scope:

The present document aims to facilitate the technical introduction of open inter-network and service provider access. It includes architectural scenarios and guidelines, and identifies implementation requirements to support these more advanced services. The format is based on a staged approach, covering both circuit-related (CR) and non-circuit-related (NCR) interfaces, including IN-related signalling technologies. It commences with the definition of service provider architectural and implementation capabilities, the implementation of which is initially based on standards existing at the start of the work. ETSI TC SPAN (that has produced the present document) has also been responsible for co-ordination and the enhancement of protocols, where necessary, in order to meet the Service Provider Access Requirements (SPAR) as outlined in the present document. Open Service Provider access is enabled by means of enhanced User to Network and Network-to-Network Interfaces. A number of Initial benchmark Services together with Service support and network management requirements are also considered.

Cross-referencing of the SPAR requirements and the candidate protocols is detailed through sets of tables. Existing protocol standards are utilized in the analysis, and are considered as candidates for re-use. Emerging protocols and APIs were also considered.

The overall objective of the present document is to map out the facilities and protocols needed to allow delivery of telecommunications services across multiple networks, including networks that may be geographically or technically diverse in nature. Where lack of support in protocol capabilities has been identified, these deficiencies are noted as items for further work.