The challenges in building a carrier-scale IP network
P. J. Willis · Institution of Engineering and Technology eBooks · 2001
This chapter describes what is meant by a carrier-scale IP network. It details the challenges in designing, building and operating a carrier-scale IP network, and lists the abilities required in a network to make it carrier-scale, e.g. scalable, manageable, performant and secure. Also described are the challenges for the future when developing an esoteric protocol or service, such as multicast or VoIP, into a carrier scale protocol or service. None of the challenges highlighted here should be underestimated in their capability to confound, and they are best met by applying the solid design and operations principles.