PDF of this tutorialThe main benefit of intelligent networks is the ability to improve existing services and develop new sources of revenue. To meet these objectives, providers require the ability to accomplish the following:
- introduce new services rapidly— IN provides the capability to provision new services or modify existing services throughout the network with physical intervention.
- provide service customization—Service providers require the ability to change the service logic rapidly and efficiently. Customers are also demanding control of their own services to meet their individual needs.
- establish vendor independence—A major criterion for service providers is that the software must be developed quickly and inexpensively. To accomplish this, suppliers must integrate commercially available software to create the applications required by service providers.
- create open interfaces—Open interfaces allow service providers to introduce network elements quickly for individualized customer services. The software must interface with other vendors' products while still maintaining stringent network operations standards. Service providers are no longer relying on one or two vendors to provide equipment and software to meet customer requirements.
AIN technology uses the embedded base of stored program-controlled switching systems and the SS7 network. The AIN technology also allows for the separation of service-specific functions and data from other network resources. This feature reduces the dependency on switching system vendors for software development and delivery schedules. Service providers have more freedom to create and customize services.
The SCP contains programmable service-independent capabilities (or service logic) that are under the control of service providers. The SCP also contains service-specific data that allows service providers and their customers to customize services. With the IN, there is no such thing as one size fits all—services are customized to meet individual needs.
Because service logic is under the service provider's control, it is easier to create services in a cost-effective manner. Network providers can offer market-focused service trials by loading service logic in an SCP and triggering capabilities in one or more switching systems.
Accepted standards and open, well-documented interfaces provide a standard way of communicating between switching systems and SCPs, especially in a multivendor environment.
Local Number Portability
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is having a profound impact on the U.S. telecommunications industry. One area of impact that is being felt by everyone is local number portability (LNP). For LNP, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires the nation's local exchange carriers (LECs) to allow customers to keep their telephone numbers if they switch local carriers. The LECs must continue to maintain the quality of service and network reliability that the customer always received.
The rules require that all LECs begin a phased deployment of a long-term service-provider portability solution no later than October 1, 1997, in the nation's largest metropolitan statistical areas. This deployment must be completed by December 31, 1998. Incumbent service providers are required to make a number portable within six months after a request is received.
Wireless carriers are also affected by LNP. December 31, 1998, is the date on which wireless carriers must be able to complete a call to a ported wireline number. By June 30, 1999, there must be full portability between wireless and wireline, including roaming capabilities.
AIN is a logical technology to help service providers meet this mandate. Many providers are looking to AIN LNP solutions because of the flexibility that AIN provides without the burden of costly network additions.
For more information on the Telecommunications Act of 1996, visit the FCC's home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.fcc.gov.
