The introduction of France Telecom's intelligent network

The objective of this paper is twofold. firstly, it describes the overall architecture of FRANCE TELECOM's Intelligent Net work Secondly, it describes how it is being introduced. This architecture is based on two main service-independent functional entities: the 'Point de Commande des Servicesm (PCS) and the 'Commutateurd Accdaux Services'(CASorSSP)- The PCS performs the 'intelligent' part of the service as it knows both the service logic and the service data. The PCS may be part of a network node or outside the network in an intelligent node. The CAS function is always located in a network node, and is able to perform a list of elementary operations under the control of the PCS function. The other major elements are the INDB (intelligent network database), the Charging Centre, the Intelligent Peripheral and the signalling network. The intelligent node machine is sub divided in several parts: the PCS-R is the realtime machine (SCP); the PCS-G is the management machine (SMS); FRANCE TELECOM's commercial staff may directly access the PCS-G or via a front end machine called PCS-C; the PCS-D is used for the service creation environment. This approach is being introduced now for the PSTN and the ISDN. FRANCE TELECOM is also considering the use of this approach for its TELETEL videotex network, for its data network (TRANSPAQ and for its electronic directory network. Centralized services are being now provided with a 'preintelligent' network, A fully-fledged IN with its service environment will be introduced by 1991. The first services on this IN will be enhanced freephone, enhanced credit card and VPN.