…How can I find out about BT 21CN?
What is it?
To put it simply – BT 21CN (21st Century Network) is the upgrading of British Telecoms’ infrastructure from a mixture of 17 different network infrastructures including PSTN to a single end-to-end IP-MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network.
21CN is designed to provide flexibility - including mobility and personalisation so that customer communications are seamless, offering multi-device capability and secure communications.
Why have they done this?
BT identified a need for a future-proof, flexible, intelligent network to enable the company to deliver communications services that will meet customers’ requirements in the coming decades. This has lead to their vision of creating a 21st century network that will truly enable communications in a range of formats across an IP-based network. In essence, 21CN has three key objectives:
- to enhance the customer experience
- to accelerate product to market times
- to reduce BT’s cost base
In simple terms this will mean that 21CN will allow BT (and others) to provide additional services and content which is not currently possible. The detail of these services has not yet been communicated but COULD include “as you use” pricing business applications, for example Software as a Service (SaaS) etc.
It will also simplify the core backbone by collapsing it to a single MPLS network – the benefit being a saving on both maintenance and network infrastructure costs.
How will I be affected?
All normal voice services will be available on 21CN with the exception of a couple of older signalling schemes. Basic ISDN2 is one which will be phased out (this does not include ISDN2e however) as will Meter Pulses and Analogue DDI lines. ISDN30 etc, however, will continue to be available. 21CN will allow for other methods of connection such as SIP Trunks which will provide for voice and data services to use the same transmission medium.
If you are affected by any of the changes outlined above, BT will write to you to advise of any services which you currently use that will not be supported, however we do not expect many of our clients to be affected as most use signalling systems that will continue to be supported. If any of our clients do receive notification from BT, Damovo will assist in ensuring business continuity by advising on the best alternative. Please contact your Account Manager or enquiry.uk@damovo.com.
When the actual switchover happens at the local exchange there will be a brief interruption of service, this will be communicated well in advance by BT. You should also be aware that during the run up to the switchover, BT may test connections to other equipment, again resulting in a small interruption to service.
When will this happen?
Unfortunately, this has not yet been confirmed depending on where you live in the UK. BT has a planned rollout across the UK - the first 21CN exchange went live in South Wales towards the end of 2006. Since then the switchover appears to have halted, but BT expect to begin aggressively rolling out the service during 2008/2009 with the latest date for completion being 2011/2012. As the rollout progresses we will update this FAQ and provide any further available information.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information by simply emailing us on enquiry.uk@damovo.com or alternatively you can visit the following websites for further information:
http://www.btplc.com/21CN/Whatis21CN/index.htm