Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a set of digital transmission protocols accepted as a standard by communications carriers worldwide, has a large installed base in Europe and a growing market in North America. The current interest in ISDN reflects a demand for Internet access and for telecommuting, that is, sharing documents, transferring large files, or attending videoconferences via remote access to local area networks.

This book gives a broad overview of ISDN, beginning with the basics. It explains in simple terms what ISDN does and how to get connected to it. All of the jargon is clearly defined, and worksheets are provided to help readers decide whether ISDN is right for them. Practical tips and warnings are sprinkled throughout the chapters. All information is presented in staccato form, highly compressed and sometimes in lists. No relevant topics are left untouched, but neither are any topics described in much depth. The book reads like an extended high-level briefing from an expert on the subject.

The two chapters on videoconferencing illustrate the tone of the book. They contain extended tables of vendors, complete with phone numbers and Web addresses. They also contain tables and descriptions of all applicable video teleconferencing standards, so readers can conduct informed conversations with vendors.

No technical background is required to read this book. It should be useful to managers or decision makers who are dealing with a wide range of ISDN issues.