FTS2000 - blueprint for a state-of-the-art digital network

M2000, the word's largest private telecommunications network is a state-of-the-art integrated digital voice-data-image network with service having begun in October 1989. M2000 includes switched voice service (including voice and voiceband data), switched data service (circuit switched capability includ ing 56 Kbps and 64 Kbps clear), packet switched service (X. 25 data service including packet and electronic mail), video trans mission service (teleconference and teleseminar at full motion and nearfull motion), dedicated transmission service, and ISDN (including RRI and PRI). The M2000 network presents a unique challenge to the network planner: the creation of a network with the size and geographic distribution normally associated with public net works and the user sophistication, diversityand special needs normally associated withprivate networks. This paper highlights the services requested by the GSA and the architecture being implemented by AT&T, including network elements feature capabilities, operations architecture, routing scheme, ISDN pIans and evolution. Special arrangements for private switched network operations and adminstration are detailed as well. This paper is of interest to both providers and users of large private voice/data/image networks to understand trends in network and operations technology.