Digital cross-connect systems and CCS network survivability

The author presents a systems engineering study of the survivability impact of using digital cross-connect systems (DCSs) in various common channel signaling (CCS) network architectures. Specifically, he gives a brief overview of the DCS functionality, examines major factors in deriving CCS network alternative architectures using DCSs, provides examples of network configurations and engineering guidelines for survivable deployment of DCSs in the CCS network, and states areas for future work. It is concluded that a DCS´s ability to cross-connect digital facilities and rearrange standard digital signals, coupled with test access, maintenance, and performance monitoring features, makes it a very desirable network element through which to route CCS links