The NGN Architecture and network strategy
        • Motivation for migrating to the Next Generation Networks
                      o PSTN and the data networks 
                      o Local loop shortening 
        • The Next-Generation Network – a distributed computing utility 
        • Regulations, operational and investments costs 
        • Network architecture – the customer edge, the access/aggregation, the intelligent IP edge and
          the multi-service IP core 
        • Service structure – The network layer, the Service layer and the Application layer 
        • Server farms, Softswitches, Mega-POPs and service areas

The NGN network structure
        • Technologies
                      o The access network – CaTV, xDSL, Optical technologies and the Metro Ethernet
                      o The Backbone network – SDH, WDM and optical networks, Ethernet as a backbone
                         architecture
                      o The Switching networks and multi-service switching
                      o MSAG (Multi Service Access Gateway), MSAN (Multi Service Access Network) and
                        automated MDFs
                      o Multimedia protocols, SIP, SIP-T, MGCP and others
                      o IMS – IP Multimedia Subsystem
                      o (A/E/G) xPON and FTTx (C/H/B) 
        • Open issues
                      o The last mile – distances, technologies, competitors
                      o Migration model - business as usual, overlay or convergence?
                      o The smart edge – how smart? How many?

The NGN Services
        • The open application environment 
        • Voice based services and IN, Softswitches and application services 
        • Call centers and CTI 
        • Internet based services 
        • HDTV/IPTV, multicast and VOD

The NGN Pricing
        • Investment issues 
        • Pricing models

Market status and future trends
        • Market status 
        • Future trends and technologies