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28 Nov 2006 18:15:38 Circuit-to-packet conversion Circuit-to-packet conversion (C2P) is complete network upgrade. Circuit switches have been designed for voice traffic. They are being replaced by economical packet softswitches – carrier-class servers, which control voice phone calls over circuit and packet-switched networks – and access gateways which are capable of handling multimedia traffic. Variations in the architectural and element design between packet switches and circuit switches make a lot of difference in terms of physical space needed and for the related DC power systems. Packet switches comprise a set of separate electronic elements that may or may not be grouped together. It is the mainframe nature of a circuit switch that determines the precise space and power needs. Designing packet switches is a flexible process. The servers and gateways that the switch is made of can be customised for different environments and host/remote configurations. Softswitches take over the functions of call processing in the host and access gateways take the place of remote switches, leading to the termination of the lines. A softswitch node consists of many servers managing various functions including call processing. A softswitch application in an organisation occupies much less space and consumes less power as compared to an equivalent circuit switch. Packet switching results in a very efficient replacement of the circuit switches and enables providers to meet the demands of customers, while taking care of the growth in the capacity. A packet network makes it possible for voice, data and video traffic to be transformed into smaller packets and sends them along the same path at the same time, which results in a more efficient use of the network. The conversion involves the combining of three separate networks into a single, converged network for voice, data and private-line services. The technology deployed in packet networks provides greater reliability and the complete range of services of voice and data networks and places the provider in a strong position for Internet Protocol (IP) applications. When packet networks and network intelligence are brought together, they open up new possibilities. Integrating voice and data onto a single network has brought about new services for the carrier to deploy, but these are not just a by-product of the move to a packet network. In most of the instances, these new services are the basic reason for initiating the conversion to packet networks. Packet networks can be used to provide voice connection at places where there is an IP network. The circuit-to-packet transformation involves replacing Class 5 (access level) switches with softswitches and gateways. Softswitches are regarded as the brains of the packet networks. With these conversions, the telephone network will be changed into something entirely different from what it is today. Links: All-Packet, All-Optical Networks and How to Prepare for Them Content Team -- BSNL Portal -- Intelligroup Asia Pvt. Ltd. |
