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

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

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

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/

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/

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)