A broad look at the existing and emerging technologies for next generation networks is offered in this book chapter. The chapter starts with a discussion of the technologies that enable mobile next generation networks, whose features include Internet protocol (IP) transparency, mobility management, addressing, personalization, positioning, and security. The author offers a deep insight on the new infrastructures for third-generation (3G) wireless services, which covers most existing standards, such as general packet radio services (GPRS), enhanced data global system for mobile communications (GSM) environment (EDGE), and integration of 3G services with wireless local area networks (WLANs). The chapter continues with a look at future mobile infrastructure platforms, with a special emphasis on session initiation protocol (SIP) and the Internet protocol multimedia system (IMS). The chapter concludes with an interesting view on the future of Internet development, and a “service roadmap” that shows the evolution of wireless networking technologies over time.

Overall, this is a very interesting work; however, it is somewhat broad, with not enough depth of coverage. This can probably be justified by the format of a book chapter. Also, the work should have a more extensive list of published references (other than Web sites), to suggest readings covering the respective topics in more detail.