ISDN access to fast packet data network

A data communications network for providing user terminals with access to a remote data center comprising:

• a first local area network (LAN) arranged at said data center,
• a fast packet network coupled to said first LAN for providing interconnection between said data center and a first central office having a fast packet interface coupled to said fast packet network,
• an ISDN switch coupled to said user terminals via ISDN lines to provide said user terminals with Centrex services, and
• a second LAN provided at said first central office for interfacing said fast packet network with said ISDN switch, and having a ring topology including a plurality of devices coupled to a common ring,
• wherein said fast packet interface comprises a plurality of fast packet bridges coupled to said common ring, and
• said second LAN is arranged so as to interconnect devices for bridging said second LAN to said ISDN switch, and devices for bridging said second LAN to said fast packet network.

A medical information system for providing a plurality of subscribers with access to a health care management center comprising:

• a frame relay network coupled to said health care management center,
• an ISDN switching means for providing the subscribers coupled to said ISDN switch with Centrex services, and
• a central office having a fast packet interface coupled to said frame relay network and having a central office LAN for interconnecting devices for bridging said central office LAN to said ISDN switching means, and devices for bridging said central office LAN to said frame relay network, wherein
• said central office LAN has a bus topology including a plurality of devices coupled to a common bus, and
• said fast packet interface comprises a plurality of fast packet bridges coupled to said common bus.

A medical information system for providing a plurality of subscribers with access to a health care management center comprising:

• a frame relay network coupled to said health care management center,
• an ISDN switching means for providing the subscribers coupled to said ISDN switch with Centrex services, and
• a central office having a fast packet interface coupled to said frame relay network and having a central office LAN for interconnecting devices for bridging said central office LAN to said ISDN switching means, and devices for bridging said central office LAN to said frame relay network,
• wherein said central office LAN has a ring topology including a plurality of devices coupled to a common ring, and
• said fast packet interface comprises a plurality of fast packet bridges coupled to said common ring.