DCO networking solutions to the provision of advanced features in rural and suburban telephone networks

The authors describe the evolution of the Stromberg-Carlson DCO (digital central office) networking capabilities to support ISDN (integrated services digital network) and IN/2 (Intelligent Network/2) services. The various components of the DCO family can be formed into a network cluster which allows one switch to act as a control point or host. This host acts as a transfer point for SS7 (Signaling System 7) messages and a control point for calls requiring special routing. The network cluster can connect to STPs (signaling transfer points) associated with the national network by means of one pair of signaling links, regardless of the number of switching elements in the network. This allows the telephone company to provide ISDN and intelligent network features to all subscribers within the network cluster with reduced operating costs.<
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