An engineering approach to the design of a BcN control network

A broadband convergence network (BcN), which enables the convergence of communications and broadcasting services, the convergence of voice, video, and data services, and the integration of wired and wireless technology in order to provide high-quality broadband multimedia services, is an implementation example of a next generation network (NGN). To rapidly provide various new application services, a simple but feature-rich control network that performs all demanded control functions required for the provision of service is indispensable. However, there are few studies on control networks for BcN or NGN, and therefore we need to carefully consider the architecture and functions of the control network. The main purpose of this paper is therefore to present a BcN control network architecture and its design methodology. The network design process includes capacity and expense calculation process of control systems and control links, which enables the estimation of the overall network building cost. A reliability analysis for the control network is performed in detail based on various system redundancy policies. The proposed design methodology is expected to be utilized in the design of BcN control networks prior to field deployment.