There are numerous views of NGN.
Korea Telecom--Broadband convergence Network (BcN),
BT--21st Century Network (21CN),
Deutsche Telekom --Telekom Global Network (TGN) and
NTT uses Resonant Communication Network Architecture (RENA).
For some, NGN simply means migration from a PSTN to an IP-based network. For others, it is a more specific reference to advances such as international call IP trunking and IP in the local loop.
Some definitions consider an end-to-end network capable of
Supporting bandwidth of 20 Mbps or more as prerequisite on the basis that this amount of bandwidth would be the minimum required to support the next generation of services that cannot be delivered using current broadband technologies.
At the broadest level, NGN can simply refer to a very fast end-to-end IP-based network. At the technical level, NGN is distinguished from legacy or traditional circuit switched networking in that all information is transmitted via packets, which are labelled according to type, such as data and voice, and handled accordingly by traffic management equipment. It can be deployed over a number of platforms such as fibre, cable, wireless and upgraded copper-based networks. This flexibility heralds a shift from a “one network, one service” approach, to a “one network, many services” approach.
A next-generation network is generally divided into two parts: the next-generation core network and the next-generation access network.
It is important to highlight, however, that NGN involves the de-coupling or separation of the transport layer of the network from the services and applications layer that lies on top of that transport. The independence of service and transport
layers has significant implications for competition and pricing.
For example, by separating transport and service layers, a provider can enable new services by defining it directly at the service layer without considering the transport layer. NGN then is a catch-all phrase for the infrastructure that will enable advanced new services, while continuing to support existing services. It will support fixed, mobile and nomadic users as well as have the ability to carry voice, data and multimedia interactive services.
These networks enable a range of new service offerings in a multi-vendor environment. As factors like interoperability and QoS are critical, work is underway in numerous organizations concerned with standards to ensure that NGN evolution and migration is being carried out coherently and effectively. Already, there are various interoperability issues between different VoIP soft-client providers that, if not addressed, will hold back the development of this service segment.
Some of the standards organizations working to address interoperability issues include the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) – specifically
the Telecoms and Internet Converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks (TISPAN), the ITU Standardization Bureau (ITU-T) – specifically the NGN Global Standards Initiative (NGN-GSI), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project
(3GPP) and the Fixed Mobile Convergence Forum.
There are also many organizations such as the European Regulators Group (ERG), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), ITU and OECD,which are currently engaged in IP and NGN policy and regulatory research. Many projects are also taking place on a regional basis. For example, in Europe the GÉANT project and the Task Force on Next-Generation Networking (TF-NGN)were established for the collective research and deployment of NGN in 2001. The NGN Framework Options Group
(NGN FOG) in Australia, the Ubiquitous Networking Forum (UNF) in Japan and the Next-Generation Convergence Network (NGcN) Forum in Korea are also joint activities related to NGN technology and service development.
As mentioned above, however, while there are certain
characteristics associated with NGN, there is not as yet a single standard or reference point. This may change as work in these organizations continues.
A Next-Generation Network is defined by ITU as “A packet-based network able to provide telecommunication services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. It enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and/or services of their choice. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.” Source: ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001.
Source: ITU
วันอังคารที่ 2 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2551
ITU-Study Group 13: Next Generation Networks - Q 3/13
Question 3/13 - Principles and functional architecture for NGN
Motivation
A Next Generation Network (NGN) is the practical realization of the Global Information Infrastructure, i.e., the convergence of all services onto a single network, based on the principles contained in Recommendations Y.100 and Y.110. The architectural integration of the formerly discrete packet-switched and circuit-switched networks supporting these services requires evolution of the architectural principles of both types of network. There are trends both to move intelligence toward the edges of the network and to add intelligence into the network. Connectionless network layer services are evolving towards providing virtual circuit-oriented services while circuit-switched network layer services are being realized using packet technology. To establish a common architecture for the convergence among services and networks substantial studies and frameworks are required to: a) ensure interoperability of networks and applications; b) facilitate innovation in the use and application of industry capabilities; and c) facilitate best utilization of the existing telecommunications infrastructure within the NGN architecture.
Question
What new and revised framework Recommendations are required to establish the basis for realizing the converged NGN?
Tasks
- General Reference Model of the NGN
Preparation of a framework to identify the basic architectural composition of the NGN. It will be based on identification of architectural requirements in horizontal and vertical structures involved in providing Telecommunication Services in an NGN environment, including detailed multi-layer aspects in heterogeneous and homogeneous environments, and scalability enhancement across hierarcharchical and multiple domains.
- Infrastructural Roles for NGN scenarios
Application of the principles of Recommendation Y.110 to develop various scenarios in the NGN multi-provider environment.
- Functional Requirements and Architecture of the NGN
Identification of entities, their functions, and reference points, required to provide Telecommunications Services in an NGN functional reference model, taking into consideration the multi-layer impacts on functional architecture, such as addition of new functions and/or modification of existing functions. Then develop functional configuration models, which will show arrangement of each function, and functional architecture models explaining relationships among different functions in horizontal and vertical aspects.
- Identification capabilities for the NGN
Study the application, extension, combination of existing, or development of a new, naming, numbering and addressing scheme to meet the needs of the NGN.
- Convergence Scenarios
Develop various convergence scenarios, identifying the related technical issues and their practical implications.
- Reference Model for Customer Manageable NGN Networks
Develop models to allow customers to create, configure, customize, and otherwise manage the network services/resources allocated to them by the network provider, and to involve third parties in the development of applications.
- Operation of services over NGN and non-NGN networks
The converged NGN will not be realized instantaneously. This task will provide a number of scenarios and mechanisms aimed at supporting the overall functioning of services across a hybrid of existing and converged NGN.
- Implementation Framework related to provision of Emergency Communications in NGNs
Identify the technical issues, measures, and functions of particular NGN technologies that may be involved in meeting the requirements and capabilities of RecommendationY.1271.
- Maintenance of existing Recommendations
Maintenance of the following Recommendations is included:
Y.100 GII – Scenario Development Methodology
Y.110 GII – Principles and Framework Architecture
Y.1001 – IP Framework
Y.140 – Reference Point of Interconnection Framework
Y.1271 – Requirements and capabilities for emergency communications
Relationships
- Recommendation: All NGN related Recommendations
- Questions: All NGN related Questions
- Study groups: All NGN related Study Groups
- Standardization bodies, fora and consortia:
ITU-R Study Groups as appropriate
IETF working groups on NGN related matters
ETSI working groups on NGN related matters
ISO working on NGN related matters
3GPP/3GPP2 working groups on NGN related matters
Source: ITU-T, 2008
Motivation
A Next Generation Network (NGN) is the practical realization of the Global Information Infrastructure, i.e., the convergence of all services onto a single network, based on the principles contained in Recommendations Y.100 and Y.110. The architectural integration of the formerly discrete packet-switched and circuit-switched networks supporting these services requires evolution of the architectural principles of both types of network. There are trends both to move intelligence toward the edges of the network and to add intelligence into the network. Connectionless network layer services are evolving towards providing virtual circuit-oriented services while circuit-switched network layer services are being realized using packet technology. To establish a common architecture for the convergence among services and networks substantial studies and frameworks are required to: a) ensure interoperability of networks and applications; b) facilitate innovation in the use and application of industry capabilities; and c) facilitate best utilization of the existing telecommunications infrastructure within the NGN architecture.
Question
What new and revised framework Recommendations are required to establish the basis for realizing the converged NGN?
Tasks
- General Reference Model of the NGN
Preparation of a framework to identify the basic architectural composition of the NGN. It will be based on identification of architectural requirements in horizontal and vertical structures involved in providing Telecommunication Services in an NGN environment, including detailed multi-layer aspects in heterogeneous and homogeneous environments, and scalability enhancement across hierarcharchical and multiple domains.
- Infrastructural Roles for NGN scenarios
Application of the principles of Recommendation Y.110 to develop various scenarios in the NGN multi-provider environment.
