Trends in switching markets

Telecommunication network operators face enormous challenges. Telephone- and ISDN networks, the global Internet and broadband networks are converging. Network structures are changing rapidly, traffic volume per subscriber is increasing and the demand for bandwidth towards the subscriber is growing. Changes in network architecture, the so-called consolidation and the resulting increase in the size of exchanges are cost-saving measures for network operators. Network consolidation first means decreasing the number of switches and network levels. Secondly, switching intelligence must be centralized in a smaller number of switches while implementing larger remote switching units (RSU). Further on, the convergence of the PSTN and the Internet as well as broadband communication will have tremendous impact on future capabilities, performance and services of PSTN switches.