Multi-service network switching architecture allows service providers using one converged network with fewer network elements and technologies to provide multiple services such as voice, data and multi-media. This converged network architecture combines the functions of multiple layers of the OSI network model into fewer pieces of equipment, which dramatically simplifies network topology and reduces capital investments and the cost of operations. In addition, this design significantly enriches service features because of the intelligent capabilities within the consolidated device.
In the multiservice network architecture, the convergence happens in the core network as well as the access network. Many network cores have migrated from circuit-switched TDM platforms to packet-switched ATM infrastructures. ATM is run over synchronous optical network (SONET) or newer wave-division multiplexing (WDM) and dense wave-division multiplexing (DWDM) Layer-1 infrastructures. ATM switches or DCS convergence is now being extended to the access network, where the functions of legacy 3/1/0 DCSs are being integrated into a new generation of multilayer, multiservice access switches.
A multilayer, multiservice switch enables multiservice access to an ATM backbone, including support for frame relay, IP, PPP, and ATM access interfaces. It also supports channelized voice and data streams on an integrated TDM access link and support for voice over an ATM virtual circuit in the backbone using circuit emulation services (CES).
The multiservice network architecture offers the following benefits:
- simplified network design
- unified operations for transport and data layers
- lower cost of equipment and operations
- bandwidth efficiencies of statistical multiplexing in access and backbone network segments
- voice and data integration in access and backbone network segments
- TDM and packet convergence over an ATM network
- single-step, end-to-end provisioning of private lines with automatic rerouting and restoration
Multi-service Network Switching Architecture
Related Terms: Multi-service switch, ATM, SONET, TDM, DWDM, Virtual Switch
Reference Links:
www.iec.org/online/tutorials/emerg_multi/topic04.html: Multi-service network architecture
http://www.msforum.org/techinfo/approved.shtml: Multiservice switching architecture and technologies