A1000 S12 evolution to broadband: driving factors and strategy

Abstract

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) products are introduced in today's telecom network at several places. Network operators are confronted with the difficult problem of how to organize the cohabitation of the new broadband network elements with the existing traditional network elements offering speech and data services. Basically, there are two network options to this problem. A first solution is to adopt an overlay solution, thereby creating a separate broadband network and providing the necessary interfaces and service interworking functions towards the existing speech and data networks. A second solution exists in the extension of the existing investments to accommodate in an integrated way both broadband and narrowband services and proper interworking functions. The second method is proposed as the selected evolution scenario for the existing A1000 S12 narrowband exchanges. An overview of the basic steps in the evolution scenario is presented and the benefits of this approach compared to an overlay solution are discussed.