What is ITU-Ts involvement in next generation networks (NGN)?
Next generation network (NGN) is a key area of study for ITU-T’s study groups. The convergence between internet protocol (IP), public switched telephone network (PSTN), digital subscriber line (DSL), cable television (CATV), wireless local area network (WLAN) and mobile technologies is a task that many believe is impossible without the development of global standards. NGN work in ITU-T was kickstarted using a mechanism called the Focus Group, that met first in June 2004. (The Focus Group concept allows urgent standardization needs that are not addressed within existing ITU-T structure to be addressed quickly and with the minimum of red-tape. They are open to non-members, can adopt their own working methods, and participation is free of charge.) Now, ITU’s Next Generation Networks (NGN) Global Standards Initiative (GSI) represents one of the largest, most wide-ranging standardization projects ever undertaken. A truly global enterprise involving cooperative work between all leading stand