- Functional Requirements and Architecture of the NGN
Identification of entities, their functions, and reference points, required to provide Telecommunications Services in an NGN functional reference model, taking into consideration the multi-layer impacts on functional architecture, such as addition of new functions and/or modification of existing functions. Then develop functional configuration models, which will show arrangement of each function, and functional architecture models explaining relationships among different functions in horizontal and vertical aspects.
- Identification capabilities for the NGN
Study the application, extension, combination of existing, or development of a new, naming, numbering and addressing scheme to meet the needs of the NGN.
- Convergence Scenarios
Develop various convergence scenarios, identifying the related technical issues and their practical implications.
- Reference Model for Customer Manageable NGN Networks
Develop models to allow customers to create, configure, customize, and otherwise manage the network services/resources allocated to them by the network provider, and to involve third parties in the development of applications.
- Operation of services over NGN and non-NGN networks
The converged NGN will not be realized instantaneously. This task will provide a number of scenarios and mechanisms aimed at supporting the overall functioning of services across a hybrid of existing and converged NGN.
- Implementation Framework related to provision of Emergency Communications in NGNs
Identify the technical issues, measures, and functions of particular NGN technologies that may be involved in meeting the requirements and capabilities of RecommendationY.1271.
- Maintenance of existing Recommendations
Maintenance of the following Recommendations is included:
Y.100 GII – Scenario Development Methodology
Y.110 GII – Principles and Framework Architecture
Y.1001 – IP Framework
Y.140 – Reference Point of Interconnection Framework
Y.1271 – Requirements and capabilities for emergency communications
Relationships
- Recommendation: All NGN related Recommendations
- Questions: All NGN related Questions
- Study groups: All NGN related Study Groups
- Standardization bodies, fora and consortia:
ITU-R Study Groups as appropriate
IETF working groups on NGN related matters
ETSI working groups on NGN related matters
ISO working on NGN related matters
3GPP/3GPP2 working groups on NGN related matters
Source: ITU-T, 2008
ITU-T Study Group 13: Next Generation Networks- Q 2/13
Question 2/13 - Requirements, and implementation scenarios for emerging services in NGN
Motivation
With the rapid growth of IP services, a demand has been continuously increasing to enhance the network capabilities of multi-service networks. Emerging services and evolution of existing ones, and their variety of deployment scenarios, are introducing more and more requirements on these network capabilities.
In the context of next generation multi-service network environments, study is required to extensively define the requirements imposed by these services and to specify the related service and network architectures, with the goal to maximize usage of common service capabilities and functional building blocks. Development of implementation scenarios for these services is also needed.
Key requirements to be considered are support of seamless end-to-end service operations, wireless/fixed technology-independent service access, ubiquitous support of mobile and fixed service users, and support of both IPv4 and IPv6 protocol technologies.
The MPLS/GMPLS technology, originally defined in IETF and now included in a number of ITU-T Recommendations, is gaining wide acceptance as a promising convergence technology for the next generation core networks. In order to drive the effective deployment of IP/ (G) MPLS based networks and make them capable to support evolving requirements, it is then needed to perform the above study in the context of IP/ (G) MPLS based core network scenarios.
VPN services constitute an emblematic case of evolving services in next generation network environments. Emerging requirements include simultaneous support of data, voice and multimedia flows, multicast, QoS, enhanced security, integrated mobility, service interworking scenarios, complex connectivity scenarios, customer-on-demand capabilities, integration of layer 1, 2 and 3 VPN services over common network infrastructure, multi-layer service architectures, IPv6 VPNs, service OAM capabilities, user location, identification and authorization.
Some VPN characteristics, such as such as service-transport layer separation, virtualization of resources, multipoint connectivity, and auto-discovery capabilities, assign these services a key role in service and network evolution towards next generation multi-service network environments.
As a consequence, the current study and development of Recommendations in the VPN service domain need to be continued and extended to encompass these emerging needs, ensuring parallel close relationship with the NGN-related developments.
Recommendations in force: Y.1310, Y.1311, Y.1311.1, Y.1312, Y.1261, Y.1281.
Question
Study will consider emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, with a particular focus on IP/(G)MPLS based core network scenarios.
- Requirements of emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, such as IP telephony services, mobility services, interactive real time end-to-end communications, data communication services, generalized multi-layer VPN services, content delivery services, etc. Requirements include support of seamless end-to-end service operations, wireless/fixed technology-independent service access, ubiquitous support of mobile and fixed service users, and support of both IPv4 and IPv6 protocol technologies.
- Service and network architectures of emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, including multi-layer aspects, with the goal to maximize usage of common service capabilities and functional building blocks across different services. Capabilities include those for support of Quality of Service, Traffic Engineering, service provisioning, user location, identification and authorization.
- Implementation scenarios of emerging services in next generation network environments, including study of related mechanisms and technology enhancements to support the specified requirements (such as MPLS label assignment techniques, MPLS multicast and mobility capabilities, multi-layer techniques, etc.)..
- According to above study items, generation of requirements for enhanced capabilities of transport networks (based on IP/ (G) MPLS or alternative technology).
- VPN services being an emblematic case of emerging services in next generation network environments, continuation and extension of current work to cover evolving VPN requirements. This includes service requirements, service and network architectures, and implementation scenarios.
Tasks
- Development of, maintenance and enhancement to the Recommendations in the domain of VPN services (L1 VPN architectures and implementation scenarios, Generic VPN functional decomposition, QOS support in VPNs, VPN Interworking architecture and implementations, …).
- Recommendations currently under way: Y.1313, Y.nbvpn-decomp, Y.vpn-QoS.
- Development of Recommendations on emerging services in next generation multi service network environments (service requirements, service and network architectures, service implementation scenarios).
- Recommendations currently under way: Y.NGN-SRQ, Y.NGN-MOB.
- Coordination with the NGN related Questions (in particular in the areas of NGN services and NGN architectures).
Relationships
- Recommendations: Y-series
- Questions: Q.3, 4, 5, 7, 11/13; 22/15 and 17/12
- Study Groups: ITU-T Study Groups 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19
- Standardisation bodies fora and consortia:
IETF (e.g., mpls, ccamp, l2vpn, l3vpn WGs)
ETSI (services and related architectures, fixed/mobile convergence)
3GPP and 3GPP2
MPLS and Frame Relay Alliance (MPLS-related aspects and services)
IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (e.g., Ethernet-based VPN)
OIF on optical transport technologies
Source: ITU-T, 2008
Motivation
With the rapid growth of IP services, a demand has been continuously increasing to enhance the network capabilities of multi-service networks. Emerging services and evolution of existing ones, and their variety of deployment scenarios, are introducing more and more requirements on these network capabilities.
In the context of next generation multi-service network environments, study is required to extensively define the requirements imposed by these services and to specify the related service and network architectures, with the goal to maximize usage of common service capabilities and functional building blocks. Development of implementation scenarios for these services is also needed.
Key requirements to be considered are support of seamless end-to-end service operations, wireless/fixed technology-independent service access, ubiquitous support of mobile and fixed service users, and support of both IPv4 and IPv6 protocol technologies.
The MPLS/GMPLS technology, originally defined in IETF and now included in a number of ITU-T Recommendations, is gaining wide acceptance as a promising convergence technology for the next generation core networks. In order to drive the effective deployment of IP/ (G) MPLS based networks and make them capable to support evolving requirements, it is then needed to perform the above study in the context of IP/ (G) MPLS based core network scenarios.
VPN services constitute an emblematic case of evolving services in next generation network environments. Emerging requirements include simultaneous support of data, voice and multimedia flows, multicast, QoS, enhanced security, integrated mobility, service interworking scenarios, complex connectivity scenarios, customer-on-demand capabilities, integration of layer 1, 2 and 3 VPN services over common network infrastructure, multi-layer service architectures, IPv6 VPNs, service OAM capabilities, user location, identification and authorization.
Some VPN characteristics, such as such as service-transport layer separation, virtualization of resources, multipoint connectivity, and auto-discovery capabilities, assign these services a key role in service and network evolution towards next generation multi-service network environments.
As a consequence, the current study and development of Recommendations in the VPN service domain need to be continued and extended to encompass these emerging needs, ensuring parallel close relationship with the NGN-related developments.
