Overlay network applications for network modernization and positioning for the future

A digital overlay approach is described that a PTT/telecommunications administration can effectively utilize to meet its telecommunications modernization needs. This approach allows the PTT to create a digital backbone network in an overlay fashion, and interconnect selected nodes of the public switched telecom network (PSTN) to the overlay network. Through this approach, the PTT can selectively modernize the network, improve the quality of service, and introduce new services based on subscriber needs. In particular, the overlay strategy allows the PTT to move its high calling rate subscriber traffic from the PSTN to the overlay network, thus improving the call completions for this traffic. The needs of each subscriber group are examined, and the problems encountered while modernizing are discussed. It is shown how an overlay network can resolve some of the problems