Value-added Internet: a pragmatic TINA-based path to the Internet and PSTN integration

The paper deals with the issue of integrating the Internet with the PSTN in order to devise an architecture encompassing the advantages of both networks. Key TINA concepts like the Session Concept and the Service Architecture computational model are used to provide the glue for such an integration. The result is the enhancement of the Internet with real time packet delivery capability as well as advanced billing features that successfully exploit existing billing systems. A comparison with other approaches to quality of service over the Internet is provided. The prototype that is currently being developed within the SISTINA (Solutions for Integrated Services a la TINA) project to demonstrate the concepts outlined in the paper is described.