Digital switching systems - 10EC82 UNIT-8

UNIT - 8

A GENERIC DIGITAL SWITCHING SYSTEM MODEL

INTRODUCTION

Different hardware and software components of the digital switch were described, and the
system was analyzed. The functionalities of the hypothetical digital switch to elucidate the
"overall" hardware and software architectures of a typical class 5 switch.

SCOPE

Creates a generic digital switching system and its hardware and software architectures. Typical
calls through the switch are traced to reveal the functionalities of an operational digital switching
system. A system recovery strategy for the hypothetical digital switch and essential items in a
digital switch analysis report also are covered.

HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE

The hardware architecture of a hypothetical digital switch is shown in Fig. 8.1. This hypothetical
digital switching system is based on quasi- distributed control architecture. The architecture of a
working digital switching system is very complex with many subsystems.

1. Central Processor

A typical digital switching system usually employs a central processor (CP) as the primary
processor, and it is always duplicated.

Function:

 System wide control of the switching system.

 Supports secondary processors, as network control processors (NCPs).
 Controls high-level functions of the switch and supports operation, administration, and
maintenance (OA&M) functions.
 Controls the system recovery process.
 Maintains subscriber and office data.
 Supports billing system for the switch.

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Figure 8.1 A Generic switch hardware architecture

2. Network Control Processors

 It provides call processing functions and assist in setting up a path through the switching
fabric.
 Since most digital switching systems switch calls via a time-space-time (TST) path for call
connection, this hypothetical switch is assumed to do the same.
 The secondary processors are usually duplicated; and depending on the desired size of the
class 5 central office, a digital switch may employ a number of such processors.
 These processors usually interface with the interface controllers (ICs) and provide medium-
level call processing support.
 The NCPs are associated with particular ICs.
 NCP keeps track of all calls that are controlled by its 1C and associated paths assigned for
such calls.
 The NCP interfaces with the CP or other NCPs to update call paths on a regular basis, so that
other NCPs can get a "global" view of all calls.

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3. Interface Controllers

 A processor-based controller that acts as a concentrator of all incoming lines or trunks.

 These controllers use time multiplexed output to the NCPs and provide time-switching (T
switch) functions.
 The number of such controllers depends on engineered size of the central office (CO).

4. Interface Modules

Different types of modules are employed in a digital switching system.

i. Line modules (LMs) - Terminate a single line or scores of lines. Smart line cards that are
processor-driven and can perform most basic call-processing functions, such as line
scanning, digit collection, and call supervision.
ii. Trunk modules (TMs) - The trunk modules interface different types of trunks to the
digital switching system.

Most digital switching systems employ special modules to connect ISDN and other digital
services to the switch. They also employ specialized module interfaces to provide enhanced
services such as AIN and packet switching.

5. Switching Fabric

 Most digital switching systems employ at least one space or S switch.

 The concentrators in the ICs are usually time or T switches.
 The S switch is usually accessible to all NCPs.
 In some cases, the switching fabric is partitioned for use by different NCPs.
 A dynamic image of the entire network usage/idle status for the switching fabric is
maintained by the CP of the digital switching system.

SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

This section covers a typical organization of digital switching system software.

1. System-Level Software

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 Software at this level is a multitasking operating system (OS) and is based on a duplex
mainframe computer.
 The function of the OS is to control each application system (AS) deployed by the digital
switching system.
 Basic software systems for a digital switch can be classified as

- Maintenance software
- Call processing software
- Database software.

Figure 8.2 A generic switch software architecture

2. Maintenance Software

The software industry spends almost 80 percent of its efforts in maintaining software, but not on
research has been conducted to improve software maintainability. Digital switch maintainability
can be grouped into two broad categories:

Supplier-initiated software maintenance: This consists of software maintenance actions

needed to update or upgrade a generic release of a digital switch. These also include applications
of "patches" or software corrections that are required to correct faults in an existing generic
release.

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Software maintenance by site owners: These are routine maintenance actions that must be
performed by the owners of a digital switch to keep it operational. Examples: routine diagnostics,
updating of translation tables, and addition of lines and trunks to a digital switch.

3. Call Processing Software

Based on the architecture of the digital switching system, the call processing program can be
divided into three levels:

i. High level - Includes call processing functions that require support from a CPU or a
central database. Ex: Special feature routing/specialized billing, office data (OD), and
translation data.
ii. Medium level - Reside in the network processing units. Software supports routine call
processing functions such as ' establishing a path through the switching fabric, verifying a
subscriber, and maintaining a call map. These are referred to as network software.
iii. Low-level - It is shared between the interface controllers and the line modules. These
functions may be line scanning, digit collection, attaching service circuits, or call
supervision. These are referred to as controller or peripheral software.

