In brief: Nortel brings IP to SS7 telephony

Nortel is working to bring IP technology to the SS7 standard telcos use to implement intelligent networks (IN).

IN systems are installed on telecomms switches to allow operators to offer services such as toll-free numbers and calling cards. Nortel is to develop a standard signalling protocol to enable SS7 to work with IP networks.

Codenamed IPS7, the initiative aims to encompass all SS7 and IP signalling variants within one architecture. The result will enable packet based IP networks to work with the PSTN circuit switched world of SS7.