Another name for multiservice communication networks is NGN, which, translated into English, sounds like New Generation Networks or Next Generation Network. Multiservice communication networks are new generation networks. The core are IP networks that support a partial or complete list of much-needed voice, multimedia and data services. Multiservice communication networks operate on the principle of convergence of telecommunication services.
What were the prerequisites for the emergence of NGN?
Previously, various information was transmitted using departmental communication networks, such as a data network, telegraph, telephone, and more. Soon the idea arose to combine all departmental ties into one, named as follows: ISDN. However, she soon failed. And there were quite a few reasons for this: the high cost of ISDN equipment, the emergence of new popular services, the development of IP networks. Therefore, a new network appeared - NGN, which was built on the basis of the IP protocol.
What are the principles of multiservice communication networks?
Information transmitted through a new generation of networks is divided in its type into signal and user. The first provides certain services and ensures uninterrupted switching of subscribers. The user contains information useful to the subscriber (video, voice, data, and so on).
NGN is based on MPLS technology, as well as the Internet. Today, the following approaches to the construction of NGN are distinguished:
1. H.323 is the first of the currently existing types. It is presented as data overlay over ISDN networks.
2. SIP is independent of transport technology. H.323 replaced when a number of problems were revealed. SIP provides VoIP services.
3. MGCP decomposes the gateways, breaking them into three blocks. This Signaling Gateway - transmits signaling information, Media Gateway - transmits user data, Call Agent - contains the intelligence of the gateway.
These approaches can be applied both jointly and separately.
SoftSwitch Software Switch
Softswitch device manages VoIP sessions, connects existing networks with modern PSTN. The Gatekeeper feature performed by Softswitch based on the H323 and the Call Agent feature make the device more modern.
The MGCF software switch performs the function of linking channel and packet switching.
What is NGN at the moment?
Increasingly, telecom operators are switching to packet switching. New technologies allow you to seamlessly switch from early generation to modern networks, ensuring continuous operation in any telephone network. Thus, in order not to radically change the entire network structure, you need to use this principle of point transition. Requirements for transitions to NGN:
- multimedia;
- multiservice;
- intelligence;
- multioperation;
- broadband;
- scalability;
- invariance.
Who is the equipment manufacturer?
The following companies are manufacturers of NGN: Cisco Systems, Siemens, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Avaya, and others. In Russia, MFI Software.
There are also multi-service cable networks.
The multiservice network enables multi-channel cable television, video surveillance channels, high-speed Internet, Ethernet data transfer, data collection and management of metering devices for housing and communal services.
Multiservice cable networks allow you to broadcast channels in any part of the country, region, city. Therefore, it is used by many cable operators.
New transitions from old to modern technologies make it possible without the loss of existing services and equipment to create something more perfect, innovative. At the same time, the old functions are preserved, which is important for telecom operators.
Multiservice communication networks will please us with something new, more than once, because they have a lot to develop. Well, today NGN provides all the services that the most advanced telephone or cable network can provide.