Microprocessors for Data Communication
M. Agarwala · IETE Journal of Research · 1983
Starting from less than 1 lakh telephone lines in the country in 1947, we are now having nearly 30 lakh lines. In mid sixties, two important developments took place (i) introduction of subscriber trunk dailing service and (ii) introduction of telex network on a fully automatic basis. In the meantime extensive transmission networks comprising of coaxial cable systems, microwave systems and satellite stations have been constructed. Eighties is going to be a decade of large scale induction of electronics particularly digital switching. The thrust now is towards digitalisation of the network.The department has been trying to keep pace with the modern technology and provision of services available elsewhere in the world, subject of course to the serious constraints under which it has to operate. We have already entered the field of data communication service. To start with, a few dedicated circuits have been provided. The introduction of public switched telephone network (PSTN) for data is on the anvil. The circuit switched data network (CSDN) is in an experimental stage, utilising the electronic telex network. Serious consideration is being given to introduction of packet switched data network (PSDN).In the pursuit to bring in new technologies and new services, microprocessors are going to play a major role. These are characterized by less components, large scale use of integrated circuits and better MTBF. Microprocessors are going to find extensive applications in modems, data conversion equipment, multiplexers, protocol controllers, packet assembler/disassembler, packet switching etc.