Hybrid/integrated networking for NGN services

Hybrid/integrated network architectures provide ubiquitous and broadband IP-based services to the end users experiencing mobility in Next Generation Network (NGN). This paper deals with the hybrid/integrated satellite and terrestrial systems like Complimentary Ground Component (CGC) or Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) that allows an efficient interworking. In this paper, we introduce integrated network architecture and a discussion on the technical challenges for realization. We also present a cross-layer based simulation results of physical layer interaction with the application layer in a hybrid network. In particular, the effect of fading on dynamic resource allocation and QoS parameters i.e. delay and jitter on multimedia applications e.g. VoIP, video conferencing, FTP and HTTP is studied. The system architecture used for the simulation experiments consists of Digital Video Broadcasting - (DVB-S2) for the forward link and DVB-RCS for the return link of satellite network segment. We also propose using WiMAX and WiFi wireless networks for the terrestrial segment. The simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the cross layer designs in terms of throughput and delay performance.