Network architectures and switch interface scenarios

After describing the network evolution toward the broadband integrated services digital network, intelligent network and telecommunication management network, the authors propose a set of network architectures which aim to bring about an orderly network evolution. One is the nodal system architecture, which prescribes a nodal system composed of physical equipment modules interconnected via a standardized intermodule (M) interface. Switch interfaces should then be considered as a part of the M-interface family. The M-interface structure is also discussed. It is recommended that study of the proposed nodal system architecture, including the related software system architecture, be encouraged