Network consolidation via wideband packet technology-private network trial of IACS in AT&T IMS

The Information Management Services (IMS) organization of AT&T selected the wideband-packet-technology-based integrated access and cross-connect system (IACS) as a vehicle for integrating AT&T´s many separate and disparate networks into one network providing voice, data, and image services. The IACS is a packet multiplexer offered by AT&T Network Systems that integrates voice, data, and image information through packetizing and statistical multiplexing. IMS conducted a trial of the IACS between October 1988 and January 1989 in a selected segment of AT&T´s Corporate Network. The trial gave the users an opportunity to evaluate the network performance, as well as the operation, administration, and maintenance tools, while gaining experience in managing and administering an integrated voice/data network. Evaluation of the trial results showed that: (i) the IACS-based packet network maintains both voice and data services quality; and (ii) an integrated voice/data network can be managed more efficiently than separate networks