CHAPTER - 6

NGN AND SWITCHING SYSTEM IN TELECOMMUNICATION

Introduction

Switching systems play a crucial role in the field of telecommunications, enabling the
efficient and reliable transmission of voice, data, and multimedia signals between different
users and devices. These systems are responsible for establishing connections, routing calls or
messages, and managing the flow of information across a network.

In traditional telecommunication networks, switching systems were primarily used in

the context of circuit-switched networks, where dedicated communication paths were
established for the duration of a call. However, with the advent of digital technologies and the
Internet, packet-switched networks have gained prominence, which rely on switching systems
to route data packets efficiently.

Switching system

1. Automatic Switching System:

Automatic switching systems are designed to handle call routing and connection
establishment without human intervention. These systems use various technologies and
protocols to efficiently manage telecommunications traffic. Here are some key components
and features of automatic switching systems:
a. Switching Equipment: Automatic switching systems use specialized hardware and
software known as switches or exchanges. These switches are responsible for routing
calls or data packets from the source to the destination.
b. Signaling Protocols: Automatic systems employ signalling protocols to exchange control
information between switches. These protocols enable functions such as call setup, call
termination, call forwarding, and other services. Examples of signalling protocols include
SS7 (Signalling System 7) and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
c. Intelligent Network (IN): Automatic systems often incorporate an Intelligent Network,
which provides advanced services beyond basic call routing. The IN allows the network
to provide services like call forwarding, call waiting, and voicemail. It separates service
logic from the switching hardware, enabling flexibility and easier introduction of new
services.
d. Computerized Control: Automatic systems are computer-controlled, allowing for
efficient call handling and management. The switches use algorithms and databases to
make routing decisions based on factors such as destination number, caller ID, time of
day, and service- specific rules.
e. Scalability and Automation: Automatic systems can handle large volumes of calls
simultaneously and adapt to changing traffic patterns automatically. They are highly
scalable and designed for efficient resource utilization.

2. Manual Switching System:

Manual switching systems involve human operators who manually establish connections
between callers. This approach was prevalent in early telecommunication networks and has
largely been replaced by automatic systems. However, some specialized scenarios may still
use manual switching systems. Here are some key characteristics of manual switching
systems:
 1. Operator-Controlled: In a manual system, operators physically connect the calling and
receiving lines using patch panels or similar equipment. The operators receive
instructions from callers and manually establish the desired connections.
2. Limited Capacity: Manual systems have inherent limitations due to human operators'
capacity to handle a limited number of connections simultaneously. As a result, the
number of simultaneous connections and the overall efficiency of the system are
restricted.
3. Labor-Intensive: Manual switching systems require a dedicated workforce to operate
and maintain the network. Operators must be trained to handle connection requests
and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during call setup.
4. Prone to Errors: Human involvement introduces the possibility of errors in call
routing and connection establishment. Incorrect connections, misdials, and delays are
more likely to occur in manual systems compared to automatic systems.
5. Historical Significance: Manual switching systems played a crucial role in the early
development of telecommunication networks. They provided the foundation for voice
communication before the advent of computerized automatic systems.
The term "manual switching system" is primarily used to refer to historical systems. In
modern telecommunication networks, automatic switching systems are the norm due to their
efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Types of switching systems used in telecommunication

1. Circuit Switching: This traditional method establishes a dedicated communication path

between two parties for the duration of a call. The circuit remains open, allowing
continuous transmission until the call is terminated. Circuit switching is commonly used
for voice calls and requires a dedicated connection during the entire communication
session.
2. Packet Switching: This method breaks down data into small packets and transmits them
independently over a network. The packets are individually routed based on destination
addresses, and they may take different paths to reach the recipient. Packet switching is
used in technologies such as the Internet Protocol (IP) for data transmission.
3. Message Switching: Message switching breaks data into units called messages and stores
them at intermediate nodes in the network. Each message is then forwarded to the next
node until it reaches the intended destination.
4. Mobile Switching Centre (MSC): MSC is a key component in mobile
telecommunications networks. It connects mobile devices to other mobile devices or the
public switched telephone network (PSTN). MSCs handle call routing, call setup, and
call termination functions in mobile networks.
5. Internet Protocol (IP) Switching: IP switching is used in IP-based networks to forward
data packets between different networks or subnets. It involves examining the destination
IP address of each packet and using routing tables to determine the appropriate path for
forwarding.
Conclusion

