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.

Explores both the technology and marketing decision-making in a world-wide industry where product purchasers represent long-term decisions. This book deals with the mainstream switching systems required for the public network. It is about the history of core switching systems and signaling.

In this work, not only the principles by which manual and automatic systems function are distinguished, but also the background to the invention is given. This is done from the perspective of an unbiased international observer.