A Comparison of NI-1 and NI-2 IOCs

NI-2 IOCs provide the capability for 1 Directory Number (using 1 TEI and 1 SPID) to access both B channels for voice or circuit-mode data calls; the NI-2 IOCs also include features beyond those available in the existing NI-1 IOCs. Note that the NI-2 IOCs are not intended to replace the existing NI-1 IOCs; the NI-1 IOCs will continue to be available for customers and CPE that use NI-1 capabilities.

The NI-2 IOCs are structured differently than the NI-1 IOCs. The NI-1 IOCs (Generic IOCs, EZ-ISDN IOCs, and Non-Generic IOCs) define the services and capabilities on an ISDN line; that is, the NI-1 IOCs define the number of terminals and Directory Numbers, as well as the feature and capabilities, on an entire ISDN line. On the other hand, the NI-2 IOCs are defined on a "terminal" basis; that is, different functionality may be ordered for up to 2 terminals on an ISDN line.

To implement this approach, the NI-2 IOCs use a "Building Block Approach", where customers order baseline capabilities (Base Packages), and then have the option to add needed features and additional functionality (Feature Module). An NI-2 IOC consists of a Base Package, as well as the associated Feature Modules. Up to two NI-2 IOCs are allowed on an ISDN line.

One NI-2 Base Package is defined: NI2-1. This Base Package consists of 1 Directory Number (DN) and 1 SPID, and it supports 2 simultaneous voice or circuit-mode data calls; this Base Package also includes Calling Number Delivery and Redirecting Number Delivery for voice and circuit-mode data. Either one or two Base Packages may be ordered on an ISDN line.

Six Feature Modules are also defined for the NI-2 IOCs: Flexible Calling, Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, Calling Name, Additional Call Offering, and Packet. With the exception of the D-Channel Packet Feature Module, all Feature Modules may be ordered for each Base Package on an ISDN line. (In cases where two Base Packages are ordered for an ISDN line, the Packet Feature Module may be combined with only one of the Base Packages on that ISDN line.)

The NI-2 IOCs are named as follows. There is a separate name specified for each combination of Base Package and Feature Modules; thus, there can be two NI-2 IOCs per ISDN line. The naming convention uses abbreviations for the Base Package and Feature Modules. For example, N2FCCFVMCNACP is an NI-2 IOC with a Base Package and all six Feature Modules.

The National IOC Process requires that CPE register against the NI-2 IOCs using the Fully Conformant registration criterion. The only exception is that the Fully Conformant criterion for Calling Number Delivery/Redirecting Number Delivery is enforced only for Voice Only or Integrated Voice and Circuit-Mode Data terminals.

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