This book investigates the foundational architecture and standardization processes required to transition telecommunications toward integrated broadband networks using Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). The authors, Manfred N. Huber and Rainer Handel, leverage their direct involvement in B-ISDN standards evolution to provide a technical overview of network integration. They present a framework for understanding how international standards govern the development of broadband systems and the specific role ATM plays as the underlying technology for B-ISDN.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the early development of broadband standards. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is tailored for professionals and students in electronic systems engineering.