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Central Body for Next-Generation Packet Network Launched

By Calvin Azuri, TMCnet Contributor

Industry specialists who up until now have evaluated the dynamic broadband network from opposing ends of the network spectrum can effortlessly work together under the aegis of a new central body established by two groups.

 

The core and access integration work of the IP/MPLS Forum (News - Alert) will now collaborate with the local transport and digital home management specifications of the Broadband Forum under the unified Broadband Forum name.

 

Officials at the new organization say they’re targeting a membership base of 220 of the world’s leading service providers, equipment manufacturers, chip vendors and industry bodies and will be an authoritative participant in laying out norms for interoperable network equipment for local broadband access, evolving mobile backhaul solutions and driving the new wave of business services such as IPTV (News - Alert), gaming and other applications as they come up.

 

Research conducted by the IP/MPLS Forum last year indicated that unification was the key to successful standards specification work. The Forum then set out to analyze how it could work in conjunction with other organizations and with the DSL Forum to become the Broadband Forum (News - Alert).

 

Last June, as the work got underway, it became clear that several loopholes in driving a more efficient end-to-end multiservice framework could be eliminated by merging the two bodies together into a single cohesive unit.

 

In the first meeting of the reformed Broadband Forum in Valencia, changes were made. A new IP/MPLS Core Working Group now will be integrated into the existing Technical Committee area to concentrate on MPLS protocol work and all new Core related work. A new IP/MPLS vice chair and IP/MPLS Ambassadors will be added to the Marketing Committee to ensure representation for the organization. Also, a combined Board of Directors will be established to make sure that the transition is smooth. Andrew J. Mallis Chairman, IP/MPLS will join President George Dobrowski (News - Alert) as the new vice president.

 

“Both organizations have played an important and highly valued role as the world has grown into the broadband-rich society we enjoy today. Now, together, we can help guide the industry forward across an ever-widening range of technologies and applications,” Dobrowski said.

 

Despite the recession, broadband technology continues to see healthy growth with more than 410 million users globally. The new organization is expected to adequately cater to the needs of the industry and also foster new opportunities that emerge.

 

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Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Michael Dinan