Chapter 834 What on earth did they encounter?
The vertical and horizontal system was developed on the basis of full relays, but it uses a clever electromechanical structure and connection method to reduce the number of contacts from N*M of full relays to N+M.

It can be said that by the time of the vertical and horizontal system, there was already a hint of program-controlled switching in it, but it still could not change the reality that it was an electromechanical switch.

The use of precious metal contacts does increase lifespan and wear resistance, but the price also goes up sharply.

Moreover, the vertical and horizontal circuits are complex. Apart from solving the problem of switching routing, these complex circuits basically bring no other benefits.

This is the ultimate answer to an electromechanical switch, but an electromechanical switch nonetheless.

The Russians are even more miserable. They are a generation slower than the Gauls, and their things are big, black and crude. A relay weighs from half a pound to two or three pounds. It's scary to think about it.

This is the main reason why they were frightened when this 800-port programmable switching system debuted.

This thing is too small!

For our comrades in the Institute of Communications, it may not feel like much. The core here is actually a DJS-60D and a group of relays, and the rest are peripheral components and circuits. How big can it be?
Especially with the tungsten-silver contacts provided by Chief Engineer Gao, the contact volume has been greatly reduced while ensuring the contact life and electrical performance, and the size of the relay has also become smaller. Even this component with the largest usage and single volume has become smaller. So how big can this switch be?

If it is replaced with the currently upgraded C6108 or the one controlled by a single-chip microcomputer, it can be even smaller.

But for the Gauls and the Russians, especially the Russians, they simply couldn't believe that such a small device could have a capacity of 800 doors.

This feeling became even stronger after hearing a supplement from our staff.

"The equipment that takes up the most space here is actually the patch panel..."

The old Russian suppressed his suspicion. He thought that the southern comrades could not lie. They were very trustworthy in this regard.

He wanted to know more details about this switch, it was amazing.

At this time, some other guests also gathered around to watch the fun. Everyone liked it. Besides, having two groups of experts, the Russians and the Gauls, here for consultation helped them understand the equipment. They were indeed not professionals, but these two groups were.

Although they are just here to take a look, it does not prevent them from learning more.

"Mr. Davari, besides its small size, what other advantages does this switch have?" asked the Russian.

"Ah, advantages? That's a lot! The control logic of this switch is completed by the software in the computer, and the only actuator is a relay. So in addition to basic calls, it can have many additional functions, and the switching speed is fast, the construction cost is low, the upgrade and expansion are easy, and the maintenance is small."

When it comes to this matter, our comrades are no longer sleepy. There is so much to talk about, one after another, endlessly.

In fact, if we talk about the benefits, the small size is the biggest one, which means that not only its own cost will be reduced, but also the floor space and construction costs will be reduced. With lower complexity, the failure rate will be lower. At the same time, these things will also bring about a reduction in operation and maintenance needs. Other effects of reduced operation and maintenance costs can be said to be a domino effect.

Although the circuit is a bit complicated, it is still much better than the vertical and horizontal system in terms of input and output. Moreover, the trouble caused by the complexity of the circuit is far less than the complexity of the machinery, because no matter how complicated the circuit is, it will not move.

But besides this benefit, there are many other benefits.

"…thanks to the fact that the exchange is completely controlled by the program, it has great flexibility and adaptability…" The guests could also guess this, otherwise why would they all be interested in computers?

"…many new functions and new services…" Electromechanical switches are weak in this regard, because their switching logic is implemented by electromechanical means, with very poor degrees of freedom. They can only implement some small functions at the cost of electromechanical complexity.

Our comrades' words were very broad, but when they heard our comrades introduce the new business that already existed, they were all fucking stunned.

Is this still a phone?
If things like abbreviated dialing were available in the era of electromechanical switches, then unheard-of features like scheduled wake-up calls, hotlines, conference calls, call waiting, call forwarding, etc. made them feel that the world had changed.

Decades from now, no one may think about these functions anymore because they have become completely accustomed to them, but these days, they are the embodiment of high technology.

"You mean such a basic programmable switch can provide these functions?" The Gauls were not as shocked as the Russians by the size. After all, the size of the vertical and horizontal switch was not exaggerated, but their feeling about its functions was much stronger.

