An evaluation of the QoS capabilities of a NGN test-bed

Implementation of Next Generation Networks (NGN) is well underway in developed countries. Focus is now on how to address issues like Quality of Service (QOS) control. This however has not been the case in countries with emerging economies which are still struggling to provide basic internet and telephone services. Broadband wireless networks present affordable communications solutions for such economies. In this paper we present a prototype NGN implementation based on Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) technology, Linux routers, an open-source IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network and open-source content servers. Link quality tests show that such an implementation is capable of providing NGN services to larger community sectors. In conclusion we recommend the use of a higher throughput subscriber unit for IPTV services and incorporation of IMS capabilities in the access and core networks to achieve QoS control through resource-based admission control lacking in the WiMax access network.