Future capability paper: core technologies

Introduction
Core Network Technologies are defined explicitly as the critical networking technologies across the ISO layer model that enable networking. These are wide and varied, and the group made an early decision to separate the areas somewhat aligned with but not exactly representing the ISO model as a way of making the topics more manageable for the reader. Core Network has many meanings; this paper is not about the 3GPP Mobile Enhanced Packet Core or the Core network of a transport/fixed network. Whilst many of the technologies referenced in the paper are part of those architectures, we want to make clear that his paper is much broader than just those two items. Core network technologies create key enablers or capabilities in networking and are, for the most part, used in conjunction with other network technologies to form a use case. They are also wider than just this paper, wireless, optical and semi-conductors are key core networking technologies, these are covered in other papers.

Approach
In the paper, the EWG assume that security and network management are taken as implied. In every network, ensuring that risks are managed, and a security policy and best practices are in place is mandatory. We assume a full FCAPS architecture will enable successful network management. The chair has been disciplined in ensuring that we stick to the focus of the UKTIN Future Capability request to highlight current activities specifically around commercial research and development of the scoped areas. Core Technology standards are key enablers for network evolution and should be informed by working solutions. This represents a difference in approach between IETF and 3GPP and potentially between the Core Technology area and that of some of the technology areas of the other EWGs. We do not see any evidence that standards have affected the UK telecommunications industry's current situation. The first section of the paper introduces the scope and the approach we have taken to “slice” this paper into a more manageable document and attempt to present guidelines around that scope. In the second section, we highlight the scope we have focused on and, importantly, what we have not focused on. While we have covered a wide range of topics, we have not drilled into those topics in detail; however, a detailed review of these technologies isn’t required to answer the future capability request. We have also specifically pulled out a section on a high-level overview of quantum networking. This exciting field is unique, given its infancy and wide range of directions and viewpoints. It should be obvious that this is not an exhaustive review of all Core Network Technologies; there will no doubt be areas we have yet to cover, both intentionally and unintentionally, the latter mainly owing to a lack of knowledge or a view from the experts that this is not relevant. However, we strongly believe this doesn’t significantly impact our analysis of the UK’s future capability needs in core network technologies. In section 4, we illustrate how the core networking technologies come together to produce something of value, and we analyse the current core networking technologies system in the UK.