Henrik Basilier, one of the authors of the R&D paper, says big growth for broadband and general convergence of fixed, mobile and digital home networks - for devices, networks and services - call for a common, standardized network. When it comes to the fixed access network, the mobile domain is already quite harmonized within 3GPP.

"Here the operators have an opportunity to offer a cost-efficient network," Basilier says. "But they have to see the entire network with access parts, basic transport solutions, control functions etcetera and all these components have to work together. And the hurdles to the internet, such as firewalls, must be overcome on all levels.

"Therefore, we started by breaking down the problem into sub-systems and layers and identifying crucial components. Some of these parts are no problem and the standards bodies work with them, but separately. In fact, all parts already exist, but to get them working together, that's the big thing!"

The architecture is described in the White Paper. Here is a taste of the main points.

The network has one multi-layer interface to the users and one network-to-network interface to other operators and the internet. Together this enables access to any broadband service anywhere, using any device.

The basic parts of the network between the interfaces are a core transport network - with IP-backbone - and a variety of access technologies, which are driving the evolution of services. There are also transparent IMS and communication enablers, which establish and maintain end-to-end sessions, and a Multi-Access Edge domain, containing support for mobility, authentication, security, roaming, charging and so on. The 3GPP evolution of the mobile core network, System Architecture Evolution (SAE), is one basis for tying all parts together.

"All this will happen step-by-step," says Basilier. "We have already launched a first Full Service Broadband solution that we will now add new parts to. But this can't be forced - it will take time."