Distributed Switching Architecture Trends and Concepts

Abstract

The increasing sophistication of the global telecommunications business is creating new, more demanding requirements for switching systems. To meet these requirements, AT&T must introduce the most up‐to‐date technologies for advanced capabilities, such as high‐bandwidth services, Personal Communication Services (PCS), and increased network intelligence in a timely, cost‐effective manner. Switching systems that are adaptable, evolvable, and able to gracefully incorporate these new capabilities and technologies are in the best position to meet market needs. Such switching systems have architectures that are both evolvable—able to incorporate new technology and new development processes within their overall structure—and maintainable—able to accommodate new features continually without rapid increases in the cost of development or equipment. This paper examines the choices for a switching system architecture by defining the functional components of a switch and examining the choices for implementing them.