Signalling in future networks

With the convergence of the telecommunications, computer and entertainment industries, telecommunications networks are entering a phase of rapid growth in new services. To provide these services efficiently, the current network will need to evolve. However, no matter how radical this evolution, the need for signalling will remain as strong as ever. The paper discusses the following issues: the possible increase in signalling which may occur if these new services are taken up; the evolution of the signalling network topology; and whether or not the signalling changes should be of concern in networks research today