Experiences with the 5ess-prx switch in the dutch public network

Abstract

Beginning in 1985, the 5ESS-PRX switch has seen major deployment in the Dutch Network. By mid 1989, over 30 offices were operational, with close to 500,000 lines and 400,000 trunks in rural and metropolitan applications. Firstly this paper addresses the network aspects of the deployment: the network characteristics of the system as originally introduced, the evolution of the network in which it is deployed and the adaptations to the networking requirements of the Dutch network Secondly an overview is given of the characteristics of the system as it is today. Typical configurations in the Netherlands environment are also discussed, showing how the flexibility of a distributed architecture is used to advantage. Finally an operational characterization of the system's performance is given in terms of failure rates, down-times, and similar parameters.