Network
Means a system of interconnected facilities designed to carry traffic including any Telecommunications Service. Network here includes both the physical components (Infrastructure) and the various traffic networks, each representing a particular interconnection of infrastructures for certain Telecommunications Services.

Network Performance
The ability of a network portion to provide the functions related to communication between users (ITU-T Rec. E.800).

Non-discrimination
Supplying the same product/service to different consumers on the same financial, technical and service terms. 

NAP
Network Access Point (ITU-T Recommendation Q.1290 (98), 2.150).
The point of connection of a physical entity that provides network access for users.

National (mobile) roaming
Refers to an agreement among operators to use each other’s networks to provide services in geographic areas where they have no coverage.

Net Neutrality
A philosophy or public policy position advocating equal access and nondiscrimination for content, services and applications available over the Internet or other publicly accessible IP-based networks.

Network topology
The pattern of links connecting pairs of nodes of a network.

NGAN
Next-generation access network.

NGCN
Next-generation core network.

NGN
Next-generation network.
A broad term for a certain kind of emerging computer network architectures and technologies. It generally describes networks that natively encompass data and voice (PSTN) communications, as well as (optionally) additional media such as video.

Node
A point of connection to a network. A switching node is a point at which switching occurs.

NRA
National regulatory authority.
The regulatory agency or official at the central or federal government level that is charged with implementing and enforcing telecommunication rules and regulations.

Number portability
The ability of a customer to transfer an account from one service provider to another without requiring a change in number. Other forms of portability allow end users to change residence or subscribe to a new form of service (e.g., ISDN) while retaining the same telephone number for their main telephone line.