An Intelligent Network Bringing People And Information Together

The author points out that an intelligent network brings people and information together. Increasing intelligence is being built into the switch, signaling, interoffice, and loop network. An intelligent network provides customer network management services. As network boundaries diminish, updated processes, support systems, and employee skills are required. Restructuring of network centers along functional lines yields improved administration of integrated network elements and reduces duplication of expertise, training, and support systems. Programmable network elements add to the complexity of operating and maintaining the network. Reliability continues to be an imperative to network operations. A network that contains many programmable elements has unique difficulties, but can also be self-healing. Security is a pressing issue in a network without boundaries. Billing for intelligent network services has new dimensions. As the network evolves, so do the skill requirements for operations and maintenance.