4. Database Software

It can vary greatly between digital switching systems, and within a switching system product, a
switch may be engineered to provide different functions. Most digital switching systems employ
a database system to record office information, system recovery parameters, system diagnostics,
and billing information.

RECOVERY STRATEGY

The following is a possible recovery strategy for the hypothetical digital switching system. It is
based on a three-level scheme. These schemes can be based on the three control levels.

Level 1 Initialization (INIT - 1)

 It is the lowest level of initialization.

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 This level of recovery initializes all components that function at level 1 control.
 It is controlled and directed by the IC’s which control line modules, trunk modules, and
peripheral modules (PMs).
 This INIT 1 recovery could be directed specifically to initialize defined line modules, defined
trunk modules, and defined peripherals.
 It selectively initializes lines, trunks, or peripherals based on the severity of the problem.
 This recovery can be called local recovery, since it can initialize peripherals locally without
impacting the operation of the entire digital switching system.

EXAMPLE: After a thunderstorm, a technician in a digital CO found 17 LMs, 5 TMs, and 2

PMs hung up (non-operational). This was causing a partial outage and other operational
difficulties.

Level 2 Initialization (INIT 2)

 A middle-level initialization.
 This INIT 2 recovery could be directed specifically for initializing a specified NCP and a
group of NCP’s.
 Each NCP controls a number of ICs. The ICs in turn control the line, trunk, and peripheral
modules. If a NCP breaks down and the backup NCP cannot switch to active mode cleanly or
if a duplex failure of a NCP pair occurs, then the operation of all ICs connected to the NCPs
will be impacted.
 Two types of recovery strategies need to be considered. If the problem is due to a NCP's
switching from active mode to standby mode and the "switch" is not "clean," then the
connected ICs may help to stabilize connections by running an INIT 1 initialization.
 An INIT 2 needs to be run to initialize the NCP and associated ICs with connected LMs,
TMs, and PMs.
 A multiple-NCP strategy will require initialization of a number of NCPs. Initialization of all
NCPs would require a level 3 initialization.

EXAMPLE: The maintenance personnel tried to switch a NCP with its redundant side after the
diagnostics for the NCP failed. The NCP switch was not successful, and the digital switch lost all
calls controlled by the NCP. It requires INIT 2 initialization. This is considered a partial outage.

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Level 3 Initialization (INIT 3)

 Highest level of initialization for the digital switch.

 Initializing the central processor (CP) and all NCP’s.
 It is run when the redundant CPs fail or the CP switch is not successful and the digital
switching system cannot fully function with defective CPs.
 The recovery program tries to identify the problem with the last known good CP.
 Lower load or no load on the system will allow the CPs to be diagnosed effectively.
 Once the CP is fixed, the system will then run the INIT 2 process to synchronize all NCPs
and bring them up on-line.
 This level of initialization will cause a total system outage.

EXAMPLE: A digital switching system starts experiencing slow dial tone, and after a time it
runs an automatic INIT 2 initialization.

This clears the slow-dial-tone problem, but the problem returns after a few minutes. The digital
switch then starts taking repeated INIT 2's. At this stage, the technician initiates an INIT 3,
which clears the problem. This type of condition usually occurs because of software corruption
in the CP, and an initialization normally clears it.

Manual Recovery

 When repeated use of INIT 3 does not recover the system, manual recovery of the digital
switch becomes essential.
 The generic program with the last known good office data and selected subscriber data is
loaded in the digital switch.
 Then manual diagnostics or specialized diagnostics are used to recover the digital switch.
This type of manual recovery scheme is digital switch-specific, but the basic idea is as
follows:
 Bring up the system with manual effort since automatic runs of INIT 1, INIT 2 and INIT
3 failed to bring the system back on-line.
 The current generic program and data may be corrupted; the system is updated with last
known good generic program and data.
 Special diagnostic programs and techniques are needed to identify the Problem.

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A SIMPLE CALL THROUGH A DIGITAL SWITCHING SYSTEM

A flowchart for a typical call through a typical digital switching system is shown in Fig. 8.3.
Most digital switching systems follow a similar scheme. However, note that not all digital
switching systems may follow exactly the call connection sequence shown in the flowchart, but
these high-level functionalities are usually covered. The basic steps necessary to complete a
simple call are as follows:

Figure 8.3 A Simple call flowchart

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1. Detect off-hook condition.

2. Identify customer's line.
3. Test customer's line.
4. Provide dial tone to customer.
5. Provide digits analysis of dialed number.
6. Establish a path between the calling customer and the called customer.
7. Ring the called customer.
8. Detect answer and establish cut-through path.
9. Supervise both lines for disconnect.
10. Detect on-hook condition and disconnect.

