4. Carrier Networks

In this chapter:

• The Public Network

• Long-Haul Networks: The Core

• Technologies Used in Carrier Networks

• Convergence in Core and Metropolitan Networks

• Transporting Movies and TV in the Core

• Middle-Mile Networks

• Last-Mile Access Networks

• Access Networks in Cable Operators’ Networks

• Telecommunications Services in National Emergencies

• Signaling

• Summary

• Appendix

Carriers are striving to streamline functions to save money on labor and equipment costs, and to increase productivity while upgrading networks to carry additional traffic. Upgrading networks, while costly, simplifies the tasks of carrying mixed types of traffic including analog telephone, Internet, high-definition television (HDTV), and movies. Through these improvements, carriers can manage all of this varied traffic by using the same multipurpose equipment and management software.