Emerging Telecommunications Technologies

Table of Contents

Page

Abstract 1

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies 1

Review of Emerging Technologies 2

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 2

High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) 7

Mobile TV 12

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) 15

4th Generation Mobile Networks 18

Discussion/Conclusion 22

References 25

Abstract

The advent and proliferation of the internet and wireless communications has given rise to a multi-billion dollar industry which continues to evolve to meet the needs and demands of customers. The telecommunications industry has become one of the largest and most sophisticated in the global economy. Evolution of the industry continues to occur at a rapid pace, making it difficult for both customers and organizations to keep pace with this dynamic environment. At the heart of the telecommunications industry lie the technologies which fuel development and improvement. Evaluating emerging technologies in the telecommunication industry provides insight into the specific direction of the industry and a better understanding of the challenges which exist in shaping technology outcomes.

In an effort to better understand current trends in the telecommunications industry, the present investigation examines emerging telecommunication technologies. A review of these technologies indicates that two specific trends are currently dominating the evolution of the industry. Specifically, a review of technologies in the industry suggests that convergence and flexibility are two key issues which continue to drive telecommunication technology development. Based on these issues, technology developers can focus on the specific resources needed to develop new tools which meet these demands.

Emerging Telecommunications Technologies

A review of the evolution of telecommunications (telecom) technologies demonstrates that the advent and proliferation of the internet has been a turning point for technology development. Specifically, efforts to provide access to the internet have served as the foundation for establishing a new generation of electronic devices which provide internet access through wireless ports. As the prominence of the internet as a communication and business technology intensify, it is evident that emerging telecommunication technologies will focus on both the improvement of the internet as well as addition resources and tools to augment user access to the internet.

Additionally, examination of the evolution of telecommunications demonstrates that the convergence of technology has become an important component of telecommunications activities. Convergence of technology allows telecom service providers to address current challenges related to increasing competition and regulation in conjunction with decreasing revenues. Because convergence in telecommunication technologies is at the heart technology development, it stands to reason that as changes in the external business environment occur, improvements and advancements which involve convergence will become more prominent. Emerging technologies in this area include the fusion of internet voice and data services to provide comprehensive coverage for users.

Evaluation of the historical development of telecom technologies demonstrates a clear pattern for identification and assessment of emerging telecom technologies which will be relevant in the short-term. Using this as a basis for investigation, the current research examines emerging telecom technologies in an effort to further complement the current evolution which is occurring in the industry. Specifically, the following technologies are reviewed: IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), mobile TV, internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) and 4th generation mobile networks (4G). Through a review of each of these technologies, it will be possible to provide a more intimate understanding of how current forces in the telecom industry are shaping the evolution of emerging telecommunications technologies.

Review of Emerging Technologies

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)

IP multimedia subsystem or IMS represents an emerging telecom technology which focuses on convergence in internet, voice and data services. IMS has been pioneered in the voice industry as a means to provide telecom providers with addition revenues to support operations. Specifically, changes in the external environment have served as the impetus for increasing multimedia services to customers:

Technology convergence, regulatory changes, competitive pressures and maturing markets are changing the future for wireless telecommunication providers. Even though Minutes of Use (MOU) are increasing significantly, average revenues per user (ARPUs) from voice services continue their downward trend, driving network operators to seek new revenue streams to build long-term growth and profitability ("Motorola IP," 2005).

Multimedia services that can be provided through the addition of IMS can facilitate improved outcomes for voice providers delivering additional support for cost effective operations that meet consumer needs while attracting new customers and bolstering revenues.

A closer examination of IMS technology provided by Tahat, Anderlind, Shah, Wycklendt, Clark and Dupyo (2007) demonstrates that the IMS was initially pioneered for use with third generation (3G) wireless networks. The utility and flexibility of the technology has been so substantial that Tahat and coworkers note that IMS is now being employed for next-generation wireline and wireless networks to create fixed and mobile convergence. IMS builds on the Session Initiation Protocol (IPS) which has been noted to be a foundational technology for the control of IP-based networks. Addition of IMS over an IP network provides access for common broadband networks including: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), CDMA2000, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The utility of IMS lies its ability to integrate all telecom services: "IMS-based services support person-to-person and person-to-content communications in a variety of modes--including voice, text, pictures and