of a new genre of users. We're quickly becoming a world populated with things that think: embedded devices, intelligent wearables, human-machine interfaces, grid computing, and real-time communications. In order for these applications to flourish, we need a new generation of converged infrastructure, one based on bandwidth abundance, the use of intelligent optical networks, protocols that can guarantee performance in service levels, and devices that can engage across a complete realm of voice, data, video, rich media, and sensory media-all on a mobile basis when needed. Chapter 10 Next-Generation Networks This chapter describes the key architectural changes required to meet the demands of the emerging world of broadband applications, devices, and infrastruc- tures. The topics covered include the broadband evolution, multimedia network- ing requirements, the broadband infrastructure, next-generation networks and convergence, and the next-generation network infrastructure. The Broadband Evolution One primary driver toward broadband is the increasing demand for information. Today's key competitive edge is two-fold: It includes both intellectual property (i.e., how valuable the information assets are and how smart your people are) and the ability to develop and sustain relationships well (i.e., the soft skills to maintain customer loyalty). To perform well in both of these aspects, you need an ongoing stream of the latest information with which to build your knowledge base, and you need effective communications tools to engage your customers and business asso- ciates. In an attempt to remain competitive and to grow, it is important to create an infrastructure that encourages fast and effective knowledge exchange. Another driver toward broadband is the shifting traffic patterns we're seeing. This chapter looks at which of the traffic types are becoming dominant on the net- work and what they mean to the network characteristics they call on. Networks are being used more and more, and we're experiencing rapid technology