Distributed control of a broadband local access switch

It is noted that broadband services accelerate the need for central office software control architectures allowing flexible allocation of computing resources, since they increase the volume, complexity, and fluctuation of the workload. A description is given of a prototype broadband integrated services digital network which uses a scalable, distributed control architecture, which enhances reliability, to meet this goal. In contrast with other architectures in which processors are tightly coupled to subscriber lines, the prototype control architecture decomposes call processing into functions that are distributed among several processors with minimized common functions and coupling between subscribers and processors. Scalability in terms of lines and traffic volume is achieved. Two versions of the architecture, one using general-purpose computers and the other a single board computer system, are operational. Extensions of the architecture for unified network control offer the additional benefit of simplifying new service deployment.<>