e speed and effi- both voice and data traffic across converged networks ciency of broadband with the full-featured signaling while continuing to make intelligent network (IN) system 7 (SS7) architecture to create a hybrid services available to the traditional world of telephony. network in which carriers and service providers can Additionally, SS7 networks connect calls faster and choose route options based on cost, efficiency, and fault reduce overall operational costs, which stands out as management. a distinct competitive advantage in a business where However, convergence is not accomplished by every penny counts. For instance, suppose a customer acquiring a single box. Those who intend to compete in wants to dial a client in another region of the country. the converged market space face significant challenges in According to today's terms, it usually means dialing choosing the correct equipment and software configured a 10-digit number that routes out of band (SS7) to its to provide them with the capabilities required to destination. In a converged network, the call would route compete in today's Internet economy. Investors, entre- into a host facility via SS7 A-links, where the host would preneurs, and existing vendors must appreciate the first check for validation and provide a branded prompt complexities of convergence or risk the delays and recording, receive the listed directory number (LDN), unnecessary expense of adopting the wrong strategy. and route the call via least-cost routing methods to its Just as the Internet has predicated this shift to con- destination. Based on costs, the call could route out vergence, it has also provided the most compelling means a packet-switched gateway into an ATM cloud to the of dominating in the converged market space. distance end, where another gateway would receive the With data and voice networks converging, it is appar- call and send it via PSTN to its destination. This routing ent that circuit-switched networks built for voice com- architecture cuts out the cos