The state of the network-1992

The status of exchange-carrier networks is discussed in terms of their progress toward an architecture based entirely on digital switching and transmission facilities. Trends in networking, such as self-healing fiber rings, common-channel signaling, centralization of network control via standard interfaces to operations systems, and the eclipsing of analog technology, are described. Some advanced services that are derived from network capabilities and are being offered to telecommunications users are examined. It is shown that the increasing mechanization of operations functions through intelligent network elements makes it possible to provide and maintain services with reduced human intervention and with quicker response and higher reliability