the PSTN Protocol. The Bearer Channel Connection Protocol: Allocation, Concentration, and Reliability. Requirements for the BCC Protocol. Bearer Channel Connection Messages. The Link Control Protocol: Control of a Multi-Link Interface. Link Integrity Checking. Link Blocking and Unblocking. V5.2 Link Control Messages. Other Interfaces. The Protection Protocol: The Purpose of the Protection Protocol. Fundamentals of V5.2 Protection Switching. V5.2 Protection Protocol Messages. Generalization to Other Interfaces. The VB5 Interface. Concluding Remarks. Acronym List