The Evolution of Switch Intelligence: An AT&T Network Perspective

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Abstract
Since the mid-1970s, the 4ESS™ switch has been the principal switching system — first in the AT&T Long Lines network, and today in the AT&T network as a whole. Until now, its main call-processing engine has been the 1A processor. The 1A is an ultra-reliable central controller designed to support high-volume electronic switching of simple phone calls having few if any special service features, like those in AT&T 800 service. In recent years, however, rising call volumes and sophisticated new long-distance service features have created the need for much more processing capacity and “intelligence” in the 4ESS switch. To meet this need, the AT&T Network Services Division — which manages the AT&T network-chose AT&T Network Systems Group's 1B processor to replace the 1A processor in 135 4ESS switches. The 1B processor more than doubles the call-handling capacity of the 4ESS switch while performing at least as reliably as the 1A processor. Not only that — the 1B processor can connect to a community of other processors, databases, and switch fabrics.

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