Abstract

Telephone, telex and data networks today span the whole world and enable any parties to communicate with each other regardless of distance or time. In spite of their efficiency, these networks have one basic shortcoming: they are service-dedicated networks. A special terminal, a special network and a special service is required for each type of Information. The users of the communication networks, however, would like to be able to use all types of information in one session.

© 1987 Optical Society of America