Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The development of low-cost digital integrated circuits has brought digital switching from a concept to an economic reality. Digital switching systems have now found worldwide acceptance and there are very few new switch­ ing systems being considered either for design or application which are not digital. Digital technology has created new opportunities for innovation including the integration of digital transmission and switching, the combi­ nation of voice and data services in one switching entity, and the design of switching systems which are economical over a broad range of sizes. In the strict sense, the term "digital switching" refers to a system which establishes a message channel between two terminations where infor­ mation is represented in digital form. In more common usage, a digital switch usually contains a time-divided network composed of logic gates and digital memory to accomplish the switching function. The intent of this book is to provide an introductory level explanation of the principles of digital switching. These principles apply to both public and PABX switching. The book is aimed at those who apply, design, main­ tain, or simply wish to understand digital switching techniques. An electri­ cal engineering degree is definitely not required for comprehension. We have concentrated on explaining digital switching techniques without the use of detailed mathematics. However, each chapter contains a comprehen­ sive list of references which will lead the reader to sources for a more in-depth study of the many subjects covered.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This collection of works prepared by several authors describes the techniques used by the telephone industry in voice and data switching. Since publication of the first edition (CH, Nov'83), significant improvements in digital switching technology and digital networks have been made, primarily because of improvements in semiconductor devices, fiber optics, and digital signal processing. This new edition emphasizes these advances by providing the latest information on fast packet switching and integrated services digital networks (ISDN), integrated systems that transmit, switch, and process all types of digital signals including voice, data, electronic mail, and high-speed facsimile. The book begins with an overview of the fundamentals that apply to any type of telephone switching system, including a mathematical description of signal traffic, random nature of service demands, congestion problems, and relative advantages of circuit and packet switching. Then follow detailed descriptions of the architectures and networks used for digital switching systems along with discussions on digital signal processing, analog and digital terminations, private branch exchanges (PBX), and local area networks (LAN). Each topic is self-contained. A glossary, an extensive bibliography, and review problems are included. This well-written and well-edited volume is recommended for libraries supporting graduate electrical engineering curricula. -F. A. Cassara, Polytechnic University