Minimising the impact of Internet-bound traffic in the PSTN/ISDN network

The PSTN/ISDN network infrastructure is dimensioned to support traffic characteristics which follow a Poisson distribution pattern. Internet-bound traffic characterised by long "conversation" times deviates from these characteristics resulting in congestion and degradation of the grade of service. This paper discusses, drawing from the work done in Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, (a) the effects of Internet-bound traffic on the quality of service, (b) the short term technical solution applied and (c) the long term solution envisioned.