Abstract: A distributed switching platform coupled to an Internet Protocol (IP) network and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the distributed switching platform includes a main control unit (MCU), coupled to the IP network, that generates call and control processing commands. The distributed switching platform also includes a switching partition coupled to the IP network. The switching partition includes an input-output distributor (IOD) and a circuit-switched matrix and line interface, coupled to the IOD, that provides an interface to a plurality of access nodes. The IOD conveys the call and control processing commands to the circuit-switched matrix and line interface to allow the circuit-switched matrix and line interface to control access to the plurality of access nodes.

Abstract: A method of operating a distributed call progress tone detection system. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving requests from an application over said packet network and transmitting transmit call and control processing commands to a switching partition via a main control unit, (2) providing an interface to corresponding access nodes via line interface modules, (3) generating a call on a first of said line interface modules, (4) employing an input-output distributor to interconnect a call progress tone detector and said first of said line interface modules to allow said call progress tone detector to perform a call progress tone detection analysis and generate an indication thereof with respect to said first of said line interface modules and (5) creating an interconnection between said first of said line interface modules and a second of said line interface modules based on said indication via said input-output distributor and notifying said application of said interconnection.