Artikel Interkoneksi Telekomunikasi

Minggu, 16 Desember 2007

POINTS OF INTERCONNECTION

Definition: a point of interconnection (POI) can be defined as the physical location at which two networks interconnect. Under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Reference Paper on Regulatory Principles, interconnection with a major supplier should be ensured at any technically feasible point in the network. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) interconnection framework also highlights this requirement as the first interconnection principle.


Requiring interconnection at any technically feasible point is a very important competitive safeguard for new entrants. This requirement ensures that the new entrant has the ability to choose suitable locations for points of interconnection rather than accept less convenient interconnection points. If major suppliers limit the number and location of interconnection points the new entrant may be forced to offer less attractive services. The term "technically feasible point" has been interpreted differently by different countries.


In the United States, the obligation to offer interconnection at any technically feasible point is mandated by article 251C(2) of the 1996 Telecommunications Act . In implementing this article, the FCC concluded that at a minimum incumbent local exchange carriers must provide interconnection at the line side of the local switch, the trunk side of a local switch, the trunk interconnection points of a tandem switch and central office cross-connect points in general." Interconnection Order, paragraph 210.









Examples of Technically Feasible Interconnection Points:



  • The trunk interconnection points of local and national tandem exchanges.

  • The national or international circuit interconnection points of international gateway exchanges.

  • The trunk sides of local exchanges.

  • The line sides of local exchanges-at the main distribution frame (MDF) or Digital Distribution Frame (DDF).

  • Cross-connect points of any exchange.

  • "Meet points" at which operators agree to interconnect (e.g. manholes).

  • Signalling transfer points (STFs) and other points outside of the communications channel or band, where interconnection is required for common channel Signalling System No. 7 or other signalling systems to exchange traffic efficiently and to access call-related databases (e.g., a local number portability database).

  • Access points for unbundled network components.

  • Cable-landing stations.


Source: Telecommunications Regulation Handbook, Toronto: McCarthy Tétrault, Intven, Hank, editor (2000) (http://www.infodev.org/projects/314regulationhandbook/)



New entrants identify what points of interconnection are best suited to them. Not all points have the same value for the new entrant. Trunk side interconnection, for example, enables the carrier to deliver services on its own facilities and direct interconnection arrangements with the local carrier. Line side interconnection, on the other hand, only enables the entrant's network to connect with the incumbent as an ordinary end-user, which can restrict the new entrant's ability to compete and offer a variety of services (see reference 63).


Some regulatory frameworks go into greater detail into what constitutes a point of interconnection. In Germany, new entrants are required to open points of interconnection once traffic at any existing point reaches a certain capacity (see reference 64).


The WTO Reference Paper notes that interconnection seekers may request interconnection



"at points in addition to the network termination points offered to the majority of interconnections, subject to charges that reflect the cost of construction of necessary additional facilities".



Artikel ini diambil dari website itu.int