CONFORMANCE TESTING SERVICES FOR THE ISDN BASIC ACCESS PROJECT

This paper gives an overview of the results of the CTS2 ISDN basic access project to date in those areas where BT is directly involved, i.e. layer I and D-channel layers 2 and 3 test service development. The project, which also includes B-channel layers 1 to 7 activities, is executed within the context of the conformance testing services (CTS) programme initiated by the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) in 1985. The aim of the project is the provision of conformance testing services for ISDN basic access terminals via harmonised testing laboratories. Whilst the immaturity of the base standards and the technical challenges associated with the development of some of the test platforms have made this project a difficult one, its collaborative and technical successes are unquestionable. It is anticipated that by the end of March 1993, harmonised testing services for D- and B-channel, layers 1-7, will be established across Europe, stimulating the ISDN service and the provision of terminals in the liberalised market.