Some call scenarios that typically occur in a digital switch.

Most call scenarios are Switch specific.

1. Line-to-Line Intra-IC Call.

 Customer A calls customer B within the same interface controller (1C), See Fig. 8.4a.
 When customer A goes off-hook to call customer B, the call origination request is detected
by the line module.
 It sends a message to the interface controller which in turn sends a message to the network
control processor.
 The NCP validates customer A's line. The interface controller attaches a digit receiver to the
line and provides a dial tone to customer A.
 After the customer dials the first digit, the LM removes the dial tone from customer A's
receiver. The dialed digits are then collected and sent to the CP for digit analysis.
 If the dialed number is valid, the NCP assigns time slots for a call connection path between
customer A and customer R
 If the dialed number is incorrect, for instance, has a wrong prefix, is a partial dial, etc., an
announcement or a tone is given to customer A.
 Customer B's line is checked for busy/idle status, and a power ringing is applied to customer
B's line. An audible ringing is simultaneously applied to customer A's line.
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 When customer B answers, a cut-through path through the switching fabric is provided via
previously assigned time slots.
 The first leg of the call from customer A uses a T switch of the interface controller, the
second leg uses an S switch through the switching fabric, and the third leg to customer B uses
another T switch through the interface controller.
 This is a typical TST connection scenario that most digital switching systems use.
 If either customer disconnects, the LM detects the on-hook condition and idles the
connection.

Figure 8.4 Calls within the same interface controller

2. Line-to-Trunk Intra-IC OGT Call

 Customer A calls customer B, who is served by another central office (CO), and the outgoing
trunk selected lies in the same interface controller (1C). See Fig. 8.4b.
 When customer A goes off-hook to call customer B, the call origination request is detected
by the line module. It sends a message to the interface controller which in turn sends a
message to the network control processor.

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 The NCP validates customer A's line. The interface controller attaches a digit receiver to the
line, and a dial tone is provided to customer A.
 After the first digit is dialed, the dial tone is removed from customer A's receiver. The dialed
digits are then collected and sent to the central processor for digit analysis.
 If the dialed number is valid, the NCP assigns time slots for a path for the call between
customer A and an outgoing trunk for customer B's CO or a tandem office.
 If the dialed number is incorrect, for instance, has a wrong prefix, an announcement or a tone
is given to customer A.
 The terminating central office checks customer B's line for busy/idle status and applies a
power ringing to customer B's line.
 An audible ringing is simultaneously applied to customer A's line. When customer B
answers, a cut-through path through the switching fabric is provided via previously assigned
time slots.
 As in line-to-line calls, each CO uses a TST connection.
 If either customer disconnects, the LM of either CO detects the on-hook condition and idles
the connection. Call supervision is provided by the originating CO.

3. Line-to-Line Inter-IC Call

 Customer A calls customer B, who is located in another interface controller (IC). See Fig.
8.5a.
 This is the same as a line-to- line intra-IC call, except a path through IC-X and IC-Y is
established for the call.
 The coordination between the associated NCPs (that is/ NCP-X for IC-X and NCP-Y for IC-
Y) is provided by the central processor.

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Figure 8.5 Calls between different Interface controllers

4. Line-to-Trunk Inter-IC Call

 Customer A calls customer B, who is located in another central office, and a different
interface controller is selected. See Fig. 8.5b.
 This is the same as a line-to-trunk intra-IC OGT call, except a path through IC-X and IC-Y is
established.
 The coordination between the associated NCPs (NCP-X for IC-X and NCP-Y for IC-Y) is
provided by the central processor.
5. Trunk-to-Line Intra-IC IGT Call
 Customer A is called by customer B, who is served by another central office, and the
incoming trunk selected lies in the same interface controller. See Fig. 8.6a.

Figure 8.6 Incoming calls to interface controllers.

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 The CO for customer B homes into customer A's CO directly or through a tandem office.
 It connects to customer A's CO via an incoming trunk (IGT).
 If the trunk and customer A's line are in the same interface controller, a path is established
through the switching fabric to the line module of customer A.
 The associated NCP performs all time-slot assignments for the IGT and customer A's line.
Line A is validated, and its idle/busy status is checked.
 A power ringing to customer A's line is applied by the 1C, and an audible ringing is
simultaneously transmitted to customer B's line via the IGT.
 When customer A answers, a cut through path through the switching fabric is provided via
previously assigned time slots.
 As in line-to-line calls, each CO uses a TST connection.
 If either customer disconnects, the LM of either CO detects the on-hook condition and idles
the connection.
 Call supervision is provided by the originating CO.

