The Common Network Interface (CNI) Ring provides Common Channel Signaling (CCS) functionality on several Alcatel-Lucent SS7 products. It was introduced by Western Electric in the early 1980s but is still used today in all 1AESS and 4ESS,[1] offices, and most of the wireline 5ESS[2] offices. It was designed and manufactured at the combined Bell Labs WECo location in Columbus Ohio.