Recommendations in force: Y.1310, Y.1311, Y.1311.1, Y.1312, Y.1261, Y.1281.
Question
Study will consider emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, with a particular focus on IP/(G)MPLS based core network scenarios.
- Requirements of emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, such as IP telephony services, mobility services, interactive real time end-to-end communications, data communication services, generalized multi-layer VPN services, content delivery services, etc. Requirements include support of seamless end-to-end service operations, wireless/fixed technology-independent service access, ubiquitous support of mobile and fixed service users, and support of both IPv4 and IPv6 protocol technologies.
- Service and network architectures of emerging services in next generation multi-service network environments, including multi-layer aspects, with the goal to maximize usage of common service capabilities and functional building blocks across different services. Capabilities include those for support of Quality of Service, Traffic Engineering, service provisioning, user location, identification and authorization.
- Implementation scenarios of emerging services in next generation network environments, including study of related mechanisms and technology enhancements to support the specified requirements (such as MPLS label assignment techniques, MPLS multicast and mobility capabilities, multi-layer techniques, etc.)..
- According to above study items, generation of requirements for enhanced capabilities of transport networks (based on IP/ (G) MPLS or alternative technology).
- VPN services being an emblematic case of emerging services in next generation network environments, continuation and extension of current work to cover evolving VPN requirements. This includes service requirements, service and network architectures, and implementation scenarios.
Tasks
- Development of, maintenance and enhancement to the Recommendations in the domain of VPN services (L1 VPN architectures and implementation scenarios, Generic VPN functional decomposition, QOS support in VPNs, VPN Interworking architecture and implementations, …).
- Recommendations currently under way: Y.1313, Y.nbvpn-decomp, Y.vpn-QoS.
- Development of Recommendations on emerging services in next generation multi service network environments (service requirements, service and network architectures, service implementation scenarios).
- Recommendations currently under way: Y.NGN-SRQ, Y.NGN-MOB.
- Coordination with the NGN related Questions (in particular in the areas of NGN services and NGN architectures).
Relationships
- Recommendations: Y-series
- Questions: Q.3, 4, 5, 7, 11/13; 22/15 and 17/12
- Study Groups: ITU-T Study Groups 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19
- Standardisation bodies fora and consortia:
IETF (e.g., mpls, ccamp, l2vpn, l3vpn WGs)
ETSI (services and related architectures, fixed/mobile convergence)
3GPP and 3GPP2
MPLS and Frame Relay Alliance (MPLS-related aspects and services)
IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (e.g., Ethernet-based VPN)
OIF on optical transport technologies
Source: ITU-T, 2008
ITU-T Study Group 13: Next Generation Networks
Question 1/13 - Project coordination and release planning for NGN
Motivation
A standardisation programme for NGN (Next Generation Networks) has been introduced to take account of the new situation in telecommunications, characterised by many factors such as open competition between operators due to the total deregulation of markets, explosion of digital traffic, e.g. due to the increasing use of the Internet, increasing demand from users for new multimedia services, increasing demand from users for a general mobility, etc.
A major goal of NGN is to facilitate convergence of networks and services. The common understanding is that the NGN has to be seen as the concrete realisation of concepts defined for the GII. In addition, a clear demand from the market for short-term standards in the field of NGN has been identified.
An NGN Project has been established in the previous study period which has the objective to coordinate ITU-T activities related to the establishment of implementation guidelines and standards for the realisation of NGN.
This project planning for NGN needs to be continued and additionally as the NGN standards and implementations emerge it will be necessary to include release planning in the project activities.
Question
- ensuring that all elements required for interoperability and network capabilities to support applications globally across the NGN are addressed by ITU-T standardization activities.
- coordination of the future development of the NGN Project in cooperation with the ITU Study Groups and with other Standards Development Organisations (SDOs) e.g. the IETF.
- collaboration as appropriate with other SDOs to avoid duplication of standardisation work and identification of additional work necessary.
Tasks
- Developing implementable release plans for NGN evolution – each release phase fulfilling a set of requirements commonly agreed with other groups.
- Insure communication and cooperation amongst study groups and fora related to NGN to achieve the planned results in an official and timely manner.
- Regular updating of the NGN Project
- Publishing reports on progress
- Setting up workshops and other activities as appropriate to increase awareness of the ITU-T work on NGN.
Relationships
ITU-T, ITU-R and ITU-D Study Groups involved in the NGN standardization work.
Liaison with SDOs and other bodies involved in NGN standardization and implementation as appropriate.
Source: ITU-T, 2008
Motivation
A standardisation programme for NGN (Next Generation Networks) has been introduced to take account of the new situation in telecommunications, characterised by many factors such as open competition between operators due to the total deregulation of markets, explosion of digital traffic, e.g. due to the increasing use of the Internet, increasing demand from users for new multimedia services, increasing demand from users for a general mobility, etc.
A major goal of NGN is to facilitate convergence of networks and services. The common understanding is that the NGN has to be seen as the concrete realisation of concepts defined for the GII. In addition, a clear demand from the market for short-term standards in the field of NGN has been identified.
An NGN Project has been established in the previous study period which has the objective to coordinate ITU-T activities related to the establishment of implementation guidelines and standards for the realisation of NGN.
This project planning for NGN needs to be continued and additionally as the NGN standards and implementations emerge it will be necessary to include release planning in the project activities.
Question
- ensuring that all elements required for interoperability and network capabilities to support applications globally across the NGN are addressed by ITU-T standardization activities.
- coordination of the future development of the NGN Project in cooperation with the ITU Study Groups and with other Standards Development Organisations (SDOs) e.g. the IETF.
- collaboration as appropriate with other SDOs to avoid duplication of standardisation work and identification of additional work necessary.
Tasks
- Developing implementable release plans for NGN evolution – each release phase fulfilling a set of requirements commonly agreed with other groups.
- Insure communication and cooperation amongst study groups and fora related to NGN to achieve the planned results in an official and timely manner.
- Regular updating of the NGN Project
- Publishing reports on progress
- Setting up workshops and other activities as appropriate to increase awareness of the ITU-T work on NGN.
Relationships
ITU-T, ITU-R and ITU-D Study Groups involved in the NGN standardization work.
Liaison with SDOs and other bodies involved in NGN standardization and implementation as appropriate.
Source: ITU-T, 2008
NGN Business Models
Next generation core, next generation access and next generation service control will form the next generation networks. Although it is impossible to tell, which business models will emerge and prevail, it is most important not to unnecessarily restrict innovation, evolution and growth.
A next generation environment might look like this:
There will exist many next generation core networks with nearly unlimited bandwidth in the backbone. These networks will be based on IP/MPLS and not be restricted to regional boundaries.
Next generation core networks can be global with access points worldwide or can cover a specific region. Core networks will be inter-connected and will also be connected to various access networks.
Next generation access networks are from a technical perspective local or regional, although alliances between different players might form. Access providers might also provide backbone services but need not do so. Next generation access networks are connected to one or many core networks.
Next generation service control might be developed functionally separated or fully integrated with the infrastructure (next generation access and next generation core). Next generation service control needs to be accessed through the core network by the customer premises equipment. Although the access and the core are seen as technologically transparent for services certain restrictions from a business point of view might apply.
In a pure next generation environment the customer has the choice to connect to different access networks. He or she will also be able to choose the services independently from the access if he or she wants to. There will be bundles of integrated solutions, which might suit the customer's need for a single point of contact. If the market forces work, unbundled access will exist together with bundled products and all will find their respective markets. Access providers on the other hand will have the opportunity to choose between core network providers or provide their own core network.
Service providers will be able to offer their services to some access and core providers but not necessarily to all. Since nobody can foretell this evolution the best way forward is to provide a favourable environment and watch the evolution closely. If the market forces lead to common standards for interoperability and interconnection and to an environment free of bottlenecks, no intervention will be necessary.
Source: On the technology, business models and regulatory aspects of NGN, ETP, 2006
A next generation environment might look like this:
There will exist many next generation core networks with nearly unlimited bandwidth in the backbone. These networks will be based on IP/MPLS and not be restricted to regional boundaries.
