Relevance of Existing Intelligent Network Infrastructure to the Internet

Abstract

In this paper the authors set out to examine the role of existing Intelligent Network (IN) infrastructures in an environment where Internet Protocol (IP) based networks are beginning to dominate. The aim of the paper is therefore threefold. Firstly, the paper discusses the general relevance of existing IN platforms to the Internet and indicates where the technology is applicable and, conversely, where it is in conflict with the paradigm. The paper argues that there are applications where an operator with existing IN infrastructure can support IP-based applications without changes to the IN standards. Hence, to illustrate this, the second aim of the paper is to describe an example application, the Internet Micropayment System. Finally the authors conclude that in a multi-network environment the need for the development of control architectures will become even more important as IN structures will provide a transitional solution for interworking between these conflicting and heterogeneous service environments.