Black provides a detailed and complete guide to signaling in ATM networks, supported by many illustrative figures, tables, and examples of typical implementations. The book is a companion to volume 1, ATM: foundation for broadband networks [1]. It is devoted to detailed descriptions of signaling specification based on ATM Forum and ITU-T recommendations and on other published standards included in its comprehensive reference list.

The book begins with an overview of the main architectures. After introducing the concept of signaling systems, Black gives an overview of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Broadband ISDN (B-ISDN) architectures, followed by an overview of ATM and its layers. Black’s concise, easy-to-understand presentation of the material makes the book self-contained.

Chapter 4 introduces Signaling System 7 (SS7), the concepts behind its design, and its nodes. It also discusses SS7 topologies, link types, and the relationship between SS7 and the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. In chapter 5, addresses and identifiers used in broadband signaling networks are examined. The book includes a full survey of the identifiers and addresses used to recognize users and traffic, as well as management nodes.

Chapter 6 examines the signaling ATM adaptation layer and its sublayers, as well as the service-specific coordination function and the service-specific connection-oriented protocol. Chapter 7 covers the ATM signaling operations at the User Network Interface (UNI) in depth. A clear and concise explanation of how connections between users and ATM networks are set up on demand is included.

The B-ISDN User Part (B-ISUP) operations and message parameters are examined in chapter 8. Example B-ISUP operations are presented. Fields and timers are described in full.

Chapters 9 and 10 explain signaling operations between UNI and the network node interface (NNI) and how messages and parameters are connected across them. The Private Network-to-Network Interface specification is examined and analyzed in chapter 11.

Signaling is discussed at all protocol levels. The book includes many illustrations, tables, and a full catalog of typical error codes.

I recommend this book for network programmers, engineers, administrators, and researchers interested in the fundamental concepts of broadband signaling.