BSNL has started transition from outdated time-switching telephone exchanges to next generation networks (NGNs) that are geared for communication technologies of the future.
Replacement of existing equipment in telephone exchanges with Internet Protocol (IP)-based NGN switches is proposed to be carried out in a phased manner in BSNL’s Chennai Telephones and Tamil Nadu circles.
In essence, the migration to IP-driven packet-based switches and servers under the IP Multimedia Subsystems Management 2000 series will set the stage for Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) that is touted as the next level in telecom evolution. The FMC breaks down the distinctions between fixed and mobile networks and provides customers seamless inter-operability of wired and wireless voice and broadband services at home, office or while on the move.
Implemented as part of a nationwide upgrade of core communication architecture in BSNL, it is expected that the migration would be completed in the next three to four years.
The NGN architecture is being supplied by Chinese vendor Huawei.
Currently, most BSNL telephones exchanges are powered by switches from OCB (Alcatel), AXE (Ericsson), EWSD (Siemens) and 5ESS (Lucent AT&T).
In Chennai Telephones, a two-phase plan has been worked out to upgrade 48 telephone exchanges to NGN levels.
The roll out of NGN architecture of switches and servers networking close to a million landlines in the Chennai Telephones network will take at least three years, the official said.
The upgrade Upgrading of telephone exchanges to NGN is also under way in the Tamil Nadu circle which recently placed an order for gear worth Rs. 11 crore. Rs. 11 crore worth of gear.
“The first phase of migration to NGN involves telephone exchanges where the age of the equipment has tipped over the regular shelf-life of 11 years,” said M.A. Khan, BSNL Chief General Manager, Tamil Nadu Circle.
NGN architecture is being rolled out in 21 telecom divisions, including Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem and Tiruchi and is expected to be complete in about seven months.
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