All-Internet Protocol

[edit] Introduction

All-Internet Protocol (or All-IP) is a term that describes the fibre optic based networks designed to replace copper-based public switched telephone networks (PSTN).

[edit] What is IP

IP is a type of language or code that Internet-connected technology uses to communicate. It determines the parameters for data transfers based on protocols that regulate things such as network packet size. (A packet is a small amount of data that is sent over networks.)

Equipment and services that work over the Internet via IP are designed to operate at faster connection speeds and with better functionality between technologies. This is also intended to streamline operational platforms and other digital communications services.

Internet-connected technology such as Voice over Internet Protocol - or VoIP - is one example of how this type of communication has been used by customers to make voice calls over the Internet. VoIP services such as Skype, Microsoft Teams and FaceTime reflect how All-IP services will operate.

[edit] All-IP integration

In the UK, the switch from PSTN to All-IP began in the summer of 2021. The transition should be complete by 31 December 2025, by which time analogue networks will be decommissioned and users will be transferred from traditional copper phone lines to All-IP digital networks. By that time, communications providers (CPs) will have migrated customers to full fibre (fibre to the premises or FTTP) or part fibre (Single order Generic Ethernet Access or SoGEA) networks.

Customers will then use digital lines for all telephony and related services. This means devices and services will be required to operate through a suitable router. This applies not only to telephones, but anything that plugs into analogue wall sockets, including security alarms, smoke detectors, life safety equipment and other interconnected devices. After the All-IP migration is complete, these sockets will only provide access to the Internet or may cease to operate entirely.

Services to be withdrawn include:

• Wholesale Line Rental (WLR).
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) including ISDN2 and ISDN30.
• Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC).
• Metallic Path facility (MPF).
• Local Loop Unbundling Shared Metallic Path Facility (LLU SMPF).
• Sub-Loop Unbundling Shared Metallic Path Facility (SLU SMPF).

Customers are urged to conduct inventory checks before 31 December 2025 to take stock of devices that use analogue lines. These devices will need to be replaced by those that can operate digitally over All-IP networks.

--Heidi Schwartz

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• BSRIA expects fast growth in Power over Ethernet applications.
• Convergence and big data, The impact on structured cabling.
• Developing system intelligence for optimising building electricity networks.
• Electrotechnical industry gears up for All-IP switch.
• Power over ethernet.

[edit] External resources

• Openreach, All IP Programme Frequently Asked Questions.
• Openreach, Welcome to the Openreach digital lines programme for industry.