A quantitative descriptive study of converged communications networks and services

The purpose of this study is to examine convergence of communication networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), packet data network (PDN), wireless networks, and cable networks in the United States. Interworking of the networks has lead to a pragmatic approach to convergence of communication services. The enabler of interworking is a set of technologies and products provided by the semiconductors and communications equipment companies. The operational variables, time and money spent on Research and Development (R&D) and patented intellectual properties are the measures of interworking technologies and products. The quantitative descriptive research methodology was used to examine the research questions and hypotheses. The research study included supporting and validating the method of convergence for communication networks.;The research findings showed that interworking products, Research and Development (R&D) expenditures, and patents drive the development and evolution of communication networks. Furthermore, the research findings show that the proposed method of convergence of communication networks including PSTN, PDN, wireless, and cable, are through interworking of paired networks.