21CN: networks and systems for BT in the 21st century [network architecture]
M. H. Reeve, C. Bilton, Penny Holmes · Communications Engineer · 2005
The 21st century network and systems project or "21CN" as it is known at the British Telecom, is targeted at delivering an improved customer experience. It is a radical approach that touches all areas of BT networks, systems, and applications. In this article, the authors provide an overview of the 21CN architecture. The paper outlines the drivers and the architecture of this approach and indicates the benefits that it aims to deliver. The architecture is based on convergence to a single multiservice network controlled by a by a mobility-enabled intelligence layer supported by a much more flexible set of operational support. Applying the architecture leads to an improved customer experience, faster service provision, and radical cost reduction.