At the beginning of the new IST Programme work item: "Next Generation Networks (NGN)", it is necessary to ensure that the Commission and all the projects working on this topic are familiar with the scope and objectives of the other projects, in order to exploit areas of syn-ergy and to avoid overlap. After a short Introduction to this document, chapter 4 performs precisely this task, by presenting a short description of each selected project addressing Action Line IV.2.3.

All projects working in the area of Next Generation Networks and the related Action Lines covered by Unit INFSO E1, as well as projects from other Units, which have interests in Next Generation Networking, and in particular relevant testbeds, and relevant third parties have been invited by the CEC to participate in related concertation actions.

It is important to note that, although all projects address the same Action Line, this document highlights the fact that the topic of "Internet Infrastructure" is many-faceted.

When also other aspects such as standardisation (including the work in IETF, Internet2 and ETSI), management, charging and trialling of new protocols are included, it can quickly be appreciated that there is room for all the projects mentioned in chapter 4, without a danger of serious overlap.