Digital Switching System Fundamentals

 Extend the basic concept of SPC switching systems to modern digital switching
systems. Many basic elements of the digital switching system already exist in the
SPC switching system.

 A switching system is called digital when the input to and output from the
switching system network can directly support digital signals.

 A digital signal can be defined as coded pulses that can be used for signaling
and control.

 However, analog signals can still be processed through the digital switching system
via analog-to-digital (A/D) or digital-to- analog (D/A) converters. This presents a
very simplistic view of a digital switching system.

 The evolution to digital switching from analog switching is shown in Figure 2. 9 a

to d. Figure 2.9a shows a typical analog switch with analog lines and trunks. This
figure also shows the line side and trunk side of a switch.

 The basic function of a switching system is to switch lines and trunks. Many
other advanced switching functions are handled by digital switching systems.

 However, the main objective of digital switching systems is to switch subscribers

and trunk facilities. Figure 2.9b shows the next step in the evolution of digital
switching. This phase uses analog lines and analog trunks but employs A/D and
D/A converters for digital processing of calls. Digitized signals are sent through the
switch.

 Figure 2.9c shows the next step in this process, in which digital switches can
"talk" to other digital switches via digital trunks while simultaneously supporting
analog lines and trunks.

 Figure 2.9d shows the ultimate, an all-digital linkage. In this arrangement, there are
no analog lines or trunks involved; all communication between digital switches is via
digital signaling. This plan assumes that all incoming lines coming to a CO are
digital and that all outgoing trunks are digital as well.
 In some applications, switching from digital trunk to digital trunk is indeed
performed. But we still live in an analog world, and lots of conversion from analog
to digital signals is performed in many applications.

 Currently, the telecommunications industry is moving in the direction in which

video, audio, and telephony services will all be combined and switched through
digital switching systems. Obviously this will require lots of conversions.
 the future of telephony switching will be optically based. Optical switching systems
will provide high-speed, large-bandwidth switching.

 Currently, many of the "pure" optical switches are under development, and many
advances have been made in this area.

 In the case of optical switching, electrical/optical (E/0) and optical/electrical (0/E)

conversions will be required. Fiber-optic-based trunks and lines will be utilized,
and signals with very wide bandwidths will be switched.