uding fundamental technical plans, and the difference between a vertical node-oriented view and a horizontal layered view. To understand the convergence between the networks of today and the media industry into a layered and stratified target network with its segments. To understand the need for control and management of the network, to make it respond optimally regarding service type, QoS, security, economy and other needs of the sub- scribers and/or operators. To understand the difference in control between connectionless and connection-oriented networks. To understand the simple reference model(s) used in this book to segment the network into 'chapters'. To understand the range of enablers that are required to transform the vertical networks into the converged horizontal target network, especially API, H.248 and IPv6. To explain the functionality distribution in the network. This will be treated in more depth in Chapters 9-13. To explain the relations between roles in the business part and layers in the layered model. This will be treated in more depth in Chapter 4. References are: Thomas Muth, Functional Structures in Networks, to be published in 2004. Christoffer Andersson, GPRS and 3G Wireless Applications. Guidelines for the Elaboration of a Business-Oriented Development Plan from ITU, in particular the contacts with one of the main authors Herbert Leijon. Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Networks are defined here as the service production tools, or machines if you like, of many telecom actors. This book focuses on public services and the corresponding basic functions, whether it is a mobile voice-oriented network or the Internet that is used. All networks, whether vertical or horizontal, can be described with a number of basic functions, called fundamental technical plans (abbreviated FP to avoid conflict with file transfer protocol, FTP). In the ITU document Guidelines for the Elaboration of a Business- Oriented Development Plan, the subject of fundamental technical plans constitutes one of t