Convergence of residential gateway technology: analysis of evolutionary paths

A new OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)-based model is described that can be used for the classification of residential gateways (RG). It is applied to analyze current gateway solutions and to draw evolutionary paths for the mid-to-long term. It is concluded that set-top boxes and broadband modems especially, in contrast to game consoles and PCs, have a strong potential to evolve towards gateways that deliver network services to the home on all OSI layers, though they will probably not converge. In the context of our model, we have not found any compelling reasons for the residential gateway industry to support concurrent multiple broadband access network connections on a single RG in the near future.