developments in home networks
TRANSCRIPT
Developments in home networks
FEBRUARY 2011
Canberra Purple Building Benjamin OfficesChan Street Belconnen ACT
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T +61 2 6219 5555 F +61 2 6219 5353
Melbourne Level 44 Melbourne Central Tower 360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC
PO Box 13112 Law Courts Melbourne VIC 8010
T +61 3 9963 6800 F +61 3 9963 6899
SydneyLevel 15 Tower 1 Darling Park201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW
PO Box Q500 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
T +61 2 9334 7700 1800 226 667 F +61 2 9334 7799
copy Commonwealth of Australia 2011 This work is copyright Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager Editorial Services Australian Communications and Media Authority PO Box 13112 Law Courts Melbourne Vic 8010
Published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority
Contents
Executive summary 1
Methodology 3
Home network environment 4 A new frontier 4 Network and service delivery models 6
Consumer 9 User experience and service environment 9 Service convergence in the home 10 IP-based service developments 11 Consumer education 12
Industry 13 Technologies 13 Network 13 Devices 15 Services 15 Emerging technology issues 16 Standards 17
Regulation 21 The network boundary 21 Connectivity infrastructure 21 Devices 22 Services 22
Conclusion 24
Glossary 25
acma | iii
Executive summary
Developments in access networks service and device convergence and the evolution of multimedia services are changing the home network environment Providing high-speed connectivity interoperability and portability of services via the last few metres of network in the home is an area of considerable industry innovation and activity
The aim of this report is to identify technological developments and product migration issues for homeowners service providers and those in the industry involved with enabling service delivery in the home beyond the network boundary where the consumer has an increasingly active role
For the purposes of this report the home network is defined as a local residential network used to interconnect a variety of internet protocol (IP)-based devices mainly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems Currently networks in the home are fragmented and dedicated to one or more analog or digital services For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Emerging access network technologies are expected to facilitate the integration of these separate networks and extend next generation networks (NGNs) into the home environment
The global migration to NGNs based on IP has been crucial to emerging technologies that are transforming the capabilities of fragmented and dedicated traditional infrastructure These technologies are extending into the home network environment providing improved connectivity quality of service device interoperability and higher data rates over a unified IP platform The proposed next generation access network will mean that service providers will not be constrained by the existing access networks they will instead be able to deliver multiple applications and services over a single network In the home a combination of new and legacy fixed technologies is meeting some network requirements Wireless networks also play an important role providing comparatively inexpensive home network connectivity and portability of devices and services WiFi continues to grow in use and capability to meet both network and application challenges
Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience The number of devices in the home is set to increase as services move beyond the end-user to include automated machine-to-machine communications Devices in the home generally have evolved from analog to digital technology and now to online or networked technologies Device intelligence and functionality is no longer limited to what has been built into the device but is now enhanced by the capabilities of its networked environment Home-networked devices have become windows to IP-based services that can potentially be offered from anywhere in the world
These new dynamics in home networking present both opportunities and challenges for consumers industry and regulators
Consumers will be presented with new technologies that they will find attractive to include in their home environment However consumers will be increasingly faced with the challenge of supporting these next generation services in the home Research has
acma | 1
revealed that homeowners are grappling with networking basics As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
For industry significant new opportunities exist for the rollout of innovative services in homes across Australia Technical standards will play an important role in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment Wide variations in the home network are possible depending on the technology make-up of infrastructure and services Dwelling construction and occupant density also determine network requirements While there is a continuing need for standards coordination in an area of significant innovation one of the emerging areas of interest is the shift in responsibility for network reliability and security management from communications and IT companies to individual home network users or consumers This is an area where information as well as skills development may be needed to allow consumers to achieve a reliable and secure networking experience As home networks become increasingly fundamental to the successful delivery of services both industry and consumers will require education on the common home network ground that they share
For regulators the boundary between the access network and the home network has been a demarcation point for regulation as it determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure within the home Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as there is wide variation in the infrastructure and services in use Current regulation of services in the home (ranging from regulating content on television to device labelling) may or may not remain relevant or appropriate in this new environment
2 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Canberra Purple Building Benjamin OfficesChan Street Belconnen ACT
PO Box 78 Belconnen ACT 2616
T +61 2 6219 5555 F +61 2 6219 5353
Melbourne Level 44 Melbourne Central Tower 360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC
PO Box 13112 Law Courts Melbourne VIC 8010
T +61 3 9963 6800 F +61 3 9963 6899
SydneyLevel 15 Tower 1 Darling Park201 Sussex Street Sydney NSW
PO Box Q500 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
T +61 2 9334 7700 1800 226 667 F +61 2 9334 7799
copy Commonwealth of Australia 2011 This work is copyright Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager Editorial Services Australian Communications and Media Authority PO Box 13112 Law Courts Melbourne Vic 8010
Published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority
Contents
Executive summary 1
Methodology 3
Home network environment 4 A new frontier 4 Network and service delivery models 6
Consumer 9 User experience and service environment 9 Service convergence in the home 10 IP-based service developments 11 Consumer education 12
Industry 13 Technologies 13 Network 13 Devices 15 Services 15 Emerging technology issues 16 Standards 17
Regulation 21 The network boundary 21 Connectivity infrastructure 21 Devices 22 Services 22
Conclusion 24
Glossary 25
acma | iii
Executive summary
Developments in access networks service and device convergence and the evolution of multimedia services are changing the home network environment Providing high-speed connectivity interoperability and portability of services via the last few metres of network in the home is an area of considerable industry innovation and activity
The aim of this report is to identify technological developments and product migration issues for homeowners service providers and those in the industry involved with enabling service delivery in the home beyond the network boundary where the consumer has an increasingly active role
For the purposes of this report the home network is defined as a local residential network used to interconnect a variety of internet protocol (IP)-based devices mainly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems Currently networks in the home are fragmented and dedicated to one or more analog or digital services For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Emerging access network technologies are expected to facilitate the integration of these separate networks and extend next generation networks (NGNs) into the home environment
The global migration to NGNs based on IP has been crucial to emerging technologies that are transforming the capabilities of fragmented and dedicated traditional infrastructure These technologies are extending into the home network environment providing improved connectivity quality of service device interoperability and higher data rates over a unified IP platform The proposed next generation access network will mean that service providers will not be constrained by the existing access networks they will instead be able to deliver multiple applications and services over a single network In the home a combination of new and legacy fixed technologies is meeting some network requirements Wireless networks also play an important role providing comparatively inexpensive home network connectivity and portability of devices and services WiFi continues to grow in use and capability to meet both network and application challenges
Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience The number of devices in the home is set to increase as services move beyond the end-user to include automated machine-to-machine communications Devices in the home generally have evolved from analog to digital technology and now to online or networked technologies Device intelligence and functionality is no longer limited to what has been built into the device but is now enhanced by the capabilities of its networked environment Home-networked devices have become windows to IP-based services that can potentially be offered from anywhere in the world
These new dynamics in home networking present both opportunities and challenges for consumers industry and regulators
Consumers will be presented with new technologies that they will find attractive to include in their home environment However consumers will be increasingly faced with the challenge of supporting these next generation services in the home Research has
acma | 1
revealed that homeowners are grappling with networking basics As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
