What does the next generation network look like? Most network planners have an IP-based answer to that question. The better question is this—what does the next generation network look like at specific points in time: one year, three years, seven years from now, and so on into the future? The answer to that question is fuzzy because migration to the next generation network is an evolutionary process. | WHITE PAPER Next Generation Network Infrastructure Preparing for Next Generation Services Next Generation Network Infrastructure Preparing for Next Generation Services What does the next generation network look like Most network planners have an IP-based answer to that question. The better question is this what does the next generation network look like at specific points in time one year three years seven years from now and so on into the future The answer to that question is fuzzy because migration to the next generation network is an evolutionary process. Evolution is more than change. It is constant change. Evolution implies a stepwise iterative process of network migration. Like network transitions of the past migration to next generation network architectures will be evolutionary for many reasons. Take rates take precedent. Build it and they will come has left some carriers with little new revenue and huge debts. Instead customer demand for voice data Internet and multimedia services dictates the direction and pace of next generation network deployment. Improve earnings. With shrinking or flat revenues and multiple service providers vying for customers gaining operational efficiencies and reducing the cost base is driving network migrations. Next generation deployments that yield improved operational efficiencies are attractive. Given customer demand improving the productivity of legacy TDM assets may be just as profitable as investment in an IP data overlay. It takes time to change operations methods and practices. Without the ability of operations to handle new volume processes new technologies create unneeded risk. No carrier can rely on newly trained technicians to manage a multitude of network elements. And no carrier can afford decreased operational efficiency. The pace at which methods and practices for next generation gear can be adopted and integrated into existing operations dictates the pace for next generation network deployment. In the loop .
