A Next-Generation Network (NGN) is the term
given to describe a telecommunicationspacket-based network that handles multiple types of
traffic (such as voice, data,
and multimedia). It is the
convergence of service provider networks
that includes the public switched telephone network
(PSTN), the data network (the Internet), and, in some
instances, the wireless network as well.
* The NGN system offers key convergent multimedia services using a shared
network characterized by several essential elements:
A unique and shared core network for all types of access and services.
A core network architecture divided into
three layers: Transport, Control and Services.
Development of packet mode transport (IP flow transport in native IP, or
on ATM in the short term with a progressive convergence to IP).
Open and standardized interfaces between each layer, and in particular
for the Control and Services layers in order to allow third parties to
develop and create services independent of the network.
Support for multiple applications (multimedia, real-time, transactional,
total mobility) adaptable to the user and growing and varied capacities of
access networks and terminals. * [Adapted from
Moving towards the Next Generation Networks (NGN)]
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France Telecom: Tomorrow's Network for Voice and Data NGN, or Next Generation Network, is a new communication network architecture. The principle is to use packet mode transmission technologies, reserved up till now for data, to transport all the various types of telecommunication services.
NGN Initiative Web site The NGN Initiative's mission is to establish the infrastructure to operate the first open environment for research on the whole range of Next Generation Networks (NGN) topics to be discussed, consensus achieved and collective outputs disseminated to the appropriate international standards bodies, fora, and other organizations.
Telcordia Technologies - NGN Services (PDF) Intense competition is expected in the information networking arena over the next 5-10 years. As the competition increases, it will be essential for companies to position themselves appropriately to take advantage of their core competencies and to prepare for the emerging telecommunications
environment.
