Consideration on common channel signaling evolution for global intelligent networking

With the evolution of digital networks and intelligent network (IN) capabilities, the role of common channel signaling has become more and more important. In respect to IN, common channel signaling would play a significant role not only inside one network but also over multiple networks. International credit card validation and internetworking for digital mobile services represented by GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) are examples which utilize internetwork signaling capabilities in the framework of the initial-phase IN. Enhanced service providers (ESPs) may access the public network through the common channel signaling interface to make use of the IN capabilities, as is being discussed in terms of ONA (open network architecture) or ONP (open network provision). This paper first identifies various scenarios where internetwork signaling interactions would take place in the framework of IN in the forthcoming era. It then identifies various requirements to cope with these scenarios. It finally discusses the directions for evolution of common channel signaling toward global intelligent networking