Technology's role in switching systems evolution

The role of technology in switching system evolution, which applies not only to the switch's internal components, but also to its network environment, is discussed. The role of the switch within a distributed services architecture is considered by reviewing the underlying changes that are taking place in computing and software technology, and in the switch interfaces to external networks, customer premises equipment (CPE) platforms, and operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) systems. The technologies leading to bit-transport integration in the switch-namely, advances in the connection-making function, and high-speed multipurpose transport and access interfaces-are reviewed.<
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