The next-generation network (NGN) represents a body of key architectural changes in telecommunication core and access networks. The general idea behind the NGN is that one network transports all information and services (voice, data, and all sorts of media such as video) by encapsulating these into IP packets, similar to those used on the Internet. A next-generation network (NGN) is a packet-based network which can provide services including Telecommunication Services.
It is able to make use of multiple broadband, quality of service-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. In an NGN, there is a more defined separation between the transport (connectivity) portion of the network and the services that run on top of that transport. This means that whenever a provider wants to enable a new service, they can do so by defining it directly at the service layer without considering the transport layer - i.e. services are independent of transport details.
In the core network, NGN implies a consolidation of several (dedicated or overlay) transport networks each historically built for a different service into one core transport network (often based on IP and Ethernet). In the cable access network, NGN convergence implies migration of constant bit rate voice to CableLabs PacketCable standards that provide VoIP and SIP services.
NGN Architecture
Key Technologies Behind NGN
Next-generation networks are based on Internet technologies including Internet Protocol (IP) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). Initially H.323 was the most popular protocol, though its popularity decreased due to its original poor traversal of network address translation (NAT) and firewalls. For this reason as domestic VoIP services have been developed, SIP has been more widely adopted. However, in voice networks where everything is under the control of the network operator or telco, many of the largest carriers use H.323 as the protocol of choice in their core backbones.
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For voice applications one of the most important devices in NGN is a Softswitch - a programmable device that controls Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. It enables correct integration of different protocols within NGN. The most important function of the Softswitch is creating the interface to the existing telephone network, PSTN, through Signalling Gateways and Media Gateways. The term Gatekeeper sometimes appears in NGN literature. This was originally a VoIP device, which converted voice and data from their analog or digital switched-circuit form (PSTN, SS7) to the packet-based one (IP) using gateways. It controlled one or more gateways.
NGN Animation
Global Implementations of NGN
Several countries and companies have implemented NGN to enhance their telecommunications infrastructure. Here are a few examples:
- United Kingdom: In the UK, another popular acronym was introduced by BT (British Telecom) as 21CN (21st Century Networks, sometimes mistakenly quoted as C21N) - this is another loose term for NGN and denotes BT's initiative to deploy and operate NGN switches and networks in the period 2006-2008 (the aim being by 2008 BT to have only all-IP switches in their network). The first company in the UK to roll out a NGN was THUS plc which started deployment back in 1999.
- THUS (UK): THUS' NGN contains 10,600 km of fibre optic cable with more than 190 points of presence throughout the UK. The core optical network uses dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technology to provide scalability to many hundreds of gigabits per second of bandwidth, in line with growth demand. On top of this, the THUS backbone network uses MPLS technology to deliver the highest possible performance. IP/MPLS-based services carry voice, video and data traffic across a converged infrastructure, potentially allowing organisations to enjoy lower infrastructure costs, as well as added flexibility and functionality. Traffic can be prioritised with Classes of Service, coupled with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that underpin quality of service performance guarantees.
- Netherlands: In the Netherlands, KPN is developing an NGN in a network transformation program called all-IP.
- Bulgaria: In Bulgaria, BTC (Bulgarian Telecommunications Company) has implemented the NGN as underlying network of its telco services on a large-scale project in 2004.
- China: In mid 2005, China Telecom announced its commercial roll-out of China Telecom's Next Generation Carrying Network, or CN2, using Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture. Its IPv6-capable backbone network leverages softswitches (the control layer) and protocols like DiffServ and MPLS, which boosts performance of the bearer layer.
- Japan: In Japan, the NTT Group has been providing consumer-oriented NGN services under the name "FLET'S Hikari Next" (1 Gbps) since 2008, and "FLET'S Hikari Cross" (10 Gbps) since 2020. Telephone services are provided as SIP-based calls under the name "Hikari Denwa," using the mandatory G.711 μ-Law codec. Additionally, depending on negotiation between the calling and receiving parties, codecs such as G.711.1, G.722, and Opus may also be used. The migration of the core telephone network to NGN was completed by December 2024.
The NGN and the NCLEX
The NGN is a new and improved version of the NCLEX! The NGN is meant to be a better representation of nursing practice than the “old NCLEX” and now has a greater emphasis on applying clinical judgment instead of just regurgitating memorized facts. It launched in April 2023. It incorporates both traditional NCLEX-style questions and realistic 6-part clinical case studies. If you're using NCLEX Bootcamp, you'll be prepared for every new question type.
The NGN looks and feels different from the conventional NCLEX in several ways:
- You’ll now see case studies - there are three, six-item case studies on every exam.
- There are multiple new item types, including drop-down, matrix, highlight, bowtie, etc.
- All select-all-that-apply questions are scored using partial credit! So if you answer 1 of the 10 options incorrectly, you still score 9/10 on the question instead of being scored a 0%. This is good news for test takers.
- Normal lab value ranges are given to you! You’ll always be able to look these up at the bedside in the real world, so you can forget about memorizing the numbers. Just know the meaning.
So far, students who have taken both the old and repeated with the NGN NCLEX are reporting that the NGN “feels easier!”
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