Next generation core networks can be global with access points worldwide or can cover a specific region. Core networks will be inter-connected and will also be connected to various access networks.
Next generation access networks are from a technical perspective local or regional, although alliances between different players might form. Access providers might also provide backbone services but need not do so. Next generation access networks are connected to one or many core networks.
Next generation service control might be developed functionally separated or fully integrated with the infrastructure (next generation access and next generation core). Next generation service control needs to be accessed through the core network by the customer premises equipment. Although the access and the core are seen as technologically transparent for services certain restrictions from a business point of view might apply.
In a pure next generation environment the customer has the choice to connect to different access networks. He or she will also be able to choose the services independently from the access if he or she wants to. There will be bundles of integrated solutions, which might suit the customer's need for a single point of contact. If the market forces work, unbundled access will exist together with bundled products and all will find their respective markets. Access providers on the other hand will have the opportunity to choose between core network providers or provide their own core network.
Service providers will be able to offer their services to some access and core providers but not necessarily to all. Since nobody can foretell this evolution the best way forward is to provide a favourable environment and watch the evolution closely. If the market forces lead to common standards for interoperability and interconnection and to an environment free of bottlenecks, no intervention will be necessary.
Source: On the technology, business models and regulatory aspects of NGN, ETP, 2006
Implementations of Next Generation Networks
Operators worldwide are striving to deploy new solutions that can adequately address the demands being placed on them by market and by technological developments:
Demands from businesses for flexible Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions
Demands from consumers and governments for broadband access to every home
Demands from investors include increased profitability.
As a means to address these challenges and market demands, a new vision is gaining momentum in the telecommunications industry—the vision of one network for all services—a next generation network that delivers:
- The operational efficiency and cost reduction of a common, consistent infrastructure
- Greater speed to market for a much greater variety of services
This evolution to next generation networks is built on a foundation that requires operators to evolve their infrastructure in 3 areas; the core, the access and the service provision/control platform .
Indeed, the core needs to evolve to a next generation core which is in substance a converged IP infrastructure capable of carrying voice, video and data services. This is basically the evolution from a “one network - one service” approach to a “one network -many services” one.
The access needs to evolve to a next generation access reducing any bandwidth bottlenecks that may exist today at the access level: this evolution is not related to any one single access technology but to characteristics of an access infrastructure capable in providing higher and scalable bandwidth, better symmetry and lower contention.
Finally, the management and provision of services needs to evolve to a next generation service control capable in providing features such as Identity Management, Policy Management, Mobility Management, Dynamic Session Management – allowing the operators to provide personalized services on a per user basis and develop innovative services.
Source: On the technology, business models and regulatory aspects of NGN, ETP, 2006
Demands from businesses for flexible Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions
Demands from consumers and governments for broadband access to every home
Demands from investors include increased profitability.
As a means to address these challenges and market demands, a new vision is gaining momentum in the telecommunications industry—the vision of one network for all services—a next generation network that delivers:
- The operational efficiency and cost reduction of a common, consistent infrastructure
- Greater speed to market for a much greater variety of services
This evolution to next generation networks is built on a foundation that requires operators to evolve their infrastructure in 3 areas; the core, the access and the service provision/control platform .
Indeed, the core needs to evolve to a next generation core which is in substance a converged IP infrastructure capable of carrying voice, video and data services. This is basically the evolution from a “one network - one service” approach to a “one network -many services” one.
The access needs to evolve to a next generation access reducing any bandwidth bottlenecks that may exist today at the access level: this evolution is not related to any one single access technology but to characteristics of an access infrastructure capable in providing higher and scalable bandwidth, better symmetry and lower contention.
Finally, the management and provision of services needs to evolve to a next generation service control capable in providing features such as Identity Management, Policy Management, Mobility Management, Dynamic Session Management – allowing the operators to provide personalized services on a per user basis and develop innovative services.
Source: On the technology, business models and regulatory aspects of NGN, ETP, 2006
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 31 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Why IMS?
The existing telephony systems have limitation for sharing multimedia applcation between peer-to-peer connections. Sharing applications among peers such as shared browsing, shared whiteboard, shared real time video, shared streaming music, shared online game require IP multimedia networks. IMS enables applications in both mobile devices (see Note 1) and fixed line (see Note 2) devices to establish peer-to-peer connections.
Traditionlly, the mobile communication system has been divided in three parts: terminals, the radio access network (RAN) and the core network. This approach needs one change when we are talking about IMS-based system. The term "radio access network" should be replaced by "access network" because IMS can be deployed over non-RAN as well (See Note 2).
Note 1
3GPP IMS Architecture
The Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is the first standard body to define IMS standard by partnership with other standardization bodies.
In 2003, 3GPP finalized the first release of an architecture known as the IP Multimedia Subsystem(IMS) Release 5 (R5). This IMS specification leverages on GPRS capability introduced earlier by 2G GSM specifications within the core network and
on 3G UMTS access in order to introduce the ability to provide multimedia communication services to mobile end users.
Note 2
ETSI TISPAN architecture
IMS architecture was designed specifically for mobile access. Taking as its starting point a 3GPP IMS architecture, the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) decided to establish a specific standardization group named TISPAN (Telecom and Internet Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks) to develop a NGN architectural framework larger in scope than IMS. Through TISPAN, ETSI set about
the task of delivering a NGN specification adapted for DSL access by defining the IP connectivity features of the network that were in common with GPRS.
In late 2005, it released an IMS-based architectural framework that was adapted for fixed DSL broadband access (Release 1).
Source:
1. Miikka Poikselka, Georg Mayer, Hisham Kharttabil and Aki Niemi, The IMS: IP Multimedia Concepts and Services in the Mobile Domains, Nokia, Finland, 2004
2. ITU, Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2007
Traditionlly, the mobile communication system has been divided in three parts: terminals, the radio access network (RAN) and the core network. This approach needs one change when we are talking about IMS-based system. The term "radio access network" should be replaced by "access network" because IMS can be deployed over non-RAN as well (See Note 2).
Note 1
3GPP IMS Architecture
The Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is the first standard body to define IMS standard by partnership with other standardization bodies.
In 2003, 3GPP finalized the first release of an architecture known as the IP Multimedia Subsystem(IMS) Release 5 (R5). This IMS specification leverages on GPRS capability introduced earlier by 2G GSM specifications within the core network and
on 3G UMTS access in order to introduce the ability to provide multimedia communication services to mobile end users.
Note 2
ETSI TISPAN architecture
IMS architecture was designed specifically for mobile access. Taking as its starting point a 3GPP IMS architecture, the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) decided to establish a specific standardization group named TISPAN (Telecom and Internet Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks) to develop a NGN architectural framework larger in scope than IMS. Through TISPAN, ETSI set about
the task of delivering a NGN specification adapted for DSL access by defining the IP connectivity features of the network that were in common with GPRS.
In late 2005, it released an IMS-based architectural framework that was adapted for fixed DSL broadband access (Release 1).
Source:
1. Miikka Poikselka, Georg Mayer, Hisham Kharttabil and Aki Niemi, The IMS: IP Multimedia Concepts and Services in the Mobile Domains, Nokia, Finland, 2004
2. ITU, Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2007
วันศุกร์ที่ 29 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Convergence
Classes of convergence
1. Wireless convergence
- Near Field Communications (NFC) (Ultra Wide Band (UWB), RFID)
- Hot spots (DECT, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Cellular (GSM, CDMA)
- Broadcast (Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld (DVB-H))
2. Bundling
Triple play (Internet, VOIP, TV) and quadruple play (Internet, VOIP, TV, Mobile) are examples of service convergence. These have become a matter of the branding of
the service and the use of a shared billing platform.
3. Mergers and acquisitions
Recognizing that convergence is taking place, some market
players have moved to acquire companies in upstream,
downstream or complementary markets.
4. The evolution of convergence
The reaction of consumers to devices and services that offer
convergence is still emerging. Clearly, many innovations or
combinations of elements will fail, because of lack of interest,
poor value for money, concerns over privacy or the introduction
of something even more innovative. This market filtering
process is as inevitable as it is pitiless.
