Control of Switching

Systems
Unit 4
Lecture 1
 Table of Contents
 Introduction
 Call processing Functions
 Common Control
 Reliability, Availability and
Security
 Stored Program Control
 Introduction
 Earlier electronic switching system was based on the
stores program control (SPC) system in which temporary
memory was used for storing different information.
 Digital systems employ multiprocessor subsystem for the
best control. So software are necessary to implement the
processing system for all of control structure.
 In digital switching systems, call processing functions are
performed by using interface controllers.
 Different software system used for switching control are
also explained along with the stored program control
concept. Microprocessor is mostly used for controlling in
the digital switching system to reduce the cost of call
processing.
 Call Processing Functions
 It is similar to common control cross bar system except
that the most of the functions are performed by software
or by using interface controllers.
 Some of basic functions of call processing system are:
◦ Call identification
◦ Call routing
◦ Path setup between subscribers
◦ Call status
◦ billing
◦ Digital translation
 Generally call processing takes place independent of
switching network.
Sequence of operations:
Sequence of operations (Cont.)
 Common control
 In this method there is no connection made until entire
number is received. The number is stored in a memory and
the information conveyed by the number is translated by the
logic circuitry into instruction to switch contact mechanisms
which then contact the appropriate connections.
 After establishing the connection, the logic circuitry is free to
service other calls. So, subscriber handling capacity is much
more.
◦ In step by step switching system there were disadvantages like for the
entire call duration the whole set of switches including contacts and
relay mechanisms are busy and are not available for servicing other
calls.
◦ For a particular number, the subscriber location is fixed
◦ Slow switching system.
◦ Responds only one subscriber at a time, so limited facility.
Common control switching system
Diagram
 Reliability availability and security
 In case of common control system the exchange depend on a
small number of equipments. So that they must be designed
for high reliability to obtain long mean time between failures
(MTBF). In stored program control (SPC) system, the
software must be very reliable.
 Without security the existence of a system comes under
doubt. therefore, security should be provided in the switching
system. Measured should provide security i.e. to ensure
correct operation even when faults are present in the system.
The security measures that are used are as follows:
◦ Line circuits : none
◦ Switching network : none (or partial duplication)
◦ Common controls :1 in n sparing
◦ Central processors: Replication
 As the termination unit of the subscribers
line contain very few components, so that
it suffer less fault than the line itself. No
additional measures are required to obtain
the availability. If each incoming trunk
has access to a sufficient no. trunks on
each route to give the required GOS is
known as limited availability. The
availability is defined as:
 Stored Program Control
 Stored program control (SPC) is a broad term designating switches where
common control is carried out entirely by computer. In some exchanges, this involves
a large, powerful computer. In others, two or more minicomputers may carryout the
SPC function.
 With other switches, the basic switch functions are controlled by distributed
microprocessors. Software may be hard-wired on one hand or programmable on the
other.
 In most cases these also work in the binary digital domain. The crossbar markers
and registers are typical examples. The conventional crossbar marker requires about
half a second to service a call. Up to 40 expensive markers are required on a large
exchange.
 Strapping points on the marker are available to laboriously reconfigure the
exchange for subscriber change, new subscribers, changes in traffic patterns,
reconfiguration of existing trunks or their interface, and so on.
 A simple input sequence on the keyboard of the computer workstation replaces
strapping procedures. System faults are displayed as they occur, and circuit status
may be indicated on the screen periodically. Due to the high speed of the computer,
post dial delay is reduced. SPC exchanges permit numerous new service offerings,
such as conference calls, abbreviated dialing, “camp-on-busy,” call forwarding, voice
mail, and call waiting.
 Basic SPC Functions
There are four basic functional elements of an SPC switching system:
1. Switching matrix
2. Call store (memory)
3. Program store (memory)
4. Central processor (computer)
The earlier switching matrices consisted of electromechanical cross-points, such
as a crossbar matrix, reed, correed, or ferreed cross-points. Later switching
matrices employed solid-state cross-points.
The call store is often referred to as the “scratch-pad” memory. This is
temporary storage of incoming call information ready for use, on command
from the central processor. It also contains availability and status information of
lines, trunks, and service circuits under internal switch-circuit conditions.
Circuit status information is brought to the memory by a method of scanning.
All speech circuits are scanned for a busy/idle condition. The program store
provides basic instructions to the controller (central processor). In many
installations, translation information is held in this store (memory), such as DN
to EN translation and trunk signaling information.
Functional Diagram of an SPC
exchange
Question Sample