Class 5 switches provide telecommunication services using TDM (Time Division Multiplex) technology from basic dial-tone to advanced voice services and data network access to subscribers within a defined locality or local loop. Class 5 switches are deployed at a central office (CO) by service providers for both local and long distance telephony services, vs. the Class 4 switches are only for long distance and trunking services.
The traditional Class 5 switches are based on circuit switching technologies that establishes connections on demand for phone services and permits exclusive use of those connections until they are released. One of the most successful class 5 switches is the 5ESS by Lucent Technologies. Typical services provided by a Class 5 switch are as follows:
- Local phone service (subscriber line)
- Toll and long distance service
- Operator Services
- ETSI ISDN
- Intelligent Network
- Centrex
- Signaling Transfer Point Services
- Data access (Modem dial in service)
With the rapidly increasing data traffic and demands on new communication services such as VOIP, IP/Centrix and multi-media communication, the features and functions of class 5 switches are under-going a continuous evolution. Further more, to meet today's demands and challenges, vendors are creating totally new next generation switches such as Soft-Switch based on the latest packet technologies and standards.
Class 5 Switch
Related Terms: Packet Switching, Network Switch, PSTN, Class 5 Switch, Class 4 Switch, Softswitch, TDM
Reference Links: http://jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu/~tnaugler/770.512/Common_files/CircuitSwitching/
CircuitSwitching.htm: Circuit Switching