High speed data communication is widely seen as one of the main driving forces towards broadband networks. Local Area Networks (LAN) are commonly used and the next generation of LANs, the Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) are in the introductory phase. To serve short-term communication demands, the use of MANs is also planned in the public network. Broadband ISDN (BISDN), where first trials are expected within the next few years, will offer ideal means to interconnect both, LANs as well as MANS without any restrictions in dis-
tance.This paper presents the evolutionary path for the interconnection of data communication systems (based on LANs) first via MAN and later on (as soon as available) via the BISDN. As the BISDN aims at the integration of a conne~ti~nles~ service with connection-oriented services, a smooth evolution can be expected. MANs emerge for these services to become a part of the BISDN, maintaining the already installed equipment.
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