Telecommunications and network convergence: theory and practice

Introduction of digital technologies, telecommunications deregulation and significant advances in broadband networking are fueling convergence of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), PC-based enterprise data networks and the Internet. Only a few years ago, computing, telecommunications, broadcasting and media were completely separate industries each following distinct business logic and building on technologies that had little overlap. Today the Internet Protocol (IP) is clearly becoming a common global packet-platform over which several new and exciting applications and services can be offered. The rapid emergence of “converged networks” is already having far reaching impact on business processes. As the Internet continues to evolve into a critical global infrastructure, there is a clear need to understand the technical, economic and regulatory issues posed by convergence, before it can be used effectively for competitive advantage. The Telecommunications and Network Convergence minitrack address different aspects of the phenomenon of network convergence, including technology, strategy and policy. By network convergence we imply the integration of several media applications (data, voice, video, images) onto a common packet-based platform provided by IP (Internet Protocol) with the global Internet now becoming a true multi-service infrastructure. Theoretical and simulation models, case studies, or field experiences were all appropriate research methodologies. This year, we received a total of twelve submissions dealing with various aspects of network convergence. In collaboration with the track chairs, we decided to organize two sessions devoted to the minitrack and accepted three papers in each session for a total of six papers that were finally accepted. The first paper, “The Architecture of a Mobile Internet,” by Dick Schefstrom, makes the case that a wired Internet supporting mobility, may drastically change the mobile market situation possibly to a level where special mobile operators are not needed. These approaches are examined in the Radiosphere project reported in the paper. The second paper, “Convergence Through Solution Interoperability: Case Study of Integrated Telecommunication Design and Incremental Deployment,” by Thomas A. Horan and Benjamin Schooley, uses a case study approach to examine contemporary market and policy influences on achieving converged networks in a mixed commercial and residential environment. Based on proposed implementations in the Denver area, the paper analyzes the role of interoperability as a mediating condition and discusses public policy implications.” The third paper, “A Layered Model to Address the Voice Over IP Regulatory Dilemma,” by Douglas C. Sicker , describes the current model of convergent communication networks and explains why this current model is deficient. It goes on to propose a unified model of convergent communications that addresses some of these deficiencies. Given the fact that regulation often lags technology, this is a timely issue.