Strategic directions in networks and telecommunications

The directions in which networking and telecommunications will evolve are very much shaped by the key lessons learned so far. Lessons that have been learned and challenges that lie ahead are discussed. Some of the principles that have been learned involve: 1. computers in the network, 2. protocols and network architecture, 3. partitioning functionality, 4. reliability, 5. scalability, 6. fundamental limits, 7. the centrality of the application, 8. the network research process, 9. research in new applications. The strategic directions for future network evolution include: 1. requirements and services, 2. design and validation of network service, 3. multiparty applications, and 4. routing. The principle driving force of network evolution today is not technical innovation, but demand from users.