ABSTRACT: In this issue you will learn about:

• How the rapid growth of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks and packet-based converged networks (Next Generation Networks) that support voice, data, and video communications accommodate and support the explosive growth of the Internet and e-business.
• The effect of the explosive growth of mobile phones and wireless networks and what it means to you as a supplier of telecommunications services.
• The impacts from recent government laws and regulations and how they affect your competitive position and network operations (for example, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has fueled the growth of many Competitive Local Exchange Carriers [CLECs] with impacts on dialing plan and interconnections; and the impacts of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) are just starting to be felt in industry.

• IP Networking and Next Generation Networks
• Wireless Network Architecture and Services
• Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)
• Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) Service
• Number Portability
• Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Network
• Network Signaling to Support Voice Services Over an ATM/IP Network
• Transport of SS7 Messaging Over IP
• CCS Network Interconnection
• Operator Services Using SS7 Signaling
• The Unbundled Loop Environment

• Local Access and Transport Areas -the boundary of a LEC's service area
• Numbering Plan and Dialing Procedures -the key to message delivery
• Network Design and Configuration - a must for reliability
• Billing, Customer Data, and Control - covers Automatic Message Accounting, Network Service Evaluation, and more
• Signaling critical for message handling, billing, and access capability to other networks
• Transmission -important for end-to-end connectivity
• Operations and Maintenance -imperative for high-quality service at reasonable costs
• Common Systems -covers the building systems for the physical switch locations, systems that power the switching equipment, and cross-connect systems
• Surveillance and Control - vital for the economical use of networks and for critical telecommunications services
• Synchronization - required so messages are not lost or erroneously repeated
• Distribution - where the network connects to individual customers
• Terminal Equipment and Premises Wiring Interconnection - contains general information on the FCC registration program and the demarcation point specifications
• Network Architecture and Services - additional capabilities to meet customers' telecommunications needs
• Exchange Access - enables interconnect entities to provide service between LATAs
• Wireless Networks - addresses needs of wireless service providers
• Open Network Architecture - furthers the delivery of the "Information Age" to the public
• Industry Forums and Standards Committees - focuses on the mission and issues of industry standards groups
• Ordering Access/Local Exchange Services - covers interconnection, unbundled elements, resale of local services, and more.