The role of emerging broadband technologies on the converged packet-based network

The vision of network convergence toward a consolidated packet-based network has been discussed for years, though it is still not a reality. Currently, there are numerous overlay networks such as IP, ATM, frame relay (FR), Ethernet, SONET, DWDM and wireless for different services. The evolution pace toward convergence has been slow due to economic, technical and regulatory issues. In this paper, new emerging broadband technologies are discussed. This paper illustrates how those technologies can be integrated together to provide a seamless converged wireline and wireless network and outlines the challenges ahead to make the vision of a packet-based network successful.