he transport layer. The network layer is responsible for ensuring that data passed to it from the transport layer is routed and delivered through the network. network node A point on a network where communications lines interface. Thus, a network node might be a PBX, a local exchange, a multiplexer, a modem, a host computer, or one of sev- eral other devices. network redundancy Including in a communication pathway additional links in order to connect all nodes. network topology The physical and logical relationship of nodes in a network; the sche- matic arrangement of the links and nodes of a network, typically either a star, ring, tree, or bus topology, or some hybrid combination thereof. networking Communication between stations in a network. next-generation gateway switch A switch designed to support a wide variety of traffic- data, voice, fax, multimedia, and other emerging sensory forms-over a data backbone. It pro- vides seamless interoperability between the circuits that network the PSTN and packet-switching networks. Glossary next-generation network next-generation network A high-speed packet-based network that is capable of transport- ing and routing a multitude of services, including voice, data, video, and multimedia. A next- generation network is a common platform for applications and services that the customer can access across the entire network as well as outside the network. Next-generation networks offer unrestricted access by users to different service providers and support generalized mobility, which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users. NFC (Near Field Communication) A technology standard for very-short-range (typically 1 to 2 inches) wireless connectivity that enables quick, secure, two-way interactions among elec- tronic devices. NFC technology, which operates in the 13.56MHz range, typically takes the form of a small chip embedded in a phone or a plastic card (such as a credit card). With NFC-enabled mobile phones, transactions can be conducted by simply touch