Broadband Internet: the Basis for NGN

The world is becoming more and more dependent on broadband access to Internet due to its importance for economic growth and development. The ITU has highlighted the importance of “broadband” by identifying the broadband as a key target initiative in the second decade of the 21st century. This chapter covers ITU's work on broadband, as well as ADSL standards as the first real broadband technology to open up an entirely new experience for a new generation of Internet users. Continuing work in broadband access is focused on standards in fiber optics such as Fiber‐To‐The‐Home (FTTH) optical access networks, including passive and active optical networks, as well as Metro Ethernet Networks which are being widely deployed by carriers. Finally, chapter discusses regulation and business approaches in broadband which are targeted to universal broadband affordability globally. Overall, broadband access is a requirement and at the same time main driver towards the Next Generation Networks (NGN).