For industry significant new opportunities exist for the rollout of innovative services in homes across Australia Technical standards will play an important role in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment Wide variations in the home network are possible depending on the technology make-up of infrastructure and services Dwelling construction and occupant density also determine network requirements While there is a continuing need for standards coordination in an area of significant innovation one of the emerging areas of interest is the shift in responsibility for network reliability and security management from communications and IT companies to individual home network users or consumers This is an area where information as well as skills development may be needed to allow consumers to achieve a reliable and secure networking experience As home networks become increasingly fundamental to the successful delivery of services both industry and consumers will require education on the common home network ground that they share
For regulators the boundary between the access network and the home network has been a demarcation point for regulation as it determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure within the home Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as there is wide variation in the infrastructure and services in use Current regulation of services in the home (ranging from regulating content on television to device labelling) may or may not remain relevant or appropriate in this new environment
2 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Contents
Executive summary 1
Methodology 3
Home network environment 4 A new frontier 4 Network and service delivery models 6
Consumer 9 User experience and service environment 9 Service convergence in the home 10 IP-based service developments 11 Consumer education 12
Industry 13 Technologies 13 Network 13 Devices 15 Services 15 Emerging technology issues 16 Standards 17
Regulation 21 The network boundary 21 Connectivity infrastructure 21 Devices 22 Services 22
Conclusion 24
Glossary 25
acma | iii
Executive summary
Developments in access networks service and device convergence and the evolution of multimedia services are changing the home network environment Providing high-speed connectivity interoperability and portability of services via the last few metres of network in the home is an area of considerable industry innovation and activity
The aim of this report is to identify technological developments and product migration issues for homeowners service providers and those in the industry involved with enabling service delivery in the home beyond the network boundary where the consumer has an increasingly active role
For the purposes of this report the home network is defined as a local residential network used to interconnect a variety of internet protocol (IP)-based devices mainly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems Currently networks in the home are fragmented and dedicated to one or more analog or digital services For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Emerging access network technologies are expected to facilitate the integration of these separate networks and extend next generation networks (NGNs) into the home environment
The global migration to NGNs based on IP has been crucial to emerging technologies that are transforming the capabilities of fragmented and dedicated traditional infrastructure These technologies are extending into the home network environment providing improved connectivity quality of service device interoperability and higher data rates over a unified IP platform The proposed next generation access network will mean that service providers will not be constrained by the existing access networks they will instead be able to deliver multiple applications and services over a single network In the home a combination of new and legacy fixed technologies is meeting some network requirements Wireless networks also play an important role providing comparatively inexpensive home network connectivity and portability of devices and services WiFi continues to grow in use and capability to meet both network and application challenges
Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience The number of devices in the home is set to increase as services move beyond the end-user to include automated machine-to-machine communications Devices in the home generally have evolved from analog to digital technology and now to online or networked technologies Device intelligence and functionality is no longer limited to what has been built into the device but is now enhanced by the capabilities of its networked environment Home-networked devices have become windows to IP-based services that can potentially be offered from anywhere in the world
These new dynamics in home networking present both opportunities and challenges for consumers industry and regulators
Consumers will be presented with new technologies that they will find attractive to include in their home environment However consumers will be increasingly faced with the challenge of supporting these next generation services in the home Research has
acma | 1
revealed that homeowners are grappling with networking basics As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
For industry significant new opportunities exist for the rollout of innovative services in homes across Australia Technical standards will play an important role in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment Wide variations in the home network are possible depending on the technology make-up of infrastructure and services Dwelling construction and occupant density also determine network requirements While there is a continuing need for standards coordination in an area of significant innovation one of the emerging areas of interest is the shift in responsibility for network reliability and security management from communications and IT companies to individual home network users or consumers This is an area where information as well as skills development may be needed to allow consumers to achieve a reliable and secure networking experience As home networks become increasingly fundamental to the successful delivery of services both industry and consumers will require education on the common home network ground that they share
For regulators the boundary between the access network and the home network has been a demarcation point for regulation as it determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure within the home Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as there is wide variation in the infrastructure and services in use Current regulation of services in the home (ranging from regulating content on television to device labelling) may or may not remain relevant or appropriate in this new environment
2 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Executive summary
Developments in access networks service and device convergence and the evolution of multimedia services are changing the home network environment Providing high-speed connectivity interoperability and portability of services via the last few metres of network in the home is an area of considerable industry innovation and activity
The aim of this report is to identify technological developments and product migration issues for homeowners service providers and those in the industry involved with enabling service delivery in the home beyond the network boundary where the consumer has an increasingly active role
For the purposes of this report the home network is defined as a local residential network used to interconnect a variety of internet protocol (IP)-based devices mainly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems Currently networks in the home are fragmented and dedicated to one or more analog or digital services For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Emerging access network technologies are expected to facilitate the integration of these separate networks and extend next generation networks (NGNs) into the home environment
The global migration to NGNs based on IP has been crucial to emerging technologies that are transforming the capabilities of fragmented and dedicated traditional infrastructure These technologies are extending into the home network environment providing improved connectivity quality of service device interoperability and higher data rates over a unified IP platform The proposed next generation access network will mean that service providers will not be constrained by the existing access networks they will instead be able to deliver multiple applications and services over a single network In the home a combination of new and legacy fixed technologies is meeting some network requirements Wireless networks also play an important role providing comparatively inexpensive home network connectivity and portability of devices and services WiFi continues to grow in use and capability to meet both network and application challenges
Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience The number of devices in the home is set to increase as services move beyond the end-user to include automated machine-to-machine communications Devices in the home generally have evolved from analog to digital technology and now to online or networked technologies Device intelligence and functionality is no longer limited to what has been built into the device but is now enhanced by the capabilities of its networked environment Home-networked devices have become windows to IP-based services that can potentially be offered from anywhere in the world
These new dynamics in home networking present both opportunities and challenges for consumers industry and regulators
Consumers will be presented with new technologies that they will find attractive to include in their home environment However consumers will be increasingly faced with the challenge of supporting these next generation services in the home Research has
acma | 1
revealed that homeowners are grappling with networking basics As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
