Next Generation Networks

Introduction

The next-generation network (NGN) enables the deployment of access independent services over converged fixed and mobile networks – The NGN is packet based and uses IP to transport the various types of traffic (voice, video, data and signalling).

The motivation behind the NGN is much more than just switch replacement, it is an answer to the market reality that 'fixed' voice telephony - although a major part of the telecommunications business - is no longer the only feature that the user wants from their phone service provider.

Triple play services (Voice, Internet and TV) are available via Cable and xDSL already. The NGN brings mobility in to the picture and the opportunity for further bundling of high revenue services for customers.

At the core of the harmonized 'ALL IP' NGN network is the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) which provides an 'access independent' platform for a variety of access technologies (GSM, 3G, wi-fi, Cable and xDSL).

ETSI technical committee TISPAN has adopted the 3GPP™ core IMS specifications using Internet (SIP) protocols to allow features such as Presence, IPTV, Messaging, and Conferencing to be delivered irrespective of the network in use. ETSI NGN standards also use WLAN/3G interworking concepts, further expanding the network's potential for broadband services.

Our Role & Activities

Since its creation in 2003, ETSI TISPAN (Telecommunications and Internet converged Services and Protocols for Advanced Networking) has been the key standardization body in creating the Next Generation Networks (NGN) specifications.

Release 1 

NGN Release 1 was finalized in December 2005, provided the robust and open standards that industry required for the development, testing and implementation of the first generation of NGN systems. NGN Release 1 specifications adopt the 3GPP IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) standard for SIP-based applications, but also add further functional blocks and subsystems to handle non-SIP applications. Initially TISPAN worked on harmonizing the IMS core for both wireless and wireline networks. However in early 2008, the common IMS specifications were transferred back to 3GPP so that one unique standards organization be responsible for providing a Common IMS fitting any network (fixed, 3GPP, CDMA2000, etc.). 

Release 2

NGN Release 2 was finalized early 2008, and added key element to the NGN such as IMS and non IMS based IPTV, Home Networks and devices, as well as NGN interconnect with Corporate Networks. TISPAN IPTV specifications answer the emerging market needs such as triple-play and quadruple-play service offers: access independent solutions, integration in a multi-service environment, availability of enhanced services combining features from every component of the triple/quadruple-play offers.

TISPAN defines two IPTV solutions: an IPTV dedicated subsystem focused on the integration of existing market solutions in an NGN environment; and an IMS-based IPTV solution allowing blending the TV services with other Telecommunication services (e.g. voice, presence, and data services).

In the highly dynamic domain of Home Networks, TISPAN is actively defining the service requirements and capabilities for customer's home networks to be connected to the NGN. This includes the definition of the Customer Network Gateway Architecture and reference points, and Customer Devices architecture and Reference Points.

To further enhance the IPTV support by the NGN, TISPAN defines the architecture and reference points of a customer network device for IMS based IPTV services.

Release 3

TISPAN is currently working on the third release of specifications with focus on:

• IPTV: New IPTV services have been defined including advertising, IMS enabled IPTV Roaming/Mobility, User Generated Content (UGC), and Personalised Channel (PCh)/User oriented content. The Content Delivery Network (CDN) is also being defined. Peer-to- peer technologies for delivering IPTV services have been analysed. Definition of the IPTV service protection is also on its way
• Enterprise networks with a NGCN-NGN Interface Implementation Guide
• Network interconnection
• QoS with an analysis is performed on the interaction of the TISPAN Resource and Admission Control Sub-System (RACS) with the Customer Premises Network (CPN) in order to manage the resources inside the home network
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) security
• NGN security enhancements
• Energy monitoring in the customer premises network
• Regulatory issues

Standards

The following is a list of recently published and frequently downloaded standards. Please use the ETSI Work Programme to find further related standards.