Converged networks are now a reality — driven by the proliferation of IP-based networks from the network core to the customer premises. Simultaneously, there has been an explosion of subscriber traffic with multiple end nodes for voice, video, and data. At the customer premises, the access rates on the WAN link have gone from DSL to PON rates of 1 Gbps and higher. LANs have also followed similar trends with network speeds beyond GigE. Moreover, other high-speed LAN technologies such as 802.11x and MoCa are also popular. Add to this mix the emerging trend of FMC, and the challenges to SoC and related software architecture for the home gateways that need to support these requirements become critical.

This session focuses on these challenges and the innovative approaches that are being applied to meet these challenges, highlighting critical issues such as guaranteed QoS for deployed services, rich media processing, OPEX reduction, and ever-demanding performance.

Preet Virk Vice President and General Manager, CPE Business Unit Mindspeed Technologies

Mr. Virk is tasked with the strategic charter of growing Mindspeed's presence in the CPE segment with focus on broadband routers, SOHO/SMB service routers, media servers and appliances, IP PBX, and office-in-a-box solutions. Prior his current position, Mr. Virk was the vice president of marketing for VoIP solutions in the multi-service access group at Mindspeed. He was responsible for more than $35 million in voice-processing semiconductor, software, and consulting services business. He managed all marketing and business development activities and a team consisting of executive directors, PLMs, PM program managers, and Ph.D. voice specialists.

Peter Galyas Chief Technology Officer Tilgin

Mr. Galyas has a broad and comprehensive background in the telecommunication and IP communications industries. He has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, where he has worked with business and product management, product development, research, and standardization. Previously, Mr. Galyas worked at Ericsson, where he did groundbreaking work developing the market's first Global System for Mobile Communications base station and creating a new IP-based system architecture for mobile access networks. He was also actively involved in standardization within ETSI/3GPP and is today an active member of the Home Gateway Initiative.

Arik Gilad Chief Technology Officer Jungo

Mr. Gilad brings to Jungo his extensive experience in the software development industry, including a solid background in system design and information systems development. Prior to joining Jungo, he was the co-founder and vice president of R&D at iDune, a technological pioneer in Web content management. Mr. Gilad graduated in mathematics and computer science from the University of Tel Aviv.

George Kimura Executive Manager, Research and Development Center NTT West

Dr. Kimura was named to his current position in 2006. Prior to that, he was worked for NTT Corporation, where he did research and development for next-generation IP networks and network communication design. Dr.Kimura received a master's degree from Keio University in 1982 and received a doctor's degree of engineering in 1988. Dr. Kimura pursues R&D relating to telecommunications infrastructure, in areas such as the technical advancement of regional IPv6 networks, and the construction of next generation networks (NGNs). He is also engaged in the new development and functional extension of IP services such as "Hikari Denwa" (IP Phone service on FTTx), video delivery and security.

André Roy Country Manager, UK, Eire and Israel Thomson

Mr. Roy joined the company as CTO of the telecom activity of the company (now part of Thomson Premises Systems). Before joining Thomson, he worked with Nortel Networks for 18 years, holding various positions in Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, where his responsibilities included the posts of director of customer delivery, multimedia communication server, and director of EMEA/Asia Pacific R&D, voice over packet technology. He holds a B.A.Sc. in systems design engineering from the University of Waterloo and pursued M.B.A. studies in the Henley Management College in London.

Ofer Weintraub Chief Technology Officer Orca Interactive

Dr. Weintraub is a highly commended speaker on next-generation applications in the media industry. With in-depth expertise in researching and developing advanced IPTV technologies, he is skilled at exploring the realm of revolutionary TV content offerings and their effect on consumer markets. Dr. Weintraub has been in his current role since November 2005. He was a telecom and cellular consultant with The Standard Insider, where he focused on mobile data services and IP infrastructure (IMS). Dr. Weintraub previously served as chief technology officer and research group manager at Emblaze Systems.