A Practical Application of Distributed Computing

For several years the communications industry has been studying the possible application of distributed computing systems in communications networks. This talk explores some of the developments that have taken place over the past several years. To give background information, the talk begins with a discussion of the basic models of distributed computing, describing tightly-coupled, loosely-coupled, and hybrid systems, and noting their strengths and weaknesses. Then, a generic model of the interaction of switching and signaling systems in the AT&T long distance network will be examined.