This comprehensive report explores network management in an internet protocol (IP) world, open-system OSS implementation and integration, evolving network architectures, and key OSS business drivers from the perspectives of a wide variety of leading industry professionals. It focuses on the innovations that are shaping the future of network management in light of the industry's transition to packet-based and wireless networks, broadband services, and converged voice-data architectures and is intended to provide unique and informed insights into the challenges involving OSSs today and the solutions and strategies that are being developed to combat those challenges.

An indispensable volume for both specialists and field professionals, this guide looks into the world of IP communications and the societal impacts it will have. From corporate perspectives to voice over IP to quality of service, the authors share their distinct perspectives, making it a diverse study of the field.

Packed with details of the technologies that support each network type, this cutting-edge reference leads the reader step by step on how to plan and optimize various types of wireless networks. It examines current and emerging network planning and enhancement techniques.

The IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is an open, standardized, operator-friendly, next-generation multimedia architecture for mobile and fixed IP services. This report discusses an array of perspectives on IMS and examines relevant services that the Internet provides to customers worldwide.

This report addresses issues related to delivering products and services over broadband, including the technical and business challenges of providing multimedia entertainment, video and other services on demand, interactive television, the wireless Web, videoconferencing, telemedicine, and more. The report also considers the current and potential markets for such applications, the business models providers that can adopt, and pricing and fee structures, while focusing on those applications and on the business models that will make them available and profitable.

Carriers and service providers have united around the concept of the Next-Generation Network (NGN). Although leveraging a broad basket of Internet technologies, the NGN is not being planned as the next-generation Internet. In its intention and architecture, it is more accurately described as Broadband-ISDN release 2.0. The NGN transition

The present information age is enabled by telecommunications and information technology and the continued convergence of their services, technologies and business models. Within telecommunications, the historic separations between fixed networks, mobile telephone networks and data communications are diminishing. Similarly, information technology and enterprise communications show convergence with telecommunications. These synergies are captured in the concept of Next Generation Networks that result from evolution to new technologies, enabling new services and applications. Network Convergence creates a framework to aid the understanding of Next Generation Networks, their potential for supporting new and enhanced applications and their relationships with legacy networks. The book identifies and explains the concepts and principles underlying standards for networks, services and applications. Network Convergence: Gives comprehensive coverage of packet multimedia, enterprise networks, third generation mobile communications, OSA/Parlay and developments in fixed networks. Gives an integrated view of diverse information and communications systems and technology through a common NGN Framework. Delves into protocols, APIs and software processes for supporting services and applications in advanced networks. Discusses a variety of applications of telecommunications supporting IT and IT enhanced by communications. Follows developments in operations support systems standards and links these to next generation networks. Includes a wealth of examples, use cases, tables and illustrations that help reinforce the material for students and practitioners. Features an accompanying website with PowerPoint presentations, glossary, web references, tutorial problems, and 'learn more' pages. This essential reference guide will prove invaluable to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, academics and researchers. It will also be of interest to professionals working for telecommunications network operators, equipment vendors, telecoms regulators, and engineers who wish to further their knowledge of next generation networks.