The probable future of Canadian long haul digital data network connections with the U.S.A.

Abstract

This paper is intended to acquaint data users and network designers in the United States with the announced plans for a Canadian digital network which is expected to be optimized for data communications in Canada. This paper is structured in two parts. The first discusses some futures of telecommunications in terms of information transfer, and reviews the objectives of the digital network which is to be built in Canada to optimize on each future. The second focuses on system designs focus optimizing the subset of information transfer which is today blanketed by the generic work “data”. The latter part of this paper covers the technical outline of the Trans-Canada Telephone System Digital Data Network (TCTS/DDN) which was announced on March 8 1971. The first section now under construction will extend from Ottawa and Toronto to Calgary. It will be physically integrated with the existing microwave route. The TCTS/DDN will be extended coast to coast as the business develops. The end points might be Halifax on the Atlantic and Vancouver on the Pacific (about 3500 miles). So there is plenty of opportunity to interconnect with a number of USA border points.