The Evolution of Global Intelligent Network Architecture

To the local‐exchange carriers (LECs), the intelligent‐network concept is a strategic goal for building new services and becoming more responsive to their customers. To meet the LECs' objectives, AT&T has introduced its A‐I‐Net™ advanced‐services‐platform (ASP) products. AT&T's offering for the ASP supports the intelligent‐network concept while still interworking with existing switch‐based features. Thus, the LECs can maximize use of their previous investment in network‐switching hardware and software while still offering new services through the ASP's distributed network intelligence. AT&T has also been working with the Regional Holding Companies and Bellcore to plan their Advanced Intelligent Network Release 1 architecture, which has been proposed as the next‐generation, intelligent‐network platform. Advanced Intelligent Network Release 1 makes possible an even wider variety of services than the ASP by defining a more flexible switch interface with a corresponding expansion of the communications interface between the switches and external‐service‐logic nodes. This paper describes the architecture, features, and services provided by AT&T's ASP as well as the new capabilities planned with Advanced Intelligent Network Release 1. We focus primarily on AT&T's 5ESS® switch features.

Intelligent Network Platforms in the U.S.

Russo¹,

Abdel-Moneim²,

Sand

et al. 1991

International Applications of AT&T's Intelligent Network Platforms

Workman¹,

Kolipakam²,

Sharpless³

et al. 1991

On November 7, 1988 the Digital Derived Services Network (DDSN) in the United Kingdom began providing switch‐based Freephone service to British Telecom's (BT) customers. On January 29, 1990, advanced Freephone services were first offered to BT's customers. With the deployment of DDSN in the U. K., AT&T became the first equipment vendor to implement an intelligent network (IN) outside its base country. In addition to DDSN, in 1990 AT&T installed an IN in Spain, and is currently installing another in Italy. AT&T's experience with its international customers has encouraged developing a platform to address international IN needs. This paper discusses the critical components of this platform, and describes the IN architecture and operations systems of the British, Spanish, and Italian networks. It also presents a strategy for evolving these networks in a world of new and evolving services and standards.

AT&T and Télésystèmes Partnering in France

Ebner¹,

Lybarger

Coville

1992

How do you make the sale and satisfy a customer in another country who is interested in your product but wants the technology and support to be in that country? One solution is described in this paper. By joining forces, AT&T and TÉLÉSYSTÉMES (a subsidiary of France Télécom) were able to provide the technology—an AT&T NetMinder™ network‐traffic‐management system—and local support that meet the needs of France Télécom. Today, France Télécom's new international network management center uses a NetMinder system to monitor and control telephone traffic between France and the rest of the world. AT&T provided the knowledge, training, and technology that TÉLÉSYSTÉMES needed to support and enhance the system once it was introduced in France. Besides its ability to provide close customer support, TÉLÉSYSTÉMES contributed its knowledge of the customer and its experience in managing telecommunications projects. The blending of both partners' approaches to software development led to mutual process improvements. This paper discusses the partnership and cultural issues we faced and how we resolved them, the benefits that resulted, and the lessons learned.