Public network integrity-avoiding a crisis in trust

Public telecommunications networks have historically been designed with high levels of integrity in mind. Network architects have recognized that public communications facilities play a critical role in society and that a disruption in service could cause severe economic dislocation or even the loss of life. Given this sensitivity, how could the recent series of massive network failures occur? What went wrong with our thinking? What should we change in the future to prevent the recurrence of such failures and thereby avoid a possible crisis in the public's trust of our stewardship? The paper addresses these questions and offers a set of recommendations based on new network integrity measures and design objectives. >