Presents a view of current interfacing technology, specifically V5, the global interface standard. The text examines both the fundamentals and advanced aspects of network access technology, and the implication for the future of access networks, up to soliton transmission and quantum cryptology. The book is divided into two sections: technological issues and interface issues. Separate chapters on advanced copper, optical fibre, advanced optical and radio access technologies, the powering of access networks, ATM in the access network and the supported services are included.