7 and require very similar levels of flexibility and reliability as broadcast operations. Telecom networks are said to be ubiquit- ous and are built to reach the widest possible market for their services. 3 CONTENT TRANSPORT NETWORK DEFINED A key characteristic of communications networks is the concept of channelization or use of one or a group of channels between two points to support movement of information. Channelization first appeared when Edison and a now nameless technician accidentally discovered movement of sound waves over a pair of wires. That first pair of wires eventually turned into two pair to facilitate a two-way talk path. Over time through the magic of technological evolution ways and means to enable multiple channels on a single talk path, or four-wire facility were realized. For many years the jellybean of telephone technology was and still is the voice grade channel. The channel, be it wire or a virtual channel has certain capabilities and limitations bound by the laws of physics. Attempting to send a 30- Mbs payload through a 64-Kbs channel doesn't result in any more success than an attempt to pump 30 barrels of oil per hour through a 1-inch pipe. Expecting networks to carry voice, data, and video without some way to match each with a unique part of a communi- cations channel is the equivalent of mixing oil, water, and orange juice into the same pipe and expecting each to arrive intact at the other end. The challenge is not SO much in the mixing as in the separation at the receive end. Telecom network architecture is standards based. Most telecom net- work operators standardize and base their designs on a limited number of manufacturers and suppliers, generally constrained by maintaining sound, competitive procurement practices. Equipment and software suppliers active in the market generally participate in standards development and tend to comply in most, if not all, aspects of applicable standards. Telecom networks interoperate across business entity and physical boundaries that are local, 