As optical broadband access networks have been popularized, triple play services using IP technologies, such as Internet access, IP telephony, and IP video distributing services, have been also popularized. However, consumers expect new services for a more comfortable life. Especially, when QoS guarantee and high reliable services are provided in NGN (Next Generation Network) era, various home network services over NGN are deployed. For this purpose, the home gateway has been installed in consumer houses for the connection between access and home networks, and providing various services to consumers. Even though, the broadband router currently plays a role similar to the home gateway, this home gateway should comprehend functionalities of the broadband router, and should have additional features. The functional requirements of such home gateway have been discussed in standard bodies. That is, the next generation home gateway in NGN era generally should have four features as follows; High performance for IP processing, Compliance with the interface of carrier grade infrastructure including NGN, Flexible platform for various services, and Easy management and maintenance. This chapter describes the standardization of the home gateway and, proposes its evolution scenario the present to the future. Then, it also proposes these four requirements, and technologies to comply with features described above.
