12. ISDN developments in France

In France, ISDN is being developed on the basis of successive functional levels of public network switches. ISDN-specific content is called digital version (VNx, where x indicates the version number). Each level includes hardware and software enhancements.

At present, the only access mode marketed in France is the Euro-Numeric mode inaugurated with the VN4. This mode will be maintained on subsequent VNs and on all switches until second-generation switches are replaced.

The rollout of VN6 will enable third-generation switches to offer a new access mode that will be fully compatible with the European ETSI standard, provisionally known as Euro-Numeris2. Since this new standard does not replace Euro-Numeris, there is no obligation for customers to switch to it for several years. The main advantage of this new access is that it enables European...