AT&T advanced services platform

The authors describe the AT&T advanced services platform (ASP), a set of capabilities being developed for the 5ESS service switching point (SSP) system. ASP constitutes an initial release of service-independent capabilities for an intelligent network (IN). It is a platform of capabilities based on Bellcore´s TR 402, which provides a suitable base for near-term IN needs as well as for future IN evolution. The evolution of IN is supported by the ability to add new functional component capabilities as needs are identified and defined. Additionally, ASP network access point (NAP) capabilities are being developed for the 5ESS and 1AESS switches. The authors explore how ASP achieves the near-term goals of IN and present a high-level description of ASP capabilities. SSP, NAP, service control point, and service management system functionality is described. The capabilities discussed cover the range of ASP functions from call processing to network management and operations, administration, and maintenance. Possible future directions of ASP´s IN evolution are explored