The access network connects end users to local service providers, who then connect them to regional providers, until the user reaches the area needed to connect their communication session. The overall goal is to allow users to talk to each other, regardless of location or operator, by simply dialing a number. The end user ultimately pays for time on these networks, with individual exchanges tracking time spent on systems and billing each other accordingly.
The access network is the portion of a telecommunications system closest to the final consumer. These networks connect end users to local service providers, who then connect them to regional providers, who then connect to different providers, and so on, until the user reaches the area needed to connect his communication session . In most cases, the access network is invisible to users. Rather than billing users directly, the network will bill the companies users connect to; those companies then turn around and bill the user.
Telecommunication systems, especially those in the United States, are a very complex affair. There are small local systems sandwiched between large exchanges and everything is connected through the public switched telephone network (PTSN). Each area may have dozens of different switches running on the same systems. The overall goal of these systems is to allow users to talk to each other, regardless of location or operator, by simply dialing a number.
From the user’s point of view, the process begins with the access network. This system is the physical connection made between users and the local switching hub. If the access network were seen by itself, it would be like one giant network covering an area and converging at one location. Every wired phone in the area connects to this web, and the convergence point is the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC). The LEC then connects to one or more Interexchange Carriers (IXCs) to route calls out of the local area.
The relationship between all of these systems is important to the user, but probably invisible in use. For example, if a call originates and terminates within the area of a single LEC, then it is called a local call; calls that terminate outside are long distance calls. If a user makes a long distance call, he will use his own access network and regional LEC, one or more IXCs and the LEC and access network of the person he is calling. All transitions should be smooth, but issues like weak calls or unexpected disconnects are a result of the complexity.
Using all these different exchanges costs money and the end user ultimately pays for time on these networks. Individual exchanges track time spent on systems and bill each other accordingly. For example, the access network owner and LEC will bill the IXC for calls made by a specific user. The IXC, which is what people traditionally call their phone company, will then bill you based on usage.
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