5.1 Introduction

A significant proportion of homes now contain computers connected to the Internet, and an always-on connection is becoming a reality for many. Increasingly, people have more than one computer and are starting to network them. There is a steady move towards convergence of entertainment and computing, with set-top boxes offering Internet access and PCs configured as entertainment centres. Looking ahead, it is envisaged that there will be substantial numbers of networked appliances and embedded devices around the home. This offers enormous business opportunities for service providers, but the infrastructure must be as reliable as the existing utility services and just as easy to use. The residential gateway (RG) is seen as a key component in the home network, but appreciation of the form and function of the RG varies quite widely.

The first section considers the evolution path for the RG as it emerges from a simple hub through to the services platform of the future. Then the alternative proposals for RG location are discussed, from the traditional telco view that it should be part of the core network, through to the consumer view that it is a domestic appliance that they own. The key management issue of autoconfiguration is looked at from the perspective of a future where devices are becoming pervasive and range down to the very small. Then the management of applications on the RG are examined, with particular reference to the Open Services Gateway Initiative...