Source: ITU
1. Wireless convergence
- Near Field Communications (NFC) (Ultra Wide Band (UWB), RFID)
- Hot spots (DECT, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Cellular (GSM, CDMA)
- Broadcast (Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld (DVB-H))
2. Bundling
Triple play (Internet, VOIP, TV) and quadruple play (Internet, VOIP, TV, Mobile) are examples of service convergence. These have become a matter of the branding of
the service and the use of a shared billing platform.
3. Mergers and acquisitions
Recognizing that convergence is taking place, some market
players have moved to acquire companies in upstream,
downstream or complementary markets.
4. The evolution of convergence
The reaction of consumers to devices and services that offer
convergence is still emerging. Clearly, many innovations or
combinations of elements will fail, because of lack of interest,
poor value for money, concerns over privacy or the introduction
of something even more innovative. This market filtering
process is as inevitable as it is pitiless.
Source: ITU
วันพุธที่ 27 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Fixed and Mobile NGN Development
Fixed Network: NGN strategy
- Overlay NGN is for new services and also to new areas
The overlay scenario retains the PSTN or the TDM network for POTS users and implements an NGN as a parallel network supporting VOIP users and the associated services. The IP-enables TDM switches can be brought under the control of soft switch as required . The two networks are connected by means of a media gateway. The TDM network can be decommissioned once most of the POTS users have migrated to the NGN.
- It is needed to accomplish broadband access and renew declining fixed telecommunications
NGN can accelerate the pace of broadband access rollout as well as the pace of VOIP rollot. To provide high speed broadband access, the twisted pair copper line must be upgraded and replaced by fibers. The VDSL might be a good solution (VDSL can provide high speed download up to 25Mbps). However, VDSL requires a very short distance of the twisted pair copper line. Some countries have an average last mile length of 300 to 1,000 meters such as Germany and the Netherlands. Some countries jump to FTTH such as Japan. Economic and user requirements must be studied before selecting access technologies options.
- Enriching fixed voice with multimedia and nomadic mobility; improving service creation,shorter time to market
IMS solution provides a mobility solution both mobility capable by roaming and nomadic mobility (mobility with limited area). The advantage of NGN architecture is fast deployment of services on a shared multi-service.
- Opening towards multi-access, fixed and mobile communications
NGN should be designed for access technology independent and can support mobility.
Circuit switched network strategy
- Network migration—Overlay network migration is economical justification compared with other alternatives (replace and upgrade TDM). The POTs can be provided by NGN through MSAN and the end subscriber in one location can be control from NGN soft switch at any location.
- Voice will go to IP (NGN)
Most incumbent operators are now facing high cost for running TDM (aging technologies) and several core networks. The IP networks promise to be simpler to run and maintain than the legacy networks. The migration to IP networks provides operators with low both OPEX and CAPEX. In addition pressure from the competition of VOIP from the Internet-based providers such as Skype and local ISPs has stimulated the incumbent to move to NGN rapidly.
Mobile Network: NGN strategy
- IMS is for standard and perspective service
implementation and for new services
IMS is the industry direction of NGN. It is the world standard for NGN architecture both fixed and mobile network (TISPAN and 3GPP).
- Mobile broadband shall be deployed for
providing IMS-based services
- Speeding up development, shorter time to
market; improved service flexibility
- Extending proven mobile solutions to other
access media
Circuit switched network strategy
- GSM as circuit switched domain is kept in R4
UMTS architecture for voice
- Migrating voice to IP is depends on
deployment of IMS-based services needing
new access and CPEs
- Voice will go to IP (NGN) gradually in longer
Source:
1. Ericsson
2. J. SCott Marcus and Dieter Elixman, Regulatory Approaches to NGNs: an International Comparision, wik-Consult GmbH
- Overlay NGN is for new services and also to new areas
The overlay scenario retains the PSTN or the TDM network for POTS users and implements an NGN as a parallel network supporting VOIP users and the associated services. The IP-enables TDM switches can be brought under the control of soft switch as required . The two networks are connected by means of a media gateway. The TDM network can be decommissioned once most of the POTS users have migrated to the NGN.
- It is needed to accomplish broadband access and renew declining fixed telecommunications
NGN can accelerate the pace of broadband access rollout as well as the pace of VOIP rollot. To provide high speed broadband access, the twisted pair copper line must be upgraded and replaced by fibers. The VDSL might be a good solution (VDSL can provide high speed download up to 25Mbps). However, VDSL requires a very short distance of the twisted pair copper line. Some countries have an average last mile length of 300 to 1,000 meters such as Germany and the Netherlands. Some countries jump to FTTH such as Japan. Economic and user requirements must be studied before selecting access technologies options.
- Enriching fixed voice with multimedia and nomadic mobility; improving service creation,shorter time to market
IMS solution provides a mobility solution both mobility capable by roaming and nomadic mobility (mobility with limited area). The advantage of NGN architecture is fast deployment of services on a shared multi-service.
- Opening towards multi-access, fixed and mobile communications
NGN should be designed for access technology independent and can support mobility.
Circuit switched network strategy
- Network migration—Overlay network migration is economical justification compared with other alternatives (replace and upgrade TDM). The POTs can be provided by NGN through MSAN and the end subscriber in one location can be control from NGN soft switch at any location.
- Voice will go to IP (NGN)
Most incumbent operators are now facing high cost for running TDM (aging technologies) and several core networks. The IP networks promise to be simpler to run and maintain than the legacy networks. The migration to IP networks provides operators with low both OPEX and CAPEX. In addition pressure from the competition of VOIP from the Internet-based providers such as Skype and local ISPs has stimulated the incumbent to move to NGN rapidly.
Mobile Network: NGN strategy
- IMS is for standard and perspective service
implementation and for new services
IMS is the industry direction of NGN. It is the world standard for NGN architecture both fixed and mobile network (TISPAN and 3GPP).
- Mobile broadband shall be deployed for
providing IMS-based services
- Speeding up development, shorter time to
market; improved service flexibility
- Extending proven mobile solutions to other
access media
Circuit switched network strategy
- GSM as circuit switched domain is kept in R4
UMTS architecture for voice
- Migrating voice to IP is depends on
deployment of IMS-based services needing
new access and CPEs
- Voice will go to IP (NGN) gradually in longer
Source:
1. Ericsson
2. J. SCott Marcus and Dieter Elixman, Regulatory Approaches to NGNs: an International Comparision, wik-Consult GmbH
Defining the Next Generation Network
TISPAN’s strategy for NGN standards is directly linked to 3GPP. Many of the TISPAN documents cross-refer to the relevant 3GPP documentation, often with only minor amendments to take ac Building upon the work already done by 3GPP in creating the SIP-based IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), TISPAN and 3GPP are now working together to define a harmonized IMS-centric core for both wireless and wireline networks.
This harmonized ALL IP network has the potential to provide a completely new telecom business model for both fixed and mobile network operators. Access independent IMS will be a key enabler for fixed/mobile convergence, reducing network installation and maintenance costs, and allowing new services to be rapidly developed and deployed to satisfy new market demands.
NGN Release 1 was launched by TISPAN in December 2005, providing the robust and open standards that industry can use as a reliable basis for the development and implementation of the first generation of NGN systems.
TISPAN is now working on Release 2, with a focus on enhanced mobility, new services and content delivery with improved security and network management.
TISPAN considers effective cooperation with external bodies as essential to the coordination of the global message and further globalization of the TISPAN NGN product.
So the time to influence the standardization of the Next Generation Network is NOW!
Source: http://www.etsi.org/tispan/
This harmonized ALL IP network has the potential to provide a completely new telecom business model for both fixed and mobile network operators. Access independent IMS will be a key enabler for fixed/mobile convergence, reducing network installation and maintenance costs, and allowing new services to be rapidly developed and deployed to satisfy new market demands.
NGN Release 1 was launched by TISPAN in December 2005, providing the robust and open standards that industry can use as a reliable basis for the development and implementation of the first generation of NGN systems.
TISPAN is now working on Release 2, with a focus on enhanced mobility, new services and content delivery with improved security and network management.