6. Trunk-to-Line Inter-IC IGT Call

 Customer A is called by customer B, who is served by another central office, and the
incoming trunk selected lies in a different interface controller. See Fig. 8.6b.
 This is the same as a line-to-trunk intra-IC IGT call, except a path through IC-X and IC-Y is
established.
 The coordination between the associated NCPs (NCP-X for IC-X and NCP-Y for IC- Y) is
provided by the central processor.

SOME COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF DIGITAL SWITCHING SYSTEMS

Most commercial digital switching systems in the North American network exhibit some
common characteristics. They are described here at a high level and do not pertain to a particular
switch.

1. Dual capability - Most digital switching systems covered, which are primarily class 5,
can also have tandem/toll or class 4 capabilities.

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2. Termination capability - Most of the large digital switching systems can terminate
approximately 100,000 lines or 60,000 trunks.
3. Traffic capacity - In a distributed environment, this depends on the digital switch
configuration, and it can go as high as 2,000,000 busy hour call attempts (BHCAs).
4. Architecture—hardware - Most digital switching systems have a quasi- distributed
hardware architecture. Since they all maintain control of the switching functions through
an intermediate processor. All digital switching systems employ multiple processor
subsystems.
5. Architecture—software - Most digital switching systems maintain a modular software
design, sometimes through layering or through functionalities. They all support database
systems for office records, subscriber records, administration records, etc. They also
support billing systems for subscribers such as the automatic messaging system.
6. Switching fabric - Most digital switching systems utilize time-space- time (TST) mode
for switching calls.
7. Remote operation - Most digital switching systems have remote switching modules
(RSMs) to support switching functions in a remote location. And most remote switching
systems have standalone capabilities, so if the main switching system (host) goes down,
the remote units can still switch local calls.
8. Advanced feature support - Most digital switching systems can support advanced
features such as ISDN, STP, SCf and AIN.

The telecommunications market is now demanding a marriage between telephony and cable
television applications. This would change the nature of class-5 CO’s and would require
broadband switching. The use of Internet around the world is placing very high demand on class-
5 CO provisioning requirements. Many Internet users now connect to their Internet providers
through class-5 CO’s and keep the connection up for long periods. The cost of provisioning COs
will rise since most of the cost associated with equipping a class-5 DSS comes from customer
interfaces such as line modules, trunk modules, and service circuits. The integration of voice,
data, and full-motion video as required by the Internet and other services will need to be
switched through a class-5 DSS. The use of ATM and optical links using SONET will dominate
the switching markets of the future.

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ANALYSIS REPORT

The analysis report of a digital switching should at least contain the following sections.

1. System Description

This gives a high-level description of the digital switch being analyzed, with emphasis on:

i. System overview: Describe system-level functional blocks of the digital switch.

ii. Capacity: Cover busy-hour call attempts of the digital switch for desired configurations.
iii. Hardware description: Give a detailed description of all important hardware
components of the digital switch required for desired configuration of equipment.
iv. Software description: Describe the main software architecture of the digital switch with
all major software components identified.
v. Call processing: Describe the flow of different types of calls through the digital switch.
vi. Features list: Describe all base features and optional features that need to be obtained
separately.
vii. System recovery strategy: Describe different levels of system initialization and typical
times for system recovery for each level of initialization.

2. Operation, Administration, and Maintenance

This section gives a brief description of all maintenance features of `a digital switch, with
emphasis on:

i. Database management: Describe all databases that need to be managed, e.g., office
database, translation database, and billing database.
ii. OSS interfaces: Describe all types of operational support system interfaces.

3. Reliability Analysis

This section is the most important, and it gives a brief description of the reliability models of the
digital switch and includes overall reliability findings covering

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i. Component failure rates: Describe the component failure rates for different circuit
packs used in the digital switch.
ii. System reliability: Describe the results of hardware modeling of various subsystems of
the digital switch.
iii. Software reliability analysis: Describe the results of the software analysis of the digital
switching system software.

4. Product Support

This section describes the organizational structure and commitment of the organization to
support the digital switching system after it is sold.

i. Technical assistance: Describe different levels of technical support that the digital
switching supplier provides and the escalation process and time limits within which the
supplier will correct the fault.
ii. Documentation: List all documents that will be supplied to maintain the digital
switching system and how often it will be updated.
iii. Fault reporting system: Describe a fault-reporting system that tracks all faults
discovered by the operator of the digital switching system.
iv. Training: List all training courses available for telephone company personnel who will
use and maintain the digital switching system.

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