Switching systems in telecommunication have evolved to meet the growing demands of users
and the advancement of technology. Digital, IP-based, and mobile switching systems have
revolutionized communication, while SDN and NFV are driving further innovation and
agility in network management. These advancements continue to shape the
telecommunications industry, enabling more reliable, efficient, and integrated communication
services for individuals and businesses.
NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS (NGN)
Next Generation Networks (NGN) refer to the advanced communication infrastructure
that succeeds the existing telecommunications networks and aims to provide enhanced
performance, flexibility, and functionality. NGN represents a significant evolution in
networking technologies, enabling the seamless integration of various services, such as voice,
data, video, and multimedia applications, over a single unified platform.

The key objective of Next Generation Networks is to overcome the limitations of traditional
circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, which were primarily designed for voice
communications and lacked the capability to efficiently handle the increasing demand for
high- speed data services. NGN addresses these limitations by adopting a packet-based
architecture and utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) as the underlying technology.
Fundamental characteristics of NGN:
 Packet based transfer.
 Separation of control functions for bearer capabilities, call/session – service.
 Decoupling of service and network, and provision of open interfaces (I/F).
 A wide range of services like (Real Time (RT)/ streaming/ non-Real Time (RT)/
multimedia).
 Interworking with legacy networks via open I/F.
 Support of Generalized mobility.
 Support to unrestricted access by users to different service providers.
Services supported in NGN:
 Data communication services.
 Multimedia Services.
 Public interest services.
 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)/Integrated Services Digital Network
(ISDN) simulation services.
 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)/ Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) emulation services.

Access switch and Aggregate switch

In the context of telecommunications, an access switch and an aggregate switch are two
types of switches that serve different purposes in a network infrastructure.

Access Switch

An access switch, also known as an edge switch, is a device that provides network
connectivity to end-user devices, such as computers, phones, printers, and other network-
enabled devices. Its primary function is to connect these devices to the local area network
(LAN) and provide access to the network resources. Access switches are typically deployed
at the edge of the network, closer to the end users.

The key features of an access switch

 Port density: Access switches usually have a higher number of ports to accommodate
multiple devices in a local area.
 Power over Ethernet (PoE): Many accesses switches support PoE, which allows them
to provide power to connected devices, such as IP phones or wireless access points,
through
 the Ethernet cable.
 VLAN support: Access switches often support Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs),
enabling network administrators to segment the network into logical groups for security
and management purposes.
 Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features in access switches prioritize network traffic
based on predefined policies, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary
bandwidth and minimizing latency.
 Basic security features: Access switches may include basic security measures, such as
port security, MAC address filtering, and access control lists, to protect the network
from unauthorized access.
Aggregate Switch

An aggregate switch, also known as a distribution switch or a core switch, is a device

that connects multiple access switches together, aggregating their traffic and forwarding it to
the appropriate destination. The aggregate switch serves as a central point for managing and
distributing network traffic within a local area network or across multiple networks.

The main functions of an aggregate switch

 High-performance switching: Aggregate switches are designed to handle a large

volume of network traffic and provide high-speed connectivity to the backbone
network or other networks.
 VLAN and routing support: These switches often support advanced VLAN
configurations and routing protocols, allowing them to manage traffic across different
VLANs or networks.
 Redundancy and resilience: Aggregate switches are typically deployed in redundant
configurations with failover capabilities to ensure network availability and minimize
downtime.
 Advanced security features: Aggregate switches may offer more robust security
features, including access control, network segmentation, and advanced threat
detection mechanisms.
 Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic prioritization: Similar to access switches,
aggregate switches can prioritize traffic based on QoS policies to ensure optimal
performance for critical applications.