Dynamically Adaptable Multiservice System

DAMS-2 - 2146

Keywords multimedia communications systems, voice/data integration, IBCN

Start Date: 01-APR-89 / Duration: 42 months

Objectives and Approach

DAMS-2 aimed to develop an advanced communication system capability addressing the needs of the private communications market. It built on the result of project 1059- DAMS1.

At present, the vast majority of voice and data services are catered for by separate networks employing either circuit- or packet-switched techniques. The main objective of DAMS was to address the problems associated with integrating these services within the business environment. DAMS provides both time-dependent voice and time-independent data services in a fully integrated and cost-effective system matching near-term customer requirements. It implemented and validated the system concepts outlined by DAMS-1 and will also identified the migratory paths necessary to support the new services which will become available in the longer term. DAMS-2 has been based on and complies with international standards.

The private communications market has traditionally been the driving force for the introduction of new services and facilities. DAMS was seen as the next evolutionary step necessary to meet the considerable demand identified for advanced multimedia services which cannot readily or easily be accommodated by current systems, but which will be required before the eventual introduction of the Integrated Broadband Communications Network (IBCN) in the second half of the 90s.

Flexibility has been a major concern in the specification of the system. DAMS has been designed around a modular architecture incorporating a variable number of subsystems connected to a high-speed backbone ring. This allows DAMS to interface to other existing LANs so that customers will not waste their initial investment in these systems while still being able to take advantage of new service developments. Dynamic allocation allows efficient use of the bandwidth and hence efficient system performance. In the course of the project current ATM (Asynchronous Transmission Mode) developments were considered including aspects of switching, signalling and management.

Major aspects of the work were directed towards the construction of a feasibility prototype for demonstration on a test-site.

Progress and Results

The demonstrator provided sufficient infrastructure, software support and experiences so that concepts could be validated for product development.

Exploitation

The consortium has identified the following areas of industrial interest:

ISPBX/ISLAN: The main outcome of the project were proven for the realisation of an integrated system on which the participating companies can base the next generation of office communications products. Investigations by a marketing subcontractor showed that there would be a considerable demand for such a system both in Europe and elsewhere in the very near future. Some of the partners already started product developments.
Hardware Components: Based on the experience of prototype component design, basic hardware components in various areas may be realised in appropriate integration technology. Examples are components for fast switching applications and peripheral chips in the port units.
Multiservice Terminals: The project supports and hence promotes the introduction and further penetration of multiservice terminals in Europe. Terminal manufacturing companies will be encouraged to introduce novel terminals supporting voice, video and data applications which can be supported by a DAMS system. Some of the participating companies are engaged in developments projects in this area. This further provides a means for accelerating the introduction and acceptance of the next generation of IBCN-compatible services and systems.

CONTACT POINT

Dr D. Wybranietz
TELENORMA Gmbh
Kleyerstr. 94
D - 60277 FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN
tel: + 49/ 69-7505-3609
fax: + 49/ 69-7505-3315
telex: 413217 / 411141

Participants

TN TELENORMA - D - C
BNR EUROPE LTD - UK - P
JS TELECOM - F - P
INESC - P - A
UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID - E - A
L-CUBE INFORMATION SYSTEMS SA - GR - A

DAMS-2 - 2146, December 1993

please address enquiries to the ESPRIT Information Desk

html version of synopsis by Nick Cook