The nationwide migration by BT of its telecoms infrastructure to an IP-based, next-generation network (NGN) is imminent. The project to implement BT’s 21st Century Network (21CN) has been ongoing since June 2004 when BT first announced its plans.
Reasons for change
The reasons behind BT’s decision to upgrade are clear: next-generation networks, based on the Internet Protocol (IP), are fast becoming a world standard due to their inherent flexibility and reliability compared with traditional networks. The reason for this is that IP networks are able to handle multiple types of traffic, such as voice, data and video, which could previously only be carried by multiple networks. Utilising a single network to carry all types of traffic simplifies IT infrastructures enormously, reducing not only the amount of network devices needed to create the network, but also the cost and resources required to maintain it.
THUS, as an early pioneer of next-generation networks in Great Britain, has been reaping the benefits of its national NGN since it started carrying live traffic in 1999. Today, the THUS network extends throughout Great Britain and already provides the type of next-generation services that BT’s 21CN will be capable of once the rollout is complete.
Migration effects
The migration to 21CN, which is due to be completed by 2011, will affect all phone, broadband and ISDN lines provided by BT or third-party operators which employ BT circuits – this may include some THUS and Demon services. Any disruption to service should be minimal and is expected to be limited to short interruptions of up to 30 minutes as the telephone line is upgraded.
Further Information
Please visit the links below for further information regarding how BT’s 21CN migration plans may affect your THUS and Demon services, as well as information about THUS’ established NGN and general information about IP networking.