In the home, the number of devices and appliances has been continuously increasing, creating the need for home networking so that consumers can have more flexible and convenient access to services delivered to the home. By introducing the RG concept, the RG Group hopes to provide an effective approach to integrate previously separate external networks and enable a wealth of new applications. The RG Group argues that a single, centralized, intelligent, and standardized residential gateway will provide multiple advantages to all stakeholders, including consumers, service providers, and manufacturers. But numerous complex issues must still be resolved before such a gateway can be developed and deployed in the mass market. The tables illustrate the pros and cons of the RG device as envisioned by the RG Group.
Applications enabled by RGs Different RGs enable different types of applications.
The device envisioned by the RG Group enables virtually all the major applications a consumer may use at home. Convergence gateways aim at enabling integrated voice, video, and data applications. There are, of course, some other convergence gateway products. It can separate voice, video, and data signals and send them to their appropriate endpoints. US West chose to use NextLevel's N3 for the deployment of its US West Choice TV and Online service in Phoenix.