Traffic engineering methods are essential for design, planning and operation of signalling networks, because they must operate very reliably. The methods include:

• definition of appropriate performance parameters and the assignment of target values;
• specification of traffic and performance measurements;
• traffic modelling to characterize the demand for resources;
• definition of reference configurations for signalling and intelligent networks including interworking with IP-transport infrastructure;
• dimensioning methods to determine the quantity of resources needed to handle demand whilst meeting defined performance objectives;
• definition of appropriate traffic and congestion controls to safeguard performance in case of failure or overload.

With the evolving technology, the new emerging services, specially IP services, and the deregulated and competitive environment, there is a need for new traffic engineering methods for signalling networks and IN on IP-based networks. Especially the interworking situation has to be taken into account.

In addition, ITU-D SG 2 has requested to ITU-T WP 3/2 its cooperation to prepare a Handbook on Teletraffic Engineering which would make it easier to understand by less experienced engineers in the field the traffic engineering concepts and in particular the ITU-T Recommendations on traffic engineering for signalling networks.

the need to address:

a) the dimensioning of the IP-based network used for transporting signalling information;

b) the introduction of IP-based services including VoIP;

c) the definition of performance parameters and the assignment of target values for IN-based services;

d) the dimensioning of resources and the control mechanism required for integrated networks employing intelligent network capabilities;

e) the need for guidelines for signalling in broadband ISDN;

f) the service related measurements to support traffic engineering for signalling networks;

g) the dimensioning and control methods for the interworking of fixed and mobile networks;

h) the critical role of signalling systems and the new control and dimensioning issues arising from the characteristics of the new services supported;

i) the importance of effective dimensioning and control processes across network boundaries;

j) the use of dynamic routing schemes in the international network and across network boundaries;

k) the need of tutorial material which would make easier to apply by less experienced engineers the ITU-T Recommendations on traffic engineering for signalling networks.

1) What new or revised Recommendations are required describing traffic engineering methods for the design, planning and operation of signalling and intelligent networks?

2) What existing Recommendations on traffic engineering methods for signalling and intelligent networks need revising or deleting because they are no longer useful?

3) What tutorial material on ITU-T Recommendations on traffic engineering for signalling networks is required for assisting ITU-D in the preparation of a Handbook on Teletraffic Engineering?

To provide new and revised Recommendations which describe traffic engineering methods for signalling networks with special emphasis on aspects relating to IP-based networks. In parallel, tutorial material on the ITU-T Recommendations on traffic engineering for signalling networks will be provided to assist ITU-D in the preparation of a Handbook on Teletraffic Engineering.

A project management approach, in which each project has firm objectives and limited lifetime, will be followed. For the Handbook related work an ad hoc group, which integrates the corresponding projects of Questions 7/2, 8/2 and 9/2, will be organized. A detailed workplan will be maintained and new projects will be created according to needs. Initial projects and target dates are given below.

A close liaison is required with the other two Questions of WP 3/2 (Questions 8/2 and 9/2) as well as with other Questions of Study Group 2 having activities closely related to traffic engineering, in particular those on routing (Question 2/2), Quality of Service (Question 5/2) and Network Traffic Management (Question 6/2).

• Study Group 11 on signalling protocol design.
• Study Group 13 on IP and B-ISDN aspects.
• Study Group 15 on transport infrastructure.
• Study Group 16 on signalling requirements for IP-based services.
• ITU-D SG 2 on the Handbook on Teletraffic Engineering.
• IETF particularly the Transport Area and the Operations and Management Area.
• ITU-R TG 8/1 on FPLMTS.
• International Teletraffic Congress.