The definition of next-generation networks, as described by the Wikipedia entry, captures many of the core elements. Packets, quality of service (QoS), softswitches, the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), all get a mention.But it’s clunky and has the feel of a serially-edited, multiple-contributed entry.
The International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) definition is more concise: The “difference between NGNs and today's network is the switch from current circuit-switched networks to packet-based systems”.
Italy’s regulator, AGCOM, adds a further layer of detail. An NGN is “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.”
Market research firm, Ovum, defines the NGN as follows: “The NGN essence lies in the convergence of fixed and mobile, voice and data, data and content, and - most importantly - IT and telecommunications.”
Since NGNs are linked to technologies, any definition will inevitably change with time. This is not surprising. Carriers have made significant investments in their networks and at different stages. Consequently they will undertake NGN upgrades at different stages in the future, once they deem their existing networks to have depreciated. Royal KPN NV started discussing its NGN in 2004, some two to three years after BT began its 21CN plans. Now Deutsche Telekom is starting on its NGN.
It is these network transitions, the rise of particular networking technologies, and the new services they enable that Next Generation Networks will chart.
Meanwhile, if you have a more rigorous NGN definition, we’d love to hear it.
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A Next Generation Network implies to me the next incremental development from today's network. It doesn't mean that it will be the final increment, but the begining of a continual process. It so happens that NGN is taking us from a voice-centric world to a data-centric one where voice becomes another data service, in a world of multimedia services and devices. This is likely to be the biggest change for a good many years. (Until telepathy and full use of the Heaviside layer).
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