TISPAN considers effective cooperation with external bodies as essential to the coordination of the global message and further globalization of the TISPAN NGN product.
So the time to influence the standardization of the Next Generation Network is NOW!
Source: http://www.etsi.org/tispan/
ETSI TISPAN Working Groups
TISPAN is the ETSI core competence centre for fixed networks and for migration from switched circuit networks to packet-based networks with an architecture that can serve in both to create the Next Generation Network.
TISPAN is structured as a single Technical Committee, with eight Working Groups to deliver specifications back up to the TISPAN Plenary meetings (every three months).
Working groups include:
WG1: Service and Applications
WG2: Architecture
WG3: Protocols
WG4: Numbering addressing, routing
WG5: Home networks
WG6: Testing
WG7: Security
WG8: Network Management
Source: http://www.etsi.org/tispan/
TISPAN is structured as a single Technical Committee, with eight Working Groups to deliver specifications back up to the TISPAN Plenary meetings (every three months).
Working groups include:
WG1: Service and Applications
WG2: Architecture
WG3: Protocols
WG4: Numbering addressing, routing
WG5: Home networks
WG6: Testing
WG7: Security
WG8: Network Management
Source: http://www.etsi.org/tispan/
วันเสาร์ที่ 23 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2551
NGN Services
The NGN is essentially a single network, secured IP and broadband network, managed IP-based network that enables a wide number of multimedia services. Among those are
1. Voice (VOIP)
2. Broadband (Internet access--DSL, FTTX)
3. Multimedia Applications/Web 2.0 (IPTV, Online games, point-to-point video telephony, Videoconferencing,Mobile TV, instant messaging, email, and all other kinds of packet-switched communication services).
4. Mobile (FMC, WiFi access, Wimax access, 3G access)
1. Voice (VOIP)
2. Broadband (Internet access--DSL, FTTX)
3. Multimedia Applications/Web 2.0 (IPTV, Online games, point-to-point video telephony, Videoconferencing,Mobile TV, instant messaging, email, and all other kinds of packet-switched communication services).
4. Mobile (FMC, WiFi access, Wimax access, 3G access)
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 20 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Migration to NGN: General scenarios
NGN migration scenarios can also be classified into four categories:
1. Soft Switch installation at international and high national transit levels;
2. Class 4 Switch replacement at transit level;
3. Class 5 Switch replacement at access level;
4. IMS Overlay.
From a technological point of view, NGN migration scenarios can be divided into two broad categories:
1. Scenarios where NGN is used to carry voice at transit or access levels over a packet-based transport network.
When undertaken by a fixed-line voice incumbent, the transition is generally transparent to end users in terms of the services offered by the legacy telephony network. However, when voice telephony service is offered over an alternative access such as cable, DSL, fibre or Wireles Local Loop (WLL), the Soft Switch may not need to have exactly the same capabilities as those of legacy telephony networks. A specific scenario with LES allows a migration to new VoIP-enabled voice telephony services at the access level without necessitating the introduction of a Class 5 Soft Switch, allowing the existing legacy Class 5 switches to be kept.
2. Scenarios where an NGN IMS-based architecture is used In this case, the same Multimedia Soft Switch, which is functionally equivalent to a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) in IMS terminology, is used both for multimedia and voice communication services. These scenarios necessarily involve a migration of the user to broadband access. The IMS infrastructure can be introduced either as a full replacement of the telephony network, such as in the case of BT’s 21 CN, or more often in overlay mode, where the existing telephony network is kept for legacy voice services.
NGN migration scenarios can also be analyzed on the basis of three service aspects:
1. Continuity of legacy voice telephony service;
2. Availability of new end-user VoIP enabled telephony services;
3. Possibility to offer new multimedia communication services.
In analyzing NGN migration paths, it is important toconsider that existing legacy networks represent significant sunk capital investments to many operators. This may prevent their complete replacement in the immediate future. As such,a phased approach is usually preferred for the migration to NGN. ITU-T Recommendation Y.2261 describes some possible ways of evolving PSTN/ISDN to NGN. Both IMS-based and call-server-based approaches are described. The Recommendation also describes some factors that need to be considered including the evolution of transport, management, signalling and control parts of PSTN/ISDN to NGN.
Source: ITU
1. Soft Switch installation at international and high national transit levels;
2. Class 4 Switch replacement at transit level;
3. Class 5 Switch replacement at access level;
4. IMS Overlay.
From a technological point of view, NGN migration scenarios can be divided into two broad categories:
1. Scenarios where NGN is used to carry voice at transit or access levels over a packet-based transport network.
When undertaken by a fixed-line voice incumbent, the transition is generally transparent to end users in terms of the services offered by the legacy telephony network. However, when voice telephony service is offered over an alternative access such as cable, DSL, fibre or Wireles Local Loop (WLL), the Soft Switch may not need to have exactly the same capabilities as those of legacy telephony networks. A specific scenario with LES allows a migration to new VoIP-enabled voice telephony services at the access level without necessitating the introduction of a Class 5 Soft Switch, allowing the existing legacy Class 5 switches to be kept.
2. Scenarios where an NGN IMS-based architecture is used In this case, the same Multimedia Soft Switch, which is functionally equivalent to a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) in IMS terminology, is used both for multimedia and voice communication services. These scenarios necessarily involve a migration of the user to broadband access. The IMS infrastructure can be introduced either as a full replacement of the telephony network, such as in the case of BT’s 21 CN, or more often in overlay mode, where the existing telephony network is kept for legacy voice services.
NGN migration scenarios can also be analyzed on the basis of three service aspects:
1. Continuity of legacy voice telephony service;
2. Availability of new end-user VoIP enabled telephony services;
3. Possibility to offer new multimedia communication services.
In analyzing NGN migration paths, it is important toconsider that existing legacy networks represent significant sunk capital investments to many operators. This may prevent their complete replacement in the immediate future. As such,a phased approach is usually preferred for the migration to NGN. ITU-T Recommendation Y.2261 describes some possible ways of evolving PSTN/ISDN to NGN. Both IMS-based and call-server-based approaches are described. The Recommendation also describes some factors that need to be considered including the evolution of transport, management, signalling and control parts of PSTN/ISDN to NGN.
Source: ITU
Migration to NGN: NTT NGN
Japan's NTT is conducting one of the most ambitious FTTH deployment projects in the world. The NTT project aims to deploy almost 30 million FTTH lines by 2010. At the end of 2006, six million lines were already deployed, with four more million lines expected in 2007. The total cost of this programme is expected to reach USD 47 billion.
Services provided to end users are based around B-FLET (Flat Rate Internet Access Service). They include very highspeed Internet access (100 Mbit/s symmetrical) with content and podcasting services, high-quality multiline VoIP services and the possibility of high-definition broadcast TV from 2008.
Due to regulatory constraints, however, NTT is prevented from offering broadcast TV and has to partner with an ISP or a satellite TV provider to offer such services. As NTT is a quasi-monopoly in the fixed-access market in Japan, its main drivers come both from government decisions, such as the e-Japan project and the subsequent u-Japan initiative, and the desire to offer new broadband and FMC services.
NTT’s migration to NGN started in 2006 with the deployment of IP core nodes together with optical wavelength transmission equipment. The second phase, planned for the second half of 2007, will involve the deployment of IP edge nodes, as well as IMS service control functions and the launch of next-generation services such as broadband Internet access, IP telephony, multicast transmission for video distribution and bidirectional video and data communication. NTT’s strategy appears to be based on overlay IMS. The PSTN, however, will be retained for narrowband access for some time.
The third phase is expected to begin around mid- 2009 with the seamless integration of edge nodes of NTT DoCoMo’s mobile “Super 3G” service. Super 3G involves the enhancement of HSDPA from 14 Mbit/s to 100 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s uplink, in accordance with 3GPP’s 4G Long- Term Evolution (LTE).
Source: ITU
Services provided to end users are based around B-FLET (Flat Rate Internet Access Service). They include very highspeed Internet access (100 Mbit/s symmetrical) with content and podcasting services, high-quality multiline VoIP services and the possibility of high-definition broadcast TV from 2008.
