Unlike other technical books on ISDN, this book informs the reader about the crucial components and the cost of bringing ISDN services to the home or office. It is aimed at the general public and, as such, reflects tremendous effort on the part of the authors to downplay technical jargon in order to make the material more readable.

The book has three parts. Part 1, with four chapters, presents the underlying terms and concepts that constitute ISDN and explains them. It begins with a discussion of the basics of digital and analog communication, then delves into the transmission structures, interfaces, and protocols that make ISDN possible. The implemented ISDN protocols are discussed in comparison to the OSI Reference Model. A comprehensive overview of the technical aspects and requirements associated with ISDN is presented with reference to the current state of communications and data processing technology.

Part 2 has five chapters that explain the varied and numerous hardware and software tools that are currently available for personal computers. The reader is led to examine his or her ISDN hardware and software needs, and is then introduced to the different kinds of available hardware and software that might be used to establish a connection between a personal computer or a small network and an Internet service provider using ISDN. Various offerings from several vendors are listed and their functionality is discussed.

Part 3 consists of six chapters. It discusses what is needed to have ISDN service installed in the home or office. Although the authors favor using a consultant’s services, they walk the reader through the ordering and installation processes. One chapter discusses the steps and requirements for a home installation, and another chapter repeats the ideas but elaborates them to a small-office installation. The authors then provide some common ISDN troubleshooting approaches, tactics, techniques, and tips for resolving unforeseen ISDN obstacles. The last chapter presents common questions and answers on ISDN subjects, which the authors culled from the frequently asked questions (FAQs) of several ISDN newsgroups and mailing lists.

There are three appendices. The first is on ISDN dialtone service providers, the second lists ISDN vendor information, and the third presents and discusses an ISDN bibliography and list of online resources. A glossary of terms and acronyms is followed by an index. The book is excellent reading for anyone who wants to use ISDN to link to a network.