Description
Here is the definitive Bible on the architectures of the systems that provide telephone service, including a look at architectures for future systems. Describing in detail the hardware and software of four major systems widely used in the US today, plus two others commonly used worldwide, you get the comprehensive information you need to understand switching systems in historical context and in relation to regulatory frameworks. Plus, you see how factors such as customer services and modern computer applications have affected switching systems, and you get background discussions on relevant theory and boundary conditions - such as transmission systems, telephone operation, and the human element. Featuring extensive illustrations, but written in a lightly technical style, this book is an excellent resource that examines both analog and digital systems to help you understand the foundations upon which voice over IP are built. Plus, it is invaluable for telco managers - both wireline and cellular - seeking the big picture describing the physical architecture of modern telephone switching systems. This complete volume is a one-stop resource for telecommunications professionals needing to know where the current architecture comes from, how it operates today, and how it will look tomorrow.
Table Of Contents
Preface.Introduction. Background. The Line Side. The Trunk Side. Traffic Theory. Step-by-Step. Interconnection Networks. Crossbar. Evolution of the Toll Point. Enterprise Switching. Program Control - The 1ESS. Private Networks. Digital Circuit-Switching Concepts. Digital Switching Systems. Human-Telecommunications Interaction. Breaking Up the Bell System. Network and Switching Paradigms. Intelligent Network. Evolving Infrastructure. Photonic Switching in Space. Photonic Switching in Time and Wavelength. Network of the Future. List of Figure Captions. Index.
Author
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Richard A. Thompson
Richard A. Thompson is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, where he serves as director of the telecommunications program. He holds an M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Connecticut.