Convergence in Telecommunications Infrastructure: Underpinning the Vision of Next-Generation Networks and Services

摘要

Technologies that emerge independently may consolidate with similar ones and then converge with some that were once considered dissimilar. Current themes are the convergence of voice and data, fixed and mobile communications and triple play (voice, video and data). While convergence is most evident in end-user devices to which services are delivered it also occurs in the telecommunications infrastructure that supports these services. Elements of service platforms, transport and access networks have emerged, consolidated and are currently converging in next-generation networks to deliver benefits to service providers, network operators and end-users.