2.2.1 ISDN and VSAT Links

Iran's IP-based Public Data Network (upgraded IRANPAC) is currently in operation in more than 170 locations nationwide based on single or multiple 64 kbps ISDN lines. Currently there are three high speed lines with bandwidths greater than 1 Mbps in this network, with no medium speed lines, about 30 in use 64 kbps, and about 100 in use 28.8 kbps lines. Almost all major cities are connected through multiple 64 kbps lines (see Fig. 2.1), though not all are being actually used.

  

Figure 2.1: Iran's inter-city 64 kbps ISDN lines, as of 1997. The network has since been expanded to include many other cities, including Yazd, Orumieh, Zahedan, Arak, and Rasht.

To provide reliable data communication services to both private and government sectrs, satellite communications through VSAT have been promoted by the authorities as well. Currently this network incorporates one main station (hub) with 200 VSAT terminals.

Future plans for development in this area includes adding another hub station with 700 VSAT terminals to support medium-traffic data communication of the private sector in the next phase, followed by a third hub and 850 VSAT terminals in the last phase with the goal of meeting the needs of private businesses with high-traffic data communication applications.