 be integrated and enabled for the next-generation. THE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROTOCOLS FOR Various network technologies and protocols are contributing to the evolution towards the next-generation networks. We briefly explain some of these technologies here. The list is not exhaustive, but serves as an introduction to some key concepts. 2.1 Integrated Access Device (IAD) An IAD is a device located on the customer premise or near the edge of the network. A typical IAD deployed at a customer site will simultaneously support Class 5 switch voice services, packet voice and data services (via The Ultimate Guide to Building and Delivering OSS/BSS LAN ports) over a single WAN link. This allows a service provider to cost- effectively deploy multiple types of next-generation services for small and medium businesses over a single access link. Current generation IADs are primarily used for multiplexing analog voice and data for transfer over DSL lines using IP or ATM. A typical IAD will combine voice traffic from the phone system (or PBX) with data traffic from a LAN for transport out of the enterprise over SDSL. For incoming voice and data, IAD will split an integrated stream for the phone system or LAN. The next-generation IADs will integrate a much broader range of complex technologies: ATM, VoIP, Wireless, IP, Bridging, routing and voice encoding/decoding and allow transport over cable, fiber and wireless in addition to DSL. Analog Phone Analog Phone Phone DSL, Wireless, Fiber, Cable Service Integrated Provider Access Network Device 802.11b, Bluetooth Laptop Wireless Phone Figure 31. Integrated Access Device Chapter 8 - Next-Generation OSS 2.2 Broadband Aggregator The broadband aggregator, also called a broadband access aggregator, is a device that sits at the edge of the network and consolidates access traffic onto the core network. This device allows a service provider to aggregate tens of thousands of subscribers onto one platform. Subscribers from various access mediums such as DSL, cable, dial-up or wireless can all be 