Due to regulatory constraints, however, NTT is prevented from offering broadcast TV and has to partner with an ISP or a satellite TV provider to offer such services. As NTT is a quasi-monopoly in the fixed-access market in Japan, its main drivers come both from government decisions, such as the e-Japan project and the subsequent u-Japan initiative, and the desire to offer new broadband and FMC services.
NTT’s migration to NGN started in 2006 with the deployment of IP core nodes together with optical wavelength transmission equipment. The second phase, planned for the second half of 2007, will involve the deployment of IP edge nodes, as well as IMS service control functions and the launch of next-generation services such as broadband Internet access, IP telephony, multicast transmission for video distribution and bidirectional video and data communication. NTT’s strategy appears to be based on overlay IMS. The PSTN, however, will be retained for narrowband access for some time.
The third phase is expected to begin around mid- 2009 with the seamless integration of edge nodes of NTT DoCoMo’s mobile “Super 3G” service. Super 3G involves the enhancement of HSDPA from 14 Mbit/s to 100 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s uplink, in accordance with 3GPP’s 4G Long- Term Evolution (LTE).
Source: ITU
Migration to NGN: AT&T Lightspeed
In 2004, AT&T announced a USD 4.4 billion project named Lightspeed that involved a first phase of five years that would impact 18 million out of its 60 million fixed-line subscribers. The motivations behind the launch of Lightspeed included increasing competition from mobile operators for consumer voice services and the opportunity to launch digital IP video services. Some analysts have noted that forbearance by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) from regulating
FTTx also helped pave the way for the migration.The access technology used by Lightspeed essentially involves FTTN which would benefit 17.5 million out of the targeted 18 million end users. The remaining 500 000 end users, located mainly in Greenfield areas, would benefit from FTTH.
The FTTN will be terminated with legacy copper access using ADSL2 or 2+, or VDSL2 technologies. Services provided to end users include high-quality video, which includes one highdefinition stream, high-speed multigrade 1.5, 3 and 6 Mbit/s Internet access, Video-on-Demand, IMS-based voice service,streaming music and other interactive applications.
AT&T plans to follow an IMS overlay strategy to develop these services. To support the migration, AT&T plans to encourage its voice customers to adopt its triple-play bundle, thus allowing the transition of voice lines to the new IMS network. No date has been set for a complete switchover from the legacy network.
Source: ITU
FTTx also helped pave the way for the migration.The access technology used by Lightspeed essentially involves FTTN which would benefit 17.5 million out of the targeted 18 million end users. The remaining 500 000 end users, located mainly in Greenfield areas, would benefit from FTTH.
The FTTN will be terminated with legacy copper access using ADSL2 or 2+, or VDSL2 technologies. Services provided to end users include high-quality video, which includes one highdefinition stream, high-speed multigrade 1.5, 3 and 6 Mbit/s Internet access, Video-on-Demand, IMS-based voice service,streaming music and other interactive applications.
AT&T plans to follow an IMS overlay strategy to develop these services. To support the migration, AT&T plans to encourage its voice customers to adopt its triple-play bundle, thus allowing the transition of voice lines to the new IMS network. No date has been set for a complete switchover from the legacy network.
Source: ITU
Migration to NGN: BT’s 21CN
BT’s 21CN (21st Century Network) or BT NGN project is a unique example of migration from a traditional network to all IP NGN using NGN/IMS architecture. The project plans to migrate all of BT’s 30 million fixed copper lines to a NGN-enabled network by 2012.
The main motivation of BT’s 21CN is to reduce cost by
migrating from the currently 16 independent network
platforms to a single network which supports end-to-end
IP-based network. BT plans to realize annual operational
expenditure savings of around USD 2 billion after the migration.
There are five strategic domains in 21CN network:
1. Access domain refers to the edge of 21CN that links to BT’s existing access network. Multiservice access nodes (MSANs) aggregate the voice, data and video services from end users onto the 21CN core IP-based network. They replace the service-specific equipment of the legacy network. (Approximately 5,500 BT sites in the United Kingdom will house either copper MSANs or fibre MSANs).
2. Metro node refers to nodes that provide the IP routing,Ethernet switching, SDH switching and gateways to existing networks for the unified 21CN. There will be approximately 100 metro nodes in the United Kingdom.
3. Core node refers to high-capacity, large-scale routers that provide cost-efficient connectivity between metro nodes.There will be approximately 20 core nodes in the United Kingdom.
4. i-Node is where the service execution functionality is located, in essence the intelligence that controls services.It includes soft switches, network intelligence and bandwidth management capabilities. There will be approximately 10 i-Nodes in the country.
5. Transmission includes the fibre transport infrastructure that connects all nodes in the 21CN, as well as the electronics that convert the signals carried at high capacity over the cables that connect the MSANs and the metro and core nodes. New fibres of 2,300km are added in the network.
It is important to note that 21CN is not associated per se to an access overhaul. Even though broadband access is mentioned as the basic access mode and IMS multimedia architecture will be used, 21CN’s objective is grounded on network core migration, with its associated cost reductions. However, BT has not exclude the upgrading of their access network with fibre and BWA.
Besides the challenging task of migrating 30 million users
in 5 years, 21CN involves a number of major technical challenges:
• Making eight equipment manufacturers share compatible
network elements and a common goal.
• Making immature technologies work together (e.g.,
21CN’s IMS needs further development with regard to
the integration of BT’s Fusion service, which converges
fixed and mobile services, and BT’s Communicator,
which is a VoIP consumer service).
Source: ITU
The main motivation of BT’s 21CN is to reduce cost by
migrating from the currently 16 independent network
platforms to a single network which supports end-to-end
IP-based network. BT plans to realize annual operational
expenditure savings of around USD 2 billion after the migration.
There are five strategic domains in 21CN network:
1. Access domain refers to the edge of 21CN that links to BT’s existing access network. Multiservice access nodes (MSANs) aggregate the voice, data and video services from end users onto the 21CN core IP-based network. They replace the service-specific equipment of the legacy network. (Approximately 5,500 BT sites in the United Kingdom will house either copper MSANs or fibre MSANs).
2. Metro node refers to nodes that provide the IP routing,Ethernet switching, SDH switching and gateways to existing networks for the unified 21CN. There will be approximately 100 metro nodes in the United Kingdom.
3. Core node refers to high-capacity, large-scale routers that provide cost-efficient connectivity between metro nodes.There will be approximately 20 core nodes in the United Kingdom.
4. i-Node is where the service execution functionality is located, in essence the intelligence that controls services.It includes soft switches, network intelligence and bandwidth management capabilities. There will be approximately 10 i-Nodes in the country.
5. Transmission includes the fibre transport infrastructure that connects all nodes in the 21CN, as well as the electronics that convert the signals carried at high capacity over the cables that connect the MSANs and the metro and core nodes. New fibres of 2,300km are added in the network.
It is important to note that 21CN is not associated per se to an access overhaul. Even though broadband access is mentioned as the basic access mode and IMS multimedia architecture will be used, 21CN’s objective is grounded on network core migration, with its associated cost reductions. However, BT has not exclude the upgrading of their access network with fibre and BWA.
Besides the challenging task of migrating 30 million users
in 5 years, 21CN involves a number of major technical challenges:
• Making eight equipment manufacturers share compatible
network elements and a common goal.
• Making immature technologies work together (e.g.,
21CN’s IMS needs further development with regard to
the integration of BT’s Fusion service, which converges
fixed and mobile services, and BT’s Communicator,
which is a VoIP consumer service).
Source: ITU
NGN Standards: ITU-T NGN
NGN-GSI (studied by ITU-T in 2003 and named as NGN-GSI in 2005), focuses on developing the detailed standards necessary for NGN deployment to give service providers the means to offer the wide range of services expected in NGN. NGN-GSI harmonizes, in collaboration with other bodies, different approaches to NGN architecture worldwide (http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ngn/).
By end 2006 ITU-T has published about 20 approved NGN recommendations.
