Standards, now and again [broadband signalling]

The article provides an overview of the issues facing standards setting activities for broadband signalling. It begins with an exposition of the service drivers that are motivating further signalling specification and a brief discussion of the composition of the traditional standards groups and new industry groups involved. After indicating the essential aspects of signalling that need to be addressed, the article concentrates on an exposition of the currently hot signalling topics undergoing standardisation. These include a focus on control of multiple and multipoint connections, increased user involvement in control of connections and increased user involvement in congestion management. As part of this discussion, architectural approaches to signalling and control under consideration by various groups are highlighted. The conclusions of the article are that many standards exist for broadband signalling, many more are in preparation and that some of the current standards may be expected to change over time.