The vertical and horizontal switching system is already the most advanced telephone switching technology they have, but in front of the programmable switching system, it is just like a child.

Especially since he just knew that the switch on site is the smallest one among our switches, and it can actually provide these advanced functions?

"Yes, regardless of the size of the switching capacity, these functions are basic functions." What's the matter? Switches are divided into different levels? These foreigners really have the concept of level in their bones! Our comrades criticized the Gauls fiercely in their hearts.

"Here is a phone, you can try out its functions." Despite the criticism, our comrades still enthusiastically invited them to try it out. This trial made the Gauls and the Russians tremble with excitement.

If they can still find a way to realize call waiting, then call forwarding is definitely the technology of the future. This function on a programmable switching system only requires a setup code, a flag bit and number storage space, and a transfer code. Moreover, the codes here are shared, so it is not troublesome at all.

However, even on a vertical and horizontal switch, it is a task that is basically impossible to accomplish, and other electromechanical switches are basically impossible to accomplish.

Apart from other things, where do you put the transfer target number? Moreover, there is the transfer logic, which is just a piece of code in a program-controlled switch, but it becomes a big problem in an electromechanical switch.

The same is true for other functions such as teleconferencing, which are simply too complex for electromechanical switches.

"I like this call forwarding feature. I really need it." An old Russian sighed. This statement made many busy people with busy work situations feel the same way. And how many people present were not busy people?
Our comrade made a joke: "Comrade, if that's the case, you can replace the switch in your unit with this kind of switch, and then you can have the call forwarding function."

If many other functions require support from the entire telephone network, this function he needs most happens to be the least troublesome.

These words made the old Russian feel a little excited, as he still had the final say.

"It can be plugged into our telephone network?"

Our staff smiled and said, "Of course, we must consider the compatibility with outdated previous generation technologies, otherwise it will not work at all. You should know that we are very familiar with your telephone network and have already considered this aspect. On the contrary, for the Gallic guests, we need them to provide some information about their telephone network in order to successfully access it."

It’s so fresh, how could it not be ripe? It’s imitated.

This made the Russians speechless for a moment. Is this the benefit of being copied? Thank you.

And the phrase "outdated previous generation technology" sounded a bit harsh, but when he thought about the fact that not only was his own technology outdated, but even mainstream technology might not even be as good as the "previous generation", he quickly calmed down and decided to just let it go.

You can't say that others are making fun of you, right?

"You insulted me!" "What did I do to you?" "Tell me the truth!"

Thinking about this kind of scene, it’s a bit hard on myself.

"Dawali, what other benefits are there?" Since you want to ask, just ask it to the end. At least the Russian himself is really interested in this thing.

"To some extent, this machine can achieve automatic detection and automatic maintenance." Our staff's words almost made the guests jump up.

They can guess the automatic detection. This is a program-controlled switch with a computer, so some automatic detection will definitely not be difficult for it.

Computers at this time are like Gao Zhendong’s AI in his previous life. In the eyes of many people, computers are omnipotent, and as long as computers take action, everything will be fine.

However, automatic maintenance is not that simple. Maintenance is a job in the physical sense, which requires the repair and replacement of physical objects.

"Oh my God! How is this possible?"

Looking at their surprised expressions, our comrades were very humble.

“In fact, not all maintenance work can be completed, only part of it can be completed.”

Nonsense, what if everything can be accomplished? The guests complained in their hearts.

"The most practical automatic maintenance function now is the automatic switching of lines. When certain node failures are detected through testing, the switch can control the internal switching network while issuing warnings to bypass these nodes directly, ensuring trouble-free continuity of business and even enabling hot-swap replacement of relays." Our comrade is very modest.

He said it modestly, but in the ears of others, this seemingly unique automatic maintenance function is a boon to the commercial operation of the switch.

The inspection and maintenance of the electromechanical switch relay is not that simple, because each function of the electromechanical switch requires a set of electromechanical logic to achieve. Fault-free continuity is a big challenge for electromechanical switches, otherwise the Russians would not make the relays so big and thick, just to ensure reliability.

"Oh my God, what have they discovered in the past two years? Did they meet Martians?" Martians, the top science fiction of the 60s.

(End of this chapter)