Future prospects for networking in the United States

When considering networks on the basis of geographical scope (i.e., local to wide area networks), the focus is often on the lower three layers of the International Standards Organization Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (OSI/RM). By contrast, the upper three layers of the Model deal not so much with transport as with network services that are to a first approximation independent of geographical scope. Using this theme, the paper first discusses United States trends in local, metropolitan, and wide area networks. Following this is a description of computer services needed and advances in services offered by networks; an area of increasing emphasis in the United States. Finally, consideration is given to the impact that such trends may have on high energy physics and US HEPnet. The time horizon considered here is limited to mid-decade or a little beyond because studies of technology forecasting beyond five to six years have been shown to be inaccurate. This paper concentrates on computer networks. Through the mid-1990's there appears to be no significant technical or cost advantage for integrating voice and data. 5 refs., 7 figs