Fixed Networks

Introduction

 Access, control and services in next generation fixed networks

Fulfilling the promise of unlimited bandwidth

ETSI's ‘Fixed Networks' cluster assembles a comprehensive set of standards for networks that respond to user requirements.

ETSI activities began with ISDN and PSTN technologies. Technological evolution has subsequently enabled independence between access networks and the core network, allowing connection from any access network to the core network. ETSI's work continued on access networks with the European adaptation of access technologies such as xDSL, fibre and cable, as well as xDSL splitters for European deployment. On the core network side, the next generation networks (NGN) concept is enabling telecommunication networks to evolve to employ IP technology and to support more advanced services, including services coupling, embracing voice, internet, TV and mobile. NGN studies ensure interworking with legacy PSTN and ISDN network elements and the emulation and simulation of PSTN and ISDN services, so that legacy terminals can continue to work with new networks and smooth migration can be assured.

Now that NGN technologies are stable, the industry is considering what future trends may drive the continuing development of the networks. New services need to be taken into account; these include machine-to -machine communications, the growth of user-generated content, video, increasing use of mobile internet access, social networking, advanced device capabilities, and the ever-growing numbers of connected devices. With the proliferation of such demanding services, the network will be required to have the capability to manage the complexity, openness to new applications and external service providers, and need for ubiquitous connectivity.

Groups

The Fixed Networks cluster encompasses the activities of several ETSI Technical Committees and Industry Specification Groups:

  • AFI (Autonomic network engineering for the selfmanaging Future Internet)
  • ATTM (Access, Terminals, Transmission and Multiplexing)
  • CLOUD
  • DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications)
  • ERM Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters)
  • MOI (Measurement Ontology for IP traffic)
  • MTC (Mobile Thin Client)
  • TISPAN (Telecommunications and Internet converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networking)
  • 3GPP, the Third Generation Partnership Project, is another contributor to the cluster. It is a collaboration between standards organizations worldwide that develops specifications for advanced mobile communications technologies.

The Fixed Networks cluster also co-operates with various fora, consortia and organizations including HGI, ITU-T, GeSI, GSMA, OGF, CENELEC, BBF, IEC, IETF, ECMA International.

Activities

A significant part of the Fixed Networks cluster's work is fixed NGN which is led by TC TISPAN. The TC defines the entire NGN network, covering the core network, the home network, security, numbering, addressing and routing, network management and testing. TISPAN is network access agnostic and defines: a transport layer handling network attachment and resource and admission control; a service layer with IMS, a PSTN/ISDN Emulation Subsystem (PES), IPTV subsystems and common components (i.e. components used by several subsystems) such as those required for accessing applications, charging functions, user profile management, security management and routing databases (e.g. ENUM).

One of the possible NGN solutions relies on the Common IMS. The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is an architectural framework for delivering Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia services, and provides a platform that is access-independent. Thus it can accommodate a variety of access technologies such as GSM, 3G, Wifi, Cable and xDSL. IMS was originally conceived by 3GPP for the core network in mobile communication systems. Its adaptation to fixed networks was initially done by TC TISPAN and then responsibility was moved back to 3GPP which is now the caretaker of all Common IMS requirements for fixed, mobile, and cable networks.

Network access specifications are the responsibility of TC ATTM (Access, Terminals, Transmission and Multiplexing). The TC produces specifications for xDSL on copper twisted pair, including frequency management issues. Its work also includes specification of optical components, especially optical fibres and passive components, and optical access networks. The committee also produces specifications on integrated broadband cable and television networks, including DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) with HFC (hybrid fibre coaxial), and contributes to point-to-point and point-tomultipoint radio systems and infrastructures used for the fixed service, covering all equipment aspects, including antenna parameters.

The home gateway is an important part of the access to fixed networks. TISPAN's Working Group 5 (WG5) and the DECT Technical Committee are active in this area. WG5 addresses the entire customer premises network, comprising the customer/home gateway and end user equipments, and how it connects to a NGN. DECT cordless technology is being introduced in home gateways/business gateways and, in response to enduser demands, the DECT new generation standard has been enhanced by the addition of new features such as high quality voice and support of (broadband) data.

The cluster also focuses on more evolved technologies related to network management with the definition of an architectural Reference Model of a Generic Autonomic Network Architecture (GANA). The work is led by ETSI's ‘Autonomic network engineering for the self-managing Future Internet' (AFI) Industry Specification Group which aims to establish a common understanding on what an autonomic behaviour is, and how an autonomic, self-managing network should be engineered. Ontology for IP traffic measurement is also being defined by ETSI's ‘Measurement Ontology for IP traffic ‘(MOI) Industry Specification Group. The ontology will allow a unified context for information exchange and thus better service level agreements.

ETSI's Technical Committee CLOUD is concerned with resource distribution and has published a technical report on the "Initial Standardization requirements for Cloud Services". Thin clients for mobile, nomadic and fixed environments, where applications are executed on remote server farms and communicate through the network to the thin client, are addressed by ETSI's Mobile Thin Client (MTC) Industry Specification Group.