Next Generation Internet: Creating Advanced Networks and Services

A guide to understanding the emerging technologies and services of the new Internet

The groundwork for the next generation Internet (NGI) is rapidly being laid, and now it's only a matter of time before a truly universal, fully interactive, multimedia Information Superhighway is realized. Many organizations are already connecting to powerful new Internet services. Enabling the seamless convergence of communications and computation, the next version of the Internet will be no mere upgrade; it will be based on a communications technology revolution.

Written by Joel Mambretti and Andrew Schmidt, who have been intimately involved with the development of the next generation Internet, this book helps you to understand and prepare for the internetworking revolution. The authors explain why we need a next generation Internet and discuss the crucial design issues we face, from the application, technical, and network services perspectives. They also explore in detail the enabling technologies behind the next generation Internet. Writing for both corporate decision-makers and the technical community, they present:
* Architecture
* Services and service management
* Core protocols and technologies
* Standards, governance, and ongoing partnerships
* Differentiated Services
* GigaPOPs
* National and international pilot programs-both active and planned
* International next generation Internet projects
* Universal accessibility
* Advanced Internet applications

Joel Mambretti is Director of the International Center for Advanced Internet Research and the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN), which interlinks major Midwest universities and national labs. MREN, a prototype advanced network for next generation Internet initiatives, has been in operation since 1994.

Andrew Schmidt is Chief Architect of next generation Internet services for Ameritech, manager of services for the largest Internet exchange in the world, and a Research Associate at iCAIR.