A nonhierarchical rural network with decentralized control

Describes the design of the Delft Rural Telephone System (DRTS). This system was designed with special attention to its future use in rural areas in developing countries. The main characteristics of the system are the use of digital techniques (in both switching and transmission). The nonhierarchical networks structure, the application of modular switching nodes and special features for remote and/or computer assisted maintenance. The choice of digital techniques with PCM-TDM will be explained and justified with a look to the future. The advantages of a non-hierarchical network will be explained considering the special needs of developing countries with respect to expandability and reliability. The switching nodes that are used in the design are microprocessor controlled and can be configured in different ways depending on their functions. These functions are transit switching, drop-insert, and subscriber interfacing. Each configuration can be assembled using a limited amount of modular building blocks. These are constructed with modern off-the-shelf telecommunications integrated circuits