Next Generation NetworkNext Generation Network

DefinitionDefinition

A Next Generation Network (NGN) is A Next Generation Network (NGN) is a packet-based network able to a packet-based network able to provide Telecommunication Services provide Telecommunication Services to users and able to make use of to users and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which transport technologies and in which service-related functions are service-related functions are independent of the underlying independent of the underlying transport-related technologies. transport-related technologies.

Three Principle Benefits of Next Three Principle Benefits of Next Generation NetworkGeneration Network

Greater flexibility, in terms of the Greater flexibility, in terms of the technology and services offeredtechnology and services offered

Access to a wide range of new Access to a wide range of new applications specific to next applications specific to next generation networksgeneration networks

Significant reduction the cost of Significant reduction the cost of running and maintaining separate running and maintaining separate date, voice, and Internet services.date, voice, and Internet services.

SoftswitchSoftswitch The most crucial element of the Next The most crucial element of the Next

Generation Network Generation Network Supports Open Application Supports Open Application

Programming Interfaces (APIs) Programming Interfaces (APIs) Due to the open APIs, it allows Due to the open APIs, it allows

service providers and third-party service providers and third-party developers to innovate new developers to innovate new applicationsapplications

SoftswitchSoftswitch Softswitch = Open APIs Softswitch = Open APIs

Open APIs = Programmable NetworkOpen APIs = Programmable Network

Programmable Network = Easier Programmable Network = Easier Bandwidth ChangesBandwidth Changes

Quality of Service (QoS) ProtocolsQuality of Service (QoS) Protocols Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP)Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP)

• allocates network resources according to an allocates network resources according to an application’s Quality of Service request, but it application’s Quality of Service request, but it is subject to bandwidth management policy is subject to bandwidth management policy

DiffServDiffServ• network traffic is classified and network network traffic is classified and network

resources are allocated according to bandwidth resources are allocated according to bandwidth management policymanagement policy

Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)• allocates bandwidth management through allocates bandwidth management through

using a network routing control according to using a network routing control according to encapsulating packet headers encapsulating packet headers

Companies Delivering NGN Companies Delivering NGN BSNL and Tata Communications BSNL and Tata Communications

• Indian companies that have led the way Indian companies that have led the way in implementing NGN voice trunking in implementing NGN voice trunking networks moderately earlier as networks moderately earlier as compared to their telecom counterparts compared to their telecom counterparts

Cisco and ItatelCisco and Itatel• providing an evolutionary path for providing an evolutionary path for

traditional voice network providers to traditional voice network providers to upgrade their networkupgrade their network

Regulatory Issues NGNRegulatory Issues NGN InterconnectionInterconnection

• refers to the new types of products that will be refers to the new types of products that will be used to connect packet switching servicesused to connect packet switching services

LicensingLicensing• the licensing organization needs to stay neutral to the licensing organization needs to stay neutral to

maintain a competitive environment between different maintain a competitive environment between different infrastructures offering Next Generation Services infrastructures offering Next Generation Services

Universal serviceUniversal service• recreate universal service obligations from offering a recreate universal service obligations from offering a

particular service to offering network access with a particular service to offering network access with a specified minimum capacity and quality specified minimum capacity and quality

Regulatory Issues NGNRegulatory Issues NGN Sector specific regulationSector specific regulation

• important for policy makers to establish an all-important for policy makers to establish an all-inclusive convergence regulation to be inclusive convergence regulation to be successfulsuccessful

Infrastructure vs. service competitionInfrastructure vs. service competition• separation and market barriers being low separation and market barriers being low

equals increased market entry for new service equals increased market entry for new service providers if allowed by regulators providers if allowed by regulators

Quality of Service (QoS)Quality of Service (QoS)• customers comprehend the QoS associated customers comprehend the QoS associated

with the diverse service offerings and with the diverse service offerings and consumer interests are protected consumer interests are protected

Global Implications NGNGlobal Implications NGN Many countries throughout the world have Many countries throughout the world have

made network developments on NGN a made network developments on NGN a priority including:priority including:• AfricaAfrica• Chile Chile • ChinaChina• France France • JapanJapan• RussiaRussia• Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia• Sudan Sudan

ReferencesReferences ITU-T’s Definition of NGN. (2004). Retrieved by January 19, ITU-T’s Definition of NGN. (2004). Retrieved by January 19,

2009, from http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ngn/definition.html2009, from http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ngn/definition.html Nageswara Rao, V. V. (2001). Nageswara Rao, V. V. (2001). Converged networks: The Converged networks: The

future?future? RetrievedJanuary 19, 2009, from RetrievedJanuary 19, 2009, from http://www.networkmagazineindia.com/200108/technologyhttp://www.networkmagazineindia.com/200108/technology1.htm1.htm

The Benefits of Next Generation of Networks. (2008). The Benefits of Next Generation of Networks. (2008). Retrieved January 19, 2009, from Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://ngn.thus.net/benefits.aspxhttp://ngn.thus.net/benefits.aspx

Wey, C., Baake, P., & Heitzler, S. (2006). Wey, C., Baake, P., & Heitzler, S. (2006). Ruling the New Ruling the New and Emerging Markets in the Telecommunication Sector - and Emerging Markets in the Telecommunication Sector - Challenges: the emergence of next generation networksChallenges: the emergence of next generation networks. . Retrieved January 19, 2009, from Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/ngn/documents/Papers/Wey-http://www.itu.int/osg/spu/ngn/documents/Papers/Wey-060323-Prem-v1.1.pdf060323-Prem-v1.1.pdf