The phrase “Next Generation Network” (NGN) has both a generic and specific meaning. Generically, it is used to refer to “some future version of networking”, while specifically it refers to work described in ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001. When not used precisely, an impression is built that “the NGN” is intended to supplant “the Internet”. The Internet Society is pleased to offer the following information to provide an overview of the networking terminology and a basis for clearly understanding the evolution and coexistence of these important technologies.