Navigating the migration of circuit switched to packet switched networks is a complex affair. In pursuit of improving overall network efficiency and making advanced data services available, service providers must simultaneously protect existing TDM revenue while investing in new packet-based technologies. The good news is that the circuit switched architecture, which accounts for the bulk of service provider revenues, is highly reliable. The bad news is that this massive centralized processing network is neither fully depreciated nor built for packet switching. Taken together, the migration to a more efficient, distributed packet switched network will be an evolutionary process that will. | Navigating Circuit to Packet Network Migration WHITE PAPER Navigating Circuit to Packet Network Migration Executive Summary Navigating the migration of circuit switched to packet switched networks is a complex affair. In pursuit of improving overall network efficiency and making advanced data services available service providers must simultaneously protect existing TDM revenue while investing in new packet-based technologies. The good news is that the circuit switched architecture which accounts for the bulk of service provider revenues is highly reliable. The bad news is that this massive centralized processing network is neither fully depreciated nor built for packet switching. Taken together the migration to a more efficient distributed packet switched network will be an evolutionary process that will require integration with the TDM network. The emerging hybrid network of TDM and packet-based assets is the precursor to a unified platform for transport of voice data and multimedia services. This paper will examine why a hybrid network is inevitable and explore the challenges that service providers face in deploying packet both at the edge and in the core of the network. In addition this paper will show that a key reason for the exceptional reliability and availability of TDM services can be traced to the arena of products that connect protect and manage cables. It is this foundation of connectivity that will also play an important role in creating efficient reliable and high performance packet switched networks too. Migration Promises a Hybrid Network for Some Time The benefits of migrating to packet technology are compelling new and higher margin services better network performance improved capacity savings in transport and cost reductions in operations. All of these benefits are embedded in the main differences between circuit switch and packet switch technologies. The packet based network routes small units of data called packets through the network .