For industry significant new opportunities exist for the rollout of innovative services in homes across Australia Technical standards will play an important role in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment Wide variations in the home network are possible depending on the technology make-up of infrastructure and services Dwelling construction and occupant density also determine network requirements While there is a continuing need for standards coordination in an area of significant innovation one of the emerging areas of interest is the shift in responsibility for network reliability and security management from communications and IT companies to individual home network users or consumers This is an area where information as well as skills development may be needed to allow consumers to achieve a reliable and secure networking experience As home networks become increasingly fundamental to the successful delivery of services both industry and consumers will require education on the common home network ground that they share
For regulators the boundary between the access network and the home network has been a demarcation point for regulation as it determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure within the home Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as there is wide variation in the infrastructure and services in use Current regulation of services in the home (ranging from regulating content on television to device labelling) may or may not remain relevant or appropriate in this new environment
2 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
revealed that homeowners are grappling with networking basics As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
For industry significant new opportunities exist for the rollout of innovative services in homes across Australia Technical standards will play an important role in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment Wide variations in the home network are possible depending on the technology make-up of infrastructure and services Dwelling construction and occupant density also determine network requirements While there is a continuing need for standards coordination in an area of significant innovation one of the emerging areas of interest is the shift in responsibility for network reliability and security management from communications and IT companies to individual home network users or consumers This is an area where information as well as skills development may be needed to allow consumers to achieve a reliable and secure networking experience As home networks become increasingly fundamental to the successful delivery of services both industry and consumers will require education on the common home network ground that they share
For regulators the boundary between the access network and the home network has been a demarcation point for regulation as it determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure within the home Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as there is wide variation in the infrastructure and services in use Current regulation of services in the home (ranging from regulating content on television to device labelling) may or may not remain relevant or appropriate in this new environment
2 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Methodology This report forms part of the ACMArsquos annual research plan available at wwwacmagovau Through its research the ACMA is seeking to understand the gt external drivers of change in communications and media with a strong interest in
identifying where platform device and service convergence is occurring gt implications of change for regulation including identifying where regulatory
pressure points are developing that require new or different regulatory or non-regulatory responses
This report draws on desktop research information collection and ACMA analysis over the past year focusing on developments and trends in the home environment enabled by the migration to NGN technologies The ACMA will continue to prepare reports of this nature and welcomes feedback
acma | 3
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Home network environment A new frontier Modern home networks are part of an end-to-end chain of networks involved in the delivery of services Content providers telecommunications operators internet service providers and access network providers are all part of the IP delivery chain referred to as Next Generation Networks (NGNs) Developing access network technologies such as DSL over copper and Ethernet over fibre have driven the IP evolution in the home network to enable the provision of next generation services
The home network environment is in transition from fragmented and dedicated networks carrying one or more analog or digital services to a unified IP-based network These networks can interconnect a variety of IP-based devices predominantly designed for home entertainment telecommunications and home automation systems For example the fixed telephony network may only carry voice the wireless network may only carry data and a cable network may be used exclusively for video Legacy networks in isolation are not able to deliver the full capabilities of digital multimedia services and devices Figure 1 shows some of the existing and emerging services that can be realised by a transition to an IP-based network The transition is also unlikely to be the same for all consumers due to the variations in home construction density of occupancy and the types of services chosen
Consumer services to the home are undergoing significant change as high-speed connectivity service portability and new multimedia services are made available in a home-networking environment These changes are driven by rapid industry developments in access networks the convergence of communications including broadcasting services the emergence of multimedia services and devices Service providers face a new frontier as they are no longer constrained by the legacy access networks and are instead able to deliver multiple applications and services over a converged network
While there are benefits from technological improvements in home-based communications and entertainment products that enable service migration and innovation consumers and industry will have an increased role in home network facilitation as a result
4 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Figure 1 Home network environment
acma | 5
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Network and service delivery models Communications networks today are changing from a fragmented vertically integrated model to a horizontal NGN model that share underpinning infrastructure layers1
In a vertically integrated model the network infrastructure and the communications delivered over that infrastructure are closely bundled as the whole service The public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephony service is an example of vertical integration where the copper network switching and transmission systems are dedicated to providing only voice telephony services Figure 2 depicts the vertical model
Figure 2 Vertically integrated service model
However in the layered horizontal model delivery infrastructure is shared among multiple end-users services and service providers Gains in network performance are possible due to the improved use of network resources such as capacity footprint and availability Service providers and users share the underlying infrastructure and transport mechanisms using a consistent IP network The proposed NGN architecture is expected to reflect this model with the added functionality of high-speed transmission and managed quality of service (QoS) Figure 3 shows the horizontal model
1 ITU Terms of reference of NGN GSI Definition of NGN July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintdms_pubitu-toth2C04T2C040000030003PDFEpdf
6 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Figure 3 Layered horizontal service model
The deployment of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology over the past decade has created a hybrid model in which data telephony and limited IP video services can coexist on common copper access infrastructure However the services are split into their respective vertical networks at the local exchange
Home networks have generally reflected the available access networks environment in which dedicated physical networks delivered dedicated services to the end-user These networks are undergoing a transition delivering both traditional single service and multiple IP-based services over a common physical infrastructure in the end userrsquos premises This reduces the number and potential complexity of the individual networks required to deliver independent competing services The transition to the use of a common physical home network is occurring by combining existing wiring wireless radio links and emerging technologies such as broadband over power line (BPL) that uses the home mains wiring Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the access service delivery and home networks in a converged environment
acma | 7
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Figure 4 Access and home networks
8 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Consumer User experience and service environment Next generation network architecture in the home allows consumers to access multiple services from multiple providers over a unified IP-based infrastructure Emerging IP-based services such as health monitoring security home automation entertainment and social networking accessible via home networks are reshaping the user experience Demand for new innovative services can be expected to continue to increase as Australians recognise the benefits of such servicesmdashwhether they be access to new content lsquono wirersquo home entertainment set-ups or the advantages of home-automated machine-to-machine (M2M) for managing appliances
Consumer access is also simplified by using a range of IP-based devices to access these emerging services Content providers are tailoring services to provide greater interaction and are supplying niche content to larger more accessible audiences due to the global reach of the internet This interaction means that providers can collect data to analyse audience behaviour to assist in service and content planning and development Consumers can interact in a multimedia environment that includes not only video but live chats and commentary on content
Ustream is an example of a service that provides interactive chat live stream recording viewer statistics and more2 Ustream is a free service providing a platform to enable anyone with a notebook a webcam and an internet connection to broadcast live real-time video from anywhere Users are able to create and distribute their own content The website also provides access to diverse live streaming and stored content for video on demand (VoD) 3
