Ken,
Re: the continued need for switches
That depends. Certain voice architectures employing various forms of DSL-supported packetized voice could conceivably supplant the larger switches over time. If call processing were handled by ITSPs, for example, sessions could be initiated without the use of a traditional switch. This is not likely to become commonplace over the shorter term, however.
Other forms of voice (the more traditional POTS mode) which use DSL splitters, however, would continue to use the end office switch and associated SS7/AIN constructs.
This can go either way, as split modes become possible, but I suspect that over time the need for the switch will to some extent be reduced due to the more efficient handling at the packet level.
This may not occur in any appreciable way, however, for several years or more at the residential level (with the exception of PC based phone adopters), but I think it is already beginning to appear in the so-ho and regional office space, as we type. If not to fulfillment, yet, at least the products are now becoming available to make it so. How successful they will be? Don't have a clue yet.
Regards, Frank Coluccio |
