IN (Intelligent Network)

Intelligent Network (IN) is a type of telecommunications network architecture that enables the provision of advanced services to users. The basic concept behind IN is to separate service logic from the switching hardware, making it easier to develop and deploy new services. IN was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since become a standard architecture for telecommunications networks around the world.

In an IN architecture, the intelligence and control of the network are distributed across different functional entities, including service control points (SCPs), service switching points (SSPs), and service management points (SMPs). These entities work together to provide a range of services to users, such as call forwarding, caller ID, and voicemail.

One of the key benefits of IN is its ability to support the rapid development and deployment of new services. Because the service logic is separated from the switching hardware, service providers can develop and test new services without disrupting the core network infrastructure. This also allows service providers to offer customized services to different user segments, which can be a significant competitive advantage.

To understand how IN works, it is helpful to look at the different functional entities that make up the architecture:

Service Control Point (SCP) The SCP is the central intelligence of the IN architecture. It contains the service logic and database that are used to provide services to users. When a user makes a request for a service, such as call forwarding or caller ID, the SSP sends a query to the SCP to determine how to handle the request. The SCP then sends back instructions to the SSP on how to process the request.

Service Switching Point (SSP) The SSP is responsible for controlling the flow of calls within the network. When a user makes a call, the SSP determines how to route the call and what services to apply to it. If the call requires a service that is not available locally on the SSP, the SSP sends a query to the SCP to determine how to handle the request.

Service Management Point (SMP) The SMP is responsible for managing the configuration and maintenance of the IN network. It provides the interfaces and tools that service providers use to configure and monitor the network. This includes configuring the SCP and SSP, managing service provisioning, and monitoring network performance.

Intelligent Peripheral (IP) The IP is an optional entity in the IN architecture that provides advanced media processing capabilities. This includes features such as speech recognition, text-to-speech conversion, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. The IP can be used to create more complex services, such as automated call centers or virtual assistants.

The IN architecture also includes a number of protocols and interfaces that enable communication between the different functional entities. These include the Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol, which is used for call setup and teardown, and the Intelligent Network Application Protocol (INAP), which is used for communication between the SCP and SSP.

One of the key benefits of the IN architecture is its ability to support advanced services such as prepaid calling and mobile number portability. Prepaid calling allows users to pay for their phone service in advance, which is particularly useful in areas where credit is not widely available. Mobile number portability allows users to keep their phone number when switching between different service providers, which can be a significant factor in user retention.

Another benefit of IN is its ability to support converged services, which combine voice, data, and video services over a single network. This is particularly important in today's telecommunications landscape, where users expect to be able to access a range of different services on their mobile devices.

There are a number of challenges associated with implementing an IN architecture. One of the main challenges is the complexity of the architecture, which requires a high degree of coordination between different functional entities. This can make it difficult to troubleshoot and maintain the network.

Another challenge is the cost of implementing and maintaining an IN architecture. The initial cost of implementing an IN network can be high, particularly for smaller service providers. Additionally, the ongoing cost of maintaining the network can be significant, as the network requires regular updates and maintenance to ensure that it remains reliable and secure.

Security is also a major concern for IN networks. Because the SCP contains the service logic and database that are used to provide services to users, it is a high-value target for attackers. Service providers need to implement robust security measures to ensure that the SCP is protected from unauthorized access.

Despite these challenges, IN remains a popular architecture for telecommunications networks around the world. Its ability to support advanced services and converged services makes it an attractive option for service providers looking to offer a competitive range of services to their customers. Additionally, the separation of service logic from switching hardware makes it easier for service providers to develop and deploy new services, which can be a significant competitive advantage.

In conclusion, Intelligent Network (IN) is a telecommunications network architecture that enables the provision of advanced services to users. The architecture separates service logic from the switching hardware, making it easier to develop and deploy new services. The IN architecture includes functional entities such as the Service Control Point (SCP), Service Switching Point (SSP), and Service Management Point (SMP), as well as protocols and interfaces that enable communication between these entities. IN supports advanced services such as prepaid calling and mobile number portability, as well as converged services that combine voice, data, and video services over a single network. Despite the challenges associated with implementing and maintaining an IN network, it remains a popular architecture for telecommunications networks around the world.