Smart grid technology in the home enables remote management of intelligent appliances to facilitate base-load energy reduction to improve energy efficiency This technology will provide the consumer with more detailed information and controls using home network infrastructure to enable the consumer to make informed energy consumption choices4 Smart metering will be a critical enabler of energy monitoring applications in which consumers can monitor their usage by accessing the data derived from the smart meter
Home networks can also be useful for some home health care situations Bio-sensors provide pointndashof-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions This may include measuring specific components such as heart rate blood pressure and body temperature or diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy By using the home network patient medical data collected from bio-sensors can be passed onto medical facilities for analysis Bio-monitoring offers improvements on patient management through the monitoring of at-risk patients early detection of adverse conditions and the potential to influence patient behaviour to improve their health5
Hunter Nursing a NSW regional nursing agency is in collaboration with Intel in a telemedicine trial to monitor 50 elderly patients over a fixed broadband connection or a
2 Ustream Why Ustream viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitWhy_Ustreampdf 3 PLUS 7 Australian TV broadcasters offer catch-up TV where users can access previously aired programs viewed 5 October 2010 httpautvyahoocomplus7 4 Department of Resources Energy and Tourism Smart Grid Smart City Public profile viewed 5 October wwwclimatechangegovauengovernmentprograms-and-rebatessmartgrid~mediapublicationssmart-grid-smart-citysmartgrid-newdirectionashx 5University of Virginia An Advanced Wireless Sensor Network for Health Monitoring viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcsvirginiaedupapersd2h206-healthpdf
acma | 9
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
3G cellular alternative The service requires patient involvement in their own care and provides back-to-base communications to medical staff via video conferencing6
The consumerrsquos responsibility for home network infrastructure and device maintenance varies across the range of fragmented services In some cases one service provider carries out all aspects of service operation maintenance and repairs The transition to NGN architecture for service delivery is expected to alter the relative responsibilities of the service provider and the consumer The consumer is becoming increasingly responsible for the home network infrastructure with the service providerrsquos emphasis to cater for the end-to-end service requirements including some home network equipment Service providers have a greater ability to remotely diagnose faults and resolve service issues
End-to-end service management can reduce delays in responding and resolving service difficulties as they arise This transition will require better coordination between the end-user and the increasing number of entities involved in service support but also has the potential to enhance the overall end-user experience The consumer will need to know what the service provider configuration and interconnection requirements are so that their home networks are capable of service delivery Home-network firewall settings speed and connectivity can all affect service delivery Service providers will need to be more aware of the variations in consumer home-network configurations
Service convergence in the home There has been significant growth in the diversity availability and adoption of consumer communications and media services The convergence of content and services from previously discrete industries such as broadcasting and telecommunications has been made possible by the extension of unified IP architecture into the home resulting from the widespread deployment of DSL and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable transport services7
The home network can now support multiple services with managed QoS that are independent of the underlying transport infrastructure Access network providers can exist as separate entities to the service providers of internet and telephony services for the consumer Services can be managed end-to-end providing QoS for both access and home networks For consumers this common infrastructure gives access to a wider range of access networks that carry a range of competing services and features Figure 5 illustrates the emerging IP-based services within the home and access networks environment
6 httpehealthspaceorgcasestudyhunter-nursing-embraces-telemedicine 7 Australian Bureau of Statistics Internet Activity Australia June 2010 viewed 22 September 2010 wwwabsgovauausstatsabsnsfmf81530 Long G lsquoBroadband passes the 500 million subscribers globallyrsquo Communications Day issue 3841 p4 23 September 2010
10 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Figure 5 Converging service home environment
Devices used in the home are typically migrating from analog to digital and are becoming IP-based IP establishes a common platform and is expected to provide a growing base for customer equipment and services Increasingly content and services are being unbundled from legacy delivery networks to be offered as converged services with added features
A range of industry standards is in place or under development to promote device interoperability and portability integration of services and the support of existing home infrastructure
IP-based service developments IP-based service developments are leading to new opportunities in home network infrastructure services and devices While the characteristics of interoperability scalability and openness are desirable in home networks the proprietary nature of some services and devices could lock consumers into a particular technology The use of proprietary codecs and set-top boxes for IPTV delivery is an example where service providers may use proprietary standards
Bundling of services may provide the consumer with a convenient solution for a number of services This may be timely and cost-effective however the bundled offerings are seldom individualised and may not completely match the consumerrsquos requirements or preferences
IP-based services can offer added features due to the interactive nature of the technology IPTV services offer greater control over the time of viewing and type of
acma | 11
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
content than broadcast television Similarly VoIP telephony is able to integrate with email and instant messaging applications and use home IP-based infrastructure for connectivity
Consumer education For consumers to successfully adopt and use next generation services such as IPTV and VoIP over home networks a certain level of awareness of the technical aspects is needed to install and maintain home network services Consequently consumer support is often a necessity it is currently provided by online question-and-answer documents real-time online or telephone assistance and onsite technician solutions Accessing information and skills acquisition to deal with technical issues often comes at a cost to the end-user as well as to service providers offering this support As home networks play an increasing role in service delivery the level of in-home support and education is likely to be an area of increasing interest to improve user experience and attitudes to using and maintaining their home networks
According to CISCO (based on ABI research) homeowners are grappling with networking basics ABI research conducted an online survey on consumer attitudes to and behaviours with home networking and found 30 per cent of respondents had trouble in setting up their home network8 They also identified five key problem areasmdashwireless network connection printer sharing troubleshooting connecting new devices and wireless network security These are the kinds of issues that consumers are faced with to maintain their networks
While technology developments require consumer education on maintaining the home network environment technology has provided part of the solution in the form of intelligent infrastructure Intelligent gateways and devices are increasingly able to automatically discover configure and install into a variety of environments Prior to these developments providers were reluctant to be involved in the homersquos internal network especially with consumer device issues However this attitude is changing due to increasing competition in a market where consumers require multiple service and device connections to the home network According to an ABI research analyst lsquoIntelligent broadband gateways will gain popularity and account for more than 40 per cent of home networking CPE shipments by 2012rsquo9 Intelligent gateways can be created as an all-in-one devicemdashan integrated solution that provides multiple connectivity interfaces and can simplify the management of complex services and consumer devices
8 CISCO Consumers Still Sweating Home Networking Basics ndash Even as Networked Entertainment Gathers Steam May 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 httpnewsroomciscocomdlls2009ts_051209html 9 ABI Research Intelligent Broadband Gateways to Account for More Than 40 Home Networking CPEs Shipped by 2012 February 2009 viewed 15 December 2010 wwwabiresearchcompress1367-Intelligent20Broadband20Gateways20to20Account20for20More20than20402520Home 20Networking20CPEs20Shipped20by202012
12 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Industry Technologies The developing home network environment can be further illustrated by looking at the various components required for service delivery to the consumer These are the physical network components terminal devices and services that originate outside the home network environment to provide content for end users It is an area of considerable innovation and effort by industry to promote interoperability across networks and devices through standardisation activities
Network Technology has evolved to allow home networks to exploit existing cabling to provide IP-based networking The HomePNA an association of companies that develops interoperability standards for the home network and the HomeGrid Forum a similar industry body have agreed to promote the new ITU-T Ghn standard for wired home networking1011 ITU-T Ghn specifies up to one gigabit per second data rates and operation over infrastructure such as mains power wiring telephone lines and coaxial cables12 ITU-T Ghn is becoming widely accepted as it allows for the provision of home networks where new cabling may be difficult to install
