The single largest component of the network tends to be transmission facility-related (trunks, signaling links, etc.). You should not ignore the maximization of the core capabilities of the network, however. You should look at network design as an exercise in achieving a balance between technical functionality (facility and switch) and cost control.

The balance referred to is called network planning. Planning a network involves understanding the technical needs of the service provider s network and the financial realities of fulfilling the technical requirements. Network interconnection requires a service provider to carefully plan the design and implementation of its network. There is a cost to interconnecting networks, which involves (but is not limited to) network signaling protocols, the cost of transmission facilities, routing plans, and the cost of network interface units.

Network planning is essential to any service provider. While planning a network whether the goal is to support Internet services, satellite services, or paging services there are a set of common planning (design) activities required. A description of the planning involved should give the reader a better understanding of just how common or synergistic many networks are.

Some basic tools are needed to design a voice network. These tools are applicable to all network types and are not software; rather, they are conceptual in nature:

1. Architectural Switching plan This plan would include handoff methodology, anchor switching design, switching selection points, and a routing plan; need efficient routing of calls or data packets based on network efficiency or business...