Convergence between Internet and
optical networks
An ITU–T workshop in Chitose takes
the stage with routing IP over optical networks
Internet Protocol (IP) is seen by many as the underlying
infrastructure for all future information delivery systems. The architectural
choices for the interaction between IP and optical network layers, particularly
the routing and signalling aspects are key to the successful deployment of next
generation networks (NGN).
Many see the successful implementation of next generation networks as critical
to the survival of the telecommunication industry
ITU 020102/EyeWire
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As we go to press, Chitose in Japan is staging a workshop
(9–11 July 2002) with the convergence between Internet and optical networks as
the “hot” topic. The workshop is part of ITU’s commitment to providing a
forum for the development of the standards that will ensure that next generation
networks run smoothly. Organized jointly by ITU Telecommunication
Standardization Sector (ITU–T), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and
the International Organization for Standardization/International
Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC), the event will focus on the technical and
strategic issues relating to routing IP over optical networks, as well as the
business case for doing so. ITU–T has traditionally had a leading role in the area of
optical technologies and their applications, and its well-established
Recommendations (standards) have ensured the worldwide use of these
technologies. The July workshop aims to enhance the following special
projects:
• IP. This project studies the interaction of
IP-based networks and telecommunication networks for multimedia and other
information technology (IT) applications.
• Optical transport networks, for which a set of
Recommendations has already paved the way for future all-optical networks.
• Access, where different scenarios are being
examined to provide end-users with seamless global multimedia services of their
choice.
• NGNs are the platform upon which the convergence
of broadcast, IT and telecommunications will take place. Many see the successful
implementation of NGNs as critical to the survival of the telecommunication
industry. Key strategic and technical issues relating to next generation
infrastructure will form the basis for an exciting discussion in Chitose.
The development of telecommunication standards to ease the implementation of the
global information infrastructure is crucial. The topic will be a key technical
focus of the World Summit on the Information Society being organized under the
leadership of ITU in 2003 and 2005
ITU 020121/EyeWire
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Cooperation needed for growth
The workshop comes at an appropriate time. Following
spectacular growth, the telecommunication and IT industries are currently in a
period of consolidation. General trends, however, have not changed. Voice
traffic is continuing to grow, data traffic and usage of mobile applications are
steadily pushing forward, while broadcasting continues to represent the
principal application in terms of the number of users and bandwidth required.
Widespread use of digital technology for different types of information and
communication services, including broadcasting, has led to the emergence of
integrated media platforms.
To make sure that this convergence process is implemented in
a practical way, the cooperation of all players is needed and global standards
are a key requirement. Recent events in the world of telecommunications have
demonstrated the importance of harmonized and focused development of the global
telecommunication environment. The development of telecommunication standards to
ease the implementation of the global information infrastructure is crucial. The
topic will be a key technical focus of the World Summit on the Information
Society being organized under the leadership of ITU in 2003 and 2005.
Key workshop topics
• IP over optical — Business and market aspects
•
Switched optical networks
•
Optics in access and metropolitan networks
•
Optical interfaces
•
Infrastructure of telecommunication networks: Bringing market views into the
standardization process
•
Optical network system in the city of Chitose
•
Optical/IP network operations, administration and maintenance (OAM)
•
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and dense wavelength division
multiplexing (DWDM)
•
Signalling and routing
•
Optical fibres, cables and components
•
Optical network management
•
Optical switching and equipment
•
Network performance (IP/optical)
•
Optical network clients and services
•
Service and network evolution
Further
information on the Chitose workshop is available at
www.itu.int/ITU-T/worksem/ip-optical/index.html.
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