Packet Protectors.

The bulky Class 5 switch currently hogging all the space in most central offices is no lean, mean fighting machine. As packet switching is introduced into telecom networks, the current power architecture-a highly concentrated arrangement in the central office-will spread itself into a much more modulated arrangement, with less power fueling the core of the network. Softswitches are already beginning to phase out Class 5 switches, while doser to the edge, access gateways are replacing remote switches.