CIC (Circuit Identification Code)

Introduction:

Circuit Identification Code (CIC) is a unique identifier used by telecommunication companies to identify and manage circuits. The CIC is a 4-digit code that identifies a circuit and is used to route traffic, manage capacity, and troubleshoot problems. It is an important tool for telecommunications companies to ensure the efficient use of their network resources and provide reliable service to customers.

History:

Circuit Identification Code (CIC) was developed in the 1960s as a way to identify circuits within the telephone network. Initially, the CIC was a 2-digit code, but as the network grew and became more complex, the code was expanded to 4-digits. Today, CICs are used by telecommunication companies worldwide to manage their networks and provide reliable service to customers.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the CIC is to identify circuits within the telecommunications network. A circuit is a dedicated connection between two points, such as two telephones or a telephone and a computer. Each circuit has a unique CIC that is used to route traffic, manage capacity, and troubleshoot problems.

Routing:

The CIC is used by telecommunication companies to route traffic between circuits. When a call is made, the telephone company uses the CIC to identify the circuit that the call should be routed to. The CIC is also used to route data between circuits in data networks.

Capacity management:

The CIC is also used by telecommunication companies to manage the capacity of their network. The CIC is used to identify circuits that are underutilized or overloaded, allowing the company to allocate resources where they are needed most. By managing capacity in this way, the company can ensure that all customers have access to the resources they need to use the network effectively.

Troubleshooting:

When a problem occurs in the telecommunications network, the CIC is an important tool for troubleshooting. The CIC allows the company to identify the circuit that is experiencing the problem, allowing them to focus their efforts on resolving the issue quickly and efficiently.

Structure:

The CIC is a 4-digit code that consists of two parts: the carrier identification code and the channel identification code. The carrier identification code identifies the telecommunications carrier that owns the circuit, while the channel identification code identifies the specific circuit within the carrier's network.

The carrier identification code is a 2-digit code that identifies the carrier that owns the circuit. For example, the carrier identification code "01" might represent AT&T, while the carrier identification code "02" might represent Verizon.

The channel identification code is a 2-digit code that identifies the specific circuit within the carrier's network. For example, the channel identification code "01" might represent a circuit that connects two telephones in New York City, while the channel identification code "02" might represent a circuit that connects a telephone in New York City to a computer in Los Angeles.

Use in SS7:

The Signaling System 7 (SS7) is a signaling protocol used by telecommunications networks to manage calls and other services. The CIC is an important part of the SS7 protocol, as it is used to identify circuits and route traffic between them.

In the SS7 protocol, the CIC is used in conjunction with other codes, such as the signaling point code (SPC) and the destination point code (DPC), to manage calls and other services. The SPC is used to identify the signaling point that is originating the call, while the DPC is used to identify the signaling point that is receiving the call. The CIC is used to identify the circuit that the call should be routed to.

Conclusion:

Circuit Identification Code (CIC) is an important tool for telecommunications companies to manage their networks and provide reliable service to customers. The CIC is a unique identifier used to route traffic, manage capacity, and troubleshoot problems in the telecommunications network. It consists of a 4-digit code that is made up of the carrier identification code and the channel identification code.

The carrier identification code identifies the telecommunications carrier that owns the circuit, while the channel identification code identifies the specific circuit within the carrier's network. The CIC is an important part of the Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol used by telecommunications networks to manage calls and other services.

In conclusion, the Circuit Identification Code (CIC) is a crucial component in the telecommunications industry. It is used to identify and manage circuits, route traffic, manage capacity, and troubleshoot problems. The CIC is an essential tool for telecommunications companies to ensure the efficient use of their network resources and provide reliable service to customers.