A
Next-Generation Network (
NGN) is the term
given to describe a
telecommunications
packet-based network that handles multiple types of
traffic (such as voice,
data,
and
multimedia). It is the
convergence of service provider networks
that includes
the public switched telephone network
(PSTN), the data network (the Internet), and, in some
instances, the wireless network as well.
* The NGN system offers key convergent multimedia services using a shared
network characterized by several essential elements:
- A unique and shared core network for all types of access and services.
- A core network architecture divided into
three layers: Transport, Control and Services.
- Development of packet mode transport (IP flow transport in native IP, or
on ATM in the short term with a progressive convergence to IP).
- Open and standardized interfaces between each layer, and in particular
for the Control and Services layers in order to allow third parties to
develop and create services independent of the network.
- Support for multiple applications (multimedia, real-time, transactional,
total mobility) adaptable to the user and growing and varied capacities of
access networks and terminals. * [Adapted from
Moving towards the Next Generation Networks (NGN)]