It is important to note that 3GPP IMS, ETSI TISPAN and ITU-T NGN standards are not totally independent from each other. These standards are complementary and are based on many common concepts. Membership among the different organizations developing these standards often overlaps. The bodies working on them are addressing mobile, fixed and converged networks and have regional, national and global views.
Source: ITU
By end 2006 ITU-T has published about 20 approved NGN recommendations.
It is important to note that 3GPP IMS, ETSI TISPAN and ITU-T NGN standards are not totally independent from each other. These standards are complementary and are based on many common concepts. Membership among the different organizations developing these standards often overlaps. The bodies working on them are addressing mobile, fixed and converged networks and have regional, national and global views.
Source: ITU
NGN Standards: ETSI TISPAN
IMS architecture was designed specifically for mobile access. Taking as its starting point a 3GPP IMS architecture, the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) decided to establish a specific standardization group named TISPAN (Telecom and Internet Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks) to develop a NGN architectural framework larger in scope than IMS.
Through TISPAN, ETSI set about the task of delivering a NGN specification adapted for DSL access by defining the IP connectivity features of the network that were in common with GPRS. In late 2005, it released an IMS-based architectural framework that was adapted for fixed DSL broadband access (Release 1) (see Box 3.10). The TISPAN architecture (www.etsi.org/tispan/ ) also extends the IMS by introducing an emulation subsystem for PSTN/ISDN.
Both 3GPP and ETSI are further developing their IMS based work. In 2005, 3GPP introduced a Release 6 and is currently working on Release 7. TISPAN is now working on Re-lease 2, with a focus on enhanced mobility, new services and content delivery with improved security and network management. Eventually, ETSI envisions a common IMS-based core architectural framework for all kinds of fixed and wireless broadband access.
Source: ITU, ETSI
Through TISPAN, ETSI set about the task of delivering a NGN specification adapted for DSL access by defining the IP connectivity features of the network that were in common with GPRS. In late 2005, it released an IMS-based architectural framework that was adapted for fixed DSL broadband access (Release 1) (see Box 3.10). The TISPAN architecture (www.etsi.org/tispan/ ) also extends the IMS by introducing an emulation subsystem for PSTN/ISDN.
Both 3GPP and ETSI are further developing their IMS based work. In 2005, 3GPP introduced a Release 6 and is currently working on Release 7. TISPAN is now working on Re-lease 2, with a focus on enhanced mobility, new services and content delivery with improved security and network management. Eventually, ETSI envisions a common IMS-based core architectural framework for all kinds of fixed and wireless broadband access.
Source: ITU, ETSI
วันเสาร์ที่ 19 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551
NGN Standards: 3GPP IMS
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration agreement that was established in December 1998. The collaboration agreement brings together a number of telecommunications standards bodies which are known as “Organizational Partners”. The current Organizational Partners are ARIB, CCSA, ETSI, ATIS, TTA, and TTC (http://www.3gpp.org).
The earliest efforts to standardize NGN architecture originates from the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a partnership between different standardization bodies. In 2003, 3GPP finalized the first release of an architecture known as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Release 5 (R5). Its original formulation (3GPP R5) represented an approach to delivering "Internet services" or multimedia communication services over GPRS (to mobile end users).
It must be noted that another initiative, named 3GPP2, works on a functionally identical IMS standard adapted for 3G networks originating from CDMA2000 1x RTT 2G radio-based networks.
Source: ITU, 3GPP
The earliest efforts to standardize NGN architecture originates from the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a partnership between different standardization bodies. In 2003, 3GPP finalized the first release of an architecture known as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Release 5 (R5). Its original formulation (3GPP R5) represented an approach to delivering "Internet services" or multimedia communication services over GPRS (to mobile end users).
It must be noted that another initiative, named 3GPP2, works on a functionally identical IMS standard adapted for 3G networks originating from CDMA2000 1x RTT 2G radio-based networks.
Source: ITU, 3GPP
วันศุกร์ที่ 18 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551
NGN Standard Organizations
To ensure NGN migration effectively, several standard organizations are working on interoperability issues. These organizations are as follows.
1. the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) – specifically TISPAN (the Telecoms and Internet Converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks)
2. the ITU Standardization Bureau (ITU-T) – specifically NGN-GSI (NGN Global Standards Initiative)
3. the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
4. the Fixed Mobile Convergence Forum
There are also many organizations such as the European Regulators Group (ERG), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), ITU and OECD, which are currently engaged in IP and NGN policy and regulatory research.
Source: Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2007: The Road to Next-Generation Networks (NGN)
1. the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) – specifically TISPAN (the Telecoms and Internet Converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networks)
2. the ITU Standardization Bureau (ITU-T) – specifically NGN-GSI (NGN Global Standards Initiative)
3. the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)
4. the Fixed Mobile Convergence Forum
There are also many organizations such as the European Regulators Group (ERG), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), ITU and OECD, which are currently engaged in IP and NGN policy and regulatory research.
Source: Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2007: The Road to Next-Generation Networks (NGN)
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 17 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551
Comparison of telecommunication, NGN and Internet
Telecom network is a Circuit-switched based, dumb terminal, usage-related charges and quality control, interconection at various levels.
NGN networks is a IP based, intelligent terminal, usage-related charges and quality control, interconection at various levels.
Internet is a IP based, intelligent terminal, no usage-related charges and litle quality control, interconection at IP level.
Source: CEPT, 2003
NGN networks is a IP based, intelligent terminal, usage-related charges and quality control, interconection at various levels.
Internet is a IP based, intelligent terminal, no usage-related charges and litle quality control, interconection at IP level.
Source: CEPT, 2003
Components of NGN
NGN is different from PSTN or TDM network in that all information
is transmitted by packets. The best thing of NGN is a single network offering many services.
NGN is designed to separate transport network from the services layer. By separating transport and service layers, a telco can offer new services by defining it directly at the service layer without considering the transport layer. The major components of NGN are transport (core network, access network), service control, service and application layers.
1. Transport: Core Network layer: The core network is a single converged fixed network, which can carry voice and data. The network technology is multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) with all traffic transported as IP.
2. Transport: Access Network layer: The Access Network supports wire and wireless access. It is service independent and can support multi-services.
3. Service Control layer: Service control layer will provide a means for teleco to bring new service to market quickly.
4. Service and Application layer: The service and application layer provide service independent from transport (core and access network) such as VOIP, IPTV, high speed Internet access.
Source: European Telecommunications Platform (ETP)
is transmitted by packets. The best thing of NGN is a single network offering many services.
NGN is designed to separate transport network from the services layer. By separating transport and service layers, a telco can offer new services by defining it directly at the service layer without considering the transport layer. The major components of NGN are transport (core network, access network), service control, service and application layers.
1. Transport: Core Network layer: The core network is a single converged fixed network, which can carry voice and data. The network technology is multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) with all traffic transported as IP.
2. Transport: Access Network layer: The Access Network supports wire and wireless access. It is service independent and can support multi-services.
3. Service Control layer: Service control layer will provide a means for teleco to bring new service to market quickly.
4. Service and Application layer: The service and application layer provide service independent from transport (core and access network) such as VOIP, IPTV, high speed Internet access.
Source: European Telecommunications Platform (ETP)
วันอังคารที่ 15 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551
What is NGN?
ITU definition of NGN
A Next Generation Network (NGN) is a packet-based network able to provide services including Telecommunication Services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. It offers unrestricted access by users to different service providers. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.
NGN is characterized by:
•Packet-based network
•Separation between network and service and application
•Multi-broadband services (both real time and non-real time)
•Multi-protocol
•Multi-Access
•IP-based Network (Secure, reliable, trusted) or managed IP network
•Interoperability between legacy and new network
A Next Generation Network (NGN) is a packet-based network able to provide services including Telecommunication Services and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent from underlying transport-related technologies. It offers unrestricted access by users to different service providers. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.
NGN is characterized by:
•Packet-based network
•Separation between network and service and application
•Multi-broadband services (both real time and non-real time)
•Multi-protocol
•Multi-Access
•IP-based Network (Secure, reliable, trusted) or managed IP network
•Interoperability between legacy and new network
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