3 ms·

So why dont they display what serves the purpose of the IP address instead? They have to be able to route calls somehow

• simias 8y ago
  Originally the telephone network was directly switched, that means that it effectively connected your phone directly to the caller's. There was no need to route a return path because, well, it was as if you had a copper line going from your phone to the caller's. In such a setup the caller might not even need a functional phone number, just an entry point into the network. It's very different from a packet switching network where data is cut in small chunks with a header meant to be routed across the graph (and in which case you need to be able to find your way back for the reply somehow). Of course I expect that modern phone networks have evolved massively from the early days but I'm sure that this original design decision still makes what you're proposing difficult. There's a lot of historical baggage.
  • OrgNet 8y ago
    Are you also talking about VOIP or only old fashioned phone systems?