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KEYMILE: to the Next-Generation Network in five steps(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Hanover, -- Migration of traditional telephony to Voice over IP (VoIP) is currently top of all network operators' agendas. However, the circuit-switched telephone network cannot be replaced by a packet Next-Generation Network overnight. KEYMILE has defined five steps that highlight how to make migration to VoIP successful. Today, many network operators still have circuit-switched telephone networks (TDM networks) in their exchanges. Due to the high level of investment and long periods of depreciation, this technology will still be in operation for some years to come. But in the medium term, a Next-Generation Network (NGN) is inevitable. Circuit-switched networks will be replaced by packet-switched network infrastructures. An NGN is therefore a multi-purpose network that combines all services required by business and residential customers, today and in the foreseeable future. One of the most important benefits for network operators: they will have to administer and operate just one single, instead of several infrastructures. By enhancing operation and maintenance, running costs will decrease. Key to successful migration of the existing telephone network to VoIP is that the investments made must be protected as far as possible. From the operators' standpoints, this also includes continuing to use the existing copper lines and not having to exchange subscriber equipment like private branch exchange and telephones, at least in the initial phase anyway. Even if there is no standard procedure for handling the demands of each telecommunication supplier, five basic steps do apply: Step 1: preliminary work on the access network. First of all, in the access network, the public telephone network's infrastructure must be simplified. An IP-Multi-Service Access Node (IP-MSAN) in the access point combines technology for providing telephone and DSL connections. In an IP-MSAN, TDM voice transmission can be easily migrated to VoIP by switching the V5 interface used towards to the core network to packet-based transmission. The basis for VoIP in the core network is then created. Step 2: VoIP in the core network. The trunk exchanges in the public telephone network's core must be replaced by exchanges for VoIP data (soft switch) and gateways to the previous telephone network. The benefit: the core network can be steadily switched to just a packet network. The periphery of the telephone network, and therefore the local exchanges, remain unaffected. Step 3: VoIP in the home network. Where broadband access networks already exist, IP-compatible equipment for voice and multimedia data transmission must be installed for the subscribers. A subscriber that uses IP-compatible equipment, or has already connected a conventional telephone to a residential gateway (DSL router with telephony functions), receives just IP access to the telecommunications network. The subscriber can be connected to a DSL Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) or a Multi-Service Access Platform. While the DSLM only processes IP data, a Multi-Service access platform like KEYMILE's MileGate also offers traditional telephony. The advantage to the network operators: they can opt for a straightforward IP network from the access point and still offer the familiar telephony services (to subscribers without broadband access). Step 4: VoIP in the access network. The local exchanges on the periphery of the public telephone network will also have to be replaced by soft switches and media gateways at the network transmission point. As a result, the packet network, with all its many applications and services such as VoIP, gets one step closer to the customers. The media gateways' primary function is to change the traditional telephony data that has to be transmitted to VoIP. Step 5: the circuit-switched fixed line network will become superfluous. The last step towards a standard IP-based infrastructure, from the individual subscribers via the access to the core network, will be to replace the remaining circuit-switched equipment. For example, the remaining subscriber equipment for circuit-switched telephony will be swapped for equipment that supports packet services. The aim is to replace out-of-date systems as soon as they have reached the end of their useful lives. "The circuit-switched telephone network will not be replaced by VoIP overnight. Therefore, an IP-based Multi-Service access platform such as MileGate from KEYMILE will be required in the access network that supports both worlds - the traditional telephony and the VoIP one", explains Klaus Pollak, Head of Consulting and Projects at KEYMILE in Hanover. "Network operators are gradually replacing out-of-date telephone network equipment by new VoIP components and migrating the access platform step by step. This includes gateways that support both V5 and VoIP and consequently enable easy implementation of the subscriber technology to VoIP. It is important that the switch is made progressively and without impacting ongoing operations". About KEYMILE KEYMILE is one of the leading manufacturers of Next-Generation data transmission systems. The product portfolio includes flexible and robust multi-service access platforms, as well as stand-alone data transmission solutions The multi-service access platforms allow telecommunications providers to supply a variety of voice and data services via copper wire and fibre optics. Simultaneous availability of standard and IP-based data transmission guarantees smooth migration to the Next Generation Network. KEYMILE systems are used for reliable data transmission in mission-critical areas of telecommunications networks used by railway companies and energy suppliers, as well as in mobile and professional mobile radio networks. The company has major business bases in Germany and Switzerland, as well as subsidiaries and partners world wide. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS |