This tutorial has described a migration path for broadband packet-voice access: a migration moving from a transport-only solution that relies on a conventional local-exchange switch toward a full-fledged local-exchange softswitching and access solution that delivers packet voice dial tone.

By far the most important ingredient in this migration path is to the softswitch technology that forms the basis of the MGC. The softswitch is where all the service intelligence resides for the delivery of local telephone services. A far higher level of capability is required for this type of softswitch than for today’s tandem softswitch applications where functionality is limited to interworking between PRI, SS7, and VoIP signaling. For local telephony, the softswitch must not only deliver a critical mass of local telephony features but also provide a feature creation environment that enables service providers to develop differentiated services.

The development of a local-exchange softswitch that is truly capable of meeting these requirements is a major undertaking. But for those who succeed in reaching this goal, an awesome prospect lies ahead: nothing less than the total transformation of the local telephone network.