ITU enables modem support in Next Generation Networks - Modem users guaranteed QoS in Packet Based Networks

January 20, 2003

Geneva, 17 Jan 2003

New technology that will extend the viability of modems has been approved by ITU. Dial-up access continues to be the primary means of access to online services. And its continued support in communications networks is imperative for this reason.

Many millions of people have no access to broadband connections, either because they cannot afford them or because the facility is not available. Modems are also used in enterprises for a variety of purposes including remote system administration, access to some specialized services, and communication with systems that cannot be accessed via the Internet.

Modem over IP (MoIP) technology ensures that as networks move to a 'pure IP' infrastructure they will still be able to efficiently handle calls generated by modems. And it will give network providers the ability to deploy with confidence IP access Gateways that will provide full coverage for all types of traffic.

The challenge has been to create a standard that will allow IP network operators to support dial-up modem calls. Modems are much more sensitive than voice to IP network impairments such as delay, jitter and packet loss, and may fall back to slower rates or even disconnect when encountering the variability of IP networks. The one per cent packet-loss that can often be found in IP networks could significantly downgrade the effectiveness of this popular method of accessing online services.

The new standards will enable network providers to maximize network efficiency and reliability while giving modem users the ability to carry on using their modems to the full extent of their capabilities on both circuit switched as well as packet networks.

Keith Chu, chairman of the technical group responsible for the specification, called Working Party 1 of ITU-T Study Group 16: "For end-users, MoIP will mean that as operators migrate to packet based networks, they will be able to continue to use their dial-up modems with the same quality of service that they enjoy today. And importantly they will be unaware of any change", said Chu.

"Completion of this Recommendation by the ITU-T is the first coordinated approach to addressing this issue, and it allows manufacturers to offer interoperable IP access gateways in a competitive market and gives operators a wider choice of equipment to choose from," he added.

The two ITU-T Recommendations that deal with MoIP are V.150.0 and V.151.1. They were created in response to industry demand for consensus on a modem access protocol for IP networks. Modem access in IP networks is not a new idea, but up until now there has been no standard protocol for doing this. As a result, the access options available to users have been limited. ITU-T's work will ensure that standardized solutions are available to network operators. Competition should also ensure that prices stay low. A widely adopted standard will benefit vendors, service providers and end users alike.

For more information please contact:

Mr Mike Buckley
PR Officer ITU-T Study Group 16
Tel: +44-1457-877718
E-mail: mikebuckley@44comms.com

Mr Keith Chu
Rapporteur Question 11
Working Party 1, ITU-T Study Group 16
Tel: +1 949 483 4121
E-mail: keith.chu@mindspeed.com

Mr Simao Ferraz de Campos Neto
Counsellor
ITU-T Study Group 16
Tel: +41 22 730 6805
Fax: +41 22 730 5853
E-mail: simao.campos@itu.int

International Telecommunications Union - http://www.itu.int

Register to continue

Why register?

  • Registration is free and only takes a moment
  • Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
  • Sign up for our newsletter
Register
Please Login or Register to read this article.

Sponsored