The ITU-T Ghn working group has released specifications for smart grid products which lsquowill allow multiple manufacturers to develop products that deliver the low power consumption low cost performance reliability and security that is required for Smart Grid and other lower bit rate applicationsrsquo13 Smart grid products include smart metersrsquo in-home displays and smart thermostats plug-in electrical vehicles and electrical vehicle charging equipment and smart appliances such as washing machines dryers dishwashers heating ventilating and air-conditioning systems Smart grid technology provides a flow of information that enables the control and monitoring of smart appliances It is intended to allow end-users to better manage their energy consumption and utility providers to better manage their energy resources
Wireless technologies offer a final conduit for multimedia devices within the home with WiFi increasingly used by devices in home networks According to In-Stat WiFi-enabled entertainment device shipments will increase from 1088 million in 2009 to 1773 million in 201314 Traditionally WiFi in-home networks have supported data and limited capacity for the sharing and streaming of video and voice Recent WiFi standard revisions now allow for higher data rates This is achieved using cognitive methods that optimise and coordinate capacity through steerable radio signals and by increasing the available radio spectrum bands and bandwidth in tandem with multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antennas15 IPTV and VoIP services which are particularly sensitive to latency and jitter can operate concurrently WiFi installations are proving useful in older homes where cabling might be expensive or difficult
10 HomePNA The Goal of HomePNA viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomepnaorgabout 11 HomeGrid FORUM General Overview viewed 15 October 2010 wwwhomegridforumorgcontentpagesphppg=about_overview 12 Christensen E Top 10 things you need to known about the Ghn standard DS2 Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 5 September 2009 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 13 ITU-T Home Networking Standard given Smart Grid specs Newslog 20 January 2010 viewed 3 February 2010 wwwituintITU-TnewslogHome+Networking+Standard+Given+Smart+Grid+Specsaspx 14Potter E WiFi becomes the Multimedia Interface of Choice for Consumer Entertainment Devices Press Release In-Stat 15 December 2009 viewed 7 January 2010 wwwin-statcompressaspID=2688ampsku=IN0904628WS 15 Ruckus Ultra-fast and Reliable Smart WiFi Access Points with Dynamic Beamforming viewed 15 October 2010 wwwruckuswirelesscomproductszoneflex-indoor
acma | 13
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
The WiGigtrade Alliance is an association of manufacturers of semiconductors consumer electronics personal computers and handheld entertainment devices16 The Alliance aims to unify the next generation of wireless products by encouraging the global adoption and use of 60 GHz wireless technology and claims lsquodata transfer rates of 7 Gbps more than 10 times faster than the highest IEEE 80211n while maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devicesrsquo17 WiGig is intended to support bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming high-definition video to interconnected consumer devices in the home at speeds up to 7 Gbps as well as maintaining compatibility with existing WiFi devices operating at 24 GHz and 5 GHz18
WiGig technology is designed to address the specific requirements of various platforms using the 60 GHz radiofrequency spectrum authorised by the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence19
The WirelessHD consortium is another industry-led effort by electronics and communications equipment manufacturers that is aiming to define a worldwide standard for the next generation wireless digital network interface for consumer electronics and personal computing products20 For consumers eliminating cables for audio and video dramatically simplifies home theatre establishment and eliminates the need to locate source devices near the display The WirelessHD specification 10 is optimised for wireless display connectivity achieving high-speed data rates of up to 4 Gbitss at 10 metres where its core technology is designed to operate in the 60 GHz class-licensed band21
Not all services delivered over the home network will require high speed and capacity Smart energy home automation and some health care monitoring services require only narrowband transmissions to transfer small amounts of control and measurement data Low-power wireless home-networking technologies are the focus of standardisation efforts by the ZigBee Alliance which lsquois an association of companies working together to enable reliable cost-effective low-power wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on an open global standardrsquomdashIEEE 802154 physical radio standard22 23
In May 2009 the Smart Energy public application profile was endorsed by the European Smart Metering Industry Group (ESMIG)2425 Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility companies and common household devices also known as smart appliances to deliver efficiencies such as lower costs and environmental benefits For example by managing the operation of devices such as air conditioners washing machines and dishwashers power companies can more actively manage demand and the purchase of additional energy from other suppliers
16 The Wireless Gigabit Alliance What is the Wireless Gigabit Alliance viewed 21 December 2009 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgabout 17 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 18 Wireless Gigabit Alliance WiGig Alliance Publishes Multi-Gigabit Wireless Specification and Launches Adopter Program May 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 httpwirelessgigabitallianceorgnewswigig-alliance-publishes-multi-gigabit-wireless-specification-and-launches-adopter-program 19 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 20 WirelessHDtrade About WirelessHD viewed 4 October 2010 wwwwirelesshdorgabout 21 ACMA Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices ) Class Licence viewed 21 October 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_297 22 Zigbee Alliance Our Mission viewed 22 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgAboutOurMissionaspx 23 IEEE IEEE 80215 Working Group for WPAN viewed 18 October 2010 wwwieee802org15 24 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Smart Energy 2010 viewed 07 January 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeSmartEnergyOverviewaspx 25 See wwwesmigeu
14 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
during peak times Generally ZigBee is applicable to devices such as light switches thermostats electricity meters remote controls and sensor devices used in healthcare or for commercial building and industrial automation26 ZigBee RF specification RF4CE released in July 2009 promotes interoperability of consumer electronics home energy management and efficiency and resilience to interference from other devices using 24 GHz spectrum27 By addressing these issues the RF4CE is likely to see the presence of ZigBee in homes increase
Devices Until recently devices in the home have been analog with each dedicated to the reception of television radio or basic telecommunications services Digital devices are now replacing analog and offering additional features In turn a new generation of IP-based digital devices are emerging to offer enhanced communications and content access and provide for the integration of multiple devices in a multiservice environment
IP-based video devices are capable of receiving digital and analog broadcast television as well as receiving IPTV internet TV and accessing VoD services from an increased number of local and global sources Similarly highly integrated audio receivers are capable of providing a range of audio services such as digital audio broadcasting (DAB+) radio analog FM and streamed internet radio28 IP telephones and smartphone devices can establish service connections via home WiFi networks providing users with portable access and expanded service features
lsquoDumbrsquo devices are now also increasingly being replaced with smart devices where new features or some of the features previously provided via the network are now embedded in the device itself Software used to provide these functions from the device can also be upgraded as required without consumer interaction While this remote interaction can improve the end-to-end service management it also raises interest in the privacy and security impacts Services Bundling services enables providers to reduce costs and extend more service offerings over unified infrastructure The term lsquotriple playrsquo describes the bundling of voice video and data communications services over a single broadband connection29
iiNet Internode Optus Telstra and TPG offer forms of triple play30 TPG is continuing its free trial IPTV service which started in mid 2007 offering programs of English and non-English content to its ADSL2+ customers3132
In addition lsquoquadruple playrsquo is being established in some overseas markets33
Quadruple play introduces a femtocell which integrates a carrierrsquos cellular network into the home network providing an extended delivery of services and features offered
26 Zigbee Alliance Zigbee Home Automation 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgMarketsZigBeeHomeAutomationOverviewaspx 27 ZigBee Alliance Understanding ZigBee RF4CE White Paper July 2009 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwzigbeeorgimwpidmspopupspop_downloadaspcontentID=16212 28 Kogan WiFi DAB+ Digital Internet Radio online store viewed 5 October 2010 wwwkogancomaushopcategorydigital-radios 29 ITU Multiple-Play background information for the forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 2006 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwituintWORLD2006forummultiple_playhtml 30 iiNet Fetchtv Offer web page viewed 15 September 2010 wwwiinetnetaufetchtv 31 TPG TPG IPTV channels web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauiptv 32 TPG ADSL2+ PLANS web page viewed 14 September 2010 wwwtpgcomauproducts_servicesadsl2plus_pricingphppricinghomephone 33 Hartley S Femtocell market update slow but steady progress Report OVUM Reference OVUM052152 29 March 2010
acma | 15
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
by cellular network operators via the home access gateway34 Femtocells are small home-located base stations that dedicate their capacity to the home while providing improved network coverage access and speed
Femtocells can also be offered separately VHA is expected to begin femtocell trials in Australia and anticipate commercial availability for homes and offices in 201135
