Nodal system architecture provides the framework to modularize network node functions and the interface definition between modules. The authors describe a nodal system architecture for future telecommunications network nodes. This architecture can handle system growth and rapid deployment of new services in a modular and graceful manner. The key strategies are the modularization of node functions and the strategies are the modularization of node functions and the standardization of intermodule interfaces for switching equipment and also for transmission equipment, services control equipment, and operation equipment. The specific modules required for the nodal system architecture and for the standardized intermodule interfaces are also described.<<ETX>>