Intelligent Network

The Intelligent Network (IN) is the standard network architecture specified in the ITU-T Q.1200 series recommendations. It is intended for fixed as well as mobile telecom networks. It allows operators to differentiate themselves by providing value-added services in addition to the standard telecom services such as PSTN, ISDN on fixed networks, and GSM services on mobile phones or other mobile devices. The intelligence is provided by network nodes on the service layer, distinct from the switching layer of the core network, as opposed to solutions based on intelligence in the core switches or equipment. The IN nodes are typically owned by telecommunications service providers such as a telephone company or mobile phone operator. IN is supported by the Signaling System #7 (SS7) protocol between network switching centers and other network nodes owned by network operators. Televoting Call screening Local number portability Toll-free calls/Freephone Prepaid calling Account card calling Virtual private networks (such as family group calling) Centrex service (Virtual PBX) Private-number plans (with numbers remaining unpublished in directories) Universal Personal Telecommunications service (a universal personal telephone number) Mass-calling service Prefix free dialing from cellphones abroad Seamless MMS message access from abroad Reverse charging Home Area Discount Premium Rate calls Call distribution based on various criteria associated with the call Location-based routing Time-based routing Proportional call distribution (such as between two or more call centres or offices) Call queueing Call transfer The IN concepts, architecture and protocols were originally developed as standards by the ITU-T which is the standardization committee of the International Telecommunication Union; prior to this a number of telecommunications providers had proprietary implementations. The primary aim of the IN was to enhance the core telephony services offered by traditional telecommunications networks, which usually amounted to making and receiving voice calls, sometimes with call divert.