 aspect to be considered is the traffic generated by messages (mobile application part (MAP) parameters). Routing-related parameters such as signalling link utilisation, signalling link set, etc., form another set of parameters to be considered for dimensioning. TUP/ISUP are call-related signalling while MAP is non-circuit-related signalling. Then there is signalling related to IN, which is the subject of the next section. 4.4 THE INTELLIGENT NETWORK (IN) The 'intelligent network' concept in the core network permits services to be introduced in a network in a more cost-effective way. It also allows these services to be managed and controlled more effectively. This is done by implanting these services in a common/standard database instead of implanting them in each network element. This implementation makes the network more 'intelligent'. Pre-paid SIM cards, originating-call screening, reverse charging and freephone (1-800-numbers) are examples of services provided by an IN network. For planning such a network, inputs such as the number of initial and forecasted sub- scribers, traffic behaviour, network topology, etc., are used. During the switch and signalling planning, IN network requirements must be taken into account as well. IN network analysis sets the performance objectives and connection requirements based on the traffic estimates. This is done for each of the IN module/services, and then finally the total traffic demand from all the IN services offered by the IN platform is calculated. Based on these inputs, IN application protocol (INAP) requirements and the subsequent IN platform (on which IN services run) are determined. Then some of the switches are upgraded by the addition of IN-capable platforms, and traffic from the remainder is routed through these switches. The impact on the core network will be in terms of the capacity used by these IN services, apart from the fact that IN services generate their own signalling, thus increasing the total signalling in the core network. One of the most important 