Definition-

An intelligent network (IN) is a service-independent telecommunications network. That is, intelligence is taken out of the switch and placed in computer nodes that are distributed throughout the network.

This provides the network operator with more efficient means to service creation and deployment .

Once introduced, services are easily customized to meet individual customer's needs.

IN provides a network capability to meet the ever-changing needs of customers.

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)

Ø prior to the mid-1960s

Ø the service logic hardwired

Ø network operators discussed services customers required

Ø process compounded when switching systems from multiple vendors

Ø services were not easily modified

Stored Program Control(SPC) Switching Systems

Ø in the mid-1960s

Ø service logic was programmable

Ø it was now easier to introduce new services

Ø service logic concept was not modular

Ø became increasingly more complicated to add new services.

Common Channel Signaling Network (CCSN)

Ø traditionally, the call setup info. and talk path used the same common trunk

Ø there were multiple offices involved in the routing of a call

Common channel signaling network (CCSN), or SS7 networks in mid- 1970s

Ø consists of packet data switching systems, signaling transfer points (STPs)

Ø it separates the call setup information and talk path from the common trunk

Ø the call setup information travels outside the common trunk path over the SS7 network

Common Channel Signaling

Ø SS7 technology frees up trunk circuits

Ø the SS7 network enabled the introduction of new services, such as caller ID.

2. THE INTRODUCTION OF IN

Telcordia Technologies developed the concept of Intelligent Network 1 (IN/1)

FEATURES OF IN/1-

Ø service control Points (SCPs)

Ø to communicate with the associated service logic( i.e. SCP), software was deployed in switching systems

Ø service- specific management systems

Ø software- defined hooks or triggers

Although the service logic is external to the switching system, it is still service specific.

THE AIN ARCHITECTURE

AIN is a service- independent network capability!

3. BENEFITS OF INTELLIGENT NETWORKS

The main benefit of intelligent networks is the ability to accomplish the following:

Ø introduce new services rapidly

Ø provide service customization

Ø establish vendor independence

Ø create open interfaces-

5. AIN RELEASE 1 ARCHITECTURE

Ø service switching point(SSP) –is an AIN-capable switching system

Ø the SSP allows access to the set of AIN capabilities

Ø can detect requests for AIN- based services and establish communications with the AIN service logic located at the SCPs

Ø is able to communicate with other network systems

the intelligent peripheral (IP)-

Ø provides resources e.g customized voice announcements, voice recognition

Ø contains a switching matrix to connect users to these resources.

Ø has the resource management capabilities

(ISDN)- The interface between the SSP and the IP

the adjunct - functionally equivalent to an SCP

6. THE CALL MODEL - is a generic representation of SSP call-processing activities required to establish, maintain, and clear a basic call

The call model consists of

Ø point in calls (PICs)

Ø detection points (DPs)

Ø triggers

7. AIN RELEASE 0

The AIN Release 0 call model has three trigger check points (TCPs)

10. AIN SERVICE CREATION EXAMPLES

This section will discuss various aspects of service creation- the tool that builds the representation of the call flow for each individual customer.

Building-Block Approach

building blocks-

Ø Play announcement

Ø collect digits

Ø call routing

Ø number translation

By arranging these four capabilities or building blocks in various combinations, the following services can be created.

Service Creation Template

For an outgoing call screening service…………

Extension Dialing Service

Disaster Recovery Service

Area Nunmber Calling Service

DO-NOT-DISTURB SERVICE

11.OTHER AIN SERVICES

Ø N11 access service-

Ø basic routing-

Ø single number service-

Ø routing by day of week-

Ø routing by time of day-

Ø selective routing-

Ø call allocator -

Ø Alternate destination on busy (ADOB)-

Ø command routing-

Ø automatic route selection/least cost routing-

Ø work-at-home-

Ø holding room-

Ø call counter-

Ø advertising effectiveness service-

Ø virtual foreign exchange service-

Ø AIN for the case teams (ACT)-

Ø regional intercept-

Ø work at home billing-

Ø inbound call restriction-

Ø flexible hot line-

9