Femtocells enable mobile operators to provide more services in the home market at lower cost as the consumer provides the base station location power and data backhaul
Service providers are adding other innovations to the mix such as managed hardware as part of the service unmetered free content and access that permits users to be content providers36 Home networks are also being integrated with cloud-based hosted services allowing email software storage and telephony to be accessed from the IP cloud37 38 For example an enterprise can provide hosted services such as telephone email virtualised computing hardware operating systems and application software for home-based employees
Emerging technology issues The home network environment is following an evolutionary path as network technologies and services migrate to a NGN model The online IP-based environment in the home has already influenced the way people are interacting and adopting new services It is facilitating the delivery of services based on autonomous M2M interactions without direct human involvement Environment and security management systems for the home can employ M2M automation to remotely control home climate and security aspects These autonomous machines and sensors are multiplying and consequently so are the network communications requirements both in and out of the home The ACMA is monitoring the developments in M2M technologies and their impact on current addressing schemes remotely managed service issues and privacy
More devices in the home are using IP technology which drives the capability for automated service functionality The home network is now an environment where home automation and service integration in areas such as smart metering eHealth monitoring automation of home HVAC and the trend to virtual services that are remotely hostedmdashsuch as communication and entertainment servicesmdashis flourishing Bio-sensors can be used for transparent point-of-care monitoring for a broad range of patient conditions Smartgrid devices and meters will help energy utilities manage base-load power consumption requirements and also provide consumers with better usage data Energy consumption can be managed at the end device in the home through grid control of individual appliances such as washing machines dishwashers and HVAC systems Control of the timing of consumption can be passed to energy grid providers to manage and distribute load
34Campbell M France Telecom Starts Quadruple-Play Offer After Approval From Regulator Bloomberg London 11 August 2010 viewed 4 October 2010 wwwbloombergcomnews2010-08-11france-telecom-starts-quadruple-play-offer-after-approval-from-regulatorhtml 35 Sexton L Network Announcements Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited 21 October 2010 viewed 22 October 2010 httpclientsweblinkcomauclientsHutchison2articleaspasx=HTAampview=2610130 36Ustream Ustream Corporate Fact Sheet viewed 5 October 2010 httpcdn2ustreamtvmediakitUstream_Corporate_Fact_Sheetpdf 37Otey M The Rise of Cloud Computing WindowsITPro 26 April 2010 viewed 15 October 2010 wwwwindowsitprocomarticlecloud-computing2The-Rise-of-Cloud-Computing2aspx 38 Software amp Information Industry Association 2001 Software as a Service Strategic Backgrounder viewed 15 October 2010 wwwsiianetestorepubsSSB-01pdf
16 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
This transition from traditional to NGN technology in home networks raises new issues for users in managing the reliability and security of communications The network boundary will typically place the responsibility of home network infrastructure and reliability with the consumer NGN home network configuration and capabilities will vary considerably due to variations in building construction ownership age of premises and stages of legacy infrastructure integration The resistibility to electrical disturbances and consequently reliability of a broad cross-section of installations will also vary39
Routers set-top units ONTs DSL modems and WLLs are all examples of equipment that may be vulnerable in terms of resistibility Home network devices electrically share underlying infrastructure that may be susceptible to lightning strikes power surges and voltage spikes These electrical disturbances can detrimentally affect devices connectivity infrastructure and powered network boundary interfaces as well as posing risk of injury to persons using equipment in certain circumstances
Another reliability issue relates to power continuity NGN home networks are not powered from the access network but locally from the consumerrsquos premises In the event of power loss at the premises all services including emergency 000 services would not be accessible from the home network A backup battery becomes important in the event of power failures
The use of shared communications platforms between multiple services and users in the home network means the user will need to manage more information on the home network Home network security is increasingly a concern and the responsibility of the end-user Unsecured networks can allow unintended access to a range of computers internet services and other devices in the home network and to the personal information stored on those devices Without adequate safeguards shared IP networks may expose users to a range of risks including identity theft access to personal data viruses denial of service attaches and unauthorised third-party access to services and devices There is also a cost to industry in dealing with these issues
Standards Technical standards are an important factor in the coordination and delivery of end-to-end services in the home network environment For devices in the home to provide the interface for users and services they need to conform to sets of rules for reliable and predictable operation and to ensure interoperability of those devices and services Both local and international standards developments are part of the ecosystem that supports services in IP-based home networks Technical standards provide for an enhanced user experience by facilitating plug and play connectivity and reduced complexity of home network equipment and permitting customer choice of both devices and standardised services from different retail service providers Figure 6 shows the bridging role of standards or of specifications developed by industry consortia in the home environment
39ITU ITU-T Resistibility of communications equipment viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintITU-Tstudygroupscom05sg5-q4html
acma | 17
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Figure 6 Service and standards environment
In Australia industry representatives develop local technical standards through industry bodies such as Communications Alliance or Standards Australia40 41 While the ACMA also has the power to make technical standards it gives effect to industry standards by mandating in part or completely elements of industry-developed and agreed technical standards42
In September 2009 the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ratified the IEEE80211n WiFi standard The 80211n standard provides for up to 160 Mbps data rates over short distances as well as improved QoS This QoS tagging of packets enables priority data to be delivered continuously providing more reliable transmission supporting HD video over WiFi something not possible before The 80211n wireless Ethernet standard is considered in certain circumstances as a replacement for wired Ethernet because of its ease of deployment and ability to handle video applications43
Planned advances in the methods outlined in 80211n provide support for spatial data streams and meshing nodes via the 80211s standard enabling higher speed and more reliable transmissions via multiple wireless paths within the WiFi network44
40 Communications Alliance overview web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwcommsalliancecomauabout-usoverview 41 Standards Australia Developing Standards web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwstandardsorgauDevelopingStandardsaspx 42 Telecommunications Act 1997 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 376 Telecommunications Act 1997 Act No47 of 1997 as amended13 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 ACMArsquos power to make technical standards SEC 162 Act No174 of 1992 16 August 2010 viewed 5 October 2010 httpwwwcomlawgovauSeriesC2004A05145 43 Rash W 80211n The WiFi revolution nobody noticed eWeekcom 19 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwweweekcomcaMobile-and-Wireless80211n-The-WiFi-Revolution-Nobody-Noticed-517334 44 Cox J Whatrsquos next for WiFi Networkworld 12 November 2009 viewed 21 December 2009 wwwnetworkworldcomnews2009111209-wifi-changehtmlfsrc=netflash-rss
18 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
BPL technology allows existing home mains power wiring to be used as a data network The IEEE P1901 standardisation effort should help see BPL technology receive wider acceptance and use in the home network segment of smart grids45
In June 2010 the ITU ratified the Ghn standard the next generation home network standard set by the Homegrid Forum ITU-Ghn provides for theoretical gigabit per second access speeds over legacy infrastructure and is beneficial for provisioning NGN systems using cables in existing homes where new wiring is difficult to install46
Some of the stated aims of ITU-Ghn are that gt it is faster than any existing home-wired technology gt it is designed to work over most types of existing home wiring gt enabling electronics is supported by multiple silicon vendors gt it is supported by multiple industry groups gt most Ghn-based products will have compatibility options with existing home
networking technologies gt it provides security using AES-128 encryption gt it supports longer range deployments compared to existing home-networking
technologies gt it helps reduce energy consumption gt it enables reliable communications over existing noisy home wiring gt it provides predictable service to QoS-sensitive applications such as IPTV47
Standardisation work is underway in the International Telecommunications Unionmdash Telecommunications standardisation sector (ITU-T) which involves the interfaces between service and network layers to support the delivery of IPTV over heterogeneous networks A focus group to coordinate and promote the development of global IPTV standards has produced a comprehensive proceedings document based on existing output of ITU study groups other standards development organisations and industry fora and consortia
