Upgrading the Next-generation Network Part IV

The fourth paper in this multi-part series provides the arguments for a SIP signaling layer in nextgeneration networks.

In modern IP communication service architectures, such as NGN or IMS, SIP has been identified as the signaling protocol for exchanging intelligent information between IP entities. SIP signaling is the first critical step in establishing any type of communication session over an NGN or IMS service architecture. With a capable SIP signaling and control layer, session-related tasks are migrated from the edge NGN nodes to a centralized core session framework. The resulting architecture allows the NGN network to grow systematically in response to increasing demand for VoIP, as well as multimedia services. This paper, the fourth and final in a multi-part series, covers:

• An overview and history of network signaling
• How the lack of a control layer in the NGN impacts network routing and signaling
• The benefits of creating a core signaling and session control layer in the NGN