Next Generation Networks

Introduction:

With the Internet now deeply rooted across modern life and broadband penetration continuing its steady ascent, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry continues its transformation and evolution to converged next-generation networks (NGN)). The term “convergence” is being used to refer to the advanced integration of communications and computing functionalities, in particular the ability to offer voice, data, video(triple play) seamlessly over single or multiple infrastructures and platforms -- as well as the capability to access such services at any time and with an ever-expanding array of network agnostic and “aware” devices Next generation networks have finally identified as network collection emerging the following common characteristics:

• Convergence of various data communication types over the IP, i.e. data, multimedia, voice.
• Fixed, wireless and mobile network convergence
• Access to a common set of services that can be provided over multiple access network types (ADSL, UTRAN, WiFi, WiMAX, etc) with features like user handover and roaming.
• IP-based core transport networks,
• Possibility for using any terminal type (PC, PDA, mobile telephone, set-top boxes, etc),
• User-driven service creation environments,
• Common set of services, admission policies, authentication type regardless of the user connection type to the network.

NGN Architecture

The basic premise for NGN is an architecture on several independent levels. The connection of subscribers and terminals to the NGN can be achieved with various access technologies with compatible information and transmission which calls for Gateways. The core network of the NGN is an IP network which is a standardized transport platform consisting of various IP routers and switches. Standard and value-added services can then be provided via the service management level.

The convergence allows a transition from a vertical to a horizontal service integration. In vertical network structures, services (e.g. phone services, TV services) can only be received with suitable networks and the relevant end devices. With a horizontal approach, users in future will be given the possibility of using the desired services – regardless of the platform and the technology – with an end device.

In NGN networks, real-time conversational (e.g. video-telephony/conferencing) and non-conversational (e.g. video-on demand, instant messaging) multimedia services will play a prominent role in their success on the market. Therefore it is important that the security, customer experience and QoS perceived by paying users is much greater than that of free Internet services. To satisfy those requirements NGN funding members have devised two main mechanisms, one for providing control over the user sessions and a second one for enforcing the QoS settings of the user across the end-to-end communication path using the SIP protocol, through which the user can be identified, authenticated and charged by the network on the basis of a single user identity (IMS Personal Identity-IMPI).

Business Implications of NGN

It is certainly true that we are moving from Time Division Multiplex (TDM)-based, circuit switched networks to packet-, cell-, and frame-based networks. The major benefits of NGN can be listed as follows:-
1. Heterogeneity of the Telecommunications Infrastructure.
The growing number of services with different has increased the complexity of the overall infrastructure. The problems of interoperability between the various systems are becoming more serious. Maintaining these platforms involves high OPEX for the network operators. NGN provides an obvious solution to this problem.
2. Falling Call Sales.
Increasing losses on the domestic fixed-network market are therefore forcing the operators to develop new strategies to secure their future and to boost their profitability. No further growth can be expected through the revenue obtained from call sales alone.
3. Cost reduction:With NGN, the established network operators plan to develop a sustainable infrastructure that will remain competitive in a convergent environment. The primary focus will be on the potential for cost savings
4. New Sources of Income:Established network operators see the possibility of new income as another motivation for promoting NGN. More and more innovations with new sales opportunities are expected in the field of value-added services with enhanced QoS.
5. Ease of Maintainence: IP-based networks are likely to be simpler and easier to operate and maintain as compared to the existing legacy networks and provide operators with sufficient flexibility to reduce both OPEX and CAPEX.
6. Converged IP Core transport: Integration of their disparate networks towards IP/MPLS based transport core for superior control and OPEX reduction. Migration from TDM to IP and Fixed Mobile Convergence are also motivating factors for the carriers to reduce OPEX.