Intelligent network evolution issues

The exchange telephone industry has developed a concept of future intelligent network characteristics that is gaining widespread acceptance. The concept is characterized by a service-independent architecture, integrated operations and service management systems, and programmable network entities. The full realization of this vision will require major advancements in the control software and signaling capabilities of existing network elements and operations systems, as well as the development of entirely new systems. Evolutionary strategies are discussed that can move the embedded network toward the ultimate goal and begin to achieve many of the benefits of the future vision in the near term. In particular, an intermediate intelligent network architecture called IN/1+, which could be implemented by 1991, is presented. IN/1+ is focused on circuit-switched capabilities and provides a significant movement toward the intended IN/2 architecture with a reasonable commitment of industry resources.<>