In telecommunication, the term intelligent network (IN) has the following meanings:
1. A network that allows functionality to be distributed flexibly at a variety of nodes on and off the network and allows the architecture to be modified to control the services.
2. In North America, an advanced network concept that is envisioned to offer such things as (a) distributed call-processing capabilities across multiple network modules, (b) real-time authorization code verification, (c) one-number services, and (d) flexible private network services [including (1) reconfiguration by subscriber, (2) traffic analyses, (3) service restrictions, (4) routing control, and (5) data on call histories]. Levels of IN development are identified below: IN/1 A proposed intelligent network targeted toward services that allow increased customer control and that can be provided by centralized switching vehicles serving a large customer base. IN/1+ A proposed intelligent network targeted toward services that can be provided by centralized switching vehicles, e.g., access tandems, serving a large customer base. IN/2 A proposed, advanced intelligent-network concept that extends the distributed IN/1 architecture to accommodate the concept called "service independence." Note: Traditionally, service logic has been localized at individual switching systems. The IN/2 architecture provides flexibility in the placement of service logic, requiring the use of advanced techniques to manage the distribution of both network data and service logic across multiple IN/2 modules.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C