The ITU-T has ratified a number of standards containing high-level architectures and framework specifications that will allow manufacturers to start implementing the specifications in their products Recommendation ITU-T Y1901 lsquoRequirements for the support of IPTV servicesrsquo addresses IPTV service requirements network aspects QoS and QoE content protection end system middleware and content48
ITU-T H770 enables users to locate and subscribe to content from different service providers49 It provides a degree of interoperability as consumers may use an IPTV set-top box to subscribe to a range of services from independent service providers by using the IPTV service discovery standard50
45 IEEE Advancement of P1901 Draft Standard for Broadband Over Power Line Networks 7 January 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 httpsmartgridieeeorgieee-smartgrid-news56-advancement-of-p1901-draft-standard-for-broadband-over-power-line-networks 46 ITU lsquoITU approves Ghn for home networkingrsquo Computer World 15 June 2010 viewed 21 September 2010 wwwcomputerworldcomauarticle349832itu 47 DS2 Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Ghn Standard Blog 12 May 2009 viewed 21
September 2010 httpblogds2esds2blog200905top-ten-things-about-ghn-standardhtml 48 ITU Recommendation Y1901 Requirements for the support of IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-Y1901en 49 ITU H770 Mechanisms for service discovery and selection for IPTV services viewed 15 November 2010 wwwituintrecT-REC-H770en 50 Swedlow T ITU Approves New IPTV Standard ITU-T H770 InteractiveTV Today 1 July 2009 viewed
5 October 2010 wwwitvtcomstory5093itu-approves-new-iptv-standard-itu-t-h770
acma | 19
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) is a European initiative aimed at creating one standard for broadcast and broadband delivery of content through connected televisions and set-top boxes51 The intention of HbbTV is to provide terrestrial televisions sets with a converged capability for IPTV and web developments It is based on using existing standards and web technologies and covers the Open IPTV forum World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Digital Video Broadcasting project (DVB) HbbTV specification version 111 was approved by ETSI on 1 July 2010
Standardisation in VoIP is well established and based on the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and many other companion standards which aim to replicate legacy telephony functions using IP-based networks and promote the interoperability of telephony between legacy and IP-based networks52 One IETF standard attempts to itemise all RFC standards related to SIP and is titled A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol53 Non-proprietary voice digitisation is generally governed by the ITU-T G729 or G711 standards54
Device standards development is increasingly important to ensure the range of services and features can expand beyond the triple play offerings The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a global group whose goal is to achieve product compatibility and interoperability by using open standards and widely available industry specifications The DLNA lsquoconnected homersquo environment will use home network infrastructure and devices that are able communicate seamlessly and exchange content55
51 HbbTV Introduction webpage viewed 5 October 2010 wwwhbbtvorgpagesabout_hbbtvintroductionphp 52Rosenberg J Schulzrinne H Camarillo G Johnston A Peterson J Sparks R Handley M and Schooler E SIP Session Initiation Protocol Requests for Comments 3261 Network Working Group June 2002 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwietforgrfcrfc3261txt 53 Rosenberg J A Hitchhikerrsquos Guide to the Session Initiation Protocol Network Working Group February 2009 viewed 5 October 2010 httptoolsietforghtmlrfc5411 54 ITU-T ITU-T G Series Transmission systems and media digital systems and networks web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwituintnetitu-tsigdbspeaudioGserieshtm 55DLNA About DLNA web page viewed 5 October 2010 wwwdlnaorgabout_usabout
20 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Regulation Regulation applicable to the home network can be complex as this environment can vary widely depending on the type of infrastructure and services The boundary between the access network and the home network has been viewed as a key regulatory demarcation point that determines the customer responsibility for infrastructure required to carry services within the home However in todayrsquos layered service-oriented environment the regulatory regime in Australia touches many points across the home network These can be categorised according to infrastructure type of connectivity devices and services
The network boundary The network boundary represents a definable point where a carrier or carriage service providerrsquos responsibility for ensuring efficient delivery of a service extends Section 22 of the Telecommunications Act defines the boundary of a telecommunications network for customer cabling (section 20) and customer equipment (section 21) It determines a boundary of engagement where entities assume regulatory responsibility for the provision and maintenance of services and infrastructure Modern services are now gt less integrated and dependent on the underlying carriage infrastructure gt delivered by multiple network technologies gt interfaced to a variety of devices gt potentially nomadic
The transition to an NGN delivery model involves a broader range of wireless and wired network boundaries in the home but more importantly presents a complex multiple-service environment where there are also service-specific boundaries and responsibilities
A physical network boundary is largely determined by the service delivery model and the technologies of the access networks In the case of the PSTN telephony service to a residence the network boundary is often considered the first telephone socket but could be some other point at the home depending on the establishment infrastructure For example the network boundary for a multi-dwelling complex can reside in a communal communications facility The proposed NGN will introduce a common access network using three technologiesmdashfibre fixed-wireless and satellite Each will require a powered network termination unit (NTU) The network boundaries will likely be similar for these three NGN-based access networks The majority of premises will be connected to the FTTP network which will terminate at a specific NTU known as an optical network termination (ONT) that is located in or within close proximity to the building Figure 4 depicts the network boundary for an NTU that is proposed for an NGN access network
In contrast the HFC network boundary is deemed to be at the first telecommunications outlet (whether it is for a subscription television or telephony service) The demarcation point for wireless access networks (such as 3G or WiMAX networks) that extend into the home is at the surface of the antenna of the receiving device in the home
Connectivity infrastructure Connectivity infrastructure refers to passive infrastructure such as cabling and the active components such as network boundary interfaces routers wireless and BPL devices that facilitate the home network infrastructure Radio spectrum can also be considered to be in this broad category
acma | 21
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Some connectivity infrastructure devices are required to meet Australian compliance labelling requirements namely that suppliers demonstrate compliance by labelling equipment and maintaining a record in a compliance folder56 Cabling and associated network device infrastructure is regulated by telecommunications regulatory arrangements57 Some of the relevant standards are ASACIF S0082006 and ASACIF S0092006 which apply to the installation and maintenance of fixed or concealed cabling and equipment that connects to network boundary interfaces It should be noted however that some home network infrastructure such as Ethernet switches do not need to comply with the standards above but they would need to comply with electromagnetic compatibility requirements58
The cabling provider rules apply to the installation of cabling in home networks59
These rules are intended to reduce the risk of danger to people and maintain network integrity from disruptive elements such as electromagnetic interference mains power and lightning This is particularly important as the home network shares the same environment with other utility infrastructure such as gas water and mains power distribution
Devices The compliance labelling requirements also apply to electrical or electronic devices that connect to the home network These may include computers mobile phones printers IP telephones and analog telephone adapters (ATA) The labelling requirements are based on features and functions offered by the device For example an ATA should comply with both the EMC and telecommunications labelling requirements whereas a television with a WiFi or Ethernet connection should meet the requirements of both the radiocommunications and EMC labelling regulations The use of devices employing wireless technologies is also governed by the licensing regime that requires the user to operate the device in accordance with the conditions of the applicable authorising licence The user may be unaware of the licensing regime although the compliance labelling requirements address the specific requirements of various platforms for home-networking wireless technologies to meet technical operating conditions of the authorising class licence apparatus licence or spectrum licence60 Compliance with the labelling requirements allows users to operate devices subject to the applicable class license or enables providers to organise third-party authorisation subject to the applicable apparatus or spectrum licence as part of the subscription process
Services Existing regulation of services is based largely on the traditional delivery of vertically integrated services over dedicated networks The emergence of IP-based networks has allowed services to be delivered with features not determined by the underlying physical network It is becoming increasingly difficult to base regulation of services on the technology employed or by using other narrow definitions Services delivered into the home are now defined less by regulation and more by providers consumers and content This has resulted in new and converged services with varying degrees of offerings and expectations that may not sit comfortably within past frameworks To continue to deal with specific content issues customer expectations and operator
