PDF of this tutorialSavvy carriers seek to leverage their packet-based backbones to deliver high-quality, cost-effective voice and data services. With a converged switching architecture, carriers can exploit the unique QoS attributes of ATM (and eventually Internet protocol [IP] to fashion profitable telephony-grade broadband voice alternatives. Convergence switching is the means for carriers to marry the reliability and scope of their PSTN investments to the cost and operational efficiencies of their ATM networks.
As they move toward an integrated voice and data infrastructure, network carriers will begin to enjoy reduced provisioning cycles and improved and integrated network management and operations. No longer will carriers require separate telecommunications management network (TMN) and simple network management protocol (SNMP) help desks, operations support systems (OSSs), personnel, and management centers. This simplification will result in decreased service-delivery costs and, therefore, increased profitability. Convergence switching also enables carriers to offer new, innovative services that protect their customer base while expanding geographic and vertical market penetration.
Carriers will benefit from leveraging their existing data infrastructure to fashion telephony-grade, cost-effective, profitable broadband voice services through the use of a converged switching architecture.
