Next Generation Network (NGN)

Next Generation Network and Next Generation Access Network are network technologies that designed to replace traditional switched telecommunication networks, such as telephone networks, cable television networks, mobile networks etc. by a single packet-switched architecture and compatible to the older telecommunications networks too. The term Next Generation Network (NGN) is also a slogan for the current shift from traditional telecommunication networks to the existing Internet protocol used technologies, such as the Internet protocol for the implementation of packet-switched networks.

Next Generation Network : Basics

The advantage of Next Generation Network (NGN) is the convergence. One of the main characteristics of Next Generation Network (NGN) for various network functions such as transport, service and the control function (eg signaling) are realized on different logical network levels. Critics considers Next Generation Network (NGN) as a threat to net neutrality. In particular to the planned introduction of the defined end-to-end quality of service ( QoS ) and the associated possibility of targeted data streams.

Due to the rising cost in the telecommunications market and the decline in prices for voice services, the service providers and network operators are forced to seek new approaches for economic and efficient provision of telecommunications services and operation of telecommunications networks. So far, the telecommunications market has been dominated by traditional telephony providers. However, an increasing convergence of services and networks is seen. The increasing range of telephone services of convergence like IP telephony (VoIP) as just one example as part of this convergence.

Next Generation Network : More Points

The traditional telecommunications infrastructure is very heterogeneously structured. They offers various services, such as fixed telephony, GSM, UMTS, data transmission, which can be realized with different networks. There are direct dependencies between services and the technology, whereby the introduction of new services by adapting the hardware is a very costly and lengthy process. A unified network infrastructure, which can be used as a platform for the provision of all services would save costs and time. In addition, the restriction on only one technology provides a great savings in terms of costs for maintenance, modification and procurement as well as the reduction of technical sites and areas. As a general possibility that conversion of the existing circuit-switched networks to packet-switched networks is using the Internet Protocol can be seen in practice.