telefoonnet

Telefoonnet refers to the public telephone network that enables voice communication between subscribers. It encompasses the access network that connects homes and businesses, the switching networks that route calls, and the signaling systems responsible for call setup, billing, and features such as caller identification. Historically, it operated as a circuit‑switched system using dedicated copper lines; in modern networks it is increasingly digital and convergent with data networks, while preserving dedicated paths for voice when needed.

Architecture and technologies: local exchanges connect subscriber lines to a hierarchy of switches that route calls through regional and national trunks. The network relies on numbering plans for routing, and signaling protocols (such as SS7) to coordinate setup, maintenance, and features. While voice has traditionally traveled over circuit-switched paths, contemporary transport often uses IP networks and VoIP, with legacy PSTN paths retained for reliability and compatibility.

Historical context: in the Netherlands, the public telephone network grew under the state‑controlled PTT and later the telecommunications company KPN. Liberalization from the late 20th century introduced competition and accelerated modernization, including the migration from analog copper to digital and IP‑based transport. Many countries have pursued similar transitions to all‑IP networks, while maintaining the legacy telephone network for core services.

Current role: the telefoonnet remains essential for emergency services, rural coverage, and interoperability with mobile networks. It supports traditional voice service alongside newer technologies such as VoIP and mobile backhaul. The ongoing evolution focuses on reliability, security, and gradual convergence with data networks.