 Data CRT projector Internet & Private IP Transmission Content Streaming, FTP, VOD, eMeetings DVB - ASI Or SMPTE 305 PDH Or SONET/SDH GigE 1000BT Public Internet Laptop FIGURE 3-1 3 CONTENT TRANSPORT NETWORK DEFINED Say ATM, and most people think money, except those who know the meaning of asynchronous transfer mode. To carry this seemingly meaningless reference further, stop and think how often and in what context network is used. A network of friends getting together for snacks and drinks is an entirely different network than a food distribution network, or a communications network. It's not difficult to find many terms and phrases using the word. For example, voice network, data network, global network, ATM network, packet network, satellite network, radio network, fiber network, global net- work, and international network to name a few, or may be more apt, cable network, broadcast network, or the ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, HGTV, CNN, and FOX networks. Once again, we're back to the point of defining terms and then using them deliberately, consistently, and with purpose when discussing or documenting concepts and details of content transport networks. Network-based content transport requires the network to be designed to meet the objectives of the business or enterprise owning or acquiring the content. The primary interests of owner and acquirer include availability, reliability, robustness, and security. A network designed to provide these basic capabilities can be called a content transport network. Put economics into the mix and it enables the designer to devise and offer choices or alternatives to the customer or user based on capabilities across a price range. Ordinary, run-of-the-mill, voice and data networks generally don't do a satisfactory job of transporting content for a variety of reasons. However, voice and data services for a properly designed content transport network become an incremental piece of cake. Properly designed content transport networks are, or should be, covered by a contract between a fina