56 ACMA Equipment compliance amp labelling (A-TickC-Tick) viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2754 57 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2793 58 See wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_2797 59 ACMA Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000 15 December 2005 viewed 27 September 2010 wwwacmagovauwebwrtelcommcablingtelecomcablingprovrules2000pdf 60 ACMA Radiocommunications Licensing viewed 28 September 2010 wwwacmagovauWEBSTANDARDpc=PC_481
22 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
requirements a shift in regulation may be necessary to achieve a workable balance for the delivery of services
The federal government has announced that it will conduct a convergence review lsquoin response to ongoing trends in technology that are reshaping the media landscape from how it looked in the 1990s which is when Australiarsquos current media and communications regulatory frameworks were establishedrsquo 61 This recognises the rapidly converging communications environment and its potential impact on current and future policy setting and regulatory arrangements
61 wwwdbcdegovaudigital_economyconvergence_review
acma | 23
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Conclusion The extension of NGN technologies into the home to carry end-to-end services is a natural evolutionary path While a key concept and objective of this process is simplicity and seamless interoperability between services and devices in the home industry experts consider achieving connectivity will present challenges for service providers and consumers62
A complex and diverse home network environment is expected to consist of a mix of internal user services managed by the customer and those bundled by a provider to manage end-to-end services and devices The onus of providing and managing the underlying home network infrastructure largely on the consumer This contrasts with traditional services such as circuit-switched telephony where service infrastructure reliability and security were solely the responsibility of the service provider
Existing home telecommunications mains power and coax cabling are likely to be used in conjunction with new technologies to provide high-speed backbones in the home This will be complemented by existing and emerging wireless technologies used to deliver services to portable devices New homes will have more streamlined and integrated solutions that are installed at construction Home networks and the integrated devices that facilitate connectivity are likely to be the next competitive frontier for services Standardisation of technologies will play a significant role in shaping home networks devices and the services delivered
The increased diversity in home network infrastructure and service provider requirements also means that consumers will need to be more aware of technical aspects Both industry and consumers will have a role in meeting this awareness through education to improve technical expertise and awareness of technology developments
The home network environment has emerged as an important place where service providers and consumers interact
62 Kofman D et al A View on Future Communications Information Society Technologies pp 5ndash6 May 2006 viewed 5 October 2010 wwwgooglecomauurlsa=tampsource=webampcd=1ampved=0CBQQFjAAampurl=http3A2F2Feurongienstfr 2Farchive2F1722FAviewonFutureCommunicationsdocampei=PbiqTMGyNMX0cLemxOQEampusg=AFQjC NHF_ZckjrjuTQHiwpAmeaXS2MTSEg
24 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
Glossary Access network That part of a network that a service providers uses to
connect directly to the customer ATA analog telephone adapter
Interface for legacy PSTN equipment to VoIP BPL broadband over power line
BPL technology can be used to establish or extend home networks across mains power infrastructure
Carrier The holder of a telecommunications carrier license in force under the Telecommunications Act 1997
Content provider content provider [ITU-T Y1910] The entity that owns or is licensed to sell content or content assets
DAB+ Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus DAB+ is the upgraded version of the DAB standard that has been adopted in Australia It uses an enhanced audio codec High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding version 2 (HE-AAC v2) also known as AAC+ DAB+ receivers are backwards compatible with the DAB standard
DSL digital subscriber line Transmission technique that dramatically increases the digital capacity of telephone lines into the home or office
DSLAM DSL access multiplexer The DSLAM connects multiple customer inputs and multiplexes them to one output stream for the service provider
DVB Digital Video Broadcasting Project eHealth Health care practices supported by electronic and
communication processes to monitor collect and analyse health data in order to improve doctor-to-patient services eHealth may include electronic health records and telemedicine
EMC electromagnetic compatibility Ethernet Refers to the IEEE 8023 standard used in computer
networking technologies for local area networks ETSI European Telecommunications Standardisation
Institute Produces globally applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) including fixed mobile radio converged broadcast and internet technologies Officially recognised by the European Commission as a European Standards Organisation
Femtocell Small cellular base station extending services and coverage of a mobile network into the home or office using a customerrsquos broadband connection
FTTH fibre to the home Fibre network connections running from the central office to a residence or very small multi-unit dwelling
acma | 25
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
FTTP fibre to the premises Optical fibre connections directly run to the customerrsquos premises The premises can be business commercial institutional and other applications where fibre network connections are distributed to a campus set of structures or high-density building with a centrally located network operations centre
GB gigabytes A billion bytes
GHz gigahertz One billion Hertz where one Hertz is the measurement of frequency equal to one cycle per second
GPS global positioning system A US space-based radio-navigation system that provides reliable positioning navigation and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis at no cost to users
HbbTV Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV A pan-European initiative aimed at creating a standard for broadcast and broadband content delivery to TVs and set-top boxes
HD high definition A digital video system with higher resolution than standard definition (SD)
HDMI high definition multimedia interface To digitally convey audio and video data among consumer electronics such as TVs DVD players and set-top boxes
HFC cable hybrid fibre coaxial cable Transmission links consisting of optical fibre on main routes supplemented with coaxial cable closer to the end-user premises
Home network Local residential network used for the connection of a wide variety of digital consumer devices and infrastructure to an access network
HVAC heating ventilating and air-conditioning Technology for climate control systems
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers A non-profit organisation and a leading professional association for the advancement of technology
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force IPTV Internet protocol television
Multimedia services such as television video and graphics delivered over IP-based networks and managed to support the required level of QoSQoE security interactivity and reliability
IP internet protocol The key member of the suite of internet protocols at the network layer specifying packet addressing and routing data through the internet
ISP internet service provider Carriage service provider offering internet access to the public or another service provider
ITU International Telecommunication Union The leading United Nations agency for information and
26 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
communications technologies including radiocommunications standardisation and development
Mbps megabits per second Data transfer rate of one million bits per second
Network boundary A physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer-owned cabling See Telecommunications Act 1997 s 22 for a complete definition
NGN next generation network NTU Network termination unit
An active device that terminates the signal from the access network and then provides one or more service delivery points as physical interfaces and sub-interfaces on the NTU It also provides a physical demarcation point between carrier-owned and customer owned cabling equipment
ONT Optical Network Termination Can be part of an NTU
QoS quality of service The management of network transmission parameters such as packet loss latency and jitter to maintain a set performance benchmark A function used for managing services end-to-end
Smartphone Provide more advanced computing functionality than do feature phones or PDAs Smartphones have more powerful processors larger displays and complete operating system software providing a standardised interface and platform for application developers
Unified IP network Services applications devices and infrastructure share common IP transport mechanism
VoIP voice over internet protocol A voice telephony service involving the encoding of voice communications into IP packets for transmission over IP networks
Vertically integrated service delivery
Services tied to the network access infrastructure and delivered as a bundled package to the end-user
W3C World Wide Web Consortium WiFi Wireless Fidelity Alliance
Used generally to refer to wireless local area network (IEEE 80211) technology providing short-range high-data rate connections between mobile data devices and access points connected to a wired network
WiGig A multi-gigabit speed wireless communications technology operating over the readily available 60 GHz spectrum to enable communications among devices
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Industry group organised to advance the IEEE 80216 standards for broadband wireless access networks for multimedia applications with a wireless connection
WirelessHD Wireless digital network interface standard eliminating interface cables among audio and video devices in consumer electronics and personal computing products
acma | 27
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma
WLL wireless local loop A fixed wireless communications link that provides the last and first mile connection for a telephone andor broadband service
ZigBee Wireless digital technology network standard based on IEEE 802154 designed for low duty cycle transmissions for the purpose of conveying control and measurement data
28 | acma