PDF of this tutorialDefinition
Convergence is the merger of packet switching technology with telephony signaling and call-processing intelligence, allowing carriers to consolidate typically separate voice and data overlay networks and provide new and differentiated integrated communications services.
Overview
Convergence technologies are changing the way carriers will carry traditional voice and data traffic. The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is one of the oldest communications networks in existence. However, the growth of the Internet has significantly spurred the growth of data over the PSTN and resulted in the need to rearchitect this traditional telephone network. Carriers are using new technologies to carry voice, data, and integrated services and to simplify the underlying infrastructure—both from a cost and complexity standpoint. Convergence technologies include full-featured signaling system 7 (SS7) support and standard telephony interfaces and therefore completely interoperate with the existing PSTN infrastructure, supporting all of the voice features to which users are accustomed as well as data traffic. They can also provide a bridge to access, enable, and develop new services.
