a next generation network is a packet-based network that can be used for both telephony and data and that supports mobilility. Initially, the term Next Generation Network was used to refer to the transformation of the core network to IP. Sometimes a NGN is referred to as an all-IP network.
The ITU defined an NGN as:
“A Next Generation Network (NGN) is a packet-based network able to provide services including
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. It offers unrestricted access by users to different service providers. It supports generalized mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users.
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The NGN is characterized by the following fundamental aspects:
- Packet-based transfer
- Separation of control functions among bearer capabilities, call/session, and application/ service
- Decoupling of service provision from network, and provision of open interfaces
- Support for a wide range of services, applications and mechanisms based on service
building blocks (including real time/ streaming/ non-real time services and multi-media)
- Broadband capabilities with end-to-end QoS and transparency
- Interworking with legacy networks via open interfaces
- Generalized mobility
- Unrestricted access by users to different service providers
- A variety of identification schemes which can be resolved to IP addresses for
the purposes of routing in IP networks
- Unified service characteristics for the same service as perceived by the user
- Converged services between Fixed/Mobile
- Independence of service-related functions from underlying transport technologies
- Compliant with all Regulatory requirements, for example concerning emergency
communications and security/privacy, etc.