Telephone Switching Systems

"...describes the hardware & software of five different systems, providing information for understanding switching systems in relation to regulatory framework...shows how customer service & computer applications affect systems."

Here is the definitive Bible on the architectures of the systems that provide telephone service, including a look at architectures for future systems. Describing in detail the hardware and software of four major systems widely used in the US today, plus two others commonly used worldwide, you get the comprehensive information you need to understand switching systems in historical context and in relation to regulatory frameworks. Plus, you see how factors such as customer services and modern computer applications have affected switching systems, and you get background discussions on relevant theory and boundary conditions — such as transmission systems, telephone operation, and the human element.

Featuring extensive illustrations, but written in a lightly technical style, this book is an excellent resource that examines both analog and digital systems to help you understand the foundations upon which "voice over IP" are built. Plus, it is invaluable for telco managers — both wireline and cellular — seeking the "big picture" describing the physical architecture of modern telephone switching systems.

This complete volume is a one-stop resource for telecommunications professionals needing to know where the current architecture comes from, how it operates today, and how it will look tomorrow.

Booknews

Thompson (telecommunications, U. of Pittsburgh) describes telephone switching system technology in a context of history, regulation, services, and modern communications. The design of large-scale architecture is the main focus and the material is organized into sections on fundamentals; analog systems such as the step-by-step, crossbar, and electronic switching systems; digital systems; broader issues such as the interaction of humans with the systems and the breakup of the Bell system; and evolving systems such as wireless telephony, new tethered technologies, and photonics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Richard A. Thompson is Director of the Telecommunications Program at the University of Pittsburgh and has previously been employed by Bell Labs and Litton